Bahá’í News/Issue 283/Text
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| No. 283 | Bahá’í Year 111 | September, 1954 |
THE GUARDIAN[edit]
"DELIGHTED PROGRESS"[edit]
Delighted progress (of) manifold activities. Supplicating abundant blessings exemplary performance pressing sacred tasks. Loving appreciation.
August 5, 1954
COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Beloved Friends:
The joyous and loving cable from the Guardian reprinted above was his response to a message sent him from the July-August meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly in which the Assembly reported on current activities including the development of consolidation pioneer projects for Finland, France, Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico. The Guardian’s pleasure at the success of the work for the World Crusade is our supreme goal and highest reward.
In this connection may the National Spiritual Assembly ask all American believers pioneering on the home front to make contact with the American National Teaching Committee in order to report their goal, date of arrival, new local address, etc. Full reports cannot be sent to Shoghi Effendi on this campaign unless the friends coordinate their projects with the national committee concerned.
MAINTENANCE OF ASSEMBLIES[edit]
Information incorrect. Maintenance all Assemblies vital.
July 23, 1954
COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Dear friends:
We share with you a cable received from the Guardian on July 23, written in reply to a National Spiritual Assembly request for advice concerning a statement he has been alleged to have made to the effect that every Bahá’í should scatter, and many feel that this means that Assembly status need not be maintained in large industrial cities or in goal cities.
EXPLANATIONS AND DIRECTIVES[edit]
Written on Behalf of the Guardian by His Secretary[edit]
He was very pleased to note that a Certificate of Excellence was awarded to the Publishing Committee. There is no doubt that we cannot make our publications too attractive, especially as they are being so much more widely circulated than before. He placed the Certificate in the mansion in Bahjí.
The Pioneer Record[edit]
The phenomenal progress which has been made throughout the Bahá’í world in settling the virgin countries during the first year of the Ten Year Crusade has been a source of great joy and comfort to the Guardian. Over-worked and often tired out as he is, the news of the arrival of pioneers in over one hundred posts has, one might almost say, kept him going. He is very proud of their achievements — the American pioneers and all their co-workers who have arisen to answer this mighty call. However, this is only the beginning. The next step is to keep these virgin areas open and settled with at least one pioneer, and preferably, of course, two or three; and to get pioneers into the few remaining countries outside the Soviet zone of influence.
He thinks that, in spite of a few lapses from duty, so to speak, the record is remarkable, and that your Assembly and your Committees handling the pioneers in different continents have every reason to feel proud and gratified over your success.
The pioneers themselves must realize that not only are they fulfilling the wishes of Bahá’u’lláh, and doing that which the Master Himself said He longed to do; namely, to go, if necessary on foot, and carry His Father’s Message to all the regions of the earth; but they are enhancing the prestige of the Faith to a remarkable degree in the eyes of the public, and especially in the eyes of officials. There is no doubt that the rapid forward march of the Faith recently has attracted a far greater measure of attention on the part of thoughtful people, and people of position in society and in educational fields, than has been the case for almost one hundred years.
Therefore, each pioneer must feel his responsibility very heavily, and understand that his calling is far above the average service; and his duty to remain at his post a very pressing one indeed.
The Auxiliary Board[edit]
The Guardian feels sure that the Auxiliary Boards recently appointed by the Hands of the Cause will stimulate and help the teaching work, which of course includes pioneer work, and be a prop and mainstay to the often over-worked and over-burdened National Spiritual Assemblies, as well as to the Hands of the Cause who are carrying, usually, heavy administrative loads in addition to their exalted position as Hands.
The general principle is that the National Spiritual Assembly to which a country has been allotted, is responsible for the progress of the Faith there, and the unfoldment of its administrative activities, regardless of whether the territory in question
[Page 2]
is the possession of a nation
other than that which the National
Assembly in question represents.
In other words, your Assembly might be carrying out teaching work in British, Portuguese, Spanish or French territories, and the British, Portuguese, Spanish or French Assemblies would have nothing to do with the matter.
Concern over the Home Front[edit]
He is very concerned over the work on the homefront. The American Bahá’ís have, with devotion, enthusiasm and confidence, gone out to answer the pioneer call all over the world, but he does not feel that they have made an adequate response to the needs of the work in the United States.
He has been told that some of the friends are disturbed over reports brought back by the pilgrims concerning the dangers facing America in the future whenever another world conflagration breaks out.
He does not feel that the Bahá’ís should waste time dwelling on the dark side of things. Any intelligent person can understand from the experiences of the last world war, and keeping abreast of what modern science has developed in the way of weapons for any future war, that big cities all over the world are going to be in tremendous danger. This is what the Guardian has said to the pilgrims.
Entirely aside from this, he has urged the Bahá’ís, for the sake of serving the Faith, to go out from these centers of intense materialism, where life nowadays is so hurried and grinding and, dispersing to towns and villages, carry the Message far and wide through the cities of the American Union. He strongly believes that the field outside the big cities is more fertile, that the Bahá’ís in the end will be happier for having made this move, and that, in case of an outbreak of war, it stands to reason they will be safer, just the way any other person living in the country, or away from the big industrial areas, is safer.
Pilgrim’s Notes[edit]
It is remarks such as these that the pilgrims have carried back in their notes. He sees no cause for alarm, but he certainly believes that the Bahá’ís should weigh these thoughts, and take action for the sake of spreading the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, and for their own ultimate happiness as well. Indeed the two things go together.
Increase in Local Assemblies[edit]
He hopes that during the present year there will be a great surge forward on the home front, that the number of Assemblies will be markedly multiplied, and that also there will be more incorporations of Spiritual Assemblies. The Ten Year Plan, if the friends will study it, comprises not only glamorous goals far afield, but extremely important ones near at hand. If these are not achieved, the Plan will have failed.
He knows from his past experience, and his long association with the American Bahá’ís in the service of the Faith, that they are capable of arising and meeting the requirements of the hour, and he feels sure that, at this period in their Bahá’í history, they are going to demonstrate their sterling qualities just as they always have in the past.
Temple Dependency[edit]
As he has already informed your Assembly, he feels that the first Bahá’í institution to be built in the neighborhood of the Temple at Wilmette should be a Home for the Aged. There are a number of reasons for this. First of all, it need not be a very expensive undertaking in the beginning, or require a tremendous outlay of capital. Second, he believes that it is now time for the Bahá’ís to show the people of the world that our aim of rendering service to humanity is a concrete thing, and not confined to words. Until now, the Bahá’ís have not been in any position to create philanthropic institutions, and they have often been criticized for this. He feels therefore that in a small way they can now begin, through the founding of this first institution in the neighborhood of the Temple.
Bahá’í Symbol on Tombstones[edit]
In regard to your question regarding the use of the Greatest Name on tombstones of Bahá’ís, the Guardian considers this too sacred to be placed in such a position in general use, and the friends should not use it on their tombstones. They can use quotations from the Teachings, if they wish to, but not the Greatest Name. Naturally, if anyone has already used it, it does not matter.
Marriage to a Non-Bahá’í[edit]
The general principle in regard to the marriage of a Bahá’í to a non-Bahá’í is as follows: If a Bahá’í marries a non-Bahá’í who wishes to have the religious ceremony of his own sect carried out, it must be quite clear that, first, the Bahá’í partner is understood to be a Bahá’í by religion, and not to accept the religion of the other party to the marriage through having his or her religious ceremony; and second, the ceremony must be of a nature which does not commit the Bahá’í to any declaration of faith in a religion other than his own.
Under these circumstances, the Bahá’í can partake of the religious ceremony of his non-Bahá’í partner. The Bahá’í should insist on having the Bahá’í ceremony carried out before or after the non-Bahá’í one, on the same day.
June 20, 1954
COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Beloved Friends:
The foregoing communication consists of excerpts taken from a letter to the National Assembly on behalf of the Guardian by his Secretary. It presents us with explanations and directives requested by the National Assembly on current questions, and will be greatly appreciated by the friends.
The headings supplied for identification of separate subjects were of course not a part of the original letter from Haifa.
