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No. 289

BAHA’I YEAR 111

MARCH, 1955

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NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

WORLD CRUSADE

Second Stage

The Guardian's recent messages to the National Assembly have called for completion of certain tasks before the end of this Bahá’í year. These tasks are difficult but do not carry the element of the spectacular which cast a warm glow on the pioneer missions stressed during the first stage.

The tasks of the second stage are the acquirement of Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in a number of cities, and the translation and publication of Bahá’í texts in native languages of Europe and the Western Hemisphere.

The whole story cannot yet be told but it is gratifying to report that Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds have been acquired in Tokyo, Suva, Lima, Panama City and Bern, and a suitable property in Anchorage seems assured. Thus are Bahá’í institutions being planted in far-flung areas for which the Bahá’ís of the United States are responsible. This process of establishing the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh intensifies even as the tragic problems of the old order appear to approach the stage of climax.

Moreover, the Temple Trustees have executed a contract for the completion of the landscape design, somewhat simplified (with the Guardian's approval) but preserving the organic beauty and dignity of Mr. Dahl‘s concept. Finally, the type of Bahá’í Home to be constructed as the first Temple accessory has been indicated by the Guardian and the first step toward construction taken in working out the site with the authorities of Wilmette Village.

The second stage of the World Crusade calls for expenditure of considerable funds. Herein lies the field of sacrifice for the believers all along the home front where must be generated the power of fulfilling the Guardian’s World Crusade goals until 1963.

As we live from day to day in a spiritual world imbued with divine assurance, while the outer world sees the dark shapes of menace, we might well ponder over and over again the heart of Shoghi Effendi’s great summons of July, 1954, that we as Bahá’ís must be willing to sacrifice life and fortune for the Cause of God.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

HOLY DAYS RECOGNIZED

The latest city in which Bahá’í children may have excused absences from school on Bahá’í Holy Days is Detroit, Michigan.

The Spiritual Assembly received the news in a letter written by the Assistant Superintendent on January 6, 1955.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

HOW TO ASSIST THE PIONEERS

Individual Bahá’ís and Local Assemblies ask how they can contribute to the pioneer teaching work throughout the world. In certain cases, the question is one about correspondence, in others it involves offers of assistance.

Since the pioneers are uppermost in our hearts at this time, the National Assembly feels that the most effective manner in which to serve the pioneers is to channel through the National Bahá’í Fund all contributions intended specifically for assisting the pioneer teaching work. By so doing the friends will eliminate confusion, duplication of effort, and even possible inequities.

The pioneer work has become a great collective enterprise, and through the services of the Intercontinental and National Teaching Committees the National Assembly maintains watchfully the valiant little forces encamped along the frontiers of the Bahá’í World.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

STATE CONVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommendations reported by the various State Convention Officers were carefully considered at the January meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly and action recorded on each.

Many recommendations involved suggestions about the method, time or place of future Conventions, and all these were compiled and set aside for consideration by the incoming National Spiritual Assembly when planning the State Conventions for 1956.

A few recommendations were more or less local in character; for example, the suggestion that the Area Teaching Committee hold conferences in goal cities of that area; or that the National Spiritual Assembly explain where assemblies may be formed in a certain Territory where civil areas are different than in the States.

Appropriate action was taken on all these localized matters.

As for the recommendations of general interest and importance, the actions taken are summarized as follows:

1. That the Resolve Plan be continued: referred to the Treasurer.

2. That the child education activities be further developed: to be considered by the incoming National Spiritual Assembly; but meanwhile local

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Assemblies have been requested to report on their child education materials and methods, so that the field may be surveyed.

3. Suggestions about teaching work and the allocation of prospective settlers were referred to the American National Teaching Committee.

4. As recommended, Miss Charlotte Linfoot’s comments at the 1954 Convention are being published in BAHA’I NEWS; and Horace Holley’s talk at an Area Conference in Temple Foundation Hall is also being published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

5. To a special committee has been referred a request for a study course on the lives of the prophets, the religions they founded and the civilizations they established.

6. Several recommendations about assistance to correspondence with the pioneers are being discussed in BAHA’I NEWS.

7. The United Nations Committee has been asked to consider some comments about a conference in which Bahá’í delegates participate annually.

8. Concerning the recommendation that the teaching structure include both Area and Regional Committees, the National Spiritual Assembly recorded the fact that the Guardian instructed that a simpler structure be established. This eliminates much administrative detail and leaves a large number of experienced believers free for teaching work.

9. The idea that the believers should be informed more frequently of the bounty of unity and regularity in giving to the Cause was transmitted to the Treasurer.

10. Some recommendations about new types of literature needed were referred to a special committee of the National Spiritual Assembly.

11. As requested, the text of the National Spiritual Assembly message to State Conventions is being published in BAHA’I NEWS, with regret that the Intercontinental Teaching Committee messages cannot also be published.

12. One Convention expressed the need for clarifying the matter of credentials of Bahá’ís from other countries. When such credentials are sent to the National Spiritual Assembly, United States credentials are provided for the visiting believer.

13. Recommendation that a Special Project for Hazíratu’l-Quds be

A view of The Bahá’í House of Worship showing the proximity of the National Hazíratu’l-Quds to the Temple property, Wilmette. Illinois. Sheridan Road runs between the two edifices. The street in the foreground is Linden Avenue.

published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, to attract contributions for the purchase of the eight Hazíratu’l-Quds to be acquired this year: the National Spiritual Assembly view is that individuals and communities can assist in their purchase by more generous and sacrificial contributions to the National Fund.

14. As result of a State Convention recommendation, the National Spiritual Assembly is publishing in BAHÁ’Í NEWS a list of references to subjects in Bahá’í history and current practice which new believers can use in order to become more familiar with the community and better fitted to serve.

15. Again the need is expressed for a list of questions which are frequently asked about the Faith, with the answers. One of the friends has been requested to prepare such a digest.

16. As requested, action has been taken to make available an annual index to BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

17. Concerning the need for material on the right English pronunciation of Persian words, the National Spiritual Assembly is glad to report that a Bahá’í Glossary by Marzieh Gail is to be published and will meet this need.

18. The National Spiritual Assembly regrets its inability to reprint Promulgation of Universal Peace. A new edition of Foundations of World Unity is to appear and some of the American talks of the Master appear in this less expensive text.

