Bahá’í News/Issue 279/Text
| No. 279 | Bahá’í Year 111 | May, 1954 |
THE GUARDIAN[edit]
UNFOLDMENT OF THE INSTITUTION OF THE HANDS OF THE CAUSE[edit]
Message from the Guardian
To all the Hands of the Cause and all National Assemblies of the Bahá’í World:
Hail emergence (of the) unfoldment (in the) opening years (of the) second epoch (of the) formative age (of the) Bahá’í Dispensation (of the) august Institution foreshadowed (by the) Founder (of the) Faith (and) formally established (in the) Testament (of the) Center (of) His Covenant, closely associated (in) provisions (of the) same Will (with) Institution (of the) Guardianship, destined (to) assume (in the) fullness (of) time, under (the) aegis (of the) Guardian, (the) dual sacred responsibility (for) protection (and) propagation (of the) Cause (of) Bahá’u’lláh.
Desire (to) pay warm tribute (to the) services rendered severally (and) collectively (by) appointed Hands (at the) World Center (of the) Faith (and in) territories beyond its confines.
Greatly value (their) support (in the) erection (of the) Báb’s Sepulcher (on Mt.) Carmel; (in) reinforcing ties (with the) newly emerged State (of) Israel; (in the) extension (of the) International Endowments (in the) Holy Land; (in the) initiation (of the) preliminary measures (for the) establishment (of the) Bahá’í World Administrative Center, as well as (in their) participation (in) four successive Intercontinental Teaching Conferences; (in their) extensive travels (in) African territories, (in) North, Central (and)
Main gate of the Garden of Ridván at Bahjí near the World Center at Haifa, Israel
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South America, (in the) European,
Asiatic (and) Australian Continents.
(This) newly constituted body, embarked (on) its mission (with) such auspicious circumstances, (is) now entering (the) second phase (of) its evolution signalized (by) forging (of) ties (with the) National Spiritual Assemblies (of the) Bahá’í World (for the) purpose (of) lending them assistance (in) attaining (the) objectives (of the) Ten Year Plan.
(The) hour (is) ripe (for the) fifteen Hands residing outside (the) Holy Land (to) proceed during Riḍván (with the) appointment, (in) each continent separately, from among (the) resident Bahá’ís (of) that Continent, (of) Auxiliary Boards, whose members, acting (as) deputies, assistants (and) advisers (of the) Hands, must increasingly lend (their) assistance (for the) promotion (of the) interests (of the) Ten Year Crusade.
Advise (the) Hands (of the) Asiatic, American (and) European Continents (to) convene (in) Ṭihrán, Wilmette (and) Frankfurt respectively (for the) purposes (of) consultation (and) nomination.
(The) Hands (of the) Cause (of the) African (and) Australian Continents must exercise (their) functions (in) Kampala (and) Sydney respectively.
(The) Auxiliary Boards (of the) American, European (and) African Continents must consist (of) nine members each, (of the) Asiatic (and) Australian continents (of) seven (and) two respectively.
(The) allocation (of) areas (in) each continent to (the) members (of the) Auxiliary Boards, as well as subsidiary matters regarding (the) development (of the) activities (of the) newly appointed bodies, (and the) manner (of) collaboration (with the) National Spiritual Assemblies (in their) respective Continents, (is) left to the) discretion (of the) Hands.
All Boards must report (and) be responsible (to the) Hands charged (with) their appointment.
(The) Hands (of) each Continent (in) their turn must keep (in) close touch (with, and) report (the) result (of the) nominations (and) progress (of the) activities (of the) Boards (to the) National Assemblies (in their) respective continents, as well as (to the) four Hands residing (in the) Holy Land destined (to) act (as) liaison between themselves (and the) Guardian (of the) Faith.
Urge (the) initiation (of) five Continental Bahá’í Funds which, as they develop, will increasingly facilitate (the) discharge (of the) functions assigned (to the) Boards.
Transmitting five thousand pounds (as) my initial contribution (to) be equally divided (among the) five Continents.
Appeal (to the) twelve National Assemblies (and) individuals (to) insure (a) steady augmentation (of these) Funds through annual assignment (in) National Budgets (and by) individual contributions.
Advise transmit contributions (to) Varqá, Holley, Giachery, Banání (and) Dunn acting (as) Trustees (of the) Asiatic, American, European, African (and) Australian Funds respectively.
Fervently supplicating (at the) Holy Threshold (for an) unprecedented measure (of) blessings (on this) vital (and) indispensable organ (of the) embryonic (and) steadily unfolding Bahá’í Administrative Order, presaging (the) emergence (of the) World Order (of) Bahá’u’lláh which must pave (the) way (for the) establishment (of the) World Civilization destined (to) attain maturity (in the) course (of) successive Dispensations (in the) Five Thousand Century Bahá’í Cycle.