The Guardian’s great message published as an annex in this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS came as a postscript to the letter written on his behalf dated June 20.
The Assemblies and individual believers are to apply whatever directives come to us from Haifa except those which as in the case of the Temple dependency can only be carried out by the national body.
AUSTRALIAN HAND OF CAUSE APPOINTS TWO ASSISTANTS[edit]
From the Bahá’í News Bulletin of Australia and New Zealand, June, 1954, we learn that, on instruction of the Guardian, Clara Dunn, Hand of the Cause of the Australian Continent, has appointed two assistants who, with her, comprise the Board. Those appointed by the Hand of the Cause are H. C. Featherstone and Thelma Parks.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
SETTLEMENT OF GOAL CITIES[edit]
Beloved Friends:
The National Spiritual Assembly has received a letter written on behalf of the Guardian by the Assistant Secretary, which states that the Bahá’ís who disperse should consider as their first obligation, if they do not settle outside the United States, the settlement of one of the goal cities of the Crusade in the United States.
We quote two paragraphs from this communication dated July 11, 1954:
“In letters which have been received from many individuals, the Guardian has noted that they wish to disperse from large cities; but in few instances do they speak of settling in the goal cities of the Ten Year Plan. They write of settling in this city, or that city or some other city, but in few cases have any mentioned settling in a goal city selected by the National Assembly.
“The Guardian feels this is something the National Assembly, the National Teaching Committee and the local Assemblies should take in hand very actively, so that any Bahá’ís who disperse should consider as their first obligation, if they do not settle outside of the United States, that they settle in one of the goal cities of the Crusade in the United States.”
This direction gives a new emphasis to the plan adopted last year for the establishment of a total of 300 local Assemblies by 1963. Without a general plan, and coordination of efforts of individual pioneers, local Assemblies and Teaching Committees, the successful outcome could well be missed.
Will this direction, then, be discussed and shared with the believers at Feasts, Conferences and School sessions, so that we may move steadily forward as one organic body with concentrated energy and single aim. Prospective pioneers should get in touch with the American National Teaching Committee or the Intercontinental Teaching Committee for the area they prefer.
It will not be overlooked that by pointing our settlements to the definite list of goal cities, the Guardian refutes any misunderstanding which might arise as to the essential purpose of dispersal. We are not fleeing from danger but we are establishing the Bahá’í community in as many different parts of the world as we can by 1963. It is a World Faith, germinating a World Order, and the sign of this universality must be clearly apparent to all mankind by 1963. That is the shining goal. The peril and the destruction are accompanying factors but they are not, and never can be, substitute goals.
- Sincerely,
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
“... The Queen of Carmel enthroned on God’s Mountain crowned in glowing gold, robed in shimmering white, girdled in emerald green, enchanting every eye from air, sea, plain and hill.” (quoted from the Guardian’s cable of October, 1953)
"LOVE ME, THAT I MAY LOVE THEE"[edit]
Beloved Friends:
As we find ourselves in the era of proclamation, pioneer settlement and world-wide expansion of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, it is imperative that we adapt ourselves inwardly and spiritually to the new needs and opportunities of this time. Too many attitudes and habits from the past era continue to limit the powers of our souls.
The former Bahá’í era established the administrative institutions. Its keynote was discipline, since a large body of individuals were obliged to recognize the important new factor of authority vested in the institution. Authority vested in an institution, not a form of personal prestige, was a new reality. In discovering it we underwent painful experience and much useful initiative was dampened and discouraged.
Today as we survey ourselves as a community we find many local bodies in existence which have enrolled no new believers in years. The Bahá’ís attend to the formalities of their Assembly but inspire no vigorous teaching efforts. Why should this be? Why should there be lack of unity, lack of cooperation—such a minimum of spiritual life that we continue to exist but do not develop and evolve?
The reason, essentially, is that we remain imprisoned within our own human personality and rarely transcend its limitations. Our relations with other Bahá’ís are confined within the mutual limitations of personalities. Politeness and courtesy are no substitute for that all-embracing love which is the gift of God to His people in this age.
What is the reason for our limitation? Because the adjustments of personalities necessarily involve complications of human feeling and opinion, while relationship to the Creative Word creates oneness among diverse peoples.
In some cases the love of leadership and power keeps a community in ferment year after year. In other cases jealousies are aroused when any Bahá’í courageously attempts to undertake more vigorous teaching work. A community tends to revolve around two centers of personality, so that the element of disunity always exists as a potential beneath the surface.
This is a desperate crisis, and we can only emerge from it as individuals making, each one, a supreme effort to purify and re-invigorate his own individual self.
As physical pain is evidence of some illness, so unhappiness is the evidence of spiritual sickness. We should begin with every appearance of unhappiness in our Bahá’í lives and face it determinedly as a symptom of conditions that must be healed. Prayer and meditation, not argument and aimless discussion—intense and concentrated prayer—are the healing remedy which a loving Father provides for his erring children.
Through prayer and meditation we can begin to discern the true self within—the spiritual being which God created in the mystery of a life of flesh—and holding fast to that assurance, strive to attain more and more perfect light from the Source.
The true Bahá’í life is happy, spontaneous, energetic, creative. It blesses not only the individual who has learned to live this life but all other persons encountered along the way. This life is a luminous surface reflecting love and ardor everywhere. A small community of Bahá’ís who love God would have a power of service surpassing the capacity of hundreds of indifferent souls.
This way forward, from the human to the spiritual being, is surely the immediate step we all must humbly strive to make. Surrounded as we are today with gravest of world issues and events, we can only meet them in a spiritual realm because in the human realm they shatter and destroy.
It would be well if, in many communities where unhappiness and dissension have reigned, the believers could undergo a condition of true repentance, each for the wrong done to the others—tear away the thick veils of personality, and find each other as children of God.
This compassionate, wise, divine mission was the Master’s; and in His Tablets to the friends we find again the power of true faith.
Consider these words: “The spiritual love of God maketh man pure and holy and clotheth him with the garment of virtue and purity. And when man attacheth his heart wholly to God and becometh related to the Blessed Perfection, the divine bounty will dawn. This love is not physical, nay, rather, it is absolutely spiritual.
“The souls whose consciences are enlighted through the light of the love of God, they are like unto shining lights and resemble stars of holiness in the heaven of purity.
“The real and great love is the love of God. That is holy above the imaginations and thoughts of men ...
“Therefore, O ye friends of God, ye must in perfect purity attain spiritual unity and agreement to a degree that you may express one spirit and one life.” (Bahá’í World Faith, page 365)
INCORPORATION OF ASSEMBLIES[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Oak Park, Illinois, was legally incorporated on February 16, 1954.
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of St. Louis, Missouri, was legally incorporated on June 14, 1954. The document was certified by the Secretary of State of Missouri.
These actions make about 68 duly incorporated local Assemblies in the United States.
WORLD RELIGION DAY[edit]
Included in National List of Special Events[edit]
The rise of World Religion Day to a place of prominence and public influence in the United States is attested by the action of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States in requesting the National Spiritual Assembly to fill out a form giving all necessary information about World Religion Day.
Their national bulletin referred to as “Special Days, Weeks and Months in 1955” went to press on August 15 and well before that date the data was supplied.
Adopted in October, 1949, the first World Religion Day was observed as a public relations project on the third Sunday of January, 1950, and has been regularly held on the third Sunday of January since that year. World Religion Day is also observed by National Spiritual Assemblies and local Assemblies outside the United States.
WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES[edit]
Dear Friends:
The important Assembly of the World Council of Churches is to be
[Page 5]
held in Evanston in mid-August. A
Bahá’í Committee was appointed to
deal with this meeting and reports
that the central voting group will be
made up from member churches
representing 150 million people.
Christian leaders from 48 countries
on both sides of the Iron Curtain will
attend. This Assembly will probably
be the most representative Christian
gathering ever held. Christian leaders are also aware that it may be the
most explosive.
What are they going to talk about?
