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No. 296

BAHA’I YEAR 112

OCTOBER, 1955

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The Triumph of His Undefeafabie Faith

Message from the Gumdian

Mysterious dispensations (of) ever-watchful Providence, hastening, through turmoil (and) trial, (the) triumph (of) His undefeatable Faith, dictating (at) this critical hour (the) sudden deterioration (of the) situation confronting (the) largest community (of the) Bahá’í world, as evidenced (by the) violent recrudescence (of the) persecution afflicting intermittently, (for) over (a) century, its members residing (in) Bahá’u’lláh’s native land.

Following (the) seizure (and the) destruction (of the) dome (of the) community’s national administrative headquarters, (the) occupation (of) similar institutions (in) all provinces, (the) government declaration (to the) Majlis outlawing (the) Faith (and a) virulent press (and) radio campaign, distorting its history, calumniating its Founders, misrepresenting its tenets (and) obscuring its aims (and) purposes, (a) series (of) atrocities (has been) perpetrated (in) rapid succession (throughout the) length (and) breadth (of the) land against members (of a) sorely-tried community.

(The) House (of the) Báb, (the) foremost Shrine (in) Írán, (has been) twice desecrated (and) severely damaged; Bahá’u’lláh’s ancestral Home (at) Takur occupied; (the) house (of the) Báb’s uncle razed (to the) ground; shops, farms plundered; crops burned, livestock destroyed; bodies disinterred (in the) cemeteries (and) mutilated; private houses broken into, damaged (and) looted; adults execrated (and) beaten; young women abducted (and) forced (to) marry Muslims; children mocked, reviled, beaten (and) expelled (from the) schools; boycott (by) butchers (and) bakers imposed; fifteen-year-old girl raped; eleven-month-old baby trampled underfoot; (and) pressure brought (to) bear (upon) believers (to) recant (their) Faith.

More recently (a) family (of) seven, (the) oldest eighty, (the) youngest nineteen, residing (in) Hurmuzak (of the) Province (of) Yazd, (were) set upon (by a) mob two thousand strong, accompanied (by) music (of) drums (and) trumpets, (which) hacked them (to) pieces with spades (and) axes. Meanwhile (an) official circular (has been) issued (by the) Prime Minister, addressed (to) Government Departments ordering (the) expulsion (of) all Bahá’í employes refusing (to) recant.

(This) highly distressing situation threatens (to) worsen (during) Muḥarram (and) Safar.

Reacting (to these) barbarous acts, over (a) thousand groups (and) local Assemblies (of the) Bahá’í world appealed telegraphically (to the) authorities, (and) all National Assemblies addressed Written communications (to the) Sháh, (the) government (and) parliament, pleading (for) justice (and) protection.

Finding written pleas unanswered, (an) appeal (has been) lodged (with) United Nations (by) representatives (of the) International Bahá’í Community (at) Geneva. Copies (of the) appeal (were) delivered (to) representatives (of) member nations (of the) Social (and) Economic Council, (the) Director (of the) Human Rights Division (and) certain specialized agencies (of) nongovernmental organizations with consultative status. Furthermore, President Eisenhower who, according (to the) newspapers, first mentioned the persecutions at a Press Conference in Washington, (has been) appealed to (by) the National representatives (of the) American Bahá’í Community (and) all Assemblies (and) groups (in the) United States (to) intervene (on) behalf (of their) oppressed sister community.

Whatever (the) outcome (of the) present heartrending events, one fact emerges clear (and) indisputable. God’s infant Faith, provided, through (the) operation (of a) quarter-century-long process associated with the first epoch (of the) formative age (of the) Faith, (with the) machinery (of a) divinely appointed Administrative Order, (and) utilizing (in the) course (of the) succeeding epoch, through (the) formulation (of a) series (of) national plans, culminating (in the) launching (of the) World Crusade, (the) newly-born administrative agencies for (the) systematic propagation (of the) Faith, (is) now gradually emerging from obscurity (in the) wake (of the) ordeal convulsing (the) overwhelming majority (of the) followers (of the) Faith.

(The) world-wide reverberations (of) this nation-wide commotion will be hailed (by) posterity (as the) mighty blast (of) God’s trumpet designed (to) awaken, through (the) instrumentality (of) its oldest, most redoubtable, most vicious, most fanatical adversaries, countless multitudes, (and the) Chancelleries (and) Chief Magistrates (of the) East (and of the) West, (to the) existence (and) implications (of the) Faith proclaimed (by) His Messenger (in) this Day. This long-desired, ardently-hoped-for emergence, itself (a) long-drawn-out process, (is) bound

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OCTOBER, 1955

(to) pave (the) way (for the) emancipation (of this) same Faith (from the) fetters (of) orthodoxy (in) Islamic countries, as well as (the) ultimate recognition (of the) independent character (of the) Revelation (of) Bahá’u’lláh (in) His homeland.

Owing (to the) grievous losses sustained. (and the) necessity (to) demonstrate world-wide Bahá’í solidarity, an “Aid (the) Persecuted” Fund (has been) inaugurated (for the) purpose (of) bringing immediate relief (to the) despoiled (and) homeless victims. Myself contributing (the) equivalent (of) eighteen thousand dollars (for this) noble purpose. However conscious (I am) (of the) manifold demands (on the) adherents (of the) Faith, (I am) impelled (to) invite them (to) participate through contributions to be transmitted through (their) respective National Assemblies.

Moreover, undeterred (by the) obstacles placed (in the) path (of the) crusaders (of) Bahá’u’lláh, (the) historic decision (has been) arrived at (to) raise (the) Mother Temple (of) Africa (in the) City (of) Kampala, situated (in) its heart (and) constituting (a) supreme consolation (to the) masses (of) oppressed valiant brethren (in the) Cradle (of the) Faith. Every continent (of the) globe except Australasia will thereby pride itself (on) (and) derive direct spiritual benefits (from) its own Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. Befitting recognition will, moreover, have been accorded (the) marvelous expansion (of the) Faith (and the) amazing multiplications (of) its administrative institutions throughout this continent, a continent fully deserving (of) a House (of) Worship, complementing (the) four national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds already established, wherein (the) spirit (of an) unconquerable Faith can dwell, within whose walls (the) African adherents (of the) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh can congregate, (and) from which anthems (of) praise glorifying (the) Most Great Name can ascend (to the) Concourse (of the) Abhá Kingdom.

Transmit message (to) Hands (of the) Cause (and) National Assemblies.

(signed) SHOGHI

August 23, 1955

Beloved Friends:

Once more the Guardian offers guidance to the Bahá’í world community, this time as it girds itself for the defenSe of the believers of Írán suffering under the heel of a cruel and disdainful oppression.

In his cable dated August 23, Shoghi Effendi outlines the main features of this startling situation, reveals its significance and its eventual outcome in spiritual victory, and creates two agencies through which the power of the Faith may flow.

First he establishes a Fund for relief of the Persian believers who have been stricken and made homeless, sealing its high purpose with his own generous offering. This Fund stands apart from all other funds in demanding immediate. special response and in representing our world-wide solidarity in the face of a common affliction. Individual believers and Assemblies alike are urged to contribute to this Relief Fund through the National Bahá’í Fund, indicating its purpose when forwarding their checks. Hereby can we demonstrate our unity as Bahá’ís and symbolically testify to the eternal debt owed by all followers of Bahá’u’lláh to the martyrs and heroes of the early days.

Second, the Guardian announces his decision to have a House of Worship constructed at Kampala, in the heart of Africa, “supreme consolation to the masses of oppressed valiant brethren in the Cradle [Persia] of the Faith.”