19. An item has been published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS suggesting that the local Bahá’í address be given for listing in directories issued by Chambers of Commerce.

20. The recommendation about a Glossary has already been met.

21. The wish for a loose-leaf administrative manual is one which the National Spiritual Assembly cannot fulfil, as the Guardian has forbidden any more administrative statements. The Bahá’í Community contains all necessary information.

22. The request for advice about joining certain organizations: The National Spiritual Assembly view is that while there are many organizations which render humanitarian service reflecting Bahá’í ideals, the direct promotion of the Faith should be the foremost concern of every believer. When good contacts can be made without interfering with Bahá’í work, membership is permitted.

23. The recommendation that a national radio program be considered in which local communities could make a local tie-in: the Na

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tional Spiritual Assembly encourages the use of radio by local communities and traveling teachers, but funds do not permit a sustained national program.

24. That the National Spiritual Assembly request the Audio-Visual Education Committee to consider making film shorts of Shrines, Temples and other Bahá’í places of public interest for use in television stations in periods of open time. This recommendation has been referred to the Committee.

25. That the publication of World Order Magazine would be welcomed by believers: the National Spiritual Assembly hopes that an American Bahá’í magazine can again be issued in the coming years.

26. That believers in goal cities make surveys on jobs, housing, etc., for prospective pioneers: this has been referred to the American National Teaching Committee.

27. That Area Teaching Committee bulletins be sent to every believer in communities of less than 15. The National Spiritual Assembly approves this distribution to believers in communities receiving direct assistance from the Area Committee.

28. That a compilation on Bible prophecy and Bible teachings be published: the National Spiritual Assembly recorded the view that current publishing plans will provide this type of material.

29. That local Assemblies be given more definite instructions about Bahá’í marriage laws: whenever a local Assembly has need for such information the National Spiritual Assembly always answers its questions.

30. That the National Spiritual Assembly re-evaluate the method of raising funds at local and national levels: this matter has been referred to the Treasurer.

31. That the National Spiritual Assembly appoint a group of highly qualified speakers to travel Where needed: the National Spiritual Assembly appreciates the value of this idea but cannot undertake the cost at the present time.

32. That correspondents be appointed among believers confined to their homes, but able to reach others through correspondence teaching: local Assemblies are encouraged to carry out this suggestion within their own communities.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

TEMPLE MODEL CAN BE PURCHASED

Through the efforts of Mr. John T. Blumberg this very attractive Temple model has been designed and put into production. The accompanying illustration shows that the details of the exterior ornamentation have been carefully reproduced. The model measures 11¾” wide Ivy 9⅜” in height. It is cast in a very strong plaster, resisting damage.

Orders can be placed through the Bahá’í Sales Committee at a cost of $15.00 each. carefully packed, express charges collect. Send orders to Mr. H. E. Walrath, Chairman, at 909 West Foster, Chicago 40, Illinois.

The model has been copyrighted by the National Spiritual Assembly, naming Mr. Blumberg as designer.

The friends can make effective use of this unique and portable Temple model in local Centers, for occasional local display as on World Religion Day. It public meetings, at State and County Fairs, and for presentation to a Museum, Library or University. The Publishing Committee can fill orders for the Temple folder (Bahá’í House of Worship; 10 copies $.50, 100 copies $4.50) which can well be used in connection with a Temple model display.

CORRESPONDENCE WITH PIONEERS

A State Convention recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly explain in BAHÁ’Í NEWS how believers on the home front can send letters to pioneers who desire Bahá’í correspondence.

Before entering into correspondence with Bahá’ís pioneering in other lands, it is essential to take the matter up first with the Intercontinental Teaching Committee serving the particular area. It is not merely a question of obtaining names and correct addresses, but of guidance as to areas where correspondence is open and those where great care must be taken in the drafting of letters. Believers desiring to contribute literature to pioneers can also consult one or more of the four Intercontinental Teaching Committees.

Africa Teaching Committee

Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee, Secretary

4700 47th St., N.W., Washington l5, D.C.

Asia Teaching Committee

Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Secretary

112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill.

European Teaching Committee

Mrs. Julia Shows, Secretary

4405 Kirk St., Skokie, Ill.

Western Hemisphere Teaching Comm.

Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, Secretary 73 College Road, West, Princeton, N.J.

WHAT ARE GOAL CITIES AND WHY?

One of the objectives of the World Crusade is to raise the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies in the United States to 300 by 1963, almost doubling the number existing at the beginning of 1953.

How is this goal to be accomplished? Will it be done through the voluntary dispersal of Bahá’ís from the larger centers? Or must we undertake an intensive campaign of opening new centers involving, possibly, the use of funds urgently needed for the World Center and other intercontinental objectives? These questions had to be answered at once.

The moving of numbers of Bahá’ís to each of 150 localities would be an almost impossible task in face of the need for pioneers abroad. And it would not solve the pressing need for many more new believers to aid and participate in the growing activities of the Faith.

After careful surveys, study and consultation, the National Spiritual Assembly adopted the following fourpoint plan:

1. In each state having only one local Spiritual Assembly, at least one other town or city was selected as a place where intensive effort would be made to establish another assembly, thus strengthening the Faith in those particular states. In some cases the only assembly in the state had reverted to group status. In view of the Guardian’s appeals to maintain “the spiritual prizes” at all costs, it was clear that priority must be given to these particular cities. If there was no resident Bahá’í in the locality selected, it was desig

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nated as a “virgin goal.” If there were one or more resident Bahá’ís, it was called a “consolidation goal." Altogether the plan included 40 virgin goals to be settled by Bahá’í pioneers in the same manner as goal areas abroad.

2. In the larger states whose several assemblies were clustered in close proximity, certain goals in the outlying areas were selected in order to broaden the base of the Faith in those states and to reduce the immense distances between many Bahá’í communities.

3. Since it was reasonable to expect that the larger Bahá’í groups would be the seed—beds for many of the new assemblies, the 133 consolidated goals included localities having four, five or more resident Bahá’ís who, through redoubled efforts and with the assistance of area and extension teaching committees, could assure a healthy increase in the number of new assemblies each year during the Crusade.