The main theme of the Assembly sounds uncontroversial enough: “Christ, the Hope of the World.” Yet that title contains a question which, before it is answered, may draw a dramatic line between Christian theologians in every part of the world. In this Assembly they must come to grips with such questions as the “Return”, the “Second Coming”, the “End of the World”, the “Day of Judgment” and the “Establishment of the Father’s Kingdom on Earth.” The greatest Christian scholars are divided on these questions and they will probably remain divided. So, as of now, what constitutes Christian Hope is far from clear in many minds and there is no common message of hope to give mankind.
What can we do about it?
1. We can inform ourselves of the Teachings of our Faith regarding the return of Christ. We can meet with other believers and study Some Answered Questions, which tells of the birth of Christ, the Second Coming, the Resurrection, etc. In this book the Master speaks with authority about many of these questions which have troubled Christians down through the ages.
2. We can make use of excerpts from Some Answered Questions at firesides or public meetings.
3. We can present to friends copies of a new compilation taken from Some Answered Questions entitled: Christ’s Promise Fulfilled. This booklet has been compiled just for this purpose. It is obtainable from the Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 10 copies for $2.50.
We can present copies of Bahá’í Teachings on Life after Death which will soon be available. The advent of the H-Bomb is turning more and more minds to the subject covered in this pamphlet.
4. We can use for firesides and radio broadcasts specially prepared recordings: “The Return of Christ” and “The Promised One.” The tape recordings of these talks can be secured from the Bahá’í Press Service, 6543 N. Campbell Avenue, Chicago, 45, Illinois.
5. The “Return of Christ” on record can be secured from the Audio-Visual Education Committee. This Committee is now producing “Words for the World.” Both of these recordings have been used successfully at firesides in preparing inquirers for the Bahá’í story.
What is the National Spiritual Assembly doing about the Assembly of the World Council of Churches?
1. Issues of the Christian Century, widely read by Protestant clergy around the world, will carry a picture and a cordial invitation to the delegates and their friends to visit the Temple.
Similar invitations will be placed in all North Shore papers. Posters bearing this same invitation will be placed in store windows.
2. The Council delegates have two free periods. Sunday afternoon, August 22nd, and Thursday night, August 26th. Horace Holley will speak on “The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh” in the Foundation Hall of the Temple, at 8:00 P.M. Aug. 26. The Sunday afternoon services will be planned with the Council attendees in mind.
3. A telegram of greeting and good wishes will be sent to the opening session of the Assembly by the National Spiritual Assembly.
What do we hope to accomplish by these preparations?
Our great hope is to alert the friends everywhere to the challenge this Assembly of the World Council of Churches will present to them, so they may take advantage of it to tell of the Bahá’í teachings on these subjects.
We do not expect to make converts of the visiting clergy but we do expect to make friends for the Faith, through tours of the Temple and gifts of suitable literature especially prepared for this occasion. We expect that the Bahá’í Faith will be understood and its principles appreciated during this coming Assembly of the World Council of Churches.
News of the Assembly will be broadcast on Radio and Television and appear in newspapers. Tremendous interest will be stimulated among vast numbers of people who will be talking about this event.
The important thing to remember is that liberal Christian thinking regarding Bible prophecy, “The Return”, etc., has changed profoundly the last two years. Millions of Christians will be made conscious of the “Return” or “Second Coming”, thanks to the Council Assembly. The World Council of Churches is not likely to meet again this century in the U. S. Christian leaders from all over the world are being brought to the very doors of the Temple.
American Bahá’ís are being presented with this God-given teaching opportunity. It is the hope of the NSA that all believers will arise and take full advantage of the many opportunities which will result from the Evanston Christian Assembly.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
BAHA'I IN THE NEWS[edit]
A photograph of the Temple has been sent to the United States Information Agency, Religious Information Section, to be used in an exhibit of the religious life of America to be sent abroad.
Wilmette Life, June 3, devoted its front cover to a very attractive close-up picture of members of the Wilmette Garden Club in one of the Temple gardens. The occasion was a meeting of members of Illinois Garden Clubs addressed by Mr. Hilbert Dahl, landscape architect, in Temple Foundation Hall on June 4.
Chapter 59 of Chicago The Pagan, by Weimar Port, published by Judy Publishing Company, Chicago, “A New Kind of Guide Book,” is entitled Bahá’í Temple, and presents for those seeking to tour Chicago and its area a very appealing description of the House of Worship and its meaning.
The editors of P. F. Collier & Son have submitted for revision a very biased article on the Faith in National Encyclopedia, and a new article approved by the Reviewing Committee has been accepted for publication in the next edition. The statement is accompanied by an illustration of the House of Worship.
Through Miss Gwenne D. Sholtis the National Assembly has received a copy of a newspaper published in Santiago, Chile, in which the editors gave an accurate brief outline of the Faith in response to a request for information received from a reader.
[Page 6]
The New York Assembly has sent
a copy of the Israeli paper Forward
for July 18, 1954, a roto supplement,
containing a very attractive photo of
the completed Shrine of the Báb with
a factual reference.
The Shrine of the Báb is also illustrated in the July issue of Michigan Architect and Engineer, a copy of which has come from Mr. Edwin Eardley.
In the small magazine Fellowship in Prayer, April, 1954, the Master’s Prayer for All Nations is reproduced, and a very sympathetic reference also appears concerning the tragic death of Dorothy Beecher Baker, one of the advisors of this publication.
Speaking of Women, April, 1954, an International Quarterly, contains two Bahá’í articles: “Bahá’í Broadcast In Canada,” by Lloyd Gardner (Script written by Annie B. Romer) and a brief story on Ṭáhírih written by F. Kazemzadeh.
The Woman’s Forum of Nassau County, Long Island, has in its May, 1954, issue an excerpt from Hidden Words and also a notice of the participation of the Bahá’ís of Long Island in the exhibits maintained at the Eleventh Annual Forum, March 30.
In the July issue of American Motorist, a national magazine which has a very large circulation, on page 31, under “Books for Motorists and Tourists”, is a write-up which states:
The Spell of the Temple by Allen Boyer McDaniel ... is the story of the fabulous Bahá’í Temple on Grosse Point Bluff, on Lake Michigan, near Chicago. As an engineer, Mr. McDaniel helped to build the temple which is a travel objective for folks headed toward that area.”
The Chicago Sunday Tribune on July 4 in its Neighborhood Section ran an article about the members of the Ioas family under the heading “Family Helps Strengthen Sinews of Bahá’í Religion.” Signed by staff writer Louise Hutchinson, the article listed the many activities and outstanding achievements of members of the family over three generations of devotion to the Faith.
Revision of a Bahá’í article in a book entitled A Handbook of Denominations, published in 1947, has been made by the author, Frank S. Mead, Editor, Fleming H. Revell Co., and submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly for final approval.
TEMPORARY CHANGE OF ADDRESS[edit]
Appeal for Cooperation[edit]
American Bahá’ís who go on a journey or on vacation and are temporarily absent from home have been requesting the national headquarters to use a temporary address for sending copies of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, as the believer is anxious to see his current issue without delay.
Unfortunately this practice has produced an impossible situation for the national staff, combined as it is with the large amount of extra work involved in postal returns from addresses which have changed without advance notice to the National Spiritual Assembly.
Will the believers appreciate the unnecessary expense involved in postage due bills of $15.00 in some months, plus hours per week of staff time in remailing copies to new addresses when they finally arrive.
The National Spiritual Assembly can no longer make up for the failure of the friends to take care of their own changes of address at their own local Post Office, when mail must be forwarded to them elsewhere, or for their assumption that the staff can act as a Post Office to take care of temporary changes of address.
The method to be followed in the headquarters for mailing of BAHÁ’Í NEWS hereafter is simple. A copy will be sent each American Bahá’í at the permanent address on our list. If any copy is returned undelivered by the Post Office, it will be retained here. A believer not receiving a copy because of a change of address not reported to the National Spiritual Assembly can obtain a new copy at the rate of 10 cents each.
Every effort will continue to be made to maintain a full and correct address list of the Bahá’í community, as hitherto, but the National Spiritual Assembly must safeguard its funds and its staff facilities for efficiency as well as for the sake of justice. A little thoughtfulness on the part of the individual can be a great help at national headquarters.
