Bahá’í News/Issue 297/Text

←Previous

Bahá’í News Issue 297

Next→

Proofread onceReturn to PDF view

[Page 1]

---

No. 297

BAHA’I YEAR 112

NOVEMBER, 1955

---

THE GUARDIAN

“Her Historic Services Unforgettable”

The following cablegram was sent to the Bahá’ís of Helsinki, Finland, by the Guardian, after the passing of Elsa Vento:

“Grieve loss precious pioneer Elsa Vento. Her historic services unforgettable. Praying (for) progress (of her) soul (in the) Kingdom.”

—SHOGHI

“Greatly Beloved (by) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”

The following cable was sent by the Guardian to the European Teaching Committee Office in Geneva and to the Spiritual Assembly of Paris after the passing of Miss Edith Sanderson, one of the group of early American Bahá’ís in Paris:

“Deeply grieved. Deplore loss (of) staunch, courageous, tireless promoter (of) Faith, Edith Sanderson, greatly beloved (by) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Long record (of) historic services covering heroic, formative age (of) Faith imperishable, reward (in) Abhá Kingdom great, assured. Urge believers (in) centers (throughout) France hold memorial gathering, extol (her) exemplary spirit, emulate (her) noble example. Exert utmost (to effect) burial (in) Paris (in) execution (of) Bahá’í laws.” —SHOGHI

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

RECOGNITION OF BAHA’I HOLY DAYS

The Spiritual Assembly of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has received a letter from the Superintendent of Public Schools dated July 15, 1955, excusing Bahá’í children from attendance on Bahá’í Holy Days.

THE PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN

In the light of the strong emphasis laid by the Guardian on publicity in the United States, the NSA is pleased to report that the public relations campaign within its first few weeks has attained signal success.

The New York Times report of interview held with the Secretary General of UN was projected by our public relations counsel and carried to completion. In addition to its own large and influential circle of readers, The Times syndicates its stories to a number of other papers.

This story placed on public record the action of UN representatives in meeting with the Iranian Minister and the latter’s “assurances” that the Bahá’í matter would be attended to.

The second stage in this campaign was taken when Mr. Drew Pearson, columnist, wrote an editorial on “Religious Intolerance” in his “Washington Merry-Go-Round” feature which is used in some 400 papers. Next we learn that an editorial on “Pogrom In Persia?” was issued to 600 papers by U.S. Press Association, Washington, D.C.

The third stage is represented by the distribution to 2,000 papers of an illustrated story on the persecutions in mat form. With this may be associated the preparation of a broadside reprinting a wide variety of press stories on the persecutions, a very impressive evidence of the deep interest felt in many countries. One of these broadsides is being distributed by Bahá’í Press Service to its own list of local Bahá’í representatives with a covering letter.

At this date the last achievement is the publication in The New York Times of a letter written by Prof. Wilson of Brooklyn commenting on the conference between UN officers and the Iranian Government as reported in The Times.

Other matters are under current consideration and will be announced later. Meanwhile it is gratifying to inform the friends that the issue involved in the persecutions and the Bahá’í appeal to United Nations is being kept alive and the Faith has received widespread publicity. This campaign is generating fresh vigor for successful teaching work in local centers large and small.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

ATTEND YOUR STATE CONVENTION

December 4, 1955

Each registered Bahá’í' in the United States has been supplied with information about the place, number of delegates to be elected, and all other pertinent information concerning the State Conventions. Please make every effort to attend and vote in person.

Last year more than forty percent of the enrolled believers failed to participate in any way in this important institution, This must not happen this year. The Guardian has emphasized the value of the State Conventions which are designed not only to elect delegates to the National Convention but also to “promote Bahá’í solidarity in every State . . . and, by bringing together the believers, enable them to function more efficiently and harmoniously, and promote the work of the Cause that lies ahead.”

Participation in elections is a direct expression of our Bahá’í life. Let us have full attendance and one hundred percent voting this year!

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

[Page 2]2

NOVEMBER, 1955

WORLD CRUSADE

PIONEER REACHES TIBET

The Asia Teaching Committee of the United States reports that a Bahá’í pioneer has entered Tibet.