Airmail copies (to) all Hands and National Assemblies.
April 6, 1954
(transmitted through Dr. Ugo Giachery,
Hand of the Cause)
COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Beloved Bahá’í Friends:
The message cabled by the Guardian on April 5, 1954, marks a new stage in the evolution of the Bahá’í Faith. To the Hands of the Cause the Guardian has assigned the function of “forging ties” with the National Spiritual Assemblies in order to lend them “assistance in attaining the objectives of the Ten Year Plan.”
The Hands of the Cause, appointed by the Guardian, are in their work outside the administrative realm in that they are responsible directly to the Guardian. Their general function is twofold: to protect the Cause and to propagate its truths. Their purpose and their actions reinforce the administrative bodies and their particular teaching agencies.
What we witness now is the birth of a new Bahá’í Institution, a new instrument through which the Guardian’s spiritual power can flow forth to the Bahá’ís, particularly those concerned with the Ten Year Plan.
As a new Institution, its unfoldment will be gradual, from seed to tree.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
SIXTH PIONEER REPORT[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States is happy to announce the arrival of the following pioneers at their posts in World Crusade goal areas.
ARRIVALS IN VIRGIN AREAS[edit]
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dayton arrived in the Leeward Islands February 14, 1954.
Mrs. Gail Fiske Avery arrived in Baranof Island February 15.
Mr. Charles Duncan and Mr. Harry Clark arrived in Brunei February 19.
Dr. Leland Jensen arrived in Réunion Island March 25.
Mrs. Olivia Kelsey and Miss Florence Ullrich arrived in Monaco March 29.
Mrs. Gayle Woolson arrived in the Galapagos Islands April 9.
Mrs. Bula M. Stewart arrived in Mbabane, Swaziland, April 12.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Suhm and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Walters arrived in Tangier, Morocco, International Zone, April 12.
Mrs. Kay Zinky arrived in Magdalen Island April 15.
Mr. and Mrs. John Allen arrived in Mbabane, Swaziland, April 19.
ARRIVALS IN CONSOLIDATION AREAS[edit]
Miss Margaret Lentz arrived in Vienna, Austria, April 1.
EXPLOITING THE FAITH[edit]
A number of instances have been reported in recent months concerning the exploitation of believers in groups and communities through loans obtained under false pretenses.
In certain cases the visitor may be a member of the Faith, in others he merely claims to be but has no identification card.
It is regrettable indeed to have to warn the friends that precaution is necessary when the visitor is personally
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unknown by the local believers.
Credentials must be requested.
If the visitor asks for a
loan, the matter should be handled
through consultation and action not
taken by any individual believer out
of kindness of heart. In these situations
involving false pretenses, the
handing over of funds does not solve
the problem. It only defers the dishonest
visitor’s obligation to face
the facts, and wastes money which
might otherwise serve the Cause.
Usually the exploiter does not feel
gratitude, but contempt for the victim
of his scheme.
WORLD CRUSADE[edit]
PIONEER LETTERS[edit]
Continuing the report on World Crusade developments in the pioneer areas of the globe, the National Spiritual Assembly shares the following excerpts from pioneer letters with the believers.
Excerpts from Pioneer Letters to the Asia Teaching Committee[edit]
Elly Becking, Dutch New Guinea.
Hollandia, November 24, 1953.
“When I went to Stockholm I had not the slightest idea to become a pioneer. I thought that I knew too little of the Faith, and teaching the Faith would be a very difficult task. I indeed had plans to go to New Guinea, to build, together with my fiancé, our future. I hope that I am worthy to be called a pioneer, and that God will make a useful instrument of both of us.
“Hollandia consists of two parts: Hollandia Haven, where I live, and Hollandia Town, about half an hour from here ... There is only one cinema and a yacht club ... There are Government offices mostly. There are also shops and an import company and a company building houses and streets. There are possibilities for farmers too.
“I have taken with me some pamphlets and Esslemont. It will be very nice if you can mail me some more pamphlets. From the Guardian I received a letter in the same post as yours. I am very excited about it!”
Charles Duncan and Harry Clark.
North Borneo. (En route to Brunei)
Labuan, January 20, 1954. “Besides the British (and us) there are three types of people here at Labuan. The Malays, the Chinese and the Indians ... Everyone is friendly and frankly curious about us. Some speak very good English and we have had little conversations in the shops. We have tried out our Malay in the shops buying things. One doesn’t get a chance to say much except ‘How much are these?’ But they are always a little surprised and pleased when we try to talk their language (at least, they always smile. Perhaps it’s because we speak so badly). At any rate, they chatter back rapidly and we can’t understand a word.”