WORLD CRUSADE[edit]
KAMPALA SITE PURCHASED FOR HOUSE OF WORSHIP[edit]
The purchase of a site for the future Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of Kampala, Uganda, has been announced in Africa News, publication of the Africa Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles. After many months of work, a special committee, acting with the advice of the Guardian, concluded negotiations for six acres of land located about one mile south of the municipal boundaries. From the elevation where the Temple will be reared there is a beautiful view of Lake Victoria and much of Kampala.
TRANSLATIONS IN INDIA[edit]
Translations of Bahá’í literature into the Balochi, Panjabi, Tibetan, Javanese, Manipuri, Pashto, Nicobarese, Mentawei, Georgian, Pali, as well as the Siamese and Modern Chinese languages have been completed, according to the Bahá’í News Bulletin of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma. Translations into Thô, Ossete and Annamese are in process. From the same source it is reported that the Djakarta group has completed translation of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era into Indonesian. This is now being reviewed preparatory to printing.
PIONEER LETTERS[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to share the following passages from pioneer letters, in keeping with its policy of keeping the Bahá’í world informed of the spirit and some of the incidents which characterize the unfoldment of the World Crusade.
Excerpts from Pioneer Letters to the Asia Teaching Committee[edit]
From Stanley Bolton, Jr.
Tonga, March 31, 1954
Tonga is quite isolated. Not, perhaps, as much as some Pacific Islands, but by American or Australian standards very much so. We have a regular monthly steamer from New Zealand which does the round trip to Suva, Tonga, Niue, Samoa, Suva and back to New Zealand. Occasionally,
[Page 7]
Views of the inauguration of the “Instituto Cultural Indiginesta Bahá’í” in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. The group at the left shows members of the Cofradia, the Indian government, with Jenny Taylor, directress of the Institute. At the right, members of the Institute staff are serving refreshments to guests and students. (Story on page 9.)
perhaps once in three months or more, we have a ship from the American mainland either direct or via Tahiti, and an occasional one from Australia. The flying boat, also from New Zealand via Suva, comes with alternative breaks of six and two weeks ...
There is no newspaper, only a daily news sheet. But this is hard to get hold of unless you are in government circles and then when you do, is almost unreadable, so badly is it produced. Certainly it is days behind. Therefore the only real contact with the outside world is the radio, programs coming from Suva, New Zealand and Australia. America can also be picked up but is generally not listened to. There is no radio in Tonga itself except cable station which is the one direct and permanent contact with the outside world.
In spite of this isolation Tonga is a veritable paradise. Some would say that because of this isolation it has remained a Pacific paradise. Others are loud in their criticism of lack of facilities and amenities and spend no little time cursing the quiet and solitude which is so much a part of island life.
The island of Tongatabu which, together with a few smaller islands, makes up one of the three groups comprising the whole of Tonga, is the main island. Being coral, it is perfectly flat and surrounded by extensive and far-reaching reefs. The weather is tropical, but not oppressively so as it is in Fiji or Samoa. The people are extremely likeable and friendly. There is good reason for these islands to be called the Friendly Islands. Walk down the street and at the drop of a hat a dozen conversations commence. Within the first hour of my arrival chatting to such a casual acquaintance, quite without purpose or trying, I was able to give a little of the Message.
The Tongans are friendly, open, childish, carefree and generally, by our standards, without ambition or responsibility. It is probably for this reason that the ownership of all land is vested ultimately in the government through a quite rigidly observed system of aristocracy. Nobility of birth, from royalty down through the nobles and chieftain classes to the commoners, in spite of the natural and inevitable inroad of democratic ideas, still carries with it many privileges and traditional rights denied those of lower birth. This social system is even reflected in the language which, until the advent of missions and organized government, was merely a spoken language, in that different words for the same thing are used on occasion of addressing a person of higher or lower rank.
The European population is limited to government officials, government employees, managers and officials of commercial houses and ministers of the church. A few of the Europeans have been here many years, some all their life, having been born here. Among these most are related. But for the most part, the European population is a floating population which is constantly changing. As contracts, usually for three years, terminate they return from where they have come. There is a mixed Tongan-white population which is fairly well educated and speaks both Tongan and English fluently. They command a good deal of influence and power. By far the majority of the population is native Tongan in custom, language, culture, in fact, all but religion. A Wesleyan stronghold, there are also sizeable groups of Mormons and Catholics. The Europeans are generally Church of England.
There is veritably no tourist trade. Conditions do not warrant it, and while they are a convenient excuse, the fact is that immigration of any sort, regardless of who it might be, is discouraged and tourism is kept to an absolute minimum as official policy. Allegedly, the only people allowed to stay are employees under contract or people who have friends here whom they wish to visit. Since it is virtually impossible for a private individual (European) to buy land or a house except by renting or transferring a long term lease, of which there are few available and no further ones being issued, the only alternative for the casual visitor is to lodge at the boarding house. This of course leaves much to be desired. However, once here, I am sure that landing permits can be extended and a house, with a little difficulty or waiting, can be obtained.
I was very interested to read that some friends are trying to come here to settle and pioneer. Actually I heard some time ago through the grapevine, commonly called “coconut news” here, that their permits had been granted and sent off. I was delighted to discover that they were Bahá’ís. With all the publicity
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Believers from the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and the United States at the Third Benelux Conference and Summer School, held June 5-13, 1954, at Pietersberg, Ooesterbeck, Holland. (Story on page 10.)
of the Royal visit there has been an amazing demand for entry permits. The secretary to the Premier told me that they have been receiving as many as two hundred applications each mail. Among them doubtless are some Bahá’í applicants. Most of them, except a few select, such as scientists, research men and journalists, are politely refused. For my own part, my entry here, I have discovered, has been a minor miracle.
Unaware of all of these difficulties when I applied I naturally assumed that a landing permit was the logical result of application, but I have since learned differently. I have no doubt that the Hand of Bahá’u’lláh was mysteriously at work. The facts are these. I wrote to the Minister of Police for a landing permit a few days after my arrival back in Australia from the Holy Land. Realizing the poor mail service, and that all departments would be upside down with the Royal visit merely a few weeks off, I decided to cable. I received an immediate reply granting me six months. It was not until the eve of my departure that a formal application form was forwarded to me to fill in and I am sure must have arrived some considerable time after I did in Tonga. There was not time for me to receive a formal permit. I simply traveled on the strength of the cable and, of course, it was accepted. This all seemed very ordinary at the time but it has been only since my arrival that I learned from all sorts of sources that my case was unusual. Once established here there should be little difficulty in the future, since it is always possible for friends to visit residents.
Do pray for the work here. Prayer is the great binding force in this Ten Year Crusade and is a way all Bahá’ís can help gain in the world of the spirit those victories that must accrue to the pioneers in the world of reality.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND[edit]
From the Bahá’í Youth Letter comes the announcement that the activity of South Australian youth has necessitated the formation of a South Australian Youth Group. This, it is hoped will develop into a Regional Youth Committee.
CANADA[edit]
Maritimes Conference[edit]
The Maritimes Provinces Annual Summer Conference, held this year in Shediac, New Brunswick, was keyed to the theme “The Unfoldment of the Faith Under the Guardian”. Special emphasis was laid on study of the Guardian’s messages.
CENTRAL AMERICA[edit]
“Instituto Cultural Indigenista Bahá’í” Holds Formal Inauguration[edit]
In Chichicastenango, Departmento del Quiche, Guatemala, the “Institute Cultural Indigenista Bahá’í” was formally inaugurated, June 5. With the approval of the “Cofradía”, the Indian Municipal government which includes 60 cantons, and the Ladino government of the town, Louise Caswell and Jenny Taylor held a program introducing the school and its services to some 50 guests. This consisted, chiefly, of an exhibition of the school’s facilities, a sincere welcome from the teachers, and refreshments. All present were told that the Institute was theirs, established for their benefit. Fifteen members of the “Cofradía” attended, en masse, a sign of acceptance which the Indian people understand.
Although the program marked the formal opening, the Institute has functioned for some time, its members serving quietly, patiently, demonstrating its purpose by deeds.