Herein we recognize a “mysterious dispensation,” in that the continent of Africa arises with increasing strength to serve Bahá’u’lláh while the Bahá’ís of Írán are temporarily suppressed. May it occur to some of our fanatic enemies to ponder why, when a House of Worship cannot be erected in IÍrán, this Bahá’í institution appears in the heart of Africa, thereby demonstrating the universality or His Message.

In the course of this epochal message, the Guardian briefly depicts the history of the current persecutions in IÍrán to date, including reference to the appeal filed with United Nations in Geneva on August 1.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Loading Cut Stone In Italy for Archives Building in Haifa

The S.S Nakhshon of the Zim Line at the dock of Trieste, Italy, ready to embark 157 tons of cut stone for the International Archives Building on Mt. Carmel, August 12, 1955. At right are shown railroad cars which brought the 169 cases of stone from Chiampo to Trieste.

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All cases are marked with S.E. (the Italian abbreviation for His Eminence), port of destination, content, and the progressive number of each case, as shown above. View at upper right gives detail of one car. At right, cases are being loaded on ship by giant cranes. Material shipped consisted of all the covering of the podium of the building, eight complete columns, 14 bases, 15 carved capitals, plus the complete staircase.

IMPORTANCE OF PREPARING FOR NEW NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE

One of the directives given to the Hands of the Cause to guide their efforts and those of the Members of the Auxiliary Board this year concerns the preparations which are required for the formation of new National Assemblies. The following passage in a letter received from the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land reveals very clearly the strong emphasis laid by the Guardian on this task of the World Crusade.

"Now that he has fixed a time limit for the formation of new National and Regional Bodies in the Western Hemisphere: that of Alaska, and two in Central America and two in South America to be elected in 1957, the teaching work becomes of crucial importance during the coming year. The believers must be made to realize that, unless a tremendous effort is put forth before April 21, 1956, they will not have succeeded in laying a broad and worthy foundation for the new National Body and Regional Bodies. Indeed the work of consolidation at this time has reached a crucial point. . . . If the Bahá’ís do not arise now and devote every effort to multiplying the local Assemblies in Alaska and the Latin American republics, they will find that their National Bodies when elected rest on a weak foundation, and have missed their

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OCTOBER, 1955

In file photo above one case containing a third of a column is being lowered In the hold of the ship. At right the Captain of the S.S. Nakhshon and Dr. Ugo Giachery, Hand of the Cause, supervise the loading of the shipment. The steamer was due in Haifa on August 23, 1955.

historic opportunity to come into being as Bodies truly representative of the community they are to serve.”

This excerpt is published in the hope that it will reach the hearts of many who might arise and pioneer in one of these areas. All correspondence on the subject should be addressed to the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee.

Mrs. Corinne True, Horace Holley, Paul E. Haney

—HANDS OF TEH CAUSE

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

APPEALS TO THE PRESIDENT

The Guardian’s direction that the National Assembly of the United States address a telegram and a letter to President Eisenhower appealing for his intervention on behalf of the persecuted Iranian Bahá’ís, and that telegrams appealing for his intervention be sent by local Assemblies and groups, has evoked a wide response. By September 7, 331 messages had been sent by Assemblies and groups according to data received by the National Assembly.

These messages have been acknowledged by the Department of State in a letter which incidentally states: “I would be grateful if you could find some way to let these many groups know of the interest the Department is taking.”

The action of all these Assemblies and groups in addressing the President is gratetully commended by the National Assembly. It demonstrates the power of unified action released whenever grave Bahá’í interests are at stake.

It must be realized that the letter from the Department of State implies that the appeals were referred to that Department by the White House and nothing in the way of public Presidential action can be expected.

There has been-close National Assembly contact with the Department since the persecutions began, and the Department has taken such action as is proper and possible in making representations to the Iranian government.

—NATIONALS SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

THE HEART OF THE BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY

Beloved friends:

The intention, and the ability, of the Bahá’ís today to develop a World community inspired with love for God, reverence for His law, and justice and consideration for all types of human beings, are not only the greatest matters being undertaken on earth today; they are the greatest undertaking humanity has ever assumed. Town by town, country by country, by tens and by scores and by hundreds, the believers who have responded to the Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh pursue this sacred mission.

Without changing their residence, they have changed their hearts; without abandoning their family or professional responsibilities, they work with a new mind. In a society stricken by fear they build a society of firmest conviction. Surrounded by conditions reflecting injustice, inequity, prejudice and lawlessness, the Bahá’ís are they who by unity know that evil will be barred out, and by activity for the sake of His Cause soul sickness and contagion are left behind.

This is the most mysterious process of the ages. It is as though in an ancient rug, once beautiful, now rent, discolored and outworm, certain threads could be used again, and these threads are pulled from the old rug and rewoven in a new design.

The pulsating heart in this process of society-building is a social institution imbued with spiritual significance, the Nineteen Day Feast.

The Nineteen Day Feast is not one of many Bahá’í meetings. It is no an occasion or gathering which any Bahá’í can deem to be incidental to some other, more important duty.

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The Nineteen Day Feast is the shuttle which, in the hands of the Divine Artist, weaves into the new Pattern all those threads which are strong enough to serve His purpose.

Groups study, individuals pray, Assemblies deliberate, committees plan. All this is essential and necessary, but nothing on earth today has the specific and functional purpose of the Nineteen Day Feast — the builder of the world community which must demonstrate the Most Great Peace.

“The Nineteen Day Feast was inaugurated by the Báb and ratified by Bahá’u’lláh, in His Holy Book, the Aqdas, so that people may gather together and outwardly show fellowship and love, that the Divine mysteries may be disclosed.” “The Nineteen Day Feast has been described by the Guardian as the foundation of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh . . . Bahá’ís should regard this Feast as the very heart of their spiritual activity, their participation in the mystery of the Holy Utterance, their steadfast unity one with another in a mystery raised high above the limitations of race, nationality, sect, and their privilege of contributing to the power of the Cause in the realm of collective actions.”

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

(The letter is repainted for special consideration by new believers and the smaller communities.—N.S.A.)

WORLD CRUSADE

PIONEER LETTERS

Further Report on Africa

In Bahá’í News Letter the Asia Teaching Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma authorized publication of an interesting pioneer letter from Mr. F. Roozbehyan, from which the following excerpt is taken:

Gambia (African goal territory assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of India)

“Following my last week’s letter I went to Birkama, a town about twenty-five miles from Bathurst with a population of about 15,000 people, on last Saturday, and am very happy to report that I had a

TRUMPET BLASTS

In God Passes By (pages 33-34) the Guardian states:

“A little over four years had elapsed since the birth of the Báb’s Revelation when the trumpet-blast announcing the formal extinction of the old, and the inauguration of the new Dispensation was sounded. No pomp, no pageantry marked so great a turning-point in the world’s religious history. Nor was its modest setting commensurate with such a sudden, startling, complete emancipation from the dark and embattled forces of fanaticism, of priestcraft, of religious orthodoxy and superstition. The assembled host consisted of no more than a single woman and a handful of men, mostly recruited from the very ranks they were attacking, and devoid, with few exceptions, of wealth, prestige and power. The Captain of the host was Himself an absentee, a captive in the grip of His foes. The arena was a tiny hamlet in the plain of Badasht on the border of Mázídárán. The trumpeter was a lone woman, the noblest of her sex in that Dispensation, whom even some of her co-religionists pronounced a heretic. The call she sounded was the death-knell of the twelve hundred year old law of Islám.