4. Finally, in order that Bahá’ís who could not disperse might take part in the Crusade, there were included in the total of 173 goals certain localities within easy travel distance from established communities where extension teaching could be easily carried on under the general direction of the area teaching committee.

The list of these virgin and consolidation localities, compiled in this manner and for these reasons, was announced in BAHÁ’Í NEWS (July 1954) and in special bulletins to serve as a guide to believers wishing to pioneer at home or to extend their teaching service beyond the local community. It is an orderly plan through which the goal can be accomplished, while at the same time establishing a network of Bahá’í administrative centers over the length and breadth of the United States, and diffusing the Teachings among a greater number of people in all states.

It must be pointed out, however, that this plan does not confine teaching activities to the towns and cities listed as either virgin or consolidation goals. All new localities that achieve assembly status will contribute to the achievement of the objective. Therefore, all local assemblies that are able to do so have been encouraged to carry on extension work in any localities that will produce assemblies, although it is expected that they will give consideration first to the announced goals.

Furthermore, any Bahá’í wishing to disperse to some new locality not listed as a goal city is free to do so, but it should be understood that that locality becomes his personal goal and challenge, and while he may indeed rely upon the confirmation of Bahá’u’lláh and the cooperation of the area teaching committee, he cannot count upon other settlers joining him until all the other goals have been assured.

It will be seen that this plan, which has been approved by the Guardian, provides a challenge and an opportunity for every individual Bahá’í, every group and every local Spiritual Assembly to take part in the campaign for 300 assemblies. The underlying purpose is to marshal and deploy our teaching resources, to ensure steady progress toward victory and to give meaning and direction to the act of dispersal on the home front.

—NATIONA SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

(This statement by Charlotte Linfoot is published at the request of the 1954 Northern Illinois Bahá’í Electoral District Convention.)

REFERENCES FOR NEW BELIEVERS

The following list of references to various Bahá’í publications is intended to provide the thoughtful new believer with a reading list which will make him familiar with current Bahá’í history and practice, thus greatly shortening the period of time needed to bring out his fullest capacity to teach the public and serve the Faith. Local Spiritual Assemblies will also find the list a useful guide in conducting deepening classes for new Bahá’ís.

1. Fundamental beliefs — The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh.

2. Charter of the Administrative Order — The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

3. Functions of Bahá’í institutions; administrative practices—The Bahá’í Community, Bahá’í Administration.

4. Legal documentation —— Declaration of Trust and By-Laws.

5. American Bahá’í background — The Bahá’í Centenary (1944).

6. Relation of the Faith to current world events—World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, Advent of Divine Justice, Promised Day Is Come.

7. Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá — America’s Spiritual Mission.

8. Bahá’í history, and development of the Faith in the East and the West—God Passes By.

9, Committee functions and activities—Annual Reports published by the NSA and issued to every Bahá’í. (Ask some Bahá’í friend to lend you his last copy.)

10. Unfoldment of the Covenant and the Bahá’í Administrative Order—The Covenant and Administration (lnstitute material).

11. America’s mission in building the structure for World Civilization — America’s God-Given Mission (compilation).

12. The ten year international Bahá’í teaching and consolidation plan, 1953-1963 — The Bahá’í Faith 1844-1952, including supplement.

13. Current international activities in general—The Bahá’í World, especially Volumes X and XI.

For special subjects related to the teachings, consult books and pamphlets listed in current Bahá’í literature catalog.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

FOR PUBLIC LISTING OF FAITH

In accordance with a State Convention recommendation, the National Spiritual Assembly suggests that local Assemblies take steps to have their address or meeting place listed in the manual or directory issued by Chambers of Commerce in the larger towns and cities.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

BAHA’I NEWS FILE COPIES

Bahá’ís wishing to complete their files of BAHÁ’Í NEWS will have opportunity during the Convention to purchase missing numbers beginning with No. 50, at 10 cents per copy or three for 25 cents. The supply of certain issues is very limited, hence it is a case of first come—first served. It would expedite service if a list of the desired numbers were prepared in advance and handed to the Bahá’í who will have charge of the sales table in Foundation Hall.

—NATIONLA SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

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Top right: The site purchased for the future Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of Central America is the hill-top shown in the central backgronnd. The site, seven miles from the heart of Panama City, comprising five acres, commands a magnificent view. It was purchased at a cost of $7,000.

Top left: The National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of the Republic of Panama. This five-room, chalet-type house, with 600 square meters of surrounding land, located one block from the main throughfare of the city, was purchased for $16,500. The National Spiritual Assembly or the Bahá’ís of Central America held its December meeting in Panama’s newly-acquired Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

At right: This small house on the property of the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of the Republic of Panama is being used to house the Bahá’í Distributing Committee of Central America.

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE BAHA’IS?

By Horace Holley

(Conclusion)

This afternoon you have had presented to you the Guardian’s most recent general letter (American Bahá’ís in the Time of World Peril) about the danger in which the nation finds itself, and his consummate appeal to the individual souls. Therefore we come again to a time of tests.

Perhaps we might approach it this way: that in the condition of faith, we are re-born into a realm where we can no longer have a private personal mind. and where we can no longer have delimited personal feelings because the truth of God operates upon that plane, and when our understanding is opened, the realm of universal truth floods us from the most humble to the wisest. There is no distinction; that universal truth of God penetrates and illuminates, and since the same truth passes through all people of illumined understanding, this is what is meant by unity.

Unity is not the formal agreement that people make when they decide to get along together, as though they might as well do it as comfortably as possible with as few disputes as possible. Unity is the oneness of God projected into human understanding, and when the heart is opened on that plane, divine love pours through and that love is the same love that God gives to all other hearts that are bound to Him, and so the hearts are bound together in one love and this is not the inconstancy of personal affection. It is steadfast and eternal. So when we by faith attain even the faintest realization of the miracle that God wants to achieve within every one of us, we lose our sense of the Ten-Year Plan as being supremely difficult, Oh, it costs so much! Oh, it takes away our best workers! Can we do it in ten years? Really that is not the point. The point is, do we live in a world of faith, or do we remain in a world of human doubt, human inertia, human indifference? Because in God’s world, things are done.