Stolid, work-weary boys and girls taught to read, to develop their native skills, to play; a sick mother nursed to health — by such means the people came to know and trust the school and its personnel. Now, a recognized institution, the Institute can bring an even greater beneficial influence into the lives of the people of Chichicastenango and the surrounding territory.
And, for the first time, a fireside was held with the family of one of the Indian pupils.
Textbooks for Pioneers[edit]
The Asian Teaching Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Central America requests that friends search their cellars and attics for old textbooks in English. These are needed in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, where there is a possibility that a school may be opened by Mr. and Mrs. Roy Fernie, pioneers in that area. The Committee will act as forwarding agent. Believers who have textbooks to contribute to this project should write:
- Asian Teaching Committee
- Mr. James Barrett, Secy.
- Box 1386
- Cristobal, Panama
- Canal Zone
First Gilbertese Believer[edit]
On June 1, 1954, the first Gilbertese believer, Mr. Peter Kanere of Buota, Abiand, became a declared follower of Bahá’u’lláh, the Asian Teaching Committee of Central America reports.
EXCERPTS FROM GLEANINGS STRESSED BY THE GUARDIAN[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to share with the believers the following quotations from Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. This is a compilation made by Jessie Revell, who says that these words were the theme of the Guardian all winter. Page numbers are given to the friends who wish to read the complete sections from which these passages have been taken.
“The world is in travail, and its agitation waxeth day by day. Its face is turned toward waywardness and unbelief. Such shall be its plight, that to disclose it now would not be meet and seemly. Its perversity will long continue. And when the appointed hour is come, there shall suddenly appear that which shall cause the limbs of mankind to quake. Then, and only then, will the Divine Standard be unfurled, and the Nightingale of Paradise warble its melody.”
“O ye that are bereft of understanding! A severe trial pursueth
you, and will suddenly overtake you.
Bestir yourselves, that haply it may
pass and inflict no harm upon you.”
“So blind hath become the human
heart that neither the disruption of
the city, nor the reduction of the
mountain in dust, nor even the cleaving of the earth, can shake off its
torpor. The allusions made in the
Scriptures have been unfolded, and
the signs recorded therein have been
revealed, and the prophetic cry is
continually being raised. And yet all,
except such as God was pleased to
guide, are bewildered in the drunkenness of their heedlessness!”
“Soon shall the blasts of His chastisement beat upon you, and the dust
of hell enshroud you. Those men
who, having amassed the vanities
and ornaments of the earth, have
turned away disdainfully from God
— these have lost both this world
and the world to come. Ere long,
will God, with the Hand of Power,
strip them of their possessions, and
divest them of the robe of His bounty. To this they themselves shall
soon witness. Thou, too, shalt
testify.”
“We have a fixed time for you, O
peoples. If ye fail, at that appointed
hour, to turn towards God, He, verily, will lay violent hold on you, and
will cause grievous afflictions to assail you from every direction. How
severe, indeed, is the chastisement
with which your Lord will then chastise you!”
“The fierce gales and whirlwinds
of the world and its peoples can
never shake the foundation upon
which the rock-like stability of My
chosen ones is based.”
“Ere long the world and all that
is therein shall be as a thing forgotten, and all honor shall belong
to the loved ones of thy Lord, the
All-Glorious, the Most Bountiful.”
“If he be kindled with the fire of
His love, if he foregoeth all created
things, the words he uttereth shall
set on fire them that hear him.”
“Wert thou to consider this
world, and realize how fleeting are
the things that pertain unto it, thou
wouldst choose to tread no path except the path of service to the Cause
of thy Lord. None would have the
power to deter thee from celebrating
His praise, though all men should
arise to oppose thee.”
“Center your energies in the propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso
is worthy of so high a calling, let
him arise and promote it. Whoso is
unable, it is his duty to appoint him
who will, in his stead, proclaim this
Revelation, whose power hath
caused the foundations of the mightiest structures to quake, every
mountain to be crushed into dust,
and every soul to be dumbfounded.
Should the greatness of this Day be
revealed in its fullness, every man
would forsake a myriad lives in his
longing to partake, though it be for
one moment, of its great glory —
how much more this world and its
corruptible treasures!”
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AN APPEAL FROM THE AMERICAN NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE Three States, NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA and VERMONT, valued and hard won spiritual prizes of the First Seven Year Plan, are now without Local Spiritual Assemblies. The American Bahá’í Community has relinquished a salient portion of their God Given Mission, an assignment of the First Seven Year Plan celebrated with such remembered joy at the Centenary Convention in 1944, when we were able to gladden our beloved Guardian’s heart by the establishment of Local Spiritual Assemblies in every remaining state of the United States, as well as in each Province in Canada. What must he feel to learn that this victorious achievement was transitory; that we have allowed this victory to slip from our grasp through the dissolution of three assemblies: Brattleboro, Vermont; North Augusta, South Carolina and Greensboro, North Carolina. Re-establishment of these three Assemblies is the primary goal of the Home Front Crusade this year. Where are the settlers who can reclaim these assemblies and bring joy once more to the heart of Shoghi Effendi? Please do not delay if you can offer so tremendous and timely a service to the Faith. We wait for your letters. AMERICAN NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE, Jesma Herbert, Secretary
725 Alvarado Street, Los Angeles 57, California |
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
EUROPEAN TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]
Benelux Conference and Summer School[edit]
The Third Benelux Bahá’í Conference, June 5-7, followed by the First Benelux Bahá’í Summer School sessions, June 8-15, was attended by some seventy believers from nine countries.
Drs. Hermann Grossmann and Adelbert Mühlschlegel, Hands of the Cause, spoke during the opening meetings of the Conference, held at “De Pietersberg” Auditorium in Oosterbeck near Arnhem, Holland. They traced the development of the Faith from the earliest days through the establishment of the institution of the Hands of the Cause and the appointment of their Auxiliary Boards, pointing out the duty and privilege of each Bahá’í to serve as a spearhead for constructive forces in building a new world. The second and third days of the Conference were given to reports from various countries and regional committees, and consultation on specific problems of the Benelux area. Addresses were distributed, mimeographed in the several languages used, and all discussion was translated simultaneously, on the spot, into French, Dutch, German and English.
The Summer School was keyed to the Ten Year Crusade and its implications for the Benelux nations. To launch these considerations, Miss Honor Kempton read the Guardian’s message, point by point. The work for each of the Benelux countries was then charted on a blackboard and consultation held on immediate steps to be taken toward attainment of the goals outlined. Settlers volunteered to go to extension teaching areas in all three countries and plans were made for close cooperation between these pioneers and the mother communities. Problems of incorporation were discussed and the example of the “Foundation Bahá’í Literature”, the legally recognized, tax-exempt organization set up in Holland as an immediate initial step, was studied. Funds were established for creating Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Holland and Luxembourg and contributions made to a similar Fund already existing for Belgium. “Multiplication of Assemblies, Groups and isolated centers”, the Guardian’s words, were the theme, and the remainder of the sessions was devoted to discussion of details bearing on the teaching needed for the realization of this goal.
At the last session, the friends stood together for the reading of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s “Tablet of Visitation”. At its close, all remained together in silence for nearly five minutes, bound in great unity of spirit, in renewed dedication to the tasks ahead.
At a meeting held immediately after the final session, the Benelux Regional Committee attacked its problems of coordinating the teaching effort and made initial plans for next year’s Benelux Bahá’í Conference and Summer School.
UNITED STATES AFRICA TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]
New Arrivals[edit]
After many delays, Mrs. Elizabeth Stamp, from New York, arrived on the island of St. Helena May 4. She is in one of the most isolated spots in the world. Boats go there only about once a month and when a boat does arrive, she says, it is a holiday for everyone but the shopkeepers and the post office.
She writes that she has already made known her Faith, has had many inquiries from people and is proceeding to get settled. She asks our thoughts and prayers for her in this isolated spot.
