Bahá’í News/Issue 275/Text
| ←Previous | Bahá’í News Issue 275 |
Next→ |
 Proofread onceReturn to PDF view
|
| No. 275 | BAHA’I YEAR 110 | JANUARY, 1954 |
THE GUARDIAN[edit]
GOD'S AVENGING HAND[edit]
Following (the) successive blows which fell (with) dramatic swiftness two years ago (upon the) ring-leaders (of the) fast dwindling band (of) old Covenant-breakers (at the) World Center (of the) Faith, God’s avenging hand struck down (in the) last two months, Avarih, Fareed (and) Falah, within (the) cradle (of) the Faith, North America (and) Turkey, who demonstrated varying degrees, (in the) course (of) over thirty years, (of) faithlessness (to) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
(The) first (of the) above named (will be) condemned (by) posterity (as being) (the) most shameless, vicious, relentless apostate (in the) annals (of the) Faith, who, through ceaseless vitriolic attacks (in) recorded voluminous writings (and) close alliance (with) its traditional enemies, assiduously schemed (to) blacken its name (and) subvert (the) foundations (of) its institutions.
(The) second, history will recognize (as) one (of the) most perfidious among (the) kinsmen (of the) interpreters (of the) Center (of the) Covenant, who, driven (by) ungovernable cupidity, committed acts causing agonies (of) grief (and) distress (to the) beloved Master (and) culminating (in) open association (with) breakers (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant (in the) Holy Land.
(The) third (will be) chiefly remembered (by the) pride, obstinacy (and) insatiable ambition impelling him (to) violate (the) spiritual (and) administrative precepts (of the) Faith.
All three, however blinded (by) perversity, could not have failed (to) perceive, as (their) infamous careers approached (their) end, (the) futility (of their) opposition (and) measure (their) own loss (by the) degree (of) progress (and) consolidation (of the) triumphant administrative order (so) magnificently celebrated (in the) course (of the) festivities (of the) recently concluded Holy Year.
Haifa, Israel
December 16, 1953
(COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY)
Beloved Friends:
The divine Power animating the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh manifests itself in two different ways. Through the hearts of the devoted believers it produces evidences of the appearance of a new Revelation; through the hearts of the Covenant-breakers it demonstrates the operation of justice. As the teachings state, the universe is founded upon the twin pillars of reward and punishment.
Thus, the earthly account is closed on the disgraceful careers of three Covenant-breakers who have assailed the Faith in Persia, the United States and Turkey. Still living in America are Bahá’ís who were associated with the Faith in 1912 when the Master traversed this continent. They became well aware of the deeds enacted to betray ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and injure the cause.
As the Guardian points out, these Covenant-breakers have survived long enough to witness their own failure and the triumphant progress of the Faith throughout the world. The same divine Justice will eventually extinguish the lives of the remaining Covenant-breakers wherever they may be, and their works will be destroyed and forgotten.
THE WORLD CRUSADE FORGES AHEAD[edit]
Inform National Assemblies East (and) West (that the) Bahá’í World Crusade, matchless (in) its vastness, unsurpassed (in) its potentialities (in the) spiritual annals (of) mankind, announced (on the) eve (of the) Holy Year (and) formally launched (during the) climax (of the) festivities commemorating (the) centenary (of the) birth (of the) Mission (of the) Founder (of the) Faith, (is) forging ahead (and) gathering momentum (in) both its territorial (and) institutional aspects (in) every continent (of the) globe (and the) chief islands (of the) Pacific, (the) Atlantic (and) Indian Oceans (and the) Mediterranean (and) North Seas.
(The) number (of) sovereign States (and) dependencies within (the) orbit (of a) divinely propelled Order now totals two hundred five. No less (than) seventy-seven territories (have been) won over (by the) Knights (of) Bahá’u’lláh during (a) little over half (a) year, representing two thirds (of the) total number (of) virgin areas exclusive (of) Soviet-controlled Republics (and) satellites (which) must needs be opened (in the) course (of the) whole decade. Every single territory, whether island or situated (on a) continent, (with the) exception (of the) above-mentioned Republics (and) satellites (has been) definitely assigned.
Out (of a) total (of) eleven, eight Funds (have been) inaugurated (in the) course (of the) same year, aggregating approximately two hundred thousand dollars designed (to) pave (the) way (for the) acquisition (of) sites (for the) future Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs (on) Carmel (and in) Canada, Panama, Italy, Sweden, ‘Iráq, Australia (and) India.
[Page 2]
(The) hour (is) propitious (for) all
National Assemblies, particularly
(the) United States, (the) British
(and the) Egyptian, (to) participate
befittingly (in the) opening (of the)
three remaining Funds ere (the)
first year (of the) Ten Year Plan
draws (to a) close, insuring thereby (the) early purchase (of) sites
(for the) future Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs
(in) Cairo, Kampala (and) Johannesburg. Contributing three thousand
pounds (as) my initial donation (to
this) three-fold, meritorious purpose.
Preliminary measures (have been) adopted (by the) German National Spiritual Assembly (and) projects (have been) initiated (in) Ṭihrán calculated (to) hasten (the) construction (of the) third (and) fourth Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs (of the) Bahá’í world (in the) heart (of the) European (and) Asiatic continents.
Appeal (to) individual believers (to) reinforce (to) whatever extent possible (the) contributions (of the) Bahá’í national bodies called upon (at) this hour (to) unitedly lend (an) impetus (to the) unfoldment (of the) opening phase (of the) Ten Year Plan whose consummation will, God willing, insure (the) triumphant conclusion (of the) initial epoch (in the) evolution (of the) grand Design conceived (by the) Center (of the) Covenant (for the) systematic propagation (of His) Father’s Faith. Advise forward all contributions, whether individual or collective, (to the) Egyptian, British (or) United States National Assemblies (which are) primarily invested (with) responsibility (for the) eventual erection (of the) Bahá’í Houses (of) Worship (in the) north, (the) heart, (and the) south (of the) African continent.