Jesselton, February 1, 1954. “We like it here in North Borneo very much ... The people inland have dance and music of their own. It is mostly traditional. It is used at funerals, weddings, births. They give parties and people play on gongs, and others dance ... However, no one ever plays on the instruments just because it sounds nice and no one ever dances because it looks pretty. The two go together for festive occasions. We came across a lovely instrument called the sempotan. It is made of a gourd and eight bamboo tubes. It has a soft beautiful sound.”
Jesselton, February 11, 1954. “By the time this letter reaches you we shall be in Brunei. We are leaving Jesselton for Labuan. On Monday we will ride the launch for Labuan to Brunei. We already have made reservations at the Rest House there.
“It is difficult to describe what a lovely place North Borneo is. We have taken trips to some of the neighboring villages. All of them have been touched more or less by western civilization but there is a great deal left of their own character. The houses are on stilts and the roofs are usually thatched with palm leaves and the walls of palm leaves or split bamboo ... As we walk through the villages, women and children are usually standing or sitting in the doorways looking out. They sometimes nod and smile. The children are a constant joy.
“We have attended the Tamu in Tuaran and at Kota Belud. These Tamus are markets where the local people bring their produce, fish, fabrics, baskets, etc., to sell. They come in their local costumes and the whole event is colorful, enjoyable.
“Both in Tuaran and Kota Belud there are many Dusuns. These are one of the original races of people in Borneo. Their faces are full of character and are frequently very good-looking. There are also many Bajaus. They are also an original people here.
“We commemorated the 19-day feasts in Labuan and Kota Belud ... We hope we will find in Brunei the same honesty that characterizes the people here. They don’t steal; neither do they have the palm extended for each little favor they do. People from Singapore are amazed at the way Europeans here leave their windows and doors wide open. We find ourselves taking less precaution than we would in the States.”
Frances Heller, Macao.
Hong Kong, September 26, 1953. “We no sooner docked than things began to happen. My first stop was Pan American. Then the hotel. This was followed up by a telephone call about three minutes after arriving in my room. Already they wanted to take me to Macao on this tour.
“Yesterday afternoon I took the ferry to the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. I was strolling around the shops when (being a woman) a Chinese brocade dress attracted my eye. A man came out and invited me in to look at it. I really cared not to go in, but I let him talk me right into it. It finally turned out that he was the only Bahá’í in Hong Kong! ... Of course we all know that only God could get Bahá’ís together in this way. For this I am more than grateful.
“So far everything has been like walking through electric doors!”
Macao, October 24, 1953. “You not only must have a Macao visa but one for another country. I have one for Japan. This must be told to pioneers thinking of Macao. About employment, that is impossible, for there are so many refugees from Shanghai here waiting to get into the U.S.A., Brazil and Australia. I do not know about business men. That would probably be different, for they could create employment for the people here which would be an aid to the government.”
Macao, October 29, 1953. “Arrived in Macao October 20. About two days later was told about a house to let. I looked into the matter and decided
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to take it. Moved in on the
24th. Yesterday they finally connected
the water, and today the
lights. Had bamboo beds, chairs,
etc., made. So now I feel like a
citizen.
“My friendly neighbors are reading the New Era. Everyone has been wonderful. I do not feel like a stranger here. Pray that we will do the will of God.
“About teaching—my capacity, I feel, is that of a babe of two, which makes me very aware of ‘making haste slowly.’ For I feel that I am here to learn to be a Bahá’í more than to teach. Of course, at every opportunity I say ‘justice,’ ‘unity in the love of God,’ ‘equality of races,’ ‘equality of men and women,’ ‘prejudices must be forgotten.’
“Macao is overloaded with unemployment. But for Bahá’ís who have an income—this is the place! In the words of the ‘world at large,’ it is a place to retire—peaceful, quiet and with a good climate.
“Sunday there were four boys here, and they enjoyed so much reading from the Hidden Words, and The Bahá’í Pattern of Life. They are now reading the New Era.... The thing is just to make friends and wait for them to ask! And they do.”
November 21, 1953. “Received two letters and a telegram from the Scherers, informing me of the arrival of our beloved Hand of the Cause and Bahá’í brother, Mr. Khádem. I could not go to meet him for there was a typhoon warning, and with plane delays, etc., sat at home praying to speak to him over the telephone at least ... About 6:30 a.m. yesterday, my door began to rattle. I went from my bed to answer the call, and who should be there but Mr. Khádem ... We went about Macao, met the neighbors, and had lunch with one.”