Goals for This Year[edit]
To build up the eleven virgin areas assigned to us in Africa, all of which have settlers or pioneers in the process of establishing themselves; for consolidating the area of South Africa and Liberia, each of which has one local assembly; all of this will be helped and stimulated immeasurably by the institution, new to us this year, of the Hand of the Cause, Mr. Musa Banání, living in Uganda, and Auxiliary Board of nine (announced in July BAHÁ’Í NEWS). Pioneers can thus come into closer contact with other friends through visits and in innumerable ways the Hand and board will be able to help with teaching work in both remote and nearby areas of Africa.
In Africa one of the most thrilling teaching experiences, which took place during Riḍván 1954, stemmed from the British Cameroons. Here, last October, Enoch Olinga, from
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Kampala, Uganda, settled and began
teaching the Faith. By April 21st an
assembly was formed in Victoria,
British Cameroons, and during the
Riḍván period in British Togoland,
French Togoland, French Cameroons, Ashanti Protectorate, Northern Territory Protectorate (of Gold
Coast). Our committee has been in
closest touch with David Tanyi, the
pioneer to French Togoland, as it is
one of the new areas assigned to us.
He is serving with the utmost devotion and detachment, telling those
whom he comes in touch with of the
Faith. Already one new believer is
about to be enrolled and he is overjoyed at this. With him in Lome,
French Togoland, are two American
pioneers, Miss Mavis Nyman and
Mrs. Vivian Wesson, who arrived
early in May, so they can form a
Bahá’í Group and work together.
News of new believers enrolled also comes from the Collisons, of Ruanda-Urundi, adjacent to the Belgian Congo. They write of being eager for help from Bahá’í pioneers, but say that a knowledge of French is absolutely necessary. The Collisons, not knowing French, feel quite handicapped in their teaching work.
Bill Sears has recently been to Haifa and his notes, naturally, deal largely with the methods and importance of teaching in South Africa. Over and over again these general principles are reiterated: pioneers going to Africa must efface themselves, they must realize that in going to Africa they go to teach the native African people, not the Europeans or others who have migrated there. Pioneers must show by actions, not by words alone, that they love the Africans and have come to Africa to serve them and show their love for them. The Guardian considers Uganda the place in Africa where the Bahá’í Faith has been most successfully taught, and urges pioneers in other areas to emulate them. He said it was the small things that were done that touched the hearts and won people to the Faith. In teaching the native Africans his advice was “to select those taught carefully, teach them thoroughly, strengthen them in their understanding. Give them the message in such a way as to create in them a desire to teach. Then the task is accomplished. Then let the whites disperse.” Thus it is stressed that the Bahá’í pioneers teach some of the Africans well and then let them go ahead and teach others, in their own way. Surely we are seeing an excellent example of this in the story of the pioneering of Enoch Olinga and the pioneers from Victoria. Lastly, as has been said many times previously, the Guardian is anxious that pioneers throughout Africa hold strongly and uncompromisingly to the principles of the Faith; taking no sides whatsoever in politics, not even indirectly, not ever appearing to side against authorities, never taking sides but maintaining strict silence on all such matters. And, finally, his message to Africa, as it is to Bahá’ís all over the world is: disperse and scatter. Teach the Faith; when an assembly is formed, move on to a new place and begin all over again.
NATIONAL REFERENCE LIBRARY COMMITTEE[edit]
The National Reference Library Committee would like to call attention to a suggestion of the National Assembly made in “The Home Front Teaching Plan” wherein each individual is asked: “To make the sacred Bahá’í literature his daily companion through study and meditation of such works as Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.”
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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
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If you have not already set up a program of study in compliance with this directive, we offer work on the preparation of reference material under the direction of this Committee as an ideal deepening technique.
The following projects are under way, headed up by the individuals noted:
Detailed indexing of Bahá’í literature in preparation of a master index:
- Mrs. Dorothy Petersen
- 4437 W. Lisbon Avenue
- Milwaukee 8, Wisconsin
Preparation of Concordance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings:
- Mrs. Marian C. Lippitt
- 1429-B Jackson Street
- Charleston, West Virginia
Compilation and indexing of references to Bible text:
- Mrs. Gene Crist
- 3025 Newark St., N.W.
- Washington, D. C.
Compilation and indexing of references to text of Qur’án and other Scriptures:
- Mrs. Kathleen Javid
- 2008 Spencer Lane
- Middletown, Ohio
Previous experience is not necessary. Anyone able to recognize nouns and verbs can qualify as a Concordance worker. Instructions will be sent if you contact one of the above members or write to:
- National Reference Library Committee
- Mrs. Marian C. Lippitt, Secy.
- 1429-B Jackson Street
- Charleston, West Virginia
The Committee is still soliciting other kinds of help, too, such as contributions of books and pamphlets; preparation of special compilations; donations of reference material personally compiled, etc. Suggestions are solicited also for non-Bahá’í literature which is considered important to be included ultimately in our National Reference Library as assistance in preparing Bahá’í talks or promoting the teaching effort. Correspondence regarding these should also be addressed to the Secretary.
There is no time limit on any of these projects, so whatever is undertaken is, as it should be, always secondary to teaching activities. The fruit of these efforts will not be realized soon. The Committee hopes, however, to become within the next years a center of reference, even before the actual Reference Library materializes. The goal is to relieve the National Spiritual Assembly and even the Guardian, of the burden of supplying such answers to questions as are available in the texts of our Teachings.
TEMPLE GUIDING COMMITTEE[edit]
Since the Dedication of the Bahá’í House of Worship last spring the number of visitors has increased dramatically, as these figures for the month of July show:
- 1952 ... 4,535 visitors
- 1953 ... 16,120 visitors
- 1954 ... 17,456 visitors
Of these last, 11,093 visited the Temple during the week, 6,363 on Sundays.
Many and varied groups have visited the Temple. One of the most outstanding during July was a tour, sponsored by the Y.W.C.A. Student Department, of 185 young people, aged 20-35, in which 39 countries and 41 colleges were represented. Children’s groups often arrange for tours. The largest group in July consisted of 103 children, 9-13-years-old, from the High Ridge Y.M.C.A., with their leaders. The visit to the Temple is an annual event for this Y.M.C.A., and the children look forward to the trip. There is a recording, pictures and souvenir folders expressly for children.
For those who ask whether there are tangible results of visits to the Temple, we quote this letter, recently received:
“The spirit of the Bahá’í Cause has been very easy for me to accept and understand. Each day I thank God for having led me to visit the Temple. In October the (local) Assembly accepted me as a believer.”
The typical visit to the House of Worship has been designed so that each visitor may take away with him a definite idea of what Bahá’ís believe. The tour starts with a recording which tells who Bahá’u’lláh is, what a Bahá’í is, something about the Teachings and a few facts about the architecture and physical features of the Temple. This recording is played to accompany slides which are shown in Foundation Hall. Guests are then conducted through the exhibits, shown on these pages in the order they appear at the Temple. A guide accompanies each group to answer any questions which may be asked. After being invited to sign the guest register, if they wish, and look over the literature which is available, visitors go up to the main Auditorium where, it is explained, there is no talking. Many after looking around, sit down; some to pray and meditate, others to read the souvenir folder or simply to rest, to feel the spirit of peace and tranquility one finds at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár — the place of the mention of God.
BAHA'I PRESS SERVICE[edit]
The Bahá’í Press Service publicity release on the Martyrdom of the Báb, and the first memorial service held at the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa since its completion, was published wholly or in part by 54 newspapers in 45 cities, reaching a total circulation of over 4,210,000 people.
BAHA'I ON THE AIR[edit]
The Inter-Faith Radio Committee of the Milwaukee County Council of Churches requested Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bahá’ís to present a 30-minute program on station WTMJ on Sunday, July 25. A member of the Local Spiritual Assembly spoke on
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“Religious Unity for Mankind.” This
makes three broadcasts over WTMJ
for the Bahá’í World Faith instead
of only one for the 1953-1954 schedule.
Another Bahá’í has had a script accepted for Edward R. Murrow’s “This I Believe” program, to be heard on stations throughout the nation. The author has quoted Bahá’u’lláh in the script.
Radio Station WCBM Baltimore, Maryland, carried a ten-minute program on “Temple-Symbol of the Bahá’í World Faith.”