Haifa, Israel
December 7, 1953.
(COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY)
Beloved Friends:
The Guardian’s cablegram of December 7 is a landmark in the prosecution of the Ten Year Plan. Addressing the whole body of Bahá’ís throughout the world, he records his considered view that the Crusade is forging ahead and gathering momentum in two aspects—the settlement of virgin territories and the establishment of Bahá’í institutions.
This message concentrates upon these two elements of the Plan. We learn with grateful spirits that, with the exception of Soviet-controlled areas, the one hundred thirty-one virgin posts have either been occupied or assigned. The number of pioneer settlements has risen to seventy-seven.
Bahá’ís are now found in two hundred and five nations and territorial divisions of the earth.
Dealing with the purchase of sites for future Temples, Shoghi Effendi states that definite Funds have already been created for the Temples to be constructed in eight out of the eleven cities listed in the Ten Year Plan. Toward the purchase of land in these eight cities, about $200,000 has been provided.
As to the three remaining Temple sites, all in Africa, Shoghi Effendi states that the time is now favorable for all National Assemblies to participate in the Funds set up for purchase of these three sites—in Cairo, Kampala and Johannesburg. This statement applies particularly to the United States, the British and the Egyptian Assemblies. The Guardian himself contributes an initial donation of three thousand pounds, thus blessing these projects. Contributions are welcomed from other National Assemblies for these three Funds.
Finally, the Guardian bestows upon all individual believers the privilege of reinforcing the contributions of the National Assemblies called upon to impel forward the unfoldment of this opening phase of the Ten Year Plan. Their donations are to be forwarded either to the Egyptian, the British or the United States National Assembly.
The steps taken to prepare the way for the eventual construction of these Houses of Worship in Africa are important beyond our capacity to realize at this time. What is done now will in the future be hailed as a sublime action performed in the darkest days of human history.
Our leader alone can behold the whole process of transformation sustained by the projects of the World Crusade. Let us follow his shining example and devote our lives to the salvation of mankind.
GUARDIAN APPOINTS HAND OF CAUSE[edit]
In a cablegram dated December 7, Shoghi Effendi informed all National Assemblies of his appointment of another Hand of the Cause:
“Inform National Assemblies elevation (of) Jalál Kházeh (to) rank (of) Hand (of) Cause.”
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
THE BAHA'I WORLD CENTER[edit]
Object of Adoration
Although the important undertakings carried on by national and local communities demand concentration of attention and effort by all Bahá’ís, no believer can afford to lose sight for even a moment of the World Center from which emanates the vision which is our guidance and the spiritual power which carries us forward along the path.
The Tablet of Carmel constitutes the Charter under which the revered Guardian develops the institutions of the World Center at the spiritual Center of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. No revealed Faith other than the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh has its spiritual and administrative Center in the same location, symbolizing the unique virtue of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation: the unity of its worship, its spiritual truths, its social laws and its institutions in one harmonious and encompassing religion. No previous Prophet in passing could entrust His Revelation to one like ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and after Him, to a succession of Guardians divinely inspired.
In his capacity of Guardian, meaning Head, Shoghi Effendi combines and reconciles the two main divisions of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, its spiritual power and its social administration, which in past dispensations have drawn farther and farther apart, opening the door to superstition on the one hand and to arbitrary authority on the other. He is chairman of the future House of Justice, and he is the sole
[Page 3]
The House of Abbud, the most famous of several houses where Bahá’u’lláh lived in ‘Akká about seven years. Here the Kitáb-i-Aqdas was written.
expounder of the Word. In this oneness we see personified the reality of the new World Order which will fulfil the promises made by the Prophets concerning the triumph of righteousness and the establishment of peace.
As we know, the Master’s Will and Testament constitutes the Charter for the evolution of Bahá’í administrative institutions, and the Tablets of the Divine Plan are the Charter for the World Crusade.
These three Charters create for the Guardian an unassailable position both for guidance of Bahá’ís and for condemnation of violators who would maliciously misinterpret his purposes and his plans.
Through photographs the friends have beheld the completed Shrine of the Báb which in its grandeur commands the slopes of Mount Carmel facing the Bay of Haifa and the Western world; and the friends are informed of the miraculous transformation into formal gardens of the area around the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh and the Mansion of Bahjí.
Accompanying this enhancement of the Holy Shrines, the Guardian has instituted the International Bahá’í Council and appointed Hands of the Cause. In these two bodies Shoghi Effendi has reinforced the facilities of the World Center both administratively and spiritually.
Appropriate structures will in future be built for the Guardianship, Hands of the Cause and House of Justice. A House of Worship, as we know, will be constructed on Mount Carmel in the future.
The Archives now housed in the Shrine of the Báb will be preserved in a separate Archives building, of classic Greek design, the next structure to be undertaken at the World Center.
When a Bahá’í contemplates the scope, the significance, of the institutions which will function at the World Center, and reverently ponders their association with the Shrines of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—with the Most Great Prison and the other Holy Places—he can realize that there is the mind and heart of the new humanity, the source of power and the object of adoration.
Every element forming part of the Ten Year Plan has its vital importance: the settlements, the formation of new National Assemblies, the translations, the Houses of Worship.
|
National Bahá’í Addresses
National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters:
National Treasurer:
Make checks Payable to:
National Bahá’í Fund Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
|
The Bahá’í World Center, however, reaches out in its influence to all Bahá’ís without respect to their National Assembly or their own particular national tasks in the Plan. It is our greatest blessing, and calls for whole-hearted devotion, in reverence, in understanding, and in financial assistance.
ELECTION OF NEW MEMBERS TO NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
Mrs. Mamie Seto and Dr. Wm. Kenneth Christian retired from the National Spiritual Assembly in December, 1953, in order to enter the pioneer field.