“Accelerated, twenty years later, by another trumpet-blast, announcing the formulation of the laws of yet another Dispensation, this process of disintegration, associated with the declining fortunes of a superannuated, though divinely revealed Law, gathered further momentum, precipitated, in a later age, the annullment of the Shari‘ah canonical Law in Turkey, led to the virtual abandonment of that Law in Shi‘ah Persia, has, more recently, been responsible for the dissociation of the System envisaged in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas from the Sunní ecclesiastical Law in Egypt, has paved the way for the recognition of that System in the Holy Land itself, and is destined to culminate in the secularization of the Muslim states, and in the universal recognition of the Law of Bahá’u’lláh by all the nations, and its enthronement in the hearts of all the peoples, of the Muslim world.”

tremendous success which I never expected at all. There I met an acquaintance whom I had met in Bathurst at several football games and had given him the message but he did not seem to be interested and I told him that I had come to Birkama to speak to some few people about the Bahá’í Faith. When I told him this, he advised me to go to the Muslim Mosque and await him, because he was going to bring a large number of his friends‘ After waiting for about half an hour all at once I saw a large number of people coming towards the Mosque and at first I was taken aback because I thought that they may be coming to punish me for defiling their Mosque with my footsteps, but later I found that all saluted me in Islamic fashion and surrounded me. My friend also came towards me and stood beside me to translate my words to those who could not understand. At first I was too dazed to be able to speak but later I men tioned the Greatest Name and asked Bahá’u’lláh to help me. Receiving strength I began first by giving them the prophecies from Qur’án for this Faith regarding the appearance of Mahdi (Báb) and Masaya (Bahá’u’lláh) and then I gave a short history of Faith and at the end the principles of this Holy Faith. On conclusion I asked them whether any person wished to ask any question and only one person asked that whether in this Faith a black man will have the same status as a white man and I replied that this Faith abolishes all sorts of prejudices especially for color, and whether white, black, yellow or red everyone is to be considered as human and all should love each other, and this reply satisfied him so much that he at once came forward and asked me to enlist him as a Bahá’í.”

Asia

The following excerpts are taken from reports received by the United States Asia Teaching Committee.

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OCTOBER, 1955

Cook Islands

Mrs. Edith M. Danielsen, pioneer, writes the following dramatic account of the effect of establishing her home on the beach at Muri:

“The people started flocking in at the end of the first week when the generator was hooked up and the Hammond electric organ sounded the first resonant tones. They loved it. Their main fascination seemed to be that my foot also played notes. . . . The next few nights brought droves of people—thirty-five in the house, twenty outside the lattice, and ten hanging over the windowsill back of the organ. . . .So many young men were here every night that the Kekau shack soon became known as the YMBC (Young Men’s Bahá’í Club)! One young man, who, it seems, stood on the road and directed the others down here, was nicknamed ‘the prophet.’

“Out of this number came the few who were sincerely interested in the Faith. They asked for weekly firesides—which started immediately. Some of these were not going fast enough and they asked for private study classes. Out of this there was one who still wasn’t going fast enough so we had daily lessons. March 8th he became the first Cook Islander Bahá’í.

“The big groups coming every night took their toll in fatigue, as those who wished to discuss the Faith remained after the others left which was often at midnight. Finally it was decided that Wednesday night should be for Bahá’í discussion only—no music or colored slides. The following night became ‘community night’ when everyone could come and it would be for entertainment—but Bahá’í discussion inevitably follows at the end of that night also.”

Korea

William H, Maxwell, Jr., fell in love with Korea while stationed there with the U.S. Armed Forces, secured his discharge there, and is now professor of English in Chonnam University, and therefore the first resident American pioneer in that land. He writes:

“I am in love with Korea, the people, the scenery, my job, everything. . . .This is not pioneering—a word connoting sacrifice of comfort and security for the unknown— this is living. . . .And yet we are blessed with those spiritual moments of confirmation, something of such power and reality as we had thought were reserved for other realms. . . .

“The Korean people are intensely human. They love singing and dancing; they are acutely curious. . . .

“Despite their ancient culture (1,000 years or more before Japan) and their artistic contributions — they had movable type 200 years before the Gutenberg Bible — the Koreans are criticized by other oriental peoples. This is because they are distinct. They remind me a lot of the African, and are somewhat temperamental like the Mediterranean races. Unlike in Japan, these babies will squall their little heads off. . . .’

Mr. Maxwell was provided with a beautiful house as part of his teaching contract, one, he says, that would be the envy of many an American housewife.

“As soon as my electric line is in I can begin firesides by showing the pictures of Haifa and the Temple.”

Canada, New Territories

The New Territories Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada circulates a Round Robin letter among its pioneers. From the July 15 issue this Committee has authorized citation of the following pioneer letter:

Labrador

Bruce Matthew writes: “About three weeks ago I was able to visit Happy Valley for the first time. The first thing I learned on arriving was that its correct name is Hamilton River Settlement. It is situated on the northern bank of the River and also on a small island which is connected by a long wooden bridge. Some fifteen to twenty yards of this bridge was brought down by ice about six weeks ago, but it’s still possible to cross safely. The vast majority of the villagers are Indians, although there are a few whites: clergymen and families. doctors and nurses, and the manager of the very large Hudson Bay store. There is one street a little over a mile long. The village is alive with young people of all ages. It seems that most of the villagers own boats and spend much time fishing when the river isn’t frozen. Many of the natives are shy of the camera, but I got several good colored slides including a panorama of the village from a hill. . . .

“About a week ago while I had popped into the new chapel to take a look at the pamphlet stand, the Methodist Chaplain, who was passing at the time, said, referring to the Temple, ‘Have you been there?’ At the time I was holding several reprints of the Chicago Tribune in my hand. I replied that I had not, but that I hoped to go soon. I also added that I was a Bahá’í. He told me he had visited the Temple in 1934 and described it as magnificent. He also told me that when he was taking classes in Sunday School in the States several of his boys came in late one day. He asked their reason and was told they had been attending classes in the Bahá’í Faith. The Chaplain told me that he had an open mind and asked me to drop in some time around five o’clock to tell him about the Faith. When we parted he assured me that he would ensure that the stand was kept well stocked with Bahá’í pamphlets. . . .”

JAPAN

Tokyo Conference at World Religionists

The Bahá’í Faith and the Bahá’ís of Japan figured prominently in the Conference of World Religionists held in Tokyo, August 1-3, attended by delegates representing 122 religious groups. The Bahá’í Faith was officially represented by three delegates: Dr. David Earl, representing the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, Philip Marangella, and Miss Agnes Alexander. Mr. N. Momtazi, official Bahá’í delegate from Írán, was unable to attend because of illness. Several other Bahá’í's were present as observers and assisted in the distribution of Bahá’í literature. Dr. Earl’s paper, “God’s Plan for Peace,” was mimeographed and distributed to all the delegates as one of the important addresses.

For discussion purposes the Conference was divided into three panels, each of which explored some particular aspect of the place of religion in establishing and maintaining peace. David Earl was elected, chairman of the division on “Wall and Peace,” and Mr. Marangella as chairman of the division on “Religion and Society.”

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The first All-Alaskan Summer Teaching Conference held in the newly-dedicated Hazíratu’l-Quds, Anchorage, Alaska

July 31 - August 6, 1955

As a follow-up to the Conference Mr. N. Momtazi and Robert Imagire visited the Osaka headquarters of the Conference of World Religionists, and after discussion of the religions of Japan and the Bahá’í Faith, they were invited to prepare an article on the Bahá’í teachings on the prevention of war, the causes which bring unrest to mankind, and the Bahá’í views on the spiritual solution of the problems growing out of World War II. This is to be published in a book with articles written by other delegates to the Conference, including one by David Earl.