INDIA, PAKISTAN AND BURMA

Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Establishment of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of India in New Delhi, as of November 1, 1955, fulfills another major objective of the TenYear Crusade for this area. The Publishing Trust replaces the former Bahá’í Publishing Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma.

More Assemblies Incorporated

Incorporation of eight Spiritual Assemblies under its jurisdiction has recently been announced by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma. These are: Gwalior, Seremban, Lucknow, Rampur in India; Jakarta, Indonesia; Kuching in Sarawak; Singapore; and Saigon in IndoChina.

Is there anyone with capital to invest in business abroad or an independent income plus a desire to pioneer‘! We need you badly on the West Coast of Africa. Please write immediately to the U.S. Africa Teaching Committee,

Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee, Secy.,

4700 47th St. N.W.

Washington 16, D.C.

New Translation

Translation of the pamphlet “The Bahá’í Fait—A Faith for Unity” has recently been completed in Perm (Syrjane). This is the thirteenth completed translation, of the twenty-six languages assigned to the National Spiritual Assemblies of India, Pákistán and Burma and of Australia and New Zealand, as goals of the Global Crusade. The report states: “We are doing our level best to find translators” for the remaining languages.

ITALY - SWITZERLAND

Incorporation of Zürich

A report from the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy and Switzerland states that the Local Assembly of Zürich, Switzerland,w as incorporated on August 10, 1955, thus augmenting the growing number of local incorporations throughout the Bahá’í world.

The north wall of the International Archives Building, Haifa, Israel, built up to ground level, August 1, 1955.

INVITATION TO AMERICAN INDIAN TEACHING CONFERENCE

The American Indian Service Committee invites all Bahá’ís interested in learning more about the American Indian, his culture, and ways and means 01 approach, to attend the First American Indian Teaching Conference. The Conference will be held on Sunday, November 13, at 11 A.M., at the Gimlin Ranch at Camp Verde, Arizona. Following the morning consultation, a pot luck dinner will be held from 1 to 2:30 P.M. Dr. Robert Euler from the Department of Anthropology at the Arizona State College at Flagstaff, will speak and act as consultant during the afternoon session to be held from 2:30 to 4:30.

NORTHERN COUNTRIES SUMMER SCHOOL AND CONFERENCE

“Preparation for Bahá’í Service” was the theme of the Nordiske Bahá’í Summer School and Conference held in Sääksjärvi, Helsinki, Finland, July 25-31, 1955. Seven countries were represented by the twenty-nine Bahá’ís who assembled in the beautiiul lake setting in the “smiling country of Finland.” These countries (with the number from each) were: Denmark (3), England (1), Finland (7), Germany (1), Norway (8)—ineluding Lofoten Islands (5)—Sweden (6) and the United States (3).

(See photograph in October BAHÁ’Í NEWS, page 9).

At the Summer School, which was held during the first four days, the opening address was given by Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel, Hand of the Cause, introduced by the Summer School chairman, Mrs. Gerd Strand of Oslo. Subjects presented and discussed at the Summer School included the spiritual history of the Faith, the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Administration (its authority and strength), the Covenant, and teaching. Deepening in spiritual understanding of the Administration was brilliantly presented by Mrs. Doris Corbin in her talk which she

[Page 3]BAHA’I NEWS

3

View at left ls of the north wall at the east end or the Archives Building, showing depth or excavation and vast cement fill needed. At the right appears the east will built up to base of lowest step.

entitled “Cosmic Symphony” (see page 5, this issue, BAHÁ’Í NEWS).

The Summer School was concluded with a Unity Banquet, preceded by a double Bahá’í wedding. One Bahá’í ceremony united Britte and Alvin Poulsen, two Danish Bahá’ís, and the other, Lotus Grace Petersen, pioneer from the United States in Helsinki, and John Nielsen of Copenhagen.

The Conference proper, under the chairmanship of John Nielsen, was devoted to consultation on the role of the Northern Countries in the World Crusade—individual, community and national responsibilities as related to the Guardian’s message and to immediate and long-range plans.