An election held to fill these vacancies by mail ballot from delegates to the 1953 Annual Convention resulted in the choice of Mr. Robert McLaughlin and Mrs. Margery McCormick.
The tellers’ report carries these returns: Elected—Mr. Robert McLaughlin, 59; Mrs. Margery McCormick, 34. Next highest votes, Mr. Curtis Kelsey, 27; Dr. Katherine K. True, 26; Mr. Rafi Y. Mottahedeh, 26; Mr. William de Forge, 23; Mrs. Ellsworth Blackwell, 21; Mrs. Marzieh Gail, 8; Mrs. Jesma Herbert, 8; Mr. Monroe Ioas, 7; Dr. Sarah Pereira, 6; Mr. John Allen, 6; Mr. Winston Evans, 5; Mr. Francis Johnson, 4; Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, 4; Mr. Alan McCormick, 3; Dr. Robert Gulick, 3; Mr. Arthur Dahl, 3.
WORLD RELIGION DAY[edit]
The Fifth Annual World Religion Day will be celebrated January 17, 1954 — the third Sunday of January, which is the date fixed by the National Spiritual Assembly for this annual event.
Each Assembly and group is urged to hold a befitting public meeting. World Religion Day has become one of our most effective contacts with the public, the press and the radio.
Bahá’í News Service has issued a press release, references to passages of Bahá’u’lláh, and a statement.
“Let us bear in mind the fact that World Religion Day is not intended for that type of program which merely brings together representatives of diverse sects for brief and fruitless cooperation. That type of inter-religious event was achieved by the World Parliament of Religions as long ago as 1893.
“Today, in the midst of world crisis, our privilege is to expound the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh as the World Religion fulfilling the aims and ideals of all ancient religions.”
RECOGNITION OF BAHA'I HOLY DAYS[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has been informed by the Niles Township group, Michigan, that the Township School Board excuses Bahá’í children from attendance at school on Bahá’í Holy Days.
In Los Angeles the Superintendent of Schools, in a letter dated December 2, 1953, informed the local Spiritual Assembly that Bahá’í children will be excused from attendance on their Holy Days. The Westland School has also recognized the Bahá’í Holy Days.
IN THE MASTER'S PRESENCE[edit]
In the Jubilee Celebration booklet, the National Spiritual Assembly has published the names of the Bahá’ís who were present on the Temple grounds when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá blessed the site on May 1, 1912. The list, originally prepared by the Jubilee Committee, has since been amplified as further information came to light.
The Assembly is very pleased to add the names of Mrs. Marie Hopper and her daughter, Rene Hopper Welsh. Though Mrs. Hopper is deceased, she was living on May 1, 1953 when honor was paid during the Jubilee celebrations to those who had been in the Master’s presence.
On page 10 of the booklet the name of Miss Elsbeth Renwanz should be corrected to Mrs. Elsbeth Renwanz.
WORLD CRUSADE[edit]
PIONEER ARRIVALS IN SOUTH AMERICA GOALS[edit]
A letter from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South America gives the date of arrival for some of the pioneers already announced in cables from the Guardian (BAHÁ’Í NEWS Dec., 1953).
Gladys Danielson arrived in the Cook Islands October 14.
Adela and Salvador Tormo arrived in Juan Fernandez Island November 7.
SITE FOR MASHRIQU'L-ADHKAR IN PANAMA[edit]
One of the World Crusade goals assigned to the National Assembly of Central America and the Antilles is the purchase of a site for the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár to be erected in Panama. Contributions to the Fund for this purpose have reached $4600 and new offerings continue to arrive. Several sites have been selected and a final choice is expected to be made at the next meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND[edit]
New Zealand Summer School[edit]
From December 28, 1953 to January 9, 1954, the New Zealand Summer School will be held at Camp Wesley, Henderson Valley, near Auckland.
CANADA[edit]
Service to Pioneers[edit]
Canadian Assemblies are developing the practice of “adopting” pioneers for the purpose of supplying them practical aid as well as encouragement in their arduous and vital task. For example, Winnipeg has adopted Emmanuel Rock in Samoa, and is arranging to ship him
Lawns and gardens surrounding the Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois
Landscaping around the Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois. Beyond the gardens, between Sheridan Road and Lake Michigan, stands the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.
books for use in the teaching work. Special prayers for assistance in establishing the Faith in the goal countries is the most frequent request made by pioneers and to this the friends respond with all their hearts.
Beaulac Winter Session[edit]
From December 26 to January 3 the annual winter session was held at Beaulac, Quebec. The week of study reached its climax in the weekend session arranged from evening dinner December 31 to lunch on January 3.
World Religion Day[edit]
Plans for the observation of World Religion Day on January 17 this year include use of an excellent new radio script entitled “Birth of World Religion”.
Public Presentations of the Faith[edit]
Throughout Canada many varied groups are hearing of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. In Victoria, the Canadian Author’s Association; in Vernon, the Kiwanis Club; in Saskatoon, the Business and Professional Women’s Club heard the Faith presented by Mrs.Florence Mayberry, a visiting teacher from California. Public meetings or firesides were held in Winnipeg, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw and Vernon and in Brandon, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, Vernon and Winnipeg radio talks or interviews were arranged.
A first public meeting in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, was addressed by Douglas Crofford. His talk was recorded and broadcast in full the following evening over the local radio station. Two other public meetings were held in Moose Jaw, another Saskatchewan goal town.
The public libraries in Napanee, Picton, and Trenton and the R.C.A.F. station in Trenton have accepted gifts of Bahá’í books.
The Faith has been officially recognized at Queen’s University, an account of it being included in a booklet, describing religious groups on campus, which is distributed to entering students.
Radio broadcasts using “Words for the World” are being sponsored in Moncton and Oshawa.