Now, let us think for a moment. Here is a pioneer. This pioneer has gone to a far-off area, of different race, different religion, different language; and the American pioneer, whom we have known personally perhaps, responding to the call, establishes residence in that far-off goal. Well, God is there. He is not held back by geographical limitations of the human body, and surely in that area, if the pioneer has the light of the love of God in his heart, there are others capable of illumination in that mass of people.

Looking at it from the point of view of the individual pioneer, he sees thousands of people, he doesn't know one from the other, and what is he to do?

Well, if he remains in the condition of faith and illumination, I think God works this way. Off in this corner of the city, there is a person who has capacity, and God looks down and begins to move these little chessmen around on the board until finally in the most natural way the person of capacity and the pioneer meet, and if they are in the realm of spiritual consciousness, it is a true and eternal meeting even if they are unaware of it at first. There is confirmation.

So you see the work is done for us. Friends, if we do our share of

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the work, which is to be fit for God to use, because God does not do His work with people who are too much tainted with the world, God sends us suffering, bitternesses that we need, in order to generate force enough to make the supreme step from the personal will to the will that is handed over to God.

In complete faith, God fulfills our hope if it is true, but He does not fulfill our wishes, and as long as we have the sense of wish uppermost in our mind, our Bahá’í career is one of frustration. So you can see that the quicker we give up our will, the quicker that happiness and hope will come to us, because there is nothing for God to take away from us, He can only give. We create the things He has to take away and then we are upset, but if we give of ourselves, we’ve given all we've got. And it doesn’t make any difference from a human point of view, what the capacity is, or the station in life, or the experience, or training, or anything. In the kingdom of God, there is an equality of being.

So friends, if we are asking ourselves, “What is happening to the Bahá’ís?”we are being torn in two, because the world is dragging us one way and Bahá’u’lláh is dragging us another, and the quicker we realize this, the sooner we can bring ourselves to a unity of being and give ourself to God to use; the better for us, the better for the Plan of God, the better for the great work the Guardian is carrying on in Haifa.

MATERIAL FOR "THE BAHA’I WORLD"

Will the friends please note that all material submitted to The Bahá’í World should now be sent to the Editorial Committee at the address given below. This Committee is assembling all material for the volume covering the two-year period April, 1954, to April, 1956. For the types of material requested, please refer to the Committee’s “Call for Material” which was published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, August, 1954, page 10.

Bahá’í World

Editorial Committee

Mrs. Beatrice Ashton, Secy.

P. O. Box 285

Waukegan, Illinois

The first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Murcia, Spain.

WORLD CRUSADE

PIONEER LETTERS

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to share the following passage from pioneer letters, in accordance 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.

Excerpt from Pioneer Letter to the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee

FRENCH GUIANA (Cayenne)

From Hart Friedland

Shortly after arrival, Hart reported:

“It looks promising in Cayenne A . . .

I am Very happy to be able to serve our beloved Guardian here in French Guiana and no material discomforts will upset my equilibrium!”

In successive letters, this pioneer gives many interesting incidents and methods of teaching. He exchanges English for French lessons from 3 to 5 P.M. daily.

“Most of my teaching work goes on in the daytime because most people have to go to bed early, 9 P.M. (due to the mosquitoes) . . . At 5 P.M.

I read again the New Era in French with a businessman in his store ‘between sales‘ . . . the Director-Manager of two newspapers who is also the Director of the local Museum is reading the New Era . . . for the moment he seems most interested and sympathetic."

Two months later, this pioneer furnished a list of 65 contacts giving his evaluation of their reaction to the Faith as “sympathetic, uninterested or neutral.” He predicts:

“One of these 65 names may be the first to accept the Faith in Cayenne, if it is the wish of Bahá’u’lláh.”

One day, two men standing in front of a watch repair store whistled at this pioneer, He says:

“One of these or both of them had heard of the Cause and so now twice a week we discuss Bahá’í Teachings in their relation to the Christian Dispensation. The owner of the store is a liberal Roman Catholic who is delighted to open his shop after closing hours . . . he invites people to hear about the Faith . . . it is just a tiny shop which only holds about six people . . . Another meeting for a few people is held in a tailor shop at least twice a month.”

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FINAL APPEAL FROM THE AMERICAN NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE

Moreover, in the traditions the terms “sun” and “moon” have been applied to prayer and fasting, even as it is said: "Fasting is illumination, prayer is light" (Kitáb-i-Iqán, page 39.)

It is with humbleness and great faith that the American National Teaching Committee enters the month of Fasting and Prayer—humbleness because of the deep sense of our individual inadequacy—faith because of our confidence in the Power in this Cause, and the hearts of the American believers. It is so entirely possible for the devotion of the American believers to fulfill every task assigned them in the great and holy Crusade. We ask every believer, as we near the close of the Second Year of this Crusade, to ask himself:

• Can I fill one of the remaining Virgin Goals?

• Can I add to the strength of a Consolidation Goal?

• Can my moving preserve a Spiritual Assembly — or perhaps assist in re-establishing one in a State now without such a focus for the Sun of Truth?

• Will I write, today, to my AMERICAN NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE, telling where I could go, what help I would need, how I can serve?

We trust the light and illumination of our combined prayers and fasting will raise up a true army of light to wrest complete victory from the forces of darkness and firmly establish the present goals of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in America.

We are waiting to hear from you all—and we have little time to wait before Ridván.

American National Teaching Committee

725 South Alvarado Street,

Los Angeles, 57, California

Mrs. Jesma Herbert, Secretary

PIONEER LETTERS FROM GERMAN GOALS

The following excerpts from pioneer letters, translated from the Bahá’í Nachrichten of September October 1954, speak eloquently of the sustaining power of Bahá’u’lláh.

FRISIAN ISLANDS (Sylt)

From Elsa Maria Grossmann.

September 3, 1954. “You can imagine how Bahá’í letters and news are a real breath of life to one on this faroff island, though night and day one is connected with the spiritual Homeland . . . When everything in the world is going to pieces, we experience ever greater joy and are permitted to serve with our whole being a Cause which is striding, and will continue to stride, from victory to victory. This knowledge gives me such strength and faith, when standing here alone with my task and looking out on the boundless sea, that I feel this strength like something I can grasp in my hand . . .”

CRETE

From Rolf Haug.