—U. S. ASIA TEACHING COMMITTEE

ALL-ALASKA TEACHING CONFERENCE

The first All-Alaska Bahá’í Teaching Conference was held July 31 through August 6 in Anchorage, Alaska, A total of forty-three Bahá’í: attended all or part of the Conference, the Alaska Teaching Committee reports, representing over half the Bahá’í membership in the Territory of Alaska. The opening public congress, at which Mrs. Florence Mayberry gave the address, was attended by fifty-seven people. During the week eighteen non-Bahá’ís attended all or part of the Conference sessions. Three classes were conducted each morning: one on Bahá’í administration, led by Rex King of Anchorage; one on the Qur’án, by Ted Anderson of Whitehorse, Yukon, and a course on Spiritual Prerequisites for Living the Life, by Mrs. Mayberry. Forums were held each afternoon, conducted by Janet and Verne Stout as moderators. In the evening sessions two public lectures were given, tape recordings about the early days of the Cause were heard, one by Curtis Kelsey and the other by Juliet Thompson, and slides were shown by Betty Becker.

The Alaska Teaching Committee reports that highlights of the Conference included excellent publicity, intense interest on the part of non-Bahá’í's who attended, and the presence throughout the Conference of two friends of the Cause from Canada who were deaf mutes, with whom one of the friends was able to communicate with the manual alphabet. Bahá’ís and their friends who attended the Conference came from Fairbanks, Juneau, the Anchorage area, Seward, Wasilla, Ninilchik and the area outside Fairbanks, Alaska, and from Whitehorse, Yukon, from British Columbia in Canada, and from California.

The Conference was one of five Steps taken toward building the “broad basis” on which the future National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska must rest. The fivefold plan of the Alaska Teaching Committee includes, besides this Conference, doubling the number of Assemblies, with Juneau, Ketchikan and the area outside of Fairbanks as immediate O b j e c t iv e s; multiplication and strengthening of groups; filling of goals beyond the Arctic Circle, thus bringing into the focus of teaching plans the native peoples of that region; and, finally, the building up of existing Communities to fifteen believers.

CANADIAN NEW TERRITORIES

The New Territories Committee of the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly reports that pioneering vacation travels were made by several Canadian Bahá’ís to World Crusade goal areas under its jurisdiction.

On Grand Manan Island the pioneer, Doris Richardson, was greatly assisted in her task of running the summer hotel by a visit from an Ottawa Bahá’í, Katherine Ferguson.

Several Bahá’ís have visited the pioneers on Magdalen Islands, on St. Pierre and Miquelon, on Queen Charlotte Islands and on Cape Breton Island. To the pioneers settled on these islands these visits meant much. As one expressed it: “I just could not recuperate from the pleasant shock that after two years in isolation I had simultaneously three guests from different places. I had a strange feeling also that this was not a coincidence but a plan with a definite purpose, that we were like four characters from a play in search not for an author but for a spiritual ‘denouement’ which will alter our lives or destinies.”

The New Territories Committee reports that contacts are being made with the Indians in Yellowknife, Mackenzie District, as well as in the Goose Bay area of Labrador. The Yellowknife group is holding regular firesides.

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OCTOBER, 1955

EUROPE

“The hour is now ripe for these Communities . . . to initiate befittingly and prosecute energetically the European Campaign of a global Crusade which will not only contribute, to an unprecedented degree, to the broadening and the consolidation of the foundation: of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh on the continent of Europe, hut will also difiuae its light over the neighboring islands, and will, God willing, carry in radiance to the Eastern territories of that continent, and beyond them as far as the heart of Asia.”

(From the Guardian’s Message to the Third Intercontinental Bahá’í Teaching Conference, Stockholm, July, 1953.)

Summer Schools and Conferences in Europe 1955

The purchase of the Hazíratu’l-Quds of Holland located at Riouwstraat 21, The Hague, in one of the choice residential sections near The Peace Palac,. was announced during the Fourth Bahá’í Benelux Conference held near Amsterdam August 6-8. This makes the sixth of the fourteen Hazíratu’l-Quds which are to be established in Europe during the Global Crusade, the fifth being me newly acquired Hazíratu’l-Quds of Denmark in Copenhagen, announced at the Northern Countries Conference held the end of July.

ALL-FRANCE CONFERENCE AND SUMMER SCHOOL

The Bahá’í Conference and Summer School for France was held August 12-20 in Lyon. In his communication to the Conference the Guardian set Riḍván 1958 as the time for formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of France, and to implement this “challenging enterprise” he outlined the following objectives:

“Urgently appeal (to) French (and) American participants (in) momentous, highly challenging enterprise, (to) arise unitedly (to) bend (their) energies (in the) course (of the) three fast fleeting years separating them [from the) consummation (of the) noble task (to) ensure: rapid increase (of the) number (of) pioneers (and) native adherents (of the) Faith, multiplication (of) isolated centers, groups (and) local Assemblies, translation, publication (and) dissemination (of) Bahá’í literature, establishment Bahá’í endowment, intensification (of) publicity, (and) consolidation (of the) institution (of the) Summer School.”

Report of the Conference

The report of the Conference, received through the European Teaching Committee, is given here in full:

“The time is mid-August 1955; the place, Lyon, the textile capital of France. Sixty—three believers and eight children of Bahá’í parents from fourteen localities in France and thirteen other countries are gathered together for the All-France Conference and Summer School in the Hotel Terminus of this city.

“A cablegram is received from the beloved Guardian addressed to the Conference. He refers to this as an epoch-making Conference. Why is this conference epochmaking? We can think of many reasons. It is the first Conference to be held under the auspices of the European Teaching Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States in collaboration with the Paris Assembly, the Mother Assembly of France. It is also the first to be held since the arrival and settlement of American pioneers in seven cities throughout France in response to the Guardian’s appeal for pioneers during the summer of 1954. It is a Conference in which we find assembled in the same room, believers who entered the Faith in the earliest years of its growth in France, through the efforts of the immortal May Maxwell, with those who embraced the Faith during the period of the last war, and with others, mostly Americans, who have only recently arrived in France as pioneers to assist the French believers in the propagation of the Faith during this glorious Ten—Year Global Crusade. All are united in this Conference with a single purpose—to discuss ways and means of more effectively propagating our beloved Faith in France, achieving the goals set for us,

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The All-France Bahá’í Conference and Summer School held in Lyon, France August 12-20, 1955

and establishing the Faith on a lasting foundation in this country. One feels that the resources are finally at hand and the hour ripe for the widespread diffusion of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh in this ‘long dormant country’. Already some success has been registered and our hearts are cheered by the words of our beloved Guardian in his message when he takes note of this and says: ‘Grieving, overburdened heart uplifted (at) multiple evidences (of) nation-wide propagation (of) Faith of Bahá’u’lláh (in the) long dormant country enjoying (the) distinction (of the) first (to) be illumined (by) beneficent Light (of) His Revelation (on the) European Continent . . . ’ One senses that a new epoch in the progress of the Faith in France has at long last dawned and that we stand on the threshold of great victories.

Challenge to American Pioneers

“The American pioneers are deeply moved and challenged by the Guardian’s statement that they are ‘invested . . . (with) weighty, sacred, inescapable responsibilities, vouchsafed glorious opportunity (to) hasten (the) germination (of) seeds sown (by) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s own hands (in the) course (of) twice repeated visit . . . ’ As if to further quicken us in our efforts, the beloved Guardian makes the stirring announcement: ‘Moved (at) this auspicious occasion (to) announce (to the) attendants (of the) epoch-making Conference (the) selection (of) Riḍván 1958—marking midpoint (of) Ten-Year Global Crusade—as date fixed (for the) formation (of the) first historic French Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly.’ Here it is at last; the definite date when we shall achieve this milestone in the development of the Faith in France. The beloved Guardian goes on to outline specific objectives which must be fulfilled as a necessary prerequisite to this crowning achievement. Our deliberations in the Conference take on new meaning and urgency and are oriented towards

The Northern Countries Bahá’í Conference and Summer School which took place 45 kilometers from Helsinki, Finland, July 25-31, 1955. About thirty friends from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Helsinki Community in Finland, together with Dr. Adelbert Muhlschlegel, Hand of the Cause from Germany, and Miss Edna True, Chairman of the European Teaching Committee, consulted In the Conference anti studied in the Summer School on the specific tasks of the Global Crusade to be carried out in the North Countries. The most important of these tasks is the formation during Riḍván 1957 of a Regional National Spiritual Assembly comprising the four countries mentioned above; the purchase of a suitable site for a Temple in Stockholm; purchases of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and the endowments in the four countries. The Danish friends brought the glorious news of the purchase of the Hazíratu’l-Quds in Copenhagen, Denmark.