Loretta and Carl Scherer, Macao.
Macao, December 9, 1953. “We finally made it, arriving late last night. Although Frances had not received our letter due to Portuguese holiday, we had no difficulty in finding her. Our visa is for seven days and we are already working towards an extension.
“Business prospects look good but it will take four to six months before we can expect any returns. Sales are being made but import and export licenses and shipments will require considerable time.”
Macao, December 15, 1953. “Good news. We were informed today that we will secure a visa for two to four years as per the application which we filed in San Francisco. The papers are to be issued tomorrow to cover this permit.
“Concerning Formosa, anyone who wants to pioneer there will have a wonderful opportunity ... Anyone going to Formosa is advised to take as much household equipment along as possible. No radios, as same require special license to be issued by the government ... The electric current is 110 voltage. Here in Macao it is also 110 volts.”
Macao, January 12, 1954. “Our apartment is comfortable, five rooms and bath. Cooking is done on individual kerosene stoves, which take a little getting used to.
“Sunday we had seven attending our fireside which was held at Frances’ home. The friends are most anxious to hear about the Faith. The session lasted three and a half hours. Not having an oven I made a batch of doughnuts and they went over big—something you cannot buy here.
“The climate has been nice—warm in the daytime, cool after the sun goes down. The flowers are lovely and I am very happy this is a green country.”
Macao, January 28, 1954. “There is plenty of housing available. Macao living costs are moderately reasonable in comparison to the other cities I visited.
“Arden Thur visited us and Frances over the past weekend, and it was wonderful to spend some time with another Bahá’í ... A social is being planned on February 28 for all our friends here.”
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
CANADA[edit]
Summer Conferences[edit]
The Canadian Bahá’í News announces that the Ontario Summer Conference will be held at Geneva Park, Lake Couchiching, from July 31 to August 7. For information, write to:
- Mrs. Noreen Keith-Beattie
- 34 Thorncrest Road
- Toronto 18, Ontario.
Also, it is announced that a Bahá’í Summer School will be held from August 29 to September 5 at Banff, Alberta. All correspondence for this school should be addressed to:
- Mrs. Nell Murray
- 9849, 87th Avenue
- Edmonton, Alberta.
GERMANY[edit]
The following excerpts from letters written by pioneers were taken from Bahá’í Nachrichten, publication of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria.
From Mr. Amín Banání (translated from the German)
Athens, Greece. “The first day I arrived in Greece I telegraphed our beloved Guardian, as I had been advised in Stockholm. In his answer he assured me of his prayers. I hope that with the help of his prayers a miracle will happen which will enable me to remain. I beg you all, dear friends, also to pray that I may remain in Greece.
“In the days that I have been looking for work I tried also to collect information which could help further pioneers. Following is what I have learned: When a foreigner comes to Greece he must receive two permits after he has arrived; one is the permit to remain (from the police), the other is the work permit (from the Minister of Labor). If the person concerned is not seeking work and does not need to make a living to support himself but lives as a student on his own means, he needs only the permit to remain. Both permits are very hard to get, but the work permit is much more difficult than the other. All in all there are few jobs which a foreigner can find in Greece. In general, only people with highly technical training and professions like engineers (especially for electricity and experts in current distribution) have a chance. On the other hand, people with a general liberal education have fundamentally no chance. The only exception to this rule would be that for the moment there might be a beginning for one who could teach English in Crete. But this person must be self-supporting, for the pay is so low that it is not sufficient for a family of two or three persons.
“The best thing for future pioneers is to contact the head offices of firms and try to be sent to Greece as their representatives.
“I might also add that living in Greece is rather expensive. It is
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First Bahá’í Group of Nassau, Bahama Islands. From left to right: Mrs. Nina Matthisen, Mr. A. F. Matthisen, Miss Leanna Curwin, Mrs. Gail Curwin, Mr. Gerald Curwin and Miss Mary Jane Matthisen.
possible to find places to live but they are very expensive. Naturally, Athens is much more so than the provinces and Crete.”
From Miss Elsa Maria Grossmann. (translated from the German)
Westerland, Sylt, October 24, 1953.
“Sylt is, with all its localities — Westerland with 10,000 inhabitants is the largest and, indeed, the only city—decidedly a bath resort. The whole island lives on this business, with it its existence stands and falls and it puts its stamp on everything.
“The people are friendly and open and of good manners. The old Frisian culture as well as the Frisians themselves are not very much in the foreground.