September 26 and October 14, 1954. “Only through His indescribable Bounty and Grace is one permitted to experience such a moment as I have just passed through—the great significance of this time spent in spirit and prayer when I dared to ask (a friend) the glorious question: ‘Do you wish to become Bahá’í?’ One cannot measure the rapture that seized us, when, after an affirmative answer. we united in prayer and begged for steadfastness and guidance . . . We have been occupied especially with the messages of our beloved Guardian and set ourselves as goals the tasks which are his most longing wishes. They are dedicated goals and seem almost unattainable, but how can we put forth the idea of ‘impossibility’ when we are permitted to experience overwhelming proofs of the sure guidance of Bahá’u’lláh Himself! Our thoughts are often with you and all the other friends and we think also in prayer of your extremely difficult tasks.”

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

CANADA

Israel Branch for National Spiritual Assembly

The Canadian National Spiritual Assembly reports in their Bahá’í News for February, 1955, that the Israel Branch of that National Assembly was formed on November 20, 1953, and that the title deed to property registered in their name on Mt. Carmel has recently been received. Title was transferred to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada, Israel Branch, on October 1, 1954. The friends will recall that the Guardian announced this event in his letter of October l—“a house valued at ten thousand dollars and situated in the immediate neighborhood of the Báb’s Sepulcher.”

Teaching in Languages Other than English

For several months, according to the January issue of Canadian Bahá’í News, the National Teaching Committee has carried on a teaching program among Ukranians in Canada. Booklets giving the principles of the Bahá’í Faith have been prepared in Ukranian, and advertisements placed in a Ukranian newspaper inviting readers to write for information.

More than 300 inquiries had come in by the first of the year, and from these active contacts have resulted.

The success of the Ukranian program has encouraged the Committee to plan similar campaigns to reach other language groups in Canada.

NATIONAL NEWS

CONVENTION ARRANGEMENTS

The Convention Arrangements Committee urges the Bahá’í delegates and visitors planning to attend the Convention to make their housing reservations promptly. Hotel reservations should be made direct and a deposit should accompany the letter. Hotels in Evanston where all Bahá’ís are welcome are:

The Evanshire Hotel,

860 Hinman Ave.

Single $5, Double with twin beds $7.50

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The Evanston Hotel, 840 Forest Ave.

Single $4, Double $6, Twin Beds $7

The Georgian Hotel, 422 Davis Street

Single $5.50 to $11, Double $9 to $11

The North Shore Hotel,

1611 Chicago Ave.

Single $5 and $5.50, Double $7

Delegates and visitors wishing accommodations in private homes should send their request for reservations to:

Mrs. Priscilla Hassan

1244 Maple Street

Wilmette, Illinois

or to

Mrs. Edna Coleman

1227 Leon Place

Evanston, Illinois

Names and addresses of motels will be furnished on request.

As announced in February BAHÁ’Í NEWS, child care will be provided only during daytime sessions but the arrangements do not include care for infants or very young children requiring individual attention.

The believers are again requested not to bring to the Convention any non-Bahá’ís, for they cannot be admitted to the sessions no matter how close to the Faith they may be. The Feast of Riḍván and the Bahá’í Public Congress are the only occasions when non-Bahá’ís will be admitted.

For the Bahá’ís arriving early, there will be an informal reception in Foundation Hall, Wednesday evening, April 27, at 8:00 p.m.

BAHA’I PRESS SERVICE

World Religion Day 1955

Reports received on the observance of World Religion Day, January 16, 1955, indicate a substantial increase in the number of public meetings and radio broadcasts, and in the use of newspaper publicity and advertising, and of displays in store windows and public buildings.

Public meetings were reported by 154 communities, with many of the larger cities welcoming large numbers of contacts and new inquirers. The majority of programs featured Bahá’í speakers; others included public figures from other fields, and the panel discussion type of presentation.

The Albuquerque community departed from the usual pattern by scheduling fifteen-minute broadcasts on three radio stations, spaced throughout the day, in place of a public meeting. Post cards announcing the broadcasts were mailed to 1000 persons, and a group met to listen to the afternoon broadcast and to discuss the theme informally. The Assembly and radio stations received many favorable comments, indicating the value of this type of World Religion Day proclamation.

Ten other communities — Yuma, Arizona; Arlington, Virginia; Salem, Oregon; Buffalo, New York: Montgomery, Alabama; Baltimore, Maryland; Kokomo and Logansport, Indiana; Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska—presented radio broadcasts from five to thirty minutes in length, some using Press Service tapes or scripts, others using original scripts written for the occasion. Two radio stations in Anchorage, Alaska. broadcast spot announcements for the public meeting and two stations gave fifteen-minute programs for the broadcast of tape recordings.

Flint, Michigan, obtained twenty spot announcements on five local stations and one station each in Bay City. Owosso and Saginaw. Four stations in Chicago, three stations in Portland, Maine, and one station in Silver Springs, Maryland, and in Maui, Hawaii, broadcast spot announcements. In Baltimore, Bahá’í speakers were guests during one-half of a fifteen-minute regular weekly program on two successive weeks. WMAR-TV in Baltimore telecast a fifteen-minute panel discussion featuring three Bahá’í speakers and moderator. Boise, Idaho, reported use of a ninety-word announcement over KIDO-TV.

Totals of newspaper publicity for World Religion Day reached a new high in proclaiming the Bahá’í teachings through the press. Two hundred six newspapers in 148 cities carried a total of over 1100 column inches of publicity, with a combined circulation of 18,500,000 copies. Publication of the news releases was undoubtedly stimulated by the official recognition extended by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in their booklet Special Days, Weeks and Months for 1955.

Posters carrying the World Religion Day announcement and a picture of the Temple were displayed in Indianapolis, Maui, Montgomery, and in Flint and eleven surrounding towns. Store windows, public libraries, hotels and public utility companies were used to present the message. In some communities this was supplemented with mailed notices and personal invitations to the public meetings.

Results in all these phases of public relations emphasize the paramount importance of World Religion Day in proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith, and show promise of even greater activity next year.

-BAHÁ’Í PRESS SERVICE

PUBLIC LIBRARY PRESENTATIONS

The Public Library Committee has appreciated very much the interest and activity of the librarians and other Bahá’ís who are placing books in libraries all over the country. At times our correspondence is voluminous, and, with work now beginning on the files of records, the Committee pleads for your tolerance and patience if answers to your letters are delayed.