A public meeting was held Friday evening, July 29, in one of the beautiful old hotels in Helsinki, at which two addresses were given: One, in Finnish, by Mrs. Hilja Hartti from the Helsinki Bahá’í Community, on “The Promise of All Ages,” and the other by Hans Odemyr, Bahá’í from Stockholm, as guest speaker, in Swedish, on “The Mission of Bahá’u’lláh.” Miss Greta Jankko, secretary of the Helsinki Assembly, was chairman of the meeting.

Another evening of the Conference was open to guests and was devoted to the showing of slides of the Holy Land and of Spitzbergen and Svolvaer (Lofoten Islands).

The Nineteen Day Feast of Perfection closed the Conference and was the occasion for welcoming into the Bahá’í World Community a new believer, the first native Bahá’í of the Lofoten Islands.

On the morning of leave-taking, as the bus filled with Bahá’í's was ready to start for Helsinki, a song floated out on the still air. It was the staff who had served during the Summer School and Conference singing the “Song of Departure,” a gracious Finish custom.

PHOTOGRAPHS FOR “THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD”

As there seems to be some confusion concerning the sending of photographs to The Bahá’í World and to BAHÁ’Í NEWS, the Editorial Committee wishes to try to clarify the matter.

It is requested that separate glossy prints be sent each Editorial Committee, i.e., two for The Bahá’í World. are to be sent c/o Mrs. Beatrice Ashton, P.O. Box 285, Waukegan, Illinois; one print for BAHÁ’Í NEWS to be sent to 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.

The reason for this request is that The Bahá’í World and BAHÁ’Í NEWS are put through two entirely distinct and separate processes. One photograph therefore cannot be used for both. All material collected for The Baháí World (the international historical record) is submitted to the Guardian, once every two years, who himself makes selection at the end of that period (or of four years) of what is actually to be published in a given volume of The Bahá’í World. BAHÁ’Í NEWS, on the other hand, is, as its name implies, a news organ, and publishes material as soon as possible, while it is still newsworthy. Photographs that have been processed for BAHÁ’Í NEWS are not suitable afterward for submission to the Guardian.

Duplicate glossy prints are requested of photographs and duplicates of all material for The Bahá’í World as a safeguard in, case of loss during shipment to and from Haifa. The duplicates are retained in the U.S.

Please be sure that all photographs are accompanied with as complete description as possible, including date and place.

Photos of Conferences. Please make arrangements ahead of time for suitable photographs to be taken of these historic milestones in the development of the Faith.

Photos of First Assemblies are requested, in goal as well as consolidation areas of the World Spiritual Crusade.

Complete list of material requested for The Bahá’í World was published in Bahá’í News of August, 1954, page 10.

Editorial Committee, The Bahá’í World

P.O. Box 285, Waukegan, Ill.

[Page 4]4

NOVEMBER, 1955

The curved path or “arc” in front of the International Archives Building being constructed on Mt. Carmel. (September, 1955.)

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

CANADA

The Canadian Bahá’í News for September reports that the design for the new International Civil Aviation stamp issued recently by the Canadian Post Office was the work of a St. Lambert Bahá’í, Mr. Walter Lohse.

GERMANY-AUSTRIA

German Teaching Conference

About 30 to 35 friends followed the call to attend the Teaching Conference held in Esslingen-Krummenacker, Germany, August 18-20, 1955. —As an introductory thought it was made clear that if we wished to meet our responsibilities towards the Bahá’í teaching work according to our capacity, talents and possibilities, it is necessary to call to mind repeatedly the reason, the aim and the possibiljties for this work, its methods, the value of exchanging thoughts and experiences and the necessity of knowing the subjectmatter.

The Conference discussed the following: “The Covenant”; “Bahá’í Administration”; “The Ten-Year Crusade,” and some thoughts on religion and socialism. Various means were brought forward by which the subjects could be approached and explained. Many elucidating and helpful answers were given to these and the following subjects: “The Theory of Teaching Work”; “Psychology”; “The Theory of Methods”; “The Theory of Subjects,” all of which are equally important in supporting the effective work of the Bahá’í teacher, his character and personality. Therefore, it has been recommended to consider and study carefully all these phases which will contribute to the success of our great work.