“The fact that the nearness of the sea causes the houses to fall to pieces quickly and they therefore must be replaced more often, and that the means of livelihood, textiles, etc., must be transported chiefly from the mainland makes living on Sylt very expensive.
“The work here is until now not so easy. The difficulty is that as a health-resort patient one does not come in contact with the natives very much and they, in spite of friendliness and willingness to be of service, have a very hemmed-in existence. Moreover, the North Germans are very reserved about the health business. One who has acquaintances or makes them in the hotel sits with them in the resort rooms or takes walks with them; otherwise everyone keeps to himself. Getting to know anyone well simply isn’t done.
“Meanwhile, I went also to the other places and villages and visited all the resort offices to seek every opportunity and to be with people. Then there is also a school, a culture circle and a woman’s group. I shall also go to their talks as soon as they take place.”
From Mr. Rolf Haug (Translated from the German.)
Crete, October 6, 1953: “It is almost a week since I left you. These have not been days of little significance, for I have sensed and seen in many things the evidence that God is All-Present and protects and guides us wonderfully.
“When I arrived in Athens, Amín and his wife and child met me.
“We went to their home, which lies below the Acropolis and is truly beautiful. In the evening Dwight and Carol Allen came, the other American couple here. With them I was to find shelter during the days I was in Athens. They also have a wonderful home, not yet completed, but also very beautifully situated. They have all helped me a great deal. In the evening we prayed on the balcony. Sunday we met together and spoke of the first undertakings in the Bahá’í work in Greece. A secretary was elected to keep the German European Teaching Committee in touch with what is going on.
“On Monday at 6 p.m. I left Athens and arrived in Iraklion on Tuesday, October 6, at 8 a.m. Here great difficulties arose. But ... how overpowering is the power of prayer. Hardly had I prayed, when everything went wonderfully. Through his help I have been able to get something wonderful, and that on the first day.
“I found a room for one night. After I settled what was necessary and, before all, had prayed, I went to look for a German who was married here. Immediately I was able to meet people who could help me. By evening I already had a job, provisionally, with the greatest export company here. I have much to thank this family for and I pray for them Bahá’u’lláh’s blessing.
“As for teaching, that does not go so quickly, to overcome the difficulties of language. It was possible for me to come in contact with youth of my age. We made a tour of Cnossus on Sunday and we spoke of the Bahá’í Faith but I could not make myself understood very well because neither side could speak English. However, I could get some insight into the Church. People set great value on liturgy; service to God runs in strongly circumscribed channels. At many places they crossed themselves, especially when the priest, one time one with a gold mantle, another time holding high a golden Bible, called out through the church, or when incense was burning in a lamp. The prayers were chanted, as in Persia ...”
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
BAHA'I IN THE NEWS[edit]
The Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, Spring, 1954, contains an article, “Illinois In 1953,” compiled by James N. Adams, which gives a daily summary of the principal events taking place in Illinois during 1953. Under May 2, 1953 we find: “The first Bahá’í Temple in the Western Hemisphere, located at Wilmette, thirty-three years in building, is formally dedicated.”
The National Geographic Magazine for December, 1953, in an article on Illinois, made this reference to the Temple: “At Wilmette on the lake shore a few miles north of Evanston is the Bahá’í House of Worship, the white-domed temple of a faith founded in Persia a Century ago by a religious leader, Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’í Temple is dedicated to the unity of all peoples and
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religions, universal education and
language, and world peace.”
The American Swedish Monthly for February, 1954, contains an illustrated article, “The Bahá’í Faith,” by Cynthia Olson. The item of topical interest was its reference to the Bahá’í banquet in the Town Hall of Stockholm during the third Intercontinental Teaching Conference last July. On this basis Mrs. Olson proceeded to write a very fine summary of the teachings and the international spread of the Faith. The illustrations, filling the tops of two facing magazine pages, were reproduced from a photo of the Shrine of the Báb and three photos of the House of Worship.
Emphasizing the international repercussions of Dorothy Beecher Baker’s tragic but glorious death comes a copy of Daily News, Colombo, Ceylon, dated January 12, 1954, with a “Stop Press” reference to Mrs. Baker and the Bahá’í Faith issued by Reuter’s, London.
Many references are made to the Faith in the daily press these days, but the featured articles appearing in Des Moines Sunday Register, March 21, 1954, and in The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, April 3, have special interest. The Sunday Register presented the Faith around the theme of Bahá’í New Year; The Arizona Republic dealt with the activities of the local Bahá’í community, with references to the basic tenets of the Faith.