A few suggestions may be helpful to those wishing to give books to libraries:

Know your Bahá’í books and donate to libraries first those which will interest the public most. A dead book on the library shelves does not predispose the librarian to receive more of our books. See the suggested list in the December BAHÁ’Í NEWS. It is not iron-clad but may be helpful.

Be a user of the library yourself and, whenever possible, become acquainted with the librarian. When you are presenting books, it is a good idea to include a good general pamphlet which gives an over-all view of what the Faith stands for. We have found that the “yellow Temple pamphlet" is excellent for this purpose, as it was designed for mass presentation at the House of Worship.

In an interview with the librarian, the subject heading “Bahá’í Faith,” not “Bahá’í World Faith", should be suggested for use in library catalogues. Word from National Headquarters tells us that the latter terminology is used chiefly for promotional purposes. It is not wrong; but it is better for libraries to use, if possible, a uniform entry. We understand that the question of a proper subject heading is being discussed with the Library of Congress at the present time, and, if that institution agrees to adopt “Bahá’í Faith” instead of “Bahá’ísm”, which it uses

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Bahá’ís and friends at the 1954 British Bahá’í Summer School, Exeter. England.

at present, it will be easier to persuade librarians to make the change in their local libraries. However, the Library of Congress leaves librarians free to do as they like. The University of Illinois Library, one of the largest in the country, has, at the suggestion of the local Library Committee, changed all its subject headings to the desired form.

The University of Illinois Library might also be cited as having adopted two other procedures which other libraries may wish to follow, especially those which, to date, do not have too large a collection of Bahá’í books and therefore will not mind changing a few card entries:

1, Bahá’í books are not entered under the names of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as author cards, but appear all together under the subject, “Bahá’í Faith," which is certainly the way most people would look for them at present, as the proper names are difficult to spell and almost impossible for the public to remember. This brings all Bahá’í books together under one heading.

2, Bahá’í books are classified under the Dewey Decimal number 299.15, which brings them under the number for “non—Christian religions.” This is accurate enough and much better than 297, the number for the Muslim religion. The “.15” stands for Irán, under a classification which stems from the lndo-European languages. Any librarian will understand this classification when she looks it up in the Dewey Decimal Classification.

Work with public libraries (and other libraries, not so designated but serving various groups of the public) can be a very important and valuable part of public relations, for they can make available the Teachings of our Faith in a direct and yet impersonal way to thousands of potential seekers who may not feel ready to attend meetings or welcome personal propaganda.

—PUBLIC LIBRARY COMMITTEE

AMERICAN INDIAN SERVICE COMMITTEE

"A New Day Comes" Booklet in Cherokee Language

The National Spiritual Assembly has approved the publication of a compilation of Bahá’í Writings on which this Committee has been working for the last year and a half. The publication of this booklet, A New Day Comes, in the Cherokee language completes one of the World Crusade goals assigned to the American Bahá’ís. This booklet contains a short introduction to the Faith and excerpts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. These excerpts illustrate The Oneness of Mankind, The Oneness of God, and The Oneness of The Planet. This booklet is available in Cherokee in limited numbers, without charge, to those who have opportunity to make use of them.

This pamphlet has also been published in English and copies are available without charge to the friends who are teaching or seeking to teach among the Indians.

A Brochure of Teaching Suggestions is now available for $.50 with corrected insert and supplement sheets. Those who have already purchased the brochure may secure these extra sheets without charge upon request. All orders and correspondence may be addressed to:

American Indian Service Committee

Mrs. Nancy Phillips, Secretary

736 Encanto Drive, S.E.

Phoenix, Arizona

BAHA’I IN THE NEWS

The Union of International Associations, Brussels, Belgium, has edited (with the collaboration of United Nations) and published a Yearbook of International Organizations, 1954-1955. Bahá’í International Community, representing the twelve National Spiritual Assemblies in their collective relationship to the UN as an international nongovernmental organization, is listed and described on pages 267 and 268. This volume makes an excellent reference in contacts with libraries, universities and liberal peace and humanitarian organizations.

The House of Worship continues to be a favored subject for illustration. in The Evanston Review for January 13 and Wilmette Life for January 20, an advertiser takes space for a pen and ink sketch of the Temple as “impressive, descriptive, creative.” The magazine supplement of The Chicago Daily Tribune for January 30 contains a very large illustration of the House of Worship in a series devoted to important places of interest in the city and environs of Chicago. A TV show broadcast from Chicago in January also depicted notable local places, including two different views of the Temple.

A press clipping received from Mexico is devoted to an article about Guy Murchie, “distinguished author from the United States," and his famous book Song of the Sky, mentioned in this column recently‘ The notice refers to him as a Bahá’í, and carries a photograph of Mr. Murchie and his wife.

From our pioneer hrother Dr. Wm. Kenneth Christian, we receive two references to the Faith taken from American Ways of Life by George R. Stewart, published by Doubleday & Co., New York:

“Some argue that the last three centuries have not been highly ‘creative’ in religion anywhere, and that there has been more religious ferment in the United States than there has been anywhere else. But

[Page 10]10

MARCH, 1955

this is doubtful. Bahá’ísm has perhaps affected the lives of more people than either Mormonism or Christian Science.”

“Within the last century the Salvation Army (originating in England) and Bahá’ísm (originating in Iran) furnish examples of religious bodies that have established themselves in the United States essentially not by immigration of people but by immigration of ideas.”

International Review of Missions, London, includes The Hidden Words in its book review department International Missionary Bibliography for January: “Spiritual aphorisms by a Bahá’í leader of the nineteenth century.”

The Pacific edition of Army Times for January 5 has 3 column entitled “The Light Touch” in which a pun is made on the word “Bahá’í”—evidence that the word is now well known and requires no interpretation.

Commerce, Chicago, for December, 1954, has an article “2,300 Churches Serve City,” which illustrates the Bahá’í Temple, referring to it as “an impressive architectural achievement north of the city.”

Sayare and Compass, A Journal of Masonry, which goes to about ten thousand Masons in Colorado and has a national and international circulation, has an excellent article on the Faith by Cynthia Olson.

The February issue of The Spectator, published by Judy Publishing Co., Chicago, has a full-page article entitled “Bahá’í” which is very well written.