A great deal of information was given in view of our future teaching tasks of the Ten-Year Plan in the course of two lectures on the “Origin of Eastern Europe and the Eastern Churches.”

The lively participation in the discussions as well as the exchange of thoughts were most encouraging. The value of this Teaching Conference may add to the success of our teaching efforts because we learned to see many teaching phases in a new light and were stimulated by the numerous and helpful instructions for practical and spiritual work.

A.W.

Report of the Summer School Held in Esslingen-Krummenacker, Germany

The Esslingen Bahá’í Summer School took place during the last week in August in the beautifully situated little Bahá’í-House with its large assembly-room. We had not had such a good attendance since the war. For the opening session alone we had about 120 visitors.

A number of heavenly days followed, with beaming sunshine, excellent and instructive lectures, enthused discussions and many hours for happy recreation.

The main theme of the summer school was “Divine World Civilization.” The Bahá’í Faith was presented in a comprehensive manner, emphasizing on the one hand its fundamental new ideas, and on the other that which it has in common with the other great revealed religions.

. . . Much interest was given to the discourse on the cycle of human evolution, beginning with Adam and leading up to our present time, a cycle which ripened man to a consciousness of taking responsibilities upon himself, strengthening his individuality and personal character; that a new cycle begins with Bahá’u’lláh and with it a new consciousness, the responsibility of the part for the whole, this new teaching which creates that all-embracing love for mankind and the sacrifice of the self. Its fundamental thought is that of world unity.

The central theme of all discussions was the specially assigned tasks of the Ten-Year Crusade. According to the messages from our beloved Guardian, every individual Bahá’í carries to-day as his main responsibility the duty to spread the Cause of God. Much depends on the resolution and the degree to which each one complies in word and deed with the precepts of our teachings and the emergency of the tasks at issue.

Some of the subjects of the summer school were: “From Fear to Reverence"; “The Evolution of Man through Religion”: "You Can Serve Yourself Only by Serving Mankind.” These topics developed the various phases of the new, spiritual and essential principles which are to be

[Page 5]BAHA’I NEWS

5

At right the front of the Archives Building appears from the “arc”; below, facing east, is a view at the basement area showing casements for interior stairways.

observed and promulgated by those who wish to contribute to the service of humanity.

A vivid interest was shown in the subject “Limitation of Wealth and Poverty,” outlining the economic plan of Bahá’u’lláh and emphasizing the necessity for penetration of the spiritual element into the various phases of economic life, basing human relationship on absolute justice and integrity and the guiding principles of a Divine Plan.

It is certain that the marvelous spirit of this summer school will contribute to the success of our great tasks. We all left with a rich spiritual and unforgettable experience.

—HANS RANDEL

Cosmic Symphony

By Doris Corbin

Many years ago I read a book God and Music, by John Harrington Edwards, and the following quotations have been with me ever since:

“Everything that the sun shines upon sings or can be heard to sing. Gases, powders, woolen stuffs, and nonconductors of sound give forth notes of different pitches, when plsyeol upon by certain beams of light. The very echoes tossed to and fro among the mountains in melodious tones testify the framework of the earth is a mighty instrument . . . . Shells by every sea murmur continuously a musical secret . . . . Everything in nature seems keyed to take its part in the cosmic symphony . . . . The nature of God is harmony. He has set the laws and forces of the universe in an exquisite order . . . . All of nature in praise of its Creator . . . . and God rejoices in its audible beauty as well as in its visible beauty.”

God has given us the background, the setting, for the spiritual evolution of man, His highest and most wonderful handiwork. The sublime harmony in all its fullness is known by the Creator — He started the first vibrating note. And God created the pure channels for His Melody that all creation might become truly a part of this great cosmic symphony. His purest channel. His most perfect Instrument is the Manifestation — Who writes the music, the laws of harmony for us. He sounds the central theme that shall awaken, quicken and unite mankind. In every Dispensation mankind is given a new arrangement, a more complicated score, because new instruments have been created and perfected.