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OCTOBER, 1955

ways and means of speedily and successfully accomplishing these objectives. The need for material means to accomplish these objectives becomes clear and the beloved Guardian has realized this well. In his loving consideration, he announces his personal contribution of 1000 pounds towards the ‘attainment (of) highly meritorious objectives’.

“Our consultations are highly fruitful; they elicit many recommendations and suggestions. The Conference closes on a high note of anticipation of future victories and the Summer School opens. We are grateful for this opportunity to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the Teachings as an indispensable requisite for the tasks that lie ahead. As we study together we inevitably draw closer together in a more intimate relationship. As the Summer School draws to a close, we pause to reflect on those things which have contributed to the success of this ‘epoch-making’ conference and historic Summer School. A myriad scenes cross our minds:

Highlights of Conference and Summer School

“The glorious assemblage, representing fourteen localities in France and thirteen other countries; the group of eight children and the large number of youth side by side with the very old; the visitors from other lands, including a youth from as far north as Malmö, Sweden, and five friends from Barcelona, Spain; the presence of two Hands of the Cause, Mason Remey, and Ugo Giachery—one, the distinguished President of the International Bahá’í Council, who became a Bahá’í in Paris shortly after the turn of the century—and the other, its Member at Large—their spiritually stimulating adresses and wise council; the presence of the one to whom ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave His clear interpretations, now published in Some Answered Questions; of two members of the European Auxiliary Board; of the distinguished chairman of the European Teaching Committee and her excellent chairmanship of this Conference; of the European representative of this same Committee in Geneva; the inspiring talks, the concrete and specific proposals and recommendations made during the consultation periods; the devotional meetings on behalf of our persecuted

Bahá’í brethren in Írán; the evening spent in watching the motion pictures and slide projections of the Shrines in the Holy Land, and of the Stockholm Conference; the imposing and educational map displays, including a large reproduction of the Global Crusade goals prepared by the Guardian which stretches across the end of the hall; two maps of France, one cut out of plywood and painted white on which is reflected the various localities in France where Bahá’ís reside; the other, used by the Secretary of the Paris Assembly in his review of the present status of France and future goals; the attractively arranged book displays of Bahá’í literature in French, and pamphlets and literature in many other languages; the large photographs of the Shrines in the Holy Land, and the drawing of the International Archives now undergoing construction which adorn the wall; the electrifying atmosphere of the Unity Banquet held in the beautiful wood-lined and mural-decorated hall which has been our Conference site; the spirit of fellowship and happiness prevailing in this gathering: the anointment by the Hand of the Cause, Mason Remey, of all present at this banquet with attar of roses, and his reference to this act as being symbolic of our partaking of the fragrances of God in the Abhá Paradise; the brief addresses on this same occasion by representatives from each locality in France; the declaration of a new believer during the Conference and of his being welcomed into the Community of Bahá’u’lláh before all assembled; the active participation of another recently declared French believer; the brilliant public lecture by Mlle. Davy, and the consequent lively interest in the Faith displayed by several new contacts; the loving spirit of cooperation on the part of our hosts, the Lyon Bahá’í Community. All these and many more, too numerous to recount, come to mind and shall be eternally enshrined in our memories,

“The time comes for us to go our separate ways. It is indeed with a feeling of deep regret that we must make our departure and journey to the various corners of France, but we are filled with a new resolve to ‘arise unitedly’ to resume our labors for our beloved Faith with renewed enthusiasm, determination, and energy, with deepened consecration and devotion, certain that the confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh will crown our efforts and that we shall be assisted thereby to win eternal victories for His Cause in this ‘spiritually famished’ land. We call to mind the last passage of the Guardian’s cable: ‘May (the) close, sustained collaboration (of) French (and) American Bahá’í communities (in) so vast, important field (of) Western Europe, yield such harvest as will notably compensate (for the) tragic losses sustained (in) Bahá’u’lláh's native land, as well as bestow abiding consolation (to) long suffering brethren (in the) cradle (of) Faith.’ ” (Reported by Irene Marangella)

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MONTHLY REPORT ON WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET

Third Year

National Bahá’í Fund

1955- 1956

as of September 15, 1955

Where we are

$118,000.00

Where we should be

$207,000.00

Total Budget for Entire Year ................................$550,000.00

(Average Monthly Requirements ...................$46,000.00)

Monthly receipts to date:

May 1-15 . . . . . . . . . . .$15,000.00

May 15-June 15 . . . . . .$22,500.00

June 15-July 15 . . . . . .$23,500.00

July 15-Aug. 15 . . . . . .$19,500.00

Aug. 15-Sept. 15 . . . . .$37,000.00

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $118,000.00

Accumulated deficit as of Sep. 15, 1955 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $89,000.00

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

AUSTRALIA

Auxiliary Board Member to Western Australia

Almost 1500 miles separate the Bahá’í community of Perth, Western Australia, from its closest sister communities in Adelaide, South Australia. But in spite of its isolation, Mr. Collis Featherstone, Member of the Auxiliary Board, who visited Perth from June 11 to 16, offers congratulations to the Bahá’ís of Perth for the way in which they keep a visiting teacher busy.

During his six-day visit, Mr. Featherstone addressed two public meetings, spoke at a luncheon, two fireside meetings, and a young people’s fireside of University students. apart from several meetings with the Bahá’í community.

Mr. Featherstone visited Parliament House, and later met and introduced the Faith to the Premier of Western Australia.

Yerrinbool Winter School

The Yerrinbool School Committee has announced the Winter School sessions being held at “Bolton Place,” Yerrinbool, New South Wales from August 27 to September 4, 1955.

BRITISH ISLES

"World Religion Society“

The Faculty of Technology, Union of the University of Manchester, England, has agreed to the formation of a Bahá’í World Religion Society for the study of the Bahá’í Faith. The application was made by Sureyya Doktoroglu, a Turkish Bahá’í student at the University, who found a sufficient number of people to sign the application.

CANADA

Ontario Summer Conference

From the September Canadian Bahá’í News is cited the following report:

“At beautiful Geneva Park on the shores of Lake Couchiching, a rather unique conference took place this summer. Owing to an unforeseen and completely unavoidable occurrence, our main speaker Mildred Mottahedeh was unable to give her course. The Bahá’ís rallied to the occasion, and on each day a different camper would further develop the theme ‘We Meet a Faith, Choose, Grow Within, Grow Without, Grow Together, Our Future.’ Whether it was due to the spirit brought about by the feeling that we were all working together to make this conference, or whether the spirit was generated in Ron Nablo’s excellent course, ‘Magnetic Living’ we are not sure . . . but there Was a wonderful spirit in the camp. . . .

“The Covenant, and the latent power within us that obedience to it can generate, formed the theme of Ron’s course. In addition to these, Pem Piggott gave two very fine sessions on the technique of teaching. Brenda Piggott had some very helpful suggestions to Bahá’í parents on another occasion. An enthusiastic audience listened to Bill Sears recount some of his inspiring experiences as a pioneer in Africa.”

NATIONAL NEWS

BAHÁ’Í IN THE NEWS

The Saturday Evening Post for September 3, 1955, has an article about the Sháh of Irán which mentions (page 71) the persecution of the Bahá’ís. Thus does this attack on the Faith set up repercussions around the world, using even those who know little or nothing of the Faith or what it means.