WILM, Wilmington, Delaware, is presenting the Bahá’í message through a two-week series of discussions keyed to the World Council of Churches meetings in Evanston. Copies of Christ’s Promise Fulfilled are offered to listeners.
NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS[edit]
Bahá’ís of Quincy, Illinois, upon invitation from the president of the Association, presented the teachings of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh before the regular meeting of the Quincy-Adams County Ministerial Association.
Boise and Ada County, Idaho, Bahá’ís have secured the use of the Art Gallery for a regular Sunday Morning Devotional Hour. A children’s class also is held, in another room of the museum.
The Bahá’í Group of the Canal Zone, Southern Area, formed last April, announces the first public meeting to be held in their area. A series of radio broadcasts entitled “Prescription for Living” is planned to coincide with this “public launching” of the Faith in that area.
Presentations of books to the Dover Public Library and to the Dean of Dover State College for the college library have been arranged by Bahá’ís of Dover, Delaware. The Congregational Church in Dover has invited the Bahá’ís to present the Faith before the Young Married Couples Group.
A Bahá’í Children’s Reception in San Fernando, California, gathered over 100 children, parents and friends of many races and nationalities for festivities expressing the unity of mankind.
Regular newspaper advertising has resulted in larger firesides in Emporia, Kansas. Settlers are moving to a larger home to be able to accommodate larger groups of seekers.
Wichita, Kansas, believers invite traveling Bahá’ís to spend a night in their city. Contacts are numerous and a fireside can be arranged on a few hours’ notice.
BAHÁ’Í WORLD VOLUMES GO TO WORK IN PIONEER POSTS AROUND THE WORLD[edit]
Response during Convention to sending Bahá’í World books to pioneers in the far-flung outposts of the Faith was most enthusiastic. The Publishing Committee has, therefore secured permission from the National Assembly to continue the gift plan.
Many of you have had the joy of hearing from some pioneer working in another land. Letters we have seen from pioneers testify to their delight in the World volumes and the extreme usefulness of these books in
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teaching. This is simply further confirmation of the Guardian’s words,
which say the Bahá’í World will
“... without the slightest doubt, if
generously and vigorously supported, arouse unprecedented interest
among all classes of civilized society.”
In order to help you to support The Bahá’í World “generously and vigorously,” the Publishing Committee offers this plan:
- You inform us how many volumes IX, X, or XI you wish to send.
- We select pioneers who want those volumes (from a list showing which of these three volumes each pioneer wants).
- We enclose a gift card with your name and address.
- You pay only list price.
- We wrap for overseas mailing; pay all shipping costs, including foreign postage. If you have sent parcels abroad, especially recently since the rise in rates, you know that this represents a substantial saving to you.
The National Assembly wishes
these mailings to be handled by the
Publishing office because extreme
caution is needed in some areas. We
keep up-to-date on restrictions and
do everything possible to protect
pioneers from the consequences of
indiscretions in mailing.
Individuals and groups of the friends are urged to consider this as well as local communities. When the cost is too large for one person, two or more sharing the initial expense can make possible a teaching effort in one of the pioneer fronts which otherwise might not be made.
The following are a few excerpts from letters of pioneers who have received, or who would like to receive, Bahá’í World volumes as gifts. Many pioneers still have no volumes of The Bahá’í World.
From the Canary Islands
“The World Book came and right at the perfect moment ... when we had our very best friend here. He was fascinated and paged and paged it through ... Today I am to see a girl ... who is going to Venezuela. Imagine my delight to see something about Venezuela in the book! It will be kept very busy, right off, and in such a tiny island where the people feel very isolated ... it will help to show the scope, and this kind of thing impresses them. They feel as though they are isolated from important things. At times we feel forgotten too, but when ... a note comes such as the one of your present to us, we know how great is the love of God that His servants remember one another.”
From Antwerp, Belgium
“How one wishes the day had more hours to drink in more deeply this wealth of information and Bahá’í experience ... for every word is a well-spring of inspiration. I have invited my closest contact for next Sunday to browse through the Bahá’í World together.”
From Japan
“Mr. Torii, the blind brother here, is collecting for a Bahá’í library for Kyoto and so those World volumes would be most acceptable.”
From Basutoland
“We are about to enter into a program of teaching in a native village ... this particular copy (Volume XI) has much that will be of interest to those whom we hope to bring into the Faith ... we welcome the gift for our own interest and enlightenment as well.
“If, God willing, we are able to assist in establishing an Assembly here, the book will be offered as part of the Assembly library, and become a permanent part of the work here in Lesuto.”
From Sicily
“The World Books would be very valuable in our teaching work, both because they show just what the Faith is accomplishing all over the world and because of the illustrations. These are especially valuable in a country of one religion, as here, because the people need to realize the Faith has support in other countries.”
NEWSPAPER PUBLICITY FOR THE FAITH[edit]
The Buffalo Courier-Express recently carried a three-column account, with a picture, of the activities of a Bahá’í in Hamburg, New York, who holds a regular international gathering at her home. The Faith is presented at these meetings and the newspaper account gave teachings of Bahá’u’lláh on the oneness of mankind and the oneness of religion.
An account of the Martyrdom of the Báb and articles on the travels of Bahá’í pioneers were carried in The Milwaukee Journal, which prints regular notices of Bahá’í meetings.
The National Spiritual Assembly release on the H-bomb has been used, according to reports from Flagstaff and Prescott, Arizona, and Boise, Idaho.
In Anchorage, Alaska, The Times gave a brief mention of the Martyrdom of the Báb, while the Anchorage Daily News printed an excellent write-up, using material on the Shrine of the Báb provided by the Bahá’í Press Service.
Publicity in the local newspapers as well as in the publications of the nearby Army Air Base has been reported from Dover, Delaware.
NORTH SHORE TOWN MEETING[edit]
Stemming from the 1950 “Paths to Peace” meeting, held in Winnetka, the North Shore Town Meeting held May 24, 1954, developed the theme of “The H-Bomb and You”. Thirty-four civic, social, religious and political groups cooperated to stage a mass meeting in the auditorium of the Technological Institute at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
In the steering committee meetings responsible for this gathering, Bahá’ís expressed the point of view of the Faith on the subject and arranged that a statement of the Bahá’í position be printed with the group of 250-word declarations presented to each of the 1,100 persons attending the Town Meeting. This is the statement, subsequently distributed by the National Spiritual Assembly, which has been carried in newspapers in many parts of the country. Literature was distributed from an information table in the lobby after the meeting.
Representatives of participating organizations sat on the platform during the program. Mr. Horace Holley, Hand of the Cause, and Mrs. Margery McCormick, member of the Auxiliary Board, listened as Mr. Norman Cousins, world traveler and editor of the Saturday Review of Literature, and resource speakers attempted to outline the basis for the world’s dislocations and suggest solutions. A “lack of enforceable justice”, a need for a demonstration of love and understanding and an appeal for cooperation with a vitalized United Nations were stressed.
[Page 15]
The first Bahá’í Group of Athens, Greece, holding a Nineteen Day Feast at the site of the temple of Apollo, visited by Saint Paul. From left to right: Amím Banání, Sheila Banání, Susanne Banání, Carole Allen and Dwight Allen.
AUDIO-VISUAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE[edit]
“Words for the World”[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has authorized the re-production of a new set of Words for the World, identical with the original two sixteen-inch radio transcriptions as to program content and sequence, but in a ten-inch size for home use.
The Audio-Visual Education Committee has produced this item in response to the widespread interest aroused among the believers by the original transcriptions of Words for the World, used by various broadcasting stations. Many broadcasting stations in the United States and Canada are equipped to play the new recording.
The records’ four ten-inch sides have three programs of 4½ minutes each, which can be played separately or as a group of three. Made of very durable vinylite, these long-playing microgroove records are designed for use on any machine set to play at 33 1/3 r.p.m.
One set of two ten-inch records. BLP.