The Oshawa-Pickering assemblies have organized classes in Whitby for the purpose of helping the average person to a better understanding of himself and his daily problems. These classes are conducted on a strictly scientific basis with the aid of such recognized bodies as the Canadian Mental Health Association. The course has had good publicity and is entitled “Are You Happy?”
CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE ANTILLES[edit]
Bahá’í Cultural Project[edit]
The chief Indian project of the National Assembly of Central America and the Antilles, a Bahá’í Cultural Institute established in Chichicastenango, Guatemala, is being steadily carried forward. Starting with five desks and a blackboard, the Institute now includes classes in English and typing among its courses. Louise Caswell, from the United States, Adriana Zuniga, a Guatemalan believer, and two Indian girls teach the classes, which are offered without charge to the Mayan children of the area. Living among these people in order to dedicate themselves to the work which is so dear to the Guardian’s heart, these teachers have earned the respect of the officials and residents of Chichicastenango.
Pamphlet Translated[edit]
As an essential aid in the teaching work, a pamphlet has been translated into the Maya-Quiche tongue, used by the Indians in Quiche, Guatemala. The difficulties of translation become evident when we learn that this language has no words for either God or religion. Publication of a pamphlet in Spanish is also under way.
Correspondence Teaching[edit]
The National Teaching Committee is developing a program of teaching by letter. Eye-catching “ads” are placed in the principal newspapers of each country, directing people to communicate with the National Teaching Committee office in Honduras. Through this office, teaching continues by letter until the correspondents are ready to be turned over to local assemblies and groups. In Guatemala alone it appears as though many new believers and groups will find their way to the Faith through this method.
FRANCE[edit]
Bahá’í Activities in Paris[edit]
The new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Paris is now being used for the celebration of all Nineteen-Day Feasts and Anniversaries. Every Wednesday evening from 8 to 10, the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and its Library are open to the Bahá’ís and their friends.
In the Bibliothèque Nationale, the French National Library in Paris, interesting manuscripts of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá have been discovered.
INDIA, PAKISTAN AND BURMA[edit]
Résumé of the New Delhi Conference[edit]
West came East at the behest of the Guardian in the last of the four Intercontinental Conferences to high-light the year-long program of the Jubilee Year marking the centenary of the birth of the Bahá’í Dispensation in the prison of Síyáh Chál in Ṭihrán, when Bahá’u’lláh received His first Divine intimation. The Bahá’ís had a great festival indeed lasting just nine days in New Delhi, the picturesque metropolis of India. Those who took part in this lovely gathering had, in fact, a never-to-be-forgotten experience of their life.
Conference Planning[edit]
As Conference time drew near, the blood ran faster in the veins of those few who were responsible to plan and conduct this great event. Plans were already drawn and were slowly taking shape. Cables and letters intimating arrivals started pouring in some ten days prior to the Conference and, with them, the activities grew manifold. It was indeed a great testing time for those who had not even dreamed of attending a gathering of such magnitude, to say nothing of its planning and execution. Not they, but undoubtedly some other Hand was working behind all this. There were still many days for the Conference to start.
A Chartered Plane from Tihrán[edit]
One midnight a messenger knocked at the door of the Secretary of the National Assembly and said that there was a telephone message from the airport. Here was the Customs Officer from the Airport saying that a chartered plane carrying 25 Bahá’ís from Ṭihrán had arrived and, since none of them knew the
Five members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, leaving this year for posts as pioneers in the World Crusade. Left to right: Dr. William Kenneth Christian, Mrs. Mamie Seto, Miss Elsie Austin, Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Hand of the Cause, and Mr. Matthew Bullock.
language of the country, it was very difficult for them to complete customs and foreign registration formalities unless someone who could understand their language could come to help. He, with two other friends, rushed to the airport. Officials at the airport were kind and cooperative. Things were expedited. Even then, when the friends arrived in the Constitution House where they were supposed to stay, the sun had already come up.
The beloved visitors who had travelled thousands of miles were tired, but what was the spirit which was gathering them from all the four corners of the globe?—the spirit of faith in Bahá’u’lláh and they were here to pay befittting homage, by commemorating the great Jubilee, during the closing month of the Holy Year, to His incarceration in the dungeon of Ṭihrán 100 years ago, where in the most dramatic circumstances God’s new Faith was born.
“First Gathering of its Kind in East”[edit]
The first to arrive for the Conference was Mr. Músá Banání, Hand of the Cause, with his wife, on September 29 and then followed the rest. Some three hundred and fifty from 27 countries responded to the roll call on the opening day of the Conference. Who could foresee the attendance would finally register four hundred eighty nine from 32 countries of the world—the second largest attendance of the four Intercontinental Conferences, next to the Conference in Wilmette. No wonder then that no less a person than the President of the Indian Republic, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, remarked, “It was the first gathering of its kind in the East.”
Jubilantly we celebrated the last day of the Holy Year with the last day of the Conference. To us, as it was to most of the friends who had the privilege to attend the Conference, it was all like a dream. The scene, while the friends on the last day of the Conference late at night were seeing each other for the last time, was such as hearts cannot bear and eyes cannot see. Friends parted with each other, tears in their eyes. Some of them were heard saying “Perhaps we may not be able to meet again”, while younger friends promised to meet again in Baghdád in 1963. What a great contrast as compared to the opening day of the Conference when friends without exception met each other as if they had been separated for a very long time and as members of one family.
The immediate results of the Conference are difficult to be visualized so soon after the closing of the Conference. There are factors which can lead one to believe that tremendous power has been released through the Conference on the entire sub-continent and a very happy impression about the Bahá’ís has
[Page 7]
been left upon the people and the
officials who either came into direct contact or who only heard what
was happening in the Capital. For
those who perhaps for a long time
held a view that the Bahá’í Faith is
simply an offshoot of Islám, others
who thought it simply a religious sect
known only in Persia and round
about, some who thought that, like
many others, this movement too has
been sponsored by the West for their
vested interests and many others
who held their individual views—this Conference, if nothing else, has
made all realize that it is nothing
what they had thought, that it is
something far greater.