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OCTOBER, 1955

It is interesting to note that a University Medical Center in the United States has given a physician the assignment of preparing a handbook “which will describe the religious approaches to healing or the various religions and denominations encountered here in the United States.” This physician has been presented with a copy of Dr. Esslemont’s book, with special reference to the chapter on healing, as an exposition of the Bahá’í views on this subject.

Through W. 0. Roberts a typed copy of an article which has apparently appeared in The Humanist World Digest has been received. The author conceives of religion only as the enslaver of the human race, and includes the Bahá’í Faith in this concept.

The Tuskegee Institute Department of Records and Research is compiling “official statements, resolutions, declarations or rulings issued by the various religious bodies pertaining to desegregation” for 1950-1955. A copy of Elimination of Prejudice has been sent the Department to explain the Bahá’í position.

From Prof. Zeine we have a clipping from Life, International Edition, September 5, 1955, containing a letter written by A. A. Butt, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma, praising Life’s series on religions and expressing the hope that the series will include “the latest link in the chain of these great religions. . . . We mean the Bahá’í Faith. . . .” Various letters concerning the series are reprinted, concluding with the Editor’s statement: “However, at some future time, Life’s editors may well plan further articles on the world’s religions.”

The first book to be printed and bound in Alaska is entitled Alaska—Who’s Here—1955. This reference work lists Zora Banks of Fairbanks, and notes that her religion is the Bahá’í World Faith. Also the firm who hound this first book, BrownKing Enterprises, is owned and operated by Bahá’ís.

A volume published in Japan has an interesting and unusual Bahá’í reference. Among the Temple visitors some years ago was a Japanese bishop or religious leader. He has written an account of his travels, and the book contains a reproduction of a photo showing him at the entrance of the Temple, a photo of a pylon, a reproduction of the Greatest Name and an illustration of the House of Worship itself. No translation of the accompanying Japanese text is available.

Youth Group of Bahia, Brazil, commemorating Bahá’í Youth Day, March, 1955. Mrs. Margot Worley, Member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Hands of the Cause, is standing in back row, fifth from the left. The Bahá’í Youth Club meets at her home twice a month.

A clipping from The Jerusalem Post, August 29, 1955, provided by Mr. Leroy Ioas, Secretary General, International Bahá’í Council, carries an illustrated announcement of the construction of the Intenational Bahá’í Archives on Mt. Carmel. This account is based upon an announcement made in Haifa by the Guardian.

The Rotarian for September 1955, the magazine of Rotary International which is distributed to members throughout the world, has an article “Appraisal at San Francisco” which deals with the United Nations meetings recently held in that city. The photograph of the Festival of Faith which was reproduced in a recent issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, illustrates this article.

Referring to the Festival, the article states: “Called ‘A Service of Prayer for Peace and Divine Guidance to the United Nations,’ this festival was held on the Sunday afternoon preceding the Conference opening in San Francisco’s immense Cow Palace. Jointly sponsored by the San Francisco Council of Churches, by leaders of Greek and Russian Orthodox churches, and the Bahá’í, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish and Moslem faiths, it united nearly 16,000 people in Worship and silent prayer, each according to his custom. Among Government leaders who took part were John Foster Dulles, of the United States; Sir Leslie Munro of New Zealand, and Dr. Charles Malik, of Lebanon.”

A religious publication entitled Signs of the Times contains a reference to the Festival of Faith cele bration reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of August and September. Since this publication represents a Bible group for whom Christianity is the final Revelation, it regards the Festival not as evidence of brotherhood but as a menace to the supremacy of the Christian faith.

“Perhaps the most significant feature of this ‘Festival of Faith’ was the evidence it afforded of the decline of faith, . . . It was this message of miracles which set Chris-

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tianity apart as the supreme revelation of heaven and the one way, the one hope, of salvation. . . . Liberalism, by denying every miracle which made the pristine faith radiant with the glow of heaven, has reduced Christianity to a mere ethical pattern of living. It has put Christ on a level with Confucius, Buddha and Mohammed. As a consequence, it has substituted the United Nations for the Kingdom of God.”

Bahá’ís who are well grounded in the teachings can readily meet this point of view by reference to the Bahá’í interpretation of miracles.

The New York Amsterdam News dated August 6, 1955, featured a detailed statement by Frank B. Sawyer on “What Is a Bahá’í?” the first of a series on How We Worship God. Mr. Sawyer has written an excellent statement summarizing the teachings of the Faith.

The Bahá’í's of Upper New York conduct a paid column in the Geneva Daily Times. On July 8 the column reprinted the text of a pamphlet “Visit Israel” published by the ‘Akká Rotary Club, concerning ‘Akká as the Bahá’í World Center.

The Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry has issued a folder entitled Headline Events in Chicago which lists the Bahá’í House of Worship as among the “Year Round Attractions.” The Palmer House issues a weekly guide entitled Where, What, When in Chicago, and in a recent issue ran a picture of the Temple over the caption: “The fabulous Bahá’í Temple, located in Wilmette, is one of the outstanding features of the Chicago Sightseeing Company’s North Shore Suburban Tour.”

A paper called Delaware Valley Advance published on June 23 a feature article by Paul Blanshard, Jr., entitled “Woman In Morrisville Finds Comfort in Simple Beliefs of New Universal Religion.” The article is developed in an interview with Anna Schwenk Mikuriya. It tells in simple, direct words the awakening of this believer by reading Bahá’í literature, and very sympathetically brings out the great principles enunciated by Bahá’u’lláh.

LATENT ENERGIES

“These energies with which the Day Star of Divine bounty and Source of heavenly guidance hath endowed the reality of man lie, however, latent within him, even as the flame is hidden within the candle and the rays of light are potentially present in the lamp. The radiance of these energies may be obscured by worldly desires even as the light of the sun can be concealed beneath the dust and dross which cover the mirror. Neither the candle nor the lamp can be lighted through their own unaided efforts, nor can it ever be possible for the mirror to free itself from its dross. It is clear and evident that until a fire is kindled the lamp will never be ignited, and unless the dross is blotted out from the face of the mirror it can never represent the image of the sun nor reflect its light and glory.”

—Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, page 65.

CENTRAL STATES AREA CONFERENCE

The theme of the Central States Area Teaching Conference held August 14 in Madison, Wisconsin, was “These last fleeting years of the present phase. . .” Among the some two hundred Bahá’ís who attended the Conference were friends from Canada, Persia and Africa, as well as from the Central States area.

Several helpful points in teaching were brought out at the Conference. The teaching plan used to open Waukesha was described, where a week of public lectures was followed by weekly firesides and a public meeting once a month, each with a different speaker, for six months. At the weekly firesides Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era was studied. The six months of concentrated teaching effort were followed by monthly radio broadcasts for another six months, concluded with a week of public lectures.

The importance of giving to the National Bahá’í Fund was discussed and brought out the point that, as all are a part of the World Crusade, giving to the Fund offers each one the privilege of participating actively in the Crusade, for the means are necessary to the success of the Crusade.

The suggestion was made that Questionnaire Cards be mailed so that they will reach their destination in the middle of the week.

Informal reports on the recent persecutions in Persia were given by Persian Bahá’ís attending the Conference, and some of the pioneering work in Africa was reported by pioneers temporarily back from that region.

GOAL CITY PIONEERING

From Lewiston, Idaho, Robert C. Niss, pioneer, reports that his suggestion was accepted, that the Rotarians sponsor an inter-faith nondenominational “summer devotional hour” during August at the local drive-in auto theater. The program began at 8 am. and consisted of fine music and reading of prayers and selections from the various Holy Scriptures of religions represented in that area. Taking part in the program were representatives of Mormon, Seventh Day Adventist, Methodist, Episcopal, First Christian denominations, as well as a Jewish rabbi, Hindu student, Confucianist, Greek Orthodox, Negro Nigerian student, a Nez Perce Indian, the mayor, and doctors, Boy Scouts, students—all of whom read. The publicity was excellent and fine contacts were made.