Gratifying indeed to note the services which believers in colleges can render to the Faith. In The Daily Tar Heel, Chapel Hill, N. C., February 6, 1954, we find a feature story by Dick Creed reporting the first Bahá’í meeting held on the campus of the University of North Carolina, sponsored by Walter R. Wooten, now in his junior year, majoring in political science. The article, an interview with Wooten, develops a number of interesting references to the Bahá’í teachings.
In case it might have been overlooked during the busy days of Jubilee last year, it is recorded that Capper’s Weekly, Topeka, May 5, 1953, carried a front page feature on Temple dedication under the two-column head: “U. S. Rival to the Taj Mahal Is Dedicated Near Chicago.”
South Macomb News, Michigan, on April 8, 1954, featured an article on Katherine Bail Page of Roseville, as painter and artist, commending her broad interest in literature, her services to the community, and referring to her as the “first to bring the Bahá’í movement to Detroit.”
Certificate of Excellence awarded by the
American Institute of Graphic Arts to
the Bahá’í Publishing Committee for the
pamphlet “The Mission of Bahá’u’lláh,”
styled by Mr. E. Willis Jones. This publication,
produced for the Second Intercontinental
Bahá’í Conference was selected
by a jury for the national exhibition
of Design and Printing for
Commerce, 1954
LOUHELEN BAHA'I SCHOOL[edit]
The Louhelen Bahá’í Summer School News Service recently released the following statement about the 1954 School season.
“The purpose at Louhelen is to prepare Bahá’ís for the World Crusade. We are venturing down two new roads in the line of study offered at the school this summer.
“First, we are welcoming and preparing for children of all ages at all general sessions. They will be cared for while the parents attend classes, and at the same time be taught in three categories: The Bahá’í Faith, Arts and Crafts, and Physical Recreation.
“Second, we are offering all who attend classes the opportunity to practice teaching in a daily fireside or as platform speakers. This will allow many Bahá’ís, who know the Writings but have felt in the past that lack of experience held them from teaching, to begin to give to others what is so precious to them.
“The program is planned from July 5 to September 3. All the weekends are planned as separate units. Care for the children on the weekend will be provided for a minimum charge. Something new this year is the addition of a worship service and study period on each evening of the week.
“Open to Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike, the school is designed to foster the spirit of fellowship in a distinctly Bahá’í atmosphere, to afford the necessary training for Bahá’í teachers, and to provide facilities for the study of the history and teaching of the Faith, and understanding of its relation to other religions and to human society in general.”
NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS[edit]
The Anchorage, Alaska, Spiritual Assembly, acting as Trustees for the Alaska Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Fund, reports the recent receipt of a five hundred dollar donation from the Guardian toward the establishment of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Alaska, one of the goals of the Ten Year Crusade. The Assembly was informed of this generous gift by a letter from the Secretary-General of the International Bahá’í Council, in which he also wrote that the Guardian is following very closely the progress of the Faith in Alaska.
Interest in the Bahá’í House of Worship was stimulated in Anchorage by a Bahá’í Youth who offered to show slides to her high school history class during a study of architecture. So much interest was aroused that the slides of the Temple were shown to all the history classes throughout the day. In this way about two hundred people learned of the Faith.
The Gulf States bulletin suggests that a copy of “Bahá’í Temple Gardens,” reprinted from Landscape Architect for July, 1953, be presented to landscaping firms, nursery companies and architects in the various areas, with a note of invitation to a public meeting or fireside.
As the result of scholarships financed by “The Bahá’ís of the Niagara Frontier” and the “West Seneca Group,” two Bahá’í youth will be able to attend the Bahá’í School at Green Acre this summer.
A member of the Syracuse, New York, Spiritual Assembly received
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public citation for his heroic efforts
in aiding children to escape the
Cleveland Hill elementary school
fire which occurred recently near
Buffalo.
The Rocky Mountain States Bulletin reminds the friends that the holding of State Conferences was specifically requested by the National Spiritual Assembly, in order to focus attention on goals and the means of achieving them, on the problems to be overcome, and to provide the inspiration that comes from group endeavor. Three Conferences have been held in this area: Wyoming, March 28, in Laramie; New Mexico, March 28, in Bernalillo County; Colorado, April 4, in Denver. Interesting contacts were reported with the Indians in Jefferson County, Colorado.
About forty-five Bahá’ís and friends from Greater Miami gathered to bid farewell to Charles and Mary Dayton, the first World Crusade pioneers to go out from the Miami area. Mr. and Mrs. Dayton left for the Virgin Islands on February 14.
A Brotherhood Week radio series was inaugurated by the Bahá’ís of Seneca Township, New York. In a fifteen-minute broadcast the William Sears script on brotherhood was read, and spot announcements concerning brotherhood were made several times each day. Other religious groups followed the Bahá’í example and joined in the broadcast series.