“I have not known a religious assembly so deliberative as the Bahá’ís, who have been in session for the last nine days meeting twice daily,” was the comment of a columnist known as Rightangle under his daily caption column “Round The Metropolis” in one of the leading daily English newspapers. He adds, “Apart from the length of their Fourth International Conference here, what strikes one most is their exceeding mutual regard and spirit of accommodation ... Like Rotarians and Free Masons they seem to be one happy family. The visitors from far and wide speak highly of India. ‘Yours is a wonderful country’, one of them said to me. And wonderful were the words with which a South Indian friend reciprocally admired the speeches at the open meeting of the Conference which he had attended out of curiosity: ‘I have been a political worker for 30 years and I have not heard such marvelous speeches before.”
Portrait of the Báb[edit]
The most heart-rending experience of the Conference which I vividly recall was the time when the portrait of the Báb was viewed by the friends during the Conference. The arrangements were made by a special Committee appointed by the Conference. The stage on which the portrait was placed for viewing was especially prepared for the occasion and friends had to line up and pass one by one. The representative of the Guardian was standing by the side of the stage, and he annointed everyone with the perfume of roses brought from the Holy Land, as each one passed by him before viewing the portrait. Perhaps, like many others, I called to mind these words of the Báb, which He addressed to the multitude who had gathered to witness His martyrdom: “Had you believed in me, O wayward generation, every one of you would have followed the example of this youth. ... The day will come when you will have recognized me, that day I shall have ceased to be with you”. But the congregation now, viewing the portrait, unlike the one gathered in the Barrack Square in Tabríz, were among those who threw their lot with this great Martyr-Prophet, had recognized the truth of His Message and had now gathered to pay homage to His great person.
Public reception, arranged by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma, held in the garden of the Imperial Hotel, New Delhi, attended by one thousand Bahá’ís and guests
World Crusade Planning[edit]
In the lounge of the hotel where a majority of Bahá’í friends were staying for the Conference, a very young girl was sitting in a corner, sad and sighing. When questioned as to the reason of her dejection and tears, she said, “I want to go as a pioneer under the Ten-Year Crusade, but perhaps because of my age my father will not allow me to do it.”
Again a friend, whose father was a recent martyr in Írán, had received a ring containing the Greatest Name—the only memory of his father left with him and this was the thing which at one time his father had received from the Master. During one of the sessions of the Conference when appeal was made to the friends for contributions, he came forward and said, “This is the most precious treasure which I possess and I part with this as my contribution.”
These are only a few instances which I could remember out of a number of touching events which the Conference produced.
These were of the Conference but, besides all this, the conference produced some concrete results. Two important commissions were appointed by the Conference, one to handle the applications of pioneers and to ensure that the pioneers who had offered themselves should leave for their destinations as quickly as possible. This commission indeed did magnificent work. In the odd hours of the day and night the commission met, handled some 60 applications and also interviewed each one of the pioneers to understand at first hand their difficulties and their personal circumstances. The other commission worked on handling the contributions made by the friends for the Temple lands in India, ‘Iráq and Australia as well as contributions for financing the pioneers. It is indeed very hard to describe the manner in which the friends were coming forward with their contributions. It looked as if they had decided to give away all they possessed, however precious or however insignificant the things they had. A sum of $47,463.93, both pledges and cash, was collected for the three Temple lands which was equally allocated among the three National Assemblies concerned with the purchase of sites for the Temple in their respective countries, while a sum of $10,000.00 was available for the pioneering Fund, a portion of which was utilized in ensuring some of the pioneers’ leaving immediately for their goal territories.
[Page 8]
At Gwalior, India, Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Hand of the Cause,
traveling in India at the Guardian’s direction, with Mrs. Shirin
Boman, resident Bahá’í teacher, were graciously received by
Her Highness, the Maharani of Scindia. Her Highness expressed
great pleasure in hearing of the Bahá’í Faith and the hope
that it would spread rapidly in India. Pictured are, left to
right: Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Hand of the Cause; Her Highness,
the Maharani, and Mrs. Shirin Boman.
Meetings With Heads of State[edit]
The meetings of the Bahá’í delegations with the President, the Vice-President and the Prime Minister of India, the reception which these highly placed personalities accorded the delegation and the jovial atmosphere which prevailed on all the three occasions; the fleet of buses carrying 400 friends for sight-seeing, visiting temples, mosques, remnants of ancient historical monuments; the viewing of the coloured film of the completed Shrine of the Báb; witnessing a few classical dances and instrumental music of this country; the grand reception extended to the elite of the metropolis, the attendance totalling just 1000 people and last, but not the least, the preparation of a panoramic photograph of the entire gathering gave this Conference, as remarked by a United States delegate, “a unique distinction among all the four Conferences in several respects.”
Hands of Cause on Teaching Circuits[edit]
The three Hands of the Cause, including the representative of the Guardian, Mr. Charles Mason Remey—the other two being Mrs. Dorothy Baker and Mr. Horace Holley—undertaking a teaching tour of the three distinct areas of this sub-continent, Burma and Ceylon, will help people all over the country to understand more about the Faith as well as consolidating our local communities. For this the Bahá’í community of this country should indeed be very grateful. Now the vision of Bahá’ís is concentrated either on the goals of the Ten Year Spiritual Crusade or the impending World-Congress in Baghdád at the consummation of the Ten Year Spiritual Crusade. Therein lies the future course of action for us and the irrevocable assurance that erelong we shall all meet in Baghdád, the third holiest city of the Bahá’í World, which enshrines within itself the “Most Great House.”
National Spiritual Assembly
of India, Pakistan and Burma
JAPAN[edit]
Progress in Japan[edit]
The Faith is continuing to make steady and satisfactory progress in Japan. This is true not only for the Tokyo Community, but also in other areas. In addition to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Tokyo, we now have one organized group (Amagasaki) and nine isolated centers.