The members of the universal orchestra comprise every living soul, and each soul has his special part to play. In his egotism he may think he has a solo part, but the music revealed is part music—written in relation to the whole symphony. No two instruments are alike; unity in diversity is endless.

In this wonderful age in which we are living there was even the soulstirring, introductory overture of the

(Continued on page 9)

[Page 6]6

NOVEMBER, 1955

At left above: Registration on opening day of Conference. The total attendance was approximately seventy including nine children. At right two delegates from Tokyo holding a scroll containing message from Conference delegates to Y. Rafaat who had returned to Írán after pioneering over two years in Japan. In background are four members of a discussion panel from Korea, Formosa, Guam and Hong Kong with one of official interpreters of Japan at extreme left.

In photo below Takeyasu Hasegawa-san of Kyushu Island talks with Saichiro Fugita-san about his experiences serving in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's household in Haifa for many many years. Fugita-san (right) spoke to the entire Conference of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s promises for Japan.

Historic Conference in Japan

The first Asia Regional Teaching Conference in Japan, September 23-25, is now history. Only the future can evaluate its true significance in the development of the Bahá’í Faith in that part of the world. While still saddened by the recent efforts to stem the progress of the Cause in the land of its birth, we remembered the complete failure at all the oppressions of the Faith in the past, and felt convinced that this very meeting of followers of Bahá’u’lláh from nine countries in the Far East could be heralded as another victory in God’s irresistible plan for the redemption of the human race.

The conference was held in one of the most beautiful spots in all Japan, at Nikko, in the Palace Hotel, formerly the summer home of the Emperor of Japan. A five-minute walk from the entrance is the famous Toshogu Shrine and its surrounding temples. Thousands upon thousands visiting these sacred edifices during that Japanese holiday week-end could not help but notice the poster on the gate announcing the “Bahá’í World FaithAsia Teaching Conference.”

Called by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, and sponsored jointly by the Asia Teaching Committee and the local Spiritual Assembly of Tokyo, the conference had a twofold purpose: first, to expedite teaching plans that would bring into existence a sufficient number of new assemblies by April 21, 1956, to ensure the election of the National Spiritual Assembly of Japan in 1957; and, second, to give added impetus to the spread of the Faith in all the nearby countries.

Unfortunately, political conditions prevented the attendance of nine of the new Bahá’ís elected as delegates from Formosa and Korea, but both countries were represented by Bahá’í settlers. Present also were delegates from Macao, Hong Kong, Guam, the Caroline Islands, all parts of Japan, and visitors from Írán and the United States — about seventy in all, including nine children.

Hand of Cause Highlights Conference

There are no words in any of the languages spoken by the delegates — Japanese, Chinese, Persian, and English —[Page 7] that can describe the spirit of this gathering. The Guardian had attached such importance to it that he had authorized the attendance of Mr. Dhikru‘lláh Khádem. beloved Hand of the Cause of God in Asia, whose words lifted us again and again to great spiritual heights.

A group of Bahá’ís (in photo at left) representing Írán, Macao, Hong Kong, Formosa, the United States, and from the Japanese cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka listening to Dhikru’lláh Khádem, Hand of the Cause, speak on the Guardianship. At right are Dhikru’lláh Khádem, Mrs. Khádem, Miss Lecile W ebster, member of the Conference Program Committee, and Miss Charlotte Linfoot, secretary of the Asia Teaching Committee who noted as Conference Chairman. Below, a panel discussion, one of four held during the conference

Here is how one of the delegates attempted to describe it:

“The first day of the conference started on a high note, and I wondered that night if it could build up beyond that. Each day did, and the closing note by Mr. Khádem, beloved Hand of the Cause, was the very mountain top. Tears were streaming down our faces — we were we moved, too happy, to bear it.

“There was only love and unity at this conference, and how Mr. Khádem deepened us in the Covenant, and our understanding of the Guardianship and our love for the Guardian — and our determination to achieve the goals of the Crusade!”