51-52, postpaid .....$5.00
New Audio-Visual Teaching Mediums[edit]
Haifa, A Name You Will Remember. 70 frames of the latest scenes of the completed Shrine of the Báb, Bahjí and Gardens, with script $8.00
New Rental Library, available on a rental basis to Assemblies, Groups, Librarians, settlers and consolidators. One SVE and A/O Filmstrip Projector and any five of a large series of educational, and Life magazine series filmstrips; one month’s rental.....$6.00
Write for catalog of available subjects to
- Audio-Visual Education Committee,
- 126 Evergreen Place
- West Englewood, New Jersey
Corrections[edit]
The following corrections should be made in the August issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS page 5:
- Column 1, line 10 from bottom — “solitude” should be changed to read “solicitude”.
- Column 3, line 3 of footnotes — “1953” should be changed to read “1933”.
These corrections are necessitated by printer’s errors in revising proof.
The caption under the picture of the Italo-Swiss Convention, on page 9 of the July BAHÁ’Í NEWS is incorrect, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Italy and Switzerland reports. The Convention was not held at Locarno. It took place at Lugano, Switzerland.
DEVOTIONAL PROGRAM 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 August follow:
The essence of religion is to testify unto that which the Lord hath revealed, and follow that which He hath ordained in His mighty Book.
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Bow Down Thine Ear, O Lord—Hayden Morgan
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Prayers and Meditations, XLVII, p. 69
- Gleanings, pp. 64-66, 67-68.
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Worthy Art Thou, O Lord—Healy Willan
- OLD TESTAMENT
- Job 28:1-15, 20-28
- NEW TESTAMENT
- John 15:1-12
- QUR’AN
- Sura II:172
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 140-141
- Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, pp. 25-26
- Prayers and Meditations, XLII, p. 59
- CHORAL SELECTION
- We Thank Thee, Lord—Bortniansky—Tkach
Make mention of Me on My earth, that in My heaven I may remember thee, thus shall Mine eyes and thine be solaced.
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Sing and Rejoice—Will James
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Prayers and Meditations, CLXV, p. 258
- OLD TESTAMENT
- Psalms 23 and 19
- NEW TESTAMENT
- Mark 12:29-31; Romans 8:28; I Corinthians 13:1-7, 2:9
- QUR’AN
- Sura II:256-258
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Grant Unto Me the Joy of Thy Salvation—Johannes Brahms
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Gleanings, pp. 304-305
- Book of Certitude, pp. 192-197
- CHORAL SELECTION
- From the Sweet-Scented Streams (A Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh)—Charles Wolcott
The readings for August 15 are the same as those presented on April 25.
The readings for August 22 are the same as those presented on May 23.
O men! This is a matchless Day. Matchless must, likewise, be the tongue that celebrateth the praise of the Desire of all nations, and matchless the deed that aspireth to be acceptable in His sight. The whole human race hath longed for this Day, that perchance it may fulfil that which well beseemeth its station, and is worthy of its destiny.
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Have Ye Not Known—Randall Thompson
- Ye Shall Have a Song—Randall Thompson
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Prayers and Meditations, LXXI, p. 117
- OLD TESTAMENT
- Psalms 24; Micah 4: 1-5
- NEW TESTAMENT
- Revelation 21: 1-5
- QUR’AN
- Sura LXXV: 1-12
- CHORAL SELECTION
- I Will Not Leave You Comfortless—William Byrd
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Gleanings, CVI, p. 213; XVI, p. 39; VII, p. 10; IV, 6. 6; V, p. 7
- The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 106-107
- Prayers and Meditations, CLV, p. 248.
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Send Forth Thy Spirit—F. J. Schuetky
PUBLICATIONS[edit]
NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]
Bahá’í Prayers (General) Prayers of universal appeal and application, ideal as a gift for anyone, Bahá’í or non-Bahá’í. 4 by 6¼ inches, 112 pages, bound in old ivory Span-O-Tone.
Each | $1.25 |
[Page 16]
Bahá’í Prayers (Combined) All the
prayers of the General edition plus
occasional prayers of special significance for Bahá’ís, such as The Obligatory Prayers, The Tablet of
Aḥmád, Prayers for Marriage. Both
editions have been carefully checked
for authenticity of translation. 4 by
6¼ inches, 189 pages, bound in green,
simulated morocco.
Each | $1.50 |
Life After Death. By Florence Pinchon. Bahá’í teachings on immortality, convincingly expounded and carrying a message of assurance for the increasing human anxieties of our day. This special edition has been prepared for the World Council of Churches Committee for use in their contact work. Bahá’ís should find a wide use for this pamphlet, which gives the Bahá’í attitude of serene faith in the face of death. Standard small pamphlet size, deep green and white cover.
(minimum order) 10 copies | $ .50 |
100 copies | $4.00 |
- The God Who Walks With Men
- By Horace Holley. A stirring new approach to the way God keeps His Covenant with man. Presented in lucid, imaginative prose, this pamphlet carries conviction in every line and induces conviction in the heart of its reader. Featured by the National Committee for intimate firesides and personal contacts.
(minimum order) 10 Copies | $ .75 |
100 Copies | $7.00 |
Chicago Sunday Tribune Reprint (New, 1953 Dedication edition). A splendid article on the Bahá’í Faith and the House of Worship which appeared in the magazine section of the Chicago Sunday Tribune. Contains three full-colored photographs of the Temple (two of the interior). Four-page folder, printed on 7¼x10½ inch white enameled paper.
(minimum order) 10 copies | $ .75 |
100 copies | $6.00 |
Price Reduced on Bahá’í World Set[edit]
Bahá’í World, Volumes II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII, IX, X and XI, constitute a set of those books still available. Bought singly, the set costs $49.50. The Publishing Committee now offers the 9 volumes for $44.50, a saving of $5.00, and will deliver them, at this reduced price, anywhere in the U.S. Here is an opportunity for communities and individuals to place vital documentation in their libraries at a saving.
Nine volume “set” (net) | $44.50 |
Please address all inquiries and orders for publishing items to:
- Bahá’í Publishing Committee
- 110 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, Illinois
- 110 Linden Avenue
- Bahá’í Publishing Committee
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 ...”
Puerto Rico—Miss Alice Hathorn to Mr. Milton Heath, April 15, 1954.
Tucson, Arizona—Miss Frances Toomes to Mr. William P. Mori, June 27, 1954.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
- HOLY DAYS
- October 20, Birth of the Báb
- FEASTS
- September 8, ‘Izzat, Might
- September 27, Mashíyyat, Will
- October 16, ‘Ilm, Knowledge
- NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS
- September 3, 4, 5, 6
- October 8, 9, 10
- BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP
- Visiting Hours
| Weekdays: | 10:30 A.M.—4:30 P.M. |
| 7:00 P.M.—9:00 P.M. | |
| Sundays: | 10:30 A.M.—9:00 PM |
- Service of Worship: Sunday at 3:30 P.M., lasting until 4:15. (No guided tours will be conducted during the program 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.”
| Mr. | Arturo Biaggi |
| Hato Rey, Puerto Rico | |
| April, 1954 | |
| Mrs. | Betty Swenson |
| Kenosha, Wisconsin | |
| May 17, 1954 | |
| Mrs. | Daisy Schaub |
| Fruitport, Michigan | |
| May 28, 1954 | |
| Mrs. | Agda Swenson |
| New York, New York | |
| May 30, 1954 | |
| Mrs. | Phillipine Zindars |
| Milwaukee, Wisconsin | |
| May, 1954 | |
| Mr. | Frank Whitbeck |
| Jersey City, New Jersey | |
| June, 1954 | |
| Mr. | Joseph Silva |
| Portsmouth, New Hampshire | |
| July 2, 1954 | |
| Mrs. | Connie Wolcott |
| Tacoma, Washington | |
| July 9, 1954 | |
| Mr. | Presly Holliday |
| Seattle, Washington | |
| July 15, 1954 | |
| Mrs. | Cora Harper |
| New York, New York | |
| July 21, 1954 | |
| Mr. | Victor Costat |
| Dover, New Hampshire | |
| (no date given) |
BAHA’I NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States as a news organ reporting current activities of the Bahá’í World Community.
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 1954-1955: 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.