The past year has seen the release of great spiritual bounties, with many concrete results. New pioneers from Írán (at present, seven adults and several youth and children) have arrived, bringing a new appreciation of the world-wide character of the Faith. One of these, Mr. Yadullah Rafaat, has purchased a home in Tokyo which has become a center for regular firesides, and many Feasts and other meetings. Another, Mr. Nureddin Momtazi, has given a house as the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Amagasaki, which was recently dedicated in the presence of a Hand of the Cause, Mr. Dhikru’lláh Khádem, during his visit to Japan.
Hand of Cause Visits Japan[edit]
Immediately following the New Delhi Conference, the Bahá’ís of Japan were overjoyed to have their first visit by a Hand of the Cause.
[Page 9]
Mr. Dhikru’lláh Khádem tried to
meet every Bahá’í in Japan personally, and to each one he brought
a new inspiration and renewed firmness in the Covenant. His public talk
in Tokyo on November 15 stimulated
the interest of several inquirers who
have since been attending firesides.
Translations Undertaken[edit]
The problem of literature in Japanese is being attacked by the Translation Committee, under the supervision of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Tokyo. This committee first produced a glossary of the most necessary Bahá’í terms, including many new words required to express Bahá’í concepts in Japanese. At the end of November, a new printed introductory pamphlet, Bahá’í Shinkyo no Tebiki (Guide to the Bahá’í Faith), was brought out. This is an original pamphlet, prepared by the Translation Committee in a style that will appeal to the Japanese people, and covering such points as the relation between civilization and religion, the coming of a new Manifestation, the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the history of the Faith and its present status as a world religion.
Bahá’í Monthly Bulletin[edit]
Starting in October, 1953, the Local Spiritual Assembly of Tokyo has undertaken the publication of a monthly newsletter, the Bahá’í Geppo (Bahá’í Monthly Bulletin) in Japanese, which is being distributed to all Bahá’ís in Japan. This carries local and international Bahá’í news, in addition to notices of Feasts, firesides, and other meetings.
SOUTH AMERICA[edit]
Activities at the Close of Holy Year[edit]
The Bahá’í Community of Santiago Chile, observed the end of Holy Year in many ways. Four radio broadcasts were given on four different stations. A big public meeting was held in the national Library and a talk, in English, was presented in the Y.W.C.A.
An intimate observance of the Mission of Bahá’u’lláh was held in the Bahá’í Center, with only believers and those who are studying the Faith in attendance. The commemoration consisted of a long period of prayers and meditations.
In a store window, located in the heart of Santiago, an exhibit was arranged, centering on a map of the World Crusade with a silk ribbon, of the same color indicated for each National Spiritual Assembly on the map, leading to the side of the window, where a card gave the name of each National Assembly. Literature in English and Spanish, pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, of the Shrine of the Báb and of the House of Worship in Wilmette, lettered placards with the inscriptions used over the doors of the Temple, and flowers completed the display. It is felt that everyone in Santiago passed by and saw the display during the week it was on exhibition.
Study for the World Crusade[edit]
All of the South American Communities held special courses of study on the World Crusade during the last two weeks in November, using a translation of most of the Guardian’s statistical book on the goals of the World Crusade and the Crusade map. The communities of Callao and Lima, Perú, held their study institute together, in this way reinforcing each other’s efforts. In Osorno, Chile, one of the youngest but also one of the most active communities on the Continent, a special public meeting was held to observe the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, after which the audience was invited to look at the World Crusade map, numerous photographs and magazines and bulletins from other parts of the Bahá’í world, including a photo of the Second Intercontinental Conference in Chicago and one of the Dedication of the House of Worship in Wilmette.
Publicity in Perú[edit]
In the past, despite two continental Conventions in Lima, it has been very difficult to get any newspaper publicity for the Faith in Perú, even by paying for the space. The Bahá’í marriage ceremony of Gaylord Blake, of the United States, and Mario Rodriguez, of Perú, was responsible for publicity in several newspapers, including a front-page article in one of the largest newspapers in Lima. The paper received so many inquiries about the ceremony and the Faith that they followed the original write-up with an article explaining the Bahá’í principles. This appeared in a prominent widely read column of the Sunday edition of La Prensa.
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
BAHA'I SERVICE FOR THE BLIND[edit]
The Committee wishes to report the completion of a new Braille edition of the Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh. On November 12, gift copies of The Hidden Words, embossed in Braille Grade 2, were sent to the libraries of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, in Toronto, Canada; to the National Institute for the Blind, in London, England; to the Institute for the Blind, in Auckland, New Zealand; to the Institute for the Blind, in Sydney, Australia; and to the Distributing Libraries for the Blind for the Library of Congress. A notice has gone to The Braille Book Review, which is widely distributed among the blind.
The Distributing Libraries, which serve the blind readers in the United States and its Territories, also have Braille copies of The Reality of Man and of The Renewal of Civilization.
A few copies of The Hidden Words are available and are priced at $1.75 a copy.
Communion With God has also been recently published in Braille Grade 2 and copies are priced at $1.75 a copy. Kindly send remittance with order to:
- Bahá’í Service for the Blind
- 616 North Oxford Avenue
- Los Angeles 4, California
BAHA'I NEWS SERVICE[edit]
Effective immediately, all correspondence with the Bahá’í News Service should be addressed to:
- Mr. Richard Thomas
- 6543 N. Campbell
- Chicago 45, Illinois
This committee, which is responsible for planning and conducting press and radio publicity on national Bahá’í activities, and to assist local Assemblies in the conduct of their press, radio and TV activities, is not to be confused with the BAHÁ’Í NEWS Editorial Committee which edits BAHÁ’Í NEWS for the National Spiritual Assembly.