Although the meeting was planned for September 23, 24 and 25. the conference actually began in Tokyo several days earlier with the arrival of the first delegates. Most of the American pioneers in that area came early to visit with each other and to enjoy the shops and the modern conveniences so lacking in their posts, but as the number grew, interest in all the things of the world gave way to the mounting joy and enthusiasm of simply being with other Bahá’ís. An especial bounty was the early arrival also of Mr. and Mrs. Khádem and Miss Talia Haddah, whose loving charm made a deep impression on everyone, Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike.

A pre-conference public meeting in the Tokyo Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds drew such a large attendance that there was scarcely one square inch of the entrance way that was not covered by footwear that was removed in Japanese fashion before entering the main room. Here everyone had a foretaste of the spirit that was to prevail in Nikko for the next few days.

The following day almost an entire railway coach was filled with the Bahá’ís who traveled by rail from Tokyo to Nikko through what is perhaps the neatest and most picturesque countryside in the entire world. At the station in Nikko the friends were greeted by large placards bearing the words: “Allah'u’Abhá — Bahá’í World Faith — Asia Teaching Conference,” and directions for reaching the hotel.

On hand to receive the delegates was the housing committee, one of eight very efficient committees appointed by the Tokyo Spiritual Assembly to make all conference arrangements, Built to accommodate fifty guests, the

[Page 8]8

NOVEMBER, 1955

The newly purchased Haziratu’l-Quds of Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo at right is of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Jakarta, incorporated October 30, 1954.

delicate shoji walls of this former royal residence somehow stretched to provide for more than sixty-five in a charming combination of Japanese and western style.

Conference Conducted in Four Languages

Beginning each morning with devotions in Japanese, Chinese, Persian and English, the conference program ran from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a two-hour intermission for luncheon, and a two-hour interval between six and the evening session. Most of these times were devoted to meetings of various groups.

Chairman of the conference was Charlotte Linfoot, representing the Asia Teaching Committee, assisted by Mr. Hiroyasu Takano, acting chairman of the Tokyo Spiritual Assembly. Each of the delegates brought greetings from their localities, and there were messages also from the Hands of the Cause in Asia, the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, the Asia Teaching Committee of Australia and New Zealand, and many individual Bahá’ís.

The first official action of the conference was preparation of a cablegram to our beloved Guardian whose reply, received at the opening of the final session, not only assured the friends of his “deepest love” but also that he was “fervently praying (for) unprecedented victories.”

The keynote address was given by Mr. Khádem, and from that moment on each one felt a deep longing to be a living martyr in the pursuit of our sacred tasks and the aims of the World Crusade.

The other addresses, all translated into Japanese by one or another of a panel of excellent interpreters, were: “God’s Everlasting Covenant,” by Mrs. Mamie Seto: “The Will and Testament, and the Significance of the Guardianship,” by Mr. Khádem; “The Divine Plan,” by Mr. Carl A. Scherer; and “The World Crusade, its Goals and Achievements,” by Charlotte Linfoot.

Each address was followed by a panel discussion on such questions as “The Fundamental Verities of the Faith,” “Who to Teach, When to Teach, and Where to Teach,” and “Concrete Plans for Action Now.”

One of the highlights of the closing session was Takano-san’s stirring report of his pilgrimage to Haifa during which the Guardian unfolded to him his goals and hopes for the Faith in Japan.

Throughout the entire conference consultation was lively and general, both in Japanese and English, and not one delegate was absent at any time from any session.

An hour’s leisure was provided one noon during which many of the friends visited the Toshogu Shrine. and Saturday evening was devoted to viewing slides of the Bahá’í House of Worship and the Shrines and Gardens on Mt. Carmel, an event to which non-Bahá’í visitors and the hotel staff were invited.

Promises of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian

Special mention must be made of the presence and participation of two of the very early pioneers in Japan, Miss Agnes Alexander and Mr. Saichiro Fujita, who spoke often of the high hopes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and of the Guardian for Japan, and of their conviction that this historic conference would hasten the fulfillment of these hopes and goals. Fujita-san told us that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said that when the Faith was taken to the religious leaders of Japan, then in would spread rapidly, Little did we know then or when the Guardian’s cablegram arrived telling us that he was praying for “unprecedented victories” that we were to experience one such victory before we left Tokyo two days later.