BAHA’I NEWS MAILING

Each individual Bahá’í receives his copy of BAHÁ’Í NEWS by direct mail. Besides his or her personal copy, each Assembly secretary receives an additional copy for the Assembly file.

If there is more than one Bahá’í in the family and one copy is sufficient, please notify the National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters, listing the members of the family and indicating the member to whom BAHÁ’Í NEWS is to be mailed. We prefer not to address it to “Mr. and Mrs.” as this complicates our stencil system which is used for other purposes besides mailing BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

BAHÁ’Í NEWS cannot be forwarded. Therefore, if you are planning to be absent from home for a time, please

Bahá’ís and friends from Canada, the United States and Germany at the 1954 Bahá’í Summer Conference held in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

request the person taking care of your mail to either hold your BAHÁ’Í NEWS for your return, or to re-address it and re-stamp it for forwarding.

Changes of address should be reported directly to the National Bahá’í Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

Missoula, Montana, a virgin goal city a few months ago, now has nine settlers.

In Dover, Delaware, a chapel program was presented by Bahá’ís at the Delaware State College. Bahá’í prayers opened and closed the meeting which featured a talk, “Intro duction to the Bahá’í Faith.”

The Bahá’í communities of Kansas City and Leawood, Kansas, and Kansas City, Independence and Blue Township, Missouri, sponsor regular bi-monthly Sunday Bahá’í school classes for children. Teachers serve in rotation from the several communities. Seven children of non-Bahá’í parents are now attending. Classes for the parents are offered at the same times.

Bahá’ís of the Detroit, Michigan, area hold weekly devotional programs in the auditorium of State Hall at Wayne University. The readings follow the programs used at the Bahá’í House of Worship, and taperecorded music is played.

In recognition of the great need for funds and in answer to the appeal from the National Treasurer, the believers of Albuquerque, New Mexico, engaged in daily prayer for the specific purpose for 19 days beginning with the Feast of Honor.

For the sixth consecutive year a member of the Alburquerque, New Mexico Bahá’í Community has addressed a class in “The Philosophy of Religions” at the University of New Mexico. The first invitation by the instructor has been repeated each semester that the class has been offered. This class—comparable to one on comparative religion—has a speaker from each of the major faiths and divisions whenever possible throughout the semester, and it is interesting to note that the Bahá’í speaker is always invited to speak near the end of the semester, The Faith is recognized as the one which unifies all the faiths previously studied.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Bahá’í Youth were invited to provide a speaker for the Wesleyan Methodist Church at Mitchell, South Dakota, to address a group of college students. Many questions were asked and over 100 pieces of literature distributed in response to requests.

The Anchorage and Anchorage Recording District Local Spiritual Assemblies are sponsoring an eightweeks’ class for the public on “Comparative Religion”. Special news

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stories on the Classes appeared in both the daily newspapers.

Inter-Racial Work in Alaska continues with Bahá’ís functioning on the local NAACP in the positions of chairman of the executive board, chairman of the press and publicity committee, treasurer, chairman of the finance committee, and members of the community coordination committee.

In addition to regular fireside and deepening classes the Anchorage community has initiated public speaking classes and a group dynamics program.

DEVOTIONAL PROGRAMS AT HOUSE OF WORSHIP

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 de votional programs include Bahá is and guests. Choral selections are by the Bahá’í House of Worship A Capella Choir.

The programs for the month of February follow:

Order of Devotions-February 6, 1955

The light of men in Justice. Quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men.

-Bahá’u’lláh

CHORAL SELECTION

Arise, O God, and Show Thy Might Haydn

M. Morgan

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Prayers and Meditations, CLXIXX p. 261

HINDU SCRIPFURES (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

Judae Me, 0 God-Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS

The Hidden Words of Baha 'u'llah , From the Arabic, No. 2

The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 23

Gleanings, pp. 204-205

Gleanings , pp . 342-343; CXII, p. 218; XII, p. 17 Prayers and Meditations, CLXVI, p. 259

CHORAL SELECTION 0 Thou, by Whose Name (Prayer of Bahá'u'lláh ) - Charles Wolcott

Order of Devotions-February 13, 1955

The Word of God is Like unto a tree: its planting ground must be the hearts of people.

-Bahá'u'lláh

CHORAL SELECTION

Out of the Deep—C. H. Trevor

BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS

Prayers and Meditations, IV, p. 6

Gleanings, p. 97; CI, p. 206; XCIX, p. 200

OLD TESTAMENT

Psalm 19

NEW TESTAMENT

John 1:1-5; 14:1-17

CHORAL SELECTION

The Lord's My Shepherd-arr. Gordon Jacob

QUR’AN

sura III: 25-29

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Gleanings. p. 186, pp. 303-304

Gleanings. pp. 294-295. 296-297

Prayers and Meditations. II. p. 4

CHORAL SELECTION in solemn silence—Ippolitof Ivanof

Order of Devotions-February 90, 1955

Know ye not why We created you an from the time dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all time: in your heart: him ye were mated. since We have mated you all from one some substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the some mouth and dwell in the same land, that your inmost being, by your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence a: detachment may be made vrmniIe.it.

—Bahá’u’lláh

BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS

Prayers and Meditations, LIX, p. 94

BHAGAVAD-GITA (Hindu Scriptures)

OLD TESTAMENT Isaia 64:8-9; Malachi 2:10; Deuteronomy 10:19: Leviticus 19:34

NEW TESTAMENT

The Acts 17:26 ; 1 John 2·9-11; Galatians 5:13

QUR’AN

Sura XLII: 22

CHORAL SELECTION

He ShALL Give His Angels Charge Over Thee

- Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS

The Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh (from the Arabic) , No. 68 ; Gleanings, pp. 288-289; op. 218-219

The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh , pp. 202-203;

Gleanings, CXVII, p. 249

Prayers a nd Meditations, XXIII, p. 26

CHORAL SELECTION

Our God Will We Praise—Sergei Rachmaninoff

Order of Devotions-February 27, 1955

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, 0 ye peoples of the world, that happily ye may attain that station which God hath destined for you.