BAHA'I YOUTH[edit]
The next Bahá’í Youth Conference is scheduled for February 14. For further information consult Bahá’í Youth, the bulletin of the Bahá’í Youth Committee for the United States.
PIONEERS REPORT HOME[edit]
Several communications from pioneers have been reported in the Bahá’í Journal published by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the City of Los Angeles.
Among these, Shirley Warde writes from British Honduras that she and Cora Oliver, also pioneering in Belize, have attended all meetings of the Woman’s Club and other activities, such as Education Week. Through new friends made during these activities, the pioneers will be able to help with programs on a new radio station and work with a public relations department.
They report that British Honduras is short of teachers, doctors, and professional people of all kinds.
Mrs. Loyce Lawrence, enroute from the Conference at New Delhi to her pioneering post in the Lofoton Islands gave a personal report on the Conference to Los Angeles friends. Artemus Lamb, shared his experiences at New Delhi and from his pilgrimage to Haifa.
EXTENSION TEACHING[edit]
Extension teaching is an essential part of the home front effort in the World Crusade. The Rocky Mountain States Area Teaching Bulletin expresses it this way:
“The status of extension teaching is being enlarged and accented. In the old days it was considered that very small groups and isolated believers were more or less helpless, they were not expected to contribute greatly to any active teaching plan. Now, however, the picture has changed. We see the small group and the isolated believer as part of the pioneer plan; they are pioneers, placed in the center of non-Bahá’í cities or towns or countrysides—and tremendous things are expected of them. So let’s all of us, who are members of tiny groups or are lonely isolated believers, realize the bounty we are offered and exert our utmost efforts to win our portion of the Ten Year Crusade.”
From the Gulf States Area Bulletin comes the news of extension teaching projects undertaken in that area. Jackson, Mississippi, will teach in Meridian; Houston, Texas, in Galveston; Dallas, Texas, in Fort Worth; and San Antonio in Corpus Christi.
The Library of the Theosophical World Center at Adhyar, India. On the walls are names and symbols of the various religions. At the left, over the open door appear the Greatest Name and the title Bahá’u’lláh. Mr. Horace Holley, Hand of the Cause, addressed the teachers and students in this Center at Adhyar during his journey through South India and Ceylon, made at the Guardian’s request.
COMMEMORATION OF THE BIRTH OF BAHA'U'LLAH[edit]
The Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, celebrated throughout the Bahá’í world November 12, was the occasion for public meetings in some centers.
Anchorage, Alaska; Berkeley, California; Butte, Montana; and Reno, Nevada report organized meetings with speakers presenting the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s life. In Reno, the meeting received much favorable publicity on both of the city’s newspapers.
STILLWATER INDIAN RESERVATION RECEIVES BAHA'I GIFT[edit]
Bahá’ís of Reno and Fallen, Nevada, continuing their work with the Indians of the Stillwater Reservation, voted to present representatives of the Reservation with a bookcase for their public meeting hall. The case will be filled with books donated by individual Bahá’ís. Consultation on this project led to an additional presentation of pictures for the walls of the meeting house. It is hoped that this expression will demonstrate to the Indians the sincere interest and appreciation of the Bahá’ís.
AREA TEACHING CONFERENCES HELD[edit]
The East Central States Area Teaching Committee (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky) is holding an Area Teaching Conference in Detroit, Michigan, on January 9-10, 1954. Plans are being made for future conferences in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Columbus, Ohio.
The Fourth Area Teaching Conference scheduled by the Central States Area Teaching Committee (Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa) will be held at the Montrose Hotel in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on January 17, 1954. The morning session will be devoted to discussion of Area teaching and the afternoon to the World Crusade.
BAHA'I NEWS BRIEFS[edit]
Through the Quincy, Illinois Bahá’í Community, a presentation of the Faith was given before the student body and faculty of Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri.
Community has initiated a bulletin of the Berkeley, California, Bahá’í local and Bay Area news.
The Anchorage assembly has undertaken extension teaching in the Palmer Area, Alaska.
Bahá’í Acquaintance Day, September 23, was observed by the Cleveland, Ohio, Bahá’í community, aided
[Page 11]
by the greater Cleveland community, with a highly successful public
discussion panel meeting.
Weekly classes for youth and children are held every Sunday morning in Berkeley, California.
An 11-minute talk on “The United Nations and the Bahá’í Faith” was given October 24 over station KOLO, Reno, Nevada.
On November 10 a regular program on Station KBYR, Anchorage, Alaska, entitled Around the World, featured an interview with Betty Becker, who reported on her trip to the States for the Second Inter-Continental Conference.
Verne Stout, of Anchorage, Alaska, has been elected to the Executive Board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the first white man in Anchorage to be so named.
Through the efforts of Newark, New Jersey Bahá’ís a United Nations Chapter has been formed. The Board of Directors meets in the Newark Bahá’í Center and, through this organization, knowledge of the Faith is growing in that city.
The Reno, Nevada Spiritual Asembly has ordered books for the Blind Association in Reno.
Our Inner Life[edit]
Humanity, through suffering and turmoil, is swiftly moving on towards its destiny; if we be loiterers, if we fail to play our part surely others will be called upon to take up our task as ministers to the crying needs of this afflicted world.
Not by the force of numbers, not by the mere exposition of a set of new and noble principles, not by an organized campaign of teaching—no matter how worldwide and elaborate in its character—not even by the staunchness of our faith or the exaltation of our enthusiasm can we ultimately hope to vindicate in the eyes of a critical and sceptical age the supreme claim of the Abhá Revelation. One thing and only one thing will unfailingly and alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred Cause, namely, the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.