With the passing of George Finks on February 20, 1954, the Los Angeles community lost a devoted worker in the Faith. The April Bahá’í Journal of the Los Angeles Spiritual Assembly quotes from a letter written by Leroy Ioas on behalf of the Guardian, as follows:
The Guardian greatly values the devoted services of both Mr. and Mrs. Finks, and assures Mrs. Finks that her husband is now enjoying the fruit of his many labors in this realm, for the diffusion of the Cause of God and the establishment of its institutions....
AUDIO-VISUAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE[edit]
The Audio-Visual Education Committee wishes to announce the following materials, now available as aids in advancing the Ten Year Crusade:
| 1. Color Slides of the Shrine of the Báb, showing the completed Shrine,
improvements in the Haifa Gardens and the properties about the palace of Bahjí. (pictures by Mr. Curtis Kelsey). | |
| 2 x 2 35mm. color slides: | |
Set of 40 slides | $12.00 |
Set of 50 slides | $15.00 |
Individual slides to augment slide library | $ .35 |
2. The Shrine of the Báb 8 x 10 black and white print | $ .40 |
3. Color Print enlargement of the Shrine of the Báb | $1.55 |
| 4. “Temple of All Faiths.” A new Temple Teaching set (No. 10). Includes many of the latest Temple pictures, the choir, Dedication and Jubilee pictures. | |
2 x 2 35mm. 65 slides, with script | $20.00 |
| 5. Three Wing Display Poster. This unit includes three 11 x 14 recent pictures of the Temple, showing first landscaping details. | |
Mailed to any part of the United States or Canada | $3.50 |
For further information or the latest copy of the Visi-News Bulletin write to:
- The Audio-Visual Education Committee
- 126 Evergreen Place
- West Englewood, New Jersey
DEVOTIONAL PROGRAMS AT HOUSE OF WORSHIP[edit]
The Bahá’í House of Worship at Wilmette, Illinois is dedicated to the Unity of God, the Unity of His Prophets, the Unity of Mankind. In this spirit, public worship is conducted each Sunday at 3:30 P.M. in the auditorium. Readers at these devotional programs include Bahá’ís and guests. Choral selections are by the Bahá’í House of Worship A Cappella Choir. The programs for the month of April follow:
3:30 P.M.
Thou didst wish to make Thyself known unto men; therefore, Thou didst, through a word of Thy mouth, bring creation into being and fashion the universe. There is none other God except Thee, the Fashioner, the Creator, the Almighty, the Most Powerful.
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Sing to the Lord a New Song — Heinrich Schuetz
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Prayers and Meditations, IV, p. 6.
- OLD TESTAMENT
- Psalm 119:1-16, 25-32
- NEW TESTAMENT
- Matthew 4:4; John 1:1-5; Luke 8:4-15
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, From the Persian, No. 11; From the Arabic, No. 70
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Laud His Name — P. Ivanoff
- QUR’AN
- Sura XXX, 16-19, 21-25
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Gleanings, pp. 296-297; Prayers and Meditations, CL, pp. 240-242
- CHORAL SELECTION
- God Is a Spirit — Alexander Kopyloff
3:30 P.M.
The light of men is Justice. Quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men.
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Arise, O God, and Show Thy Might — Haydn Morgan
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Prayers and Meditations, CLXIX, p. 261
- HINDU SCRIPTURES (The Ordinances of Manu)
- OLD TESTAMENT
- Isaiah 59:1, 2, 10, 11, 14-21
- NEW TESTAMENT
- Matthew 7:7-12; Luke 16:10
- QUR’AN
- Sura XVI, 92, 93; Sura VI, 153, 154
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Now We sing Thy Praise — Tschesnokoff
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, From the Arabic, No. 2
- The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 23
- Gleanings, pp. 204-205
- Gleanings, p. 342, CXII, p. 218: XII, p. 17
- Prayers and Meditations, CLXVI, p. 259
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Send Forth Thy Spirit — Schuetky
3:30 P.M.
Faith in God, and the knowledge of Him cannot be fully realized except through believing in all that hath proceeded from Him, and by practicing all that He hath commanded and all that is revealed in the Book from the Supreme Pen.
In all thine affairs put thy reliance in God, and commit them unto Him.