—Bahá’u’lláh

CHORAL SELECTION

Hear My Cry, O God—Alexander Kopyloff

BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS

Communion with God. p. 20

The Kitáb-i-Iqán. p. 69, p. 70, pp. 145-146

OLD TESTAMENT

Proverbs 3 :1-5, 13-15

NEW TESTAMENT

James 1: 5-8; 1 Corinthians 2:9-15

CHORAL SELECTION

Grieve Not the Holy Spirit-John Stainer

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

From the Sweet-Scented Streams (Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh)—Charles Wolcot

PUBLICATIONS

Out of Stock

The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys. By Bahá’u’lláh. The paper edition is temporarily out of stock. A new binding is being prepared, to be available about March 1. Orders are being recorded for shipment when available. Burgundy red paper cover, stamped in silver, 4 x 6 inches, an attractive companion volume to the paper edition of The Hidden Words.

Price remains .............. $.75

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

HOLY DAYS

March 21, Feast of Naw-Rúz, beginning the Bahá’í Year 112.

April 21-May 2, Feast of Riḍván (Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh)

April 21, First day of Riḍván

April 29, Ninth day of Riḍván

PERIOD OF THE EAST

March 2-21

FEASTS

March 2—‘Alá’, Loftiness

March 21-Bahá, Splendor

April 9—Jalál, Glory

April 28—Jamá1, Beauty

NATIONAL CONVENTION

April 28-May 1

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS

March 25, 26, 27

April 27

BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP

Visiting hours

Weekdays and Saturdays: 1:00 P.M.—4:00 P.M. (the Auditorium only will be open)

Sundays: 10:30 A.M.—5:00 P.M. (the entire building will be open)

Service of Worship: Sunday at 3:30 PAMA, lasting until 4:15 (No guided tours will be conducted during the program of worship.)

Holy days and Anniversaries cele. bi-ated at the Bahá’í House of Worship

Feast of Naw-Rúz, March 21

Holy Days and Anniversaries celebrated at the Bahá’í House of Worship are open to the public. The meeting begins at 8:00 P.M. of the day preceding the anniversary date.

MARRIAGES

"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 . . .”

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Washington, D.C. —— Mrs. Corinne

Newkirk Ingram to Mr. Leslie Eugene Meghan, December 4, 1954.

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MARCH, 1955

IN MEMORIAM

“Death proffereth unto every confident the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.”

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Mr. Fred Amendt

Baltimore, Maryland

September, 1954

Miss Lei Lange

Lima, Ohio

December 18, 1954

Mrs. Salome H. Engelder

Brecksville, Ohio

December 29, 1954

Miss Josephine Nelson

Los Angeles, California

December 25, 1954

Mr. Albert C. Sanders

Grand Rapids, Michigan

December 24, 1954

Mr. John Nunziker

Snohomish, Washington

January ll, 1955

Mr. Frank lngalls

St. Louis, Missouri

January 20, 1955

Mrs. Edith Hoover

Denver, Colorado

December, 1954.

Miss Caroline Carlson

Kansas City, Missouri

January 17, 1955.

BAHA’I DIRECTORY CHANGES AND ADDITIONS

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

California (South)

South Bay Jud. Dist.: Mrs. Ardis Bergeron,

15936 South Florwood, Lawndale

Illinois (North)

Wilmette: Mrs, Doris Holley, Secy. pro-tern.

535 Sheridan Road

Puerto Rico

(Area not defined): Miss Christine McKay,

Ave. Ponce de Leon 762, Santurce

South Dakota

Sioux Falls: Mrs. Corrine D. Chase,

614 North Minnesota Ave.

CONSOLIDATION

National Youth

Mr. John McHenry, Jr., Chairman

Mrs. Valerie Rassekh, Secretary, P.O. Box 1053, Stanford, Calif.

Mr. Chas. Cornell

Mr. Michael Marney

Miss Helena Somerhalder

Miss Gail Allen

Mr. Nasrollah Rassekh

Miss Eloise Mitchell

Mr. Jerry Sanduslfy

Mrs. Luba Sandusky

Area Youth Committees

Functions: To carry out and apply in their areas, the specific suggestions received from the National Youth Committee; to conduct regional Youth Conferences: to stimulate teaching activities by Bahá’í Youth in their areas; to encourage development of new local Youth groups; to submit report of Youth activities regularly to the National Youth Committee.

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island.

Mr. Lance Mead, Chairman

Miss Margaret Doull, Secretary, 113 Congress Ave. Providence, R. 1.

Miss Elizabeth Small

Mr. Chet Allen

Mr. Iraj Sabet

New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

Mr. Kenneth Kalantar, Convener, 314 Washington Ave., Dumont, N. J.

Mr. Alex Shinley

Mr. Hormoz Sabet

Miss Penny Anderson

Miss Ellen Sue Weintrob

West Virginia, Virginia, Dist. of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina

Mrs. Caroline P. Wooten, Convener, 305 Watts St., Durham, N. C.

Mr. Ray Lippitt

Miss Quida Cooper

Mr. Richard Parmelee

Mr. John R, Nichols

Mr. Perry Gawen

Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa

Miss Georgia Halberstadt, Chairman

Miss Jane Gibson, Secretary, 1514 Elmwood Ave., Wilmette, Ill.

Miss Carol Eggert

Miss Darlene Erickson

Mr. James Freeman

Mr. Oliver Hardiman

Mr. Peter McLaren

North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska

Mrs. Vera D. Esinhart, Convener, 623 N. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls. S. D.

Mrs. Betty Dempster

Mrs. Corrine D. Chase

Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming

Mrs. Janet L. Jones, Convener, 550 S. Franklin St., Denver. Colo.

Mr. Gilbert Grasselly

Pvt. Quentin Farrand

California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah

Mr. Stephen Powers, Chairman

Miss Judy Phillips, Secretary, 736 Encanto Dr., S. E., Phoenix, Ariz,

Mr. Wallie Heath

Miss Alfreda Tooms

Mr, Graham Stuart

Mr. Allen Ward

Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana

Miss Alma Lu Schmidt, Convener, 825 East State, Boise, Idaho

Mrs. Donna Burroughs

Mr. Frank Erfurth, Jr.

Mrs. Frank Erfurth, Jr.

Mr. Robbie Robinson

Miss Phyllis Rogers

Mr. Eddie Williams

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 out 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 Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.