Weekly Sunday night firesides, frequent breakfast or supper parties have aided Mr. and Mrs. Niss in spreading the Teachings, and contacts with the Indians are increasing. Weekly radio announcements tell of the firesides and other activities; special events are publicized by news releases over stations KLER and KRLC and in the local newspapers.

AREA NEWS BULLETINS

Bahá’í prayers are being flashed in lights on the 11 P.M. “Service Line” across the top of the Illinois National Bank Building in Springfield, Illinois, the Central State Area Bulletin reports. The “Service Line” is a continuous news flash and the Bahá’í prayers, selected by the Springfield Spiritual Assembly at the request of the “Service Line,” are used periodically to close the day’s activities.

The Southwestern States Area Bulletin reports that weekly deepening classes are being held in four goal

[Page 14]14

OCTOBER, 1955

cities of its area: Bakersfield and Riverside, California, and Flagstaff and Prescott, Arizona, as well as in four organized Bahá’í communities and in one group. The Area Bulletin for August is headed. “You, the individual believer, are needed to teach the Cause of God.”

The series of “initial conferences” undertaken by the Tennessee Valley States Area Teaching Committee was concluded with a conference in Knoxville, Tennessee, July 31, conducted by Louise and Hubert Matthias, the Bulletin for this Area reports. A follow-up meeting of the conference in Louisville, Kentucky, was held in that city on August 1, also led by Mr. and Mrs. Matthias.

THORNTON CHASE

As instructed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles, California, each year commemorate the passing away in their city of Mr. Thornton Chase on September 30, 1912.

Thornton Chase, the first Bahá’í of the Occident, accepted the Faith in 1894. In April, 1907, he visited ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at the prison in ‘Akká, later writing an account of his pilgrimage. He died in 1912, a few days before ‘Abdu’l-Bahá arrived in California.

The commemorative program this year was arranged by the Bahá’í communities of Inglewood and Inglewood Judicial District.

MRS. VICTORIA BEDIKIAN

On hearing of the passing on July 3, 1955, of Mrs‘ Victoria Bedikian, known and loved throughout the East and West as “Auntie Victoria,” the Guardian cabled the secretary of the Atlanta Spiritual Assembly, as follows:

“Praying progress soul indefatigable, wholly consecrated promoter of the Faith. Her services unforgettable. Love. Shoghi.”

A memorial service was held at her grave in Greenwood Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia, on July 6. Messages were received from the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá’ís of the United States and of India, Pákistán, and Burma. The latter message stated that Bahá’ís throughout South East Asia had come to love and appreciate her constant flow of loving letters and messages of encouragement in their efforts to spread the Faith, and that local Assemblies in Pákistán, Burma, Ceylon, Indonesia and the Islands of the Indian Ocean under its jurisdiction were instructed to hold befitting memorial services.

National Bahá’í Addresses

NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS:

536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.

NATIONAL TREASURER:

112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.

Make checks Payable to: National Bahá’í Fund

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST:

110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.

BAHÁ’Í NEWS:

Editorial Office:

110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois

Subscription and change at address:

112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

In East St. Louis (goal city) and Belleville, Illinois, regular teaching activity is maintained by Mrs. Schlichter and Mr, and Mrs. Petzold of Quincy, Illinois, with newspaper publicity, firesides and public meetings that are attracting an increasing number of people to an interest in the Faith.

Quincy, Illinois, reports a successful week of intensive teaching activity and study through the Seminar method of daily meetings, conducted by Mrs. Ruth Moffett. During her visit Mrs. Moffett gave seventeen lectures in two cities. Talks over the radio and on TV also met with hearty response. The regular weekly study class in Quincy is now attended by five inquirers and twenty Bahá’ís.

For the first time the Bahá’í Faith was proclaimed on the campus of Virginia Union University, a Negro university in Richmond, the capital city of Virginia. The occasion was a picnic, on June 5, of the Bahá’ís of Virginia and surrounding areas, including Bahá’ís from Norfolk, Bayside, Whitehall, Williamsburg and Charlottesville, Virginia, and Takoma Park and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Several students at the university gathered at the picnic with interest to hear of the Teachings.

Fairbanks, Alaska, reports excellent newspaper coverage for the week of meetings arranged during the visit of Mrs. Florence Mayberry, member of the American Auxiliary Board, held in that city July 23-30. An article concerning Mrs. Mayberry and announcing the meetings appeared in Jessen’s Weekly on July 21, and the Fairbanks Daily NewsMiner published three items and included the series of meetings in its column the “Fairbanks Calendar,” The series began with a meeting of prayer and meditation, open to the public, on Sunday morning, July 24. Mrs. Mayberry addressed the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce at its regular Tuesday meeting, and gave five public lectures during the week, one of which, at the University of Alaska, was preceded by a public reception.

The program of the Annual Human Relations Institute of the Milwaukee YWCA carried a quotation from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Mrs. Annalean Schwandes, Bahá’í of Milwaukee, a member of that Institute’s Human Relations Committee, arranged for the inclusion of the quotation with a view to making contacts for the Faith among the more than forty nationality groups living in Milwaukee.

A cooperative effort between publicity committees of the Jersey City and New York City Bahá’í communities resulted in publication of a photograph of the Temple model in the Jersey City Journal of August 27. The photograph had been sent to the newspaper in June. Its publication at this time was unrelated to any event in Jersey City except that the vice-chairman of that city’s Bahá’í Assembly was pictured standing beside the Model. It was considered “newsworthy,” it is believed, be-

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cause of sympathy on the part of the local press with the Bahá’ís on account of the Iranian situation.

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles sponsors a Teaching Service Committee to help the Bahá’ís plan firesides. This service includes obtaining the speakers, selecting teaching materials to be used, and generally assisting with problems that arise in conducting firesides.

A reception for the parents of the Junior Youth of San Francisco, California was held Sunday morning, on August 28 at the center. As a majority of the children have parents who are not Bahá’ís, this open house enabled them to observe how classes are conducted and to join the teachers in refreshments and discussion.

PUBLICATIONS

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, Course of Study. By Gertrude Robinson. This is a new printing of this excellent teaching aid that serves two vital needs; one, to help Bahá’í communities prepare their members to face the task of teaching, and, two, for fireside groups endeavoring to present the Faith to new inquirers who are ready to begin reading and studying. The new edition is printed on soft green (replacing the previously mimeographed one), has an attractively designed self-cover, and is an item that Bahá’ís can proudly present to the members of their study groups. (Price remains the same). Size 8½ x 11, 24 pages.

Per copy ....................... $.50

One Universal Faith. This is the contact leaflet for which we have long awaited. It is a brief, colorful but dignified item which carries the challenging s.t a t e m e n t that Bahá’u’lláh is the Prophet of our day and that He fulfills the prophecy of the Christians concerning the return of Christ, of the Jewish Faith in the coming of the Lord of Hosts, and of the Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Zoroastrian Faiths. It is graphically illustrated with the chart of the Divine Revelators as used in the Temple displays in Foundation Hall that shows the Holy Spirit descending from God to man through the various Prophets. The size, 3½ x 6½, a Frenchfold, is perfect for mailing, for vest pocket and purse. Here is our opportunity to arise and make that mass proclamation for which our beloved Guardian is calling.

Printed in red and black on white.

100 copies .....................$2.50

300 copies .....................$6.00

1,000 copies ...................$18.00

My Religious Faith by Bernard Leach. Printed in Japan on handmade paper at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly. Bernard Leach, famous pottery expert of England, has studied the art and technique of pottery in China and Japan and has acquired an international reputation. He has lectured by invitation to many societies devoted to arts and crafts. in this pamphlet, Mr. Leach tells how and why he became a Bahá’í. It has unusual interest for persons of culture, especially artists and craftsmen, and is excellent contact material.