- CHORAL SELECTION
- He Shall Give His Angels Charge over Thee — Felix Mendelssohn
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Prayers and Meditations, XXIX, p. 33
- Gleanings, XXXVII, p. 86
- OLD TESTAMENT
- Psalms 1:1-4; 34:1-8
- NEW TESTAMENT
- Hebrews 11:1-7
- QUR’AN
- Sura XXIV, 41-52
- CHORAL SELECTION
- If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments — W. H. Monk
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Gleanings, p. 251; pp. 337-338; LXXIII, p. 140
- CHORAL SELECTION
- From the Sweet-Scented Streams (A Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh) — Charles Wolcott
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Bahá’í Prayers, p. 46
3:30 P.M.
No man shall attain the shores of the ocean of true understanding except he be detached from all that is in heaven and on earth. Sanctify your souls, O ye peoples of the world, that haply ye may attain that station which God hath destined for you.
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Let all the Nations Praise the Lord — Volckmer Leisring
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Communion with God, p. 20
- The Kitáb-i-Iqán, pp. 69, 70, 145-146
- OLD TESTAMENT
- Proverbs 3:1-5, 13-15
- NEW TESTAMENT
- James 1:5-8. I Corinthians 2:9-15
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Bow Down Thine Ear — Haydn Morgan
- QUR’AN
- Sura XXVIII, 73; 75-80
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Gleanings, pp. 259-260
- The Kitáb-i-Iqán, pp. 3-4
- Prayers and Meditations, LXXII, p. 118
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Hear My Prayer, O Lord — Alexander A. Arkhangelsky
PUBLICATIONS[edit]
NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]
Christ’s Promise Fulfilled. By ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from Some Answered Questions containing many chapters on Some Christian Subjects, The Five Aspects of Spirit, Stations of the Divine Manifestations, Reincarnation, and others. An effective teaching aid for appealing to people of Christian background. 75 pages, 4½ x 7½, green stamping on Grey Granite cover.
Price, each | $ .35 |
10 copies | $2.50 |
World Crusade Chart. Compiled by
Beatrice Ashton from letters of the
Guardian to the twelve National
Spiritual Assemblies and their annual conventions of April and May,
1953, and from the Guardian’s Statistical Information and Supplement
on the Ten Year Teaching Plan. The
tasks and objectives are arranged
by continents and related to each
National Assembly. Column headings designating National Assemblies may be colored with crayon to
match colors used in the Guardian’s
map. This valuable aid in following
the progress of the World Crusade
includes a statistical summary of
the goals. Excellent for use in local
study classes, Area Conference discussions, and for summer schools.
22 x 34, folded to 8 x 11 for mailing.
Each | $ .20 |
Twelve for | $2.00 |
Color Magazine Reprint. Reprint of
article on the Bahá’í Faith entitled
“Bahá’í Faith Symbolizes Unity”,
appearing in September, 1953 issue
of Color Magazine. Contains eight
photographs showing views of the
Bahá’í House of Worship interior and
exterior, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá dedicating the
Temple grounds, the National Assembly, and other Bahá’í groups.
Four pages, 8½x11, black on white.
Five copies | $ .50 |
Fifty copies | $4.25 |
New Editions[edit]
Hidden Words, fabrikoid. Deep red fabrikoid binding, gold stamping, designed as companion volume to new edition of The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys. Price.....$1.25
DIRECTORY CHANGES[edit]
- Missouri
- Mrs. John B. Becktel, Secy. pro-tem,
- 4222 Olive Street
- Kansas City 4
- California (North)
- Mrs. Florence C. Haake, Secy.
- 461 14th Street
- San Francisco 18
|
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:
Subscription and
|
- HOLY DAYS
- May 2, Twelfth day of Riḍván
- May 23, Declaration of the Báb
- (May 22, about 2 hours after sunset)
- May 29, Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh
- (3:00 A.M.)
- FEASTS
- May 17, ‘Aẓamat, Grandeur
- June 5, Núr, Light
- June 24, Raḥmat, Mercy
- National Assembly meetings May 28, 29, 30, 31.
- BAHA’I HOUSE OF WORSHIP
- Visiting hours, beginning May 1:
- Weekdays; 10:30 A.M.—4:30 P.M.,
- 7:00 P.M.—9:00 P.M.
- Sundays; 10:30 A.M.—9:00 P.M.
- Service of worship; Sunday at 3:30, lasting until 4:15. (No guided tours will be conducted during the service of worship)
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.”
- Mrs. Charles Colebrook
- Worcester, Mass.
- March 2, 1954
- Mr. Robert Durr
- Birmingham, Alabama
- March 13, 1954
- Mr. Karl Steinhauser
- Encinitas, Calif.
- March 18, 1954
- Mrs. Marion Compton
- Burlington, New Jersey
- April 1, 1954
- Dr. Lillian M. Acheson
- Jersey City, New Jersey
- April 2, 1954
BAHA’I 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 tenth 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.