PUBLICATIONS[edit]
NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]
Bahá’í Temple Gardens. By Hilbert E. Dahl. Reprinted from Landscape Architecture, July, 1953. Story of the creation of the garden setting for the Bahá’í Temple, planned to blend with and enhance this universal House of Worship. The symbolic meaning of the Temple itself, and as an inspiration for the landscape setting. Useful as general, informative article on the Temple and grounds, as well as having prestige value for supplementary background material in presenting articles for press releases. Four illustrations. 8½ x 11. 8 pp. Self cover.
25 copies ... $2.00
Bahá’í Calendar, 1954. Commemorating completion of the Shrine of
the Báb in Haifa, Israel. Beautiful
drawing by Carl Scheffler. Three colors on white. 14 x 8½.
The Meaning of Life. By Stanwood
Cobb. Emphasizes struggle as the
vehicle of achieving growth and development in life, the cycle being
repeated on ever higher levels with
each achievement. 22 pp. blue paper
cover, 4½ x 6½.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE LITERATURE[edit]
French[edit]
The Dawn of World Civilization. General introductory pamphlet. Useful to Bahá’í pioneers who are studying French and preparing to pioneer in French-speaking areas. 16pps., 4¾ x 6¾, yellow paper cover.
Norwegian[edit]
Renewal of Civilization, by David Hofman. A few copies of a Norwegian translation of this book are available. Price each ... $.60 Net
NEW EDITIONS[edit]
Religion Returns. By Dorothy Baker. Content is same as original booklet, but has new cover design in color.
Each | $ .05 |
100 copies | $4.50 |
(Please change catalog group price)
SPECIAL ITEMS[edit]
The following items were originally printed by the Public Relations Committee, reprints of publishing items by same title, but prepared in a different size and format.
A Pattern for Future Society. By Shoghi Effendi. Attractive format, more readable typeface. 8½ x 11. 4 pp. 100 copies ... $1.00
On Industrial Justice. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Same as item above, larger page and type size. 100 copies ... $1.00
(Please specify size on above two items.)
Special Offer to Book Sales Committees[edit]
Shrine of the Báb Colorprint, watercolor by the architect, Sutherland Maxwell. Originally used as frontispiece in Bahá’í World, Volume IX. This beautiful four-color design of the Shrine at Haifa, Israel, has many uses now that Bahá’ís everywhere are rejoicing in the news of the completed Shrine. Also suitable for framing. Special price in lots of ten only ... 10 for $3.00
The Treasuries of God are Limitless[edit]
It is easy to read the Holy Scriptures, but it is only with a clean heart and a pure mind that one may understand their true meaning. Let us ask God’s help to enable us to understand the Holy Books. Let us pray for eyes to see and ears to hear, and for hearts that long for peace.
God’s eternal Mercy is immeasurable. He has always chosen certain souls upon whom He has shed the Divine Bounty of His heart, whose minds He has illumined with celestial light, to whom He has revealed the sacred mysteries, and kept clear before their sight the Mirror of Truth. These are the disciples of God, and His goodness has no bounds. You who are servants of the Most High may be disciples also. The treasuries of God are limitless.
The Spirit breathing through the Holy Scriptures is food for all who hunger. God Who has given the revelation to His Prophets will surely give of His abundance daily bread to all those who ask Him faithfully.
[Page 12]
Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Hand of the Cause, with students and teachers of Lady Irwin College for Girls, New Delhi, to whom she delivered the Bahá’í Message
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
FEASTS
- January 19—Sulṭán, Sovereignty
- February 7—Mulk, Dominion
INTERCALARY DAYS
- Ayyám-i-Há—February 26 to March 1
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS
- January 22, 23, 24
- February 19, 20, 21, 22
WORLD RELIGION DAY
- January 17
MARRIAGES[edit]
“Glory be unto Thee, O my God! Verily, this Thy servant and this Thy maid-servant have gathered under the shadow of Thy mercy and they are united through Thy favor and generosity. O Lord! Assist them in this Thy world and Thy Kingdom and destine for them every good through Thy bounty and grace ...”
Stanford, California — Miss Valerie Joan Latham to Mr. Nasrollah Rassekh, June 14, 1953.
Palo Alto, California — Miss Barbara Ogden to Mr. Frank R. Moraw, August 9, 1953.
Los Angeles, California — Mrs. Maybelle Perry Garcia to Mr. Jerome L. DeBruyn, November 15, 1953.
Los Angeles, California — Miss Adele Y. Keshelak to Judge Andrew M. Kovachy, December 1, 1953.
Providence, Rhode Island — Mrs. Edith Doull to Mr. Elmer Carpenter, December 5, 1953.
New York, New York — Miss Elizabeth Naylor to Mr. David B. Thomas, no date given.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
“Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.”
- Mr. Duane S. Leising
- Gowanda, New York
- October 20, 1953
- Mrs. Evalena Caldwell
- Butte, Montana
- November 16, 1953
- Mr. William Netter
- Racine, Wisconsin
- November 19, 1953
- Mr. Arthur Rotunno
- Yonkers, New York
- December 2, 1953
- Mr. Morris Bush
- Buffalo, New York
- December 9, 1953
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. Copies are sent without charge to Bahá’ís throughout the United States, and to Bahá’í administrative bodies in other lands. Its purpose is to keep members of the Faith informed of international national and local Bahá’í developments, and serve as an organ for the distribution of messages written by the Guardian of the Faith, the International Bahá’í Council, and the general announcements prepared by the American National Spiritual Assembly.
Reports, plans, news items and photographs of general interest are requested from national committees and local assemblies of the United States as well as from National Assemblies of other lands.
Material is due in Wilmette on the first day of the month preceding the date of issue for which it is intended.
BAHA’I NEWS is edited by an annually
appointed Editorial Committee. The
Committee for 1953-1954: Mrs. Eunice
Braun, Managing Editor; Mr. David Ned Blackmer,
Assistant Editor; Mrs. Beatrice Ashton,
Miss Edna True.
Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue,
Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.
Change of Address should be reported
directly to National Bahá’í
Administrative Headquarters, 536
Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.