Five copies (minimum order) ..$.75

Twenty-five copies ............$3.5o

United Nations Brochure Available for UN Day

The Proposals for Charter Revision submitted to the United Nations by the Bahá’í International Community, representing the twelve established National Assemblies, is available for United Nations Day, October 24. In the July BAHÁ’Í NEWS the National Spiritual Assembly commends the use of this document particularly for United Nations Day for presentation to local organizations and key persons interested in world affairs. (Listed in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, Publications Section, August 1955, p. 15).

Twelve copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. $3.00

Discount on Star of West and World Order Magazines

The regular ten percent discount allowed on community orders to all Bahá’í librarians will now be given on copies of Star of the West and World Order Magazine. No postage will be charged.

Star of the West magazines are a rich store of intimate stories of the Master, his journeys to Europe and America, His letters to the friends, and other accounts of the early days of the Faith. The supply is rapidly depleting and those wishing to have a collection for their personal libraries should order promptly. World Order Magazine contains excellent material for Bahá’í talks, firesides, and for general information on the Faith and related subjects. A Bahá’í Community Librarian who places these magazines on display for the local community will find many who are interested in them, particularly those who will become acquainted with them for the first time.

Available from

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

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 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 September follow:

Order of Devotions — Sept. 4, 1955

O people O God! He not occupied with yourselves. Be intent on the betterment of the world and the training of nations.

The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and excellent deeds and well-approved and agreeable conduct.

-Bahá’u’lláh

CHORAL SELECTION

Arise, O God, and Show Thy Might—Haydn M. Morgan

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Bahá’í Prayers, p. 44

Bahá’í World Faith, p. 174, p. 141

OLD TESTAMENT

Psalm 119:1-8

ZOROASTRIAN SCRIPTURES

NEW TESTAMENT

James 2 :14-24, 26

QUR’AN

Sura XVI:95-99, 128

CHORAL SELECTION

Blessing, Glory, Wisdom and Thanks

—Johann Sebastian Bach

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

The Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 19, 20, 21;

The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh , From the Persian , No. 76

Prayers and Meditations, CXXXU, p. 219

CHORAL SELECTION

Almighty God of Our Fathers—Will James

Order of Devotions — Sept. 11, 1955

The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to :safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men.

—Bahá’u’lláh

CHORAL SELECTION

Let All the Nations Praise the Lord

- Volckmar Leisring

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Gleanings, p. 243

Gleanings, XCIX, p. 200; pp. 288-289

[Page 16]16

OCOTBER, 1955

OLD TESTAMENT

Malachi 2:10; 3:1-3, 16-18; Isaiah 11:1-9

NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew 22:36-40; John 10:14-16

QUR’AN

Sura III:98-100

CHORAL SELECTION

Glory Be to God in the Highest

—G. B . Pergolesi

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Gleanings, CVII, p. 214; pp. 215-216 ; CXI, p. 217

Bahá’í Prayers, p. 45

CHORAL SELECTION

Now God Be Praised—Melchior Vulpius

Order of Devotions — Sept. 18, 1955

Know thou assuredly that the essence of all the Prophets of God is one and the same. Their unity is absolute. God, the Creator, saith: There is no distinction whatsoever among the Bearers of My Message. They all have but one purpose; their Secret is the same Secret.

—Bahá’u’lláh

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Prayers and Meditations LIX, p. 94

CHORAL SELECTION

Praise the Lord with a Song—Kalinnikoff

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Gleanings, pp. 78-80

BHAGAVAD-GITA (HINDU SCRIPTURES)

OLD TESTAMENT

Exodus 3:14-15; Deuteronomy 18:15-19

NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew 3:16-17; 5:17-18 ; John 5:46-47; Luke 24:44; John 8:42, 56, 58 ; 14:15-18, 26; 16: 7-8, 12-13

CHORAL SELECTION

Bless The Lord, O My Soul—Ippolitof Ivanof

QUR’AN

Sura II:130; Sura XXXIII:40-46

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Gleanings, p. 5, pp. 10-11 ; World Order of Bahá‘u‘lláh, pp. 60, 116; Gleanings, pp. 80-81, p. 136'

Prayers and Meditations CVII, p. 178

CHORAL SELECTION

Alleluia—Randall Thompson

Order of Devotions — Sept. 25, 1955

Place not thy reliance on thy treasures. Put thy whole confidence in the grace of God, thy Lord . . . Let Him be thy helper and enrich thyself with His treasures, for with Him are the treasuries of the heavens and of the earth.

—Bahá’u’lláh

CHORAL SELECTION

Sing and Rejoice—Will James

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Prayers and Meditations, XLIII, p. 59

The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (From the Arabic), No. 21; Gleanings, pp. 234-235

OLD TESTAMENT

I Chronicles 29:11-15; Deuteronomy 8:11-20

NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew 6:19-34; I John 2:15-17

QUR’AN

Sura LXXXIX:14-30; LXXXVII:l-2

CHORAL SELECTION

God Is a Spirit—Alexander Kopyloff

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Gleanings, p. 236, pp. 138-139; p. 276; pp. 328-329

Bahá’í Prayers, p. 12

CHORAL SELECTION

Glory Be to God in the Highest

—G. B . Pergolesi

HAVE YOU MOVED RECENTLY? DID YOU MISS ONE OR TWO ISSUES OF BAHA’i NEWS?

Perhaps these two facts go hand-in-hand. If you are a member of a community — and contemplating a change of address —be sure to notify your Local Assembly secretary immediately.

If you are isolated, send this information directly to the National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, 111.

Your prompt cooperation is necessary to keep the address files of the National Bahá’í Office up to date and accurate.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEASTS

October 16—‘I1m (Knowledge)

November 4—Qudrat (Power)

HOLY DAYS

October 20—Anniversary of the Birth of the Báb

November 12 — Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh

(Holy Days and Anniversaries celebrated at the Bahá’í House of Worship are open to the public. The first part of the meeting will be held in the Auditorium; the second part in Foundation Hall.’ The meeting begins at 8:00 P.M. of the day preceding the anniversary date.)

UNITED NATIONS DAY

October 24—to proclaim the spiritual basis on which the nations can unite for lasting world peace.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS

October 14, 15, 16.

MARRIAGES

“Glory be unto Thee, O my God! Verity, 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

Milwaukee, Wia.—Miss Virginia Lee to Mr. Andrew Richardson on Sept. 2, 1955.

Los Angeles, cam.—Mrs. Margaret Foster Austin to Mr. Frederick Dettling on August 27, 1955.

IN MEMORIAM

“Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy, and is the bearer 01 gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.”

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Mrs. Nellie Shook

San Bernadino, Calif.

August 24, 1955

Mrs. Anita Morgan

Middletown, Ohio

August 23, 1955

BAHA’I DIRECTORY CHANGES

COMMITTEES

North Atlantic States ATC

Mrs. Anna Mikuriya (add)

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Alaska

Fairbanks: Mrs. Rose Yarno, Rm. 502, Polaris Bldg.

California (south)

West Hollywood: Mrs. Gertrude Tetreault, 7706 W. Norton

Michigan

Detroit: Mrs. Lois K. Nochman, 14320 Curtis, Detroit 35

Wisconsin

Waukesha: Mrs. Pauline Hettmansperger, 717 N. Moreland Blvd.

BAHA’Í NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís or 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 first day at the month preceding the date of issue for which it is intended.

BAHÁ’Í NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1955-56: Mrs. Eunice Braun, Mrs. Beatrice Ashton, Miss Charlotte Linfoot.

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.