During the conference a letter arrived asking the Bahá’ís to send representatives with Mr. Khádem to the first meeting of the newly formed World Council on Inter-Faith Cooperation in Tokyo. Here there were assembled thirty outstanding leaders

[Page 9]BAHA’I NEWS

9

of Japan, professors from colleges, and representatives of such organizations as the Council for Religious Research, the Shinto Shrine Association, the Women’s League for Peace and Freedom, and others concerned with the part that religion can play in the establishment of peace in the world.

After a forceful address by Mr. Khádem, followed by brief talks by Miss Linfoot and William Maxwell, four of the members of the council paid brilliant tribute to the Faith and asked where they could learn more about it. The Tokyo Bahá’ís who were present immediately arranged a meeting for the following Saturday evening when they would again have opportunity to hear Mr. Khádem and to meet the local believers. What greater proof than this could be offered that the Guardian’s prayers were already being answered by Bahá’u’lláh!

Tokyo Hazíra Dedicated

This report cannot be closed without reference to the formal dedication of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Tokyo the evening following the conference. All those who attended the conference were present together with many who were unable to go to Nikko. Again there was scarcely room for one more person on the floor—for all sat on the floor in Japanese fashion. There were brief speeches by Mr. Khádem, Mr. Noureddin Momtazi. and Miss Linfoot.

Perhaps the most impressive moment was that when Fujita-san asked permission to anoint each one with attar of roses which had been placed in his hands by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and which he had saved all these years for just such an occasion.

Mr. Philip Marangella lovingly presented a piece of fringe from a rug once used in the room of Bahá’u’lláh, and Mrs. Amelia Collins sent a piece of candle which had burned in the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. These added to the magnificent gift of a piece of land by Mr. Momtazi for the endowment of the future National Spiritual Assembly of Japan, a beautifully framed photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá presented by Mr. Hishmatu’lláh Azizi on behalf of his mother, and a handsome kakemono painted by a Bahá’í artist in Formosa, and various other gifts were all lasting evidence that the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is firmly planted in the beautiful land of Japan.

The leave-taking was sad and final at this gathering. The reserved Japanese, the affectionate Persians, the warm and loving Chinese and the happy Americans embraced each other and shed their tears freely, promising, as all Bahá’ís do, that they would meet again soon, or certainly in Baghdád, and that in the meantime they would work and pray unceasingly for the complete achievement of the World Crusade and the high hopes so frequently expressed during this historic week in Nikko and Tokyo.

—CHARLOTTE LINFOOT

COSMIC SYMPHONY

(Continued from page 5)

Báb to herald the Master Musician long awaited.

Bahá’u’lláh has called all mankind to arise to His theme of unity.

We read:

“Arise, and proclaim unto the entire creation the tidings that He Who is the All-Merciful hath directed His steps towards the Riḍván and entered it. Guide, then, the People unto the garden of delight which God. hath made the Throne of His Paradise . . . Within this Paradise, and from the heights of its loftiest chambers, the Maids of Heaven have cried out and shouted: ‘Rejoice, ye dwellers of the realms above, for the fingers of Him Who is the Ancient of Days are ringing, in the name of the All-Glorious, the Most Great Bell, in the midmost heart of the heavens. The hands of bounty have borne round the cups of everlasting life. Approach, and quaff your fill . . . .’ " (Gl. 31-32)

Bahá’u’lláh suffered untold agony. He cried: “Where are the listening ears?“ He heard in answer only the hootings of the owl, the howl of dogs on every side. He cried: “Thou seest Me forbidden to speak forth — then from whence will spring Thy Melodies, O Songster of the World.” Then slowly the responsive, attuned souls replied “Here am I. Here am I” and they were given new ears with which to hear—and they, too, were swept into the vibrating rhythm of God’s eternal Melody.

The Most Great Bell has sounded the theme for 500,000 years, and the Divine Composer for this Dispensation wrote down the music, ceaselessly, as it was revealed to Him. We read in God Passes By (p. 138) that He dictated pages and pages and then bade His secretary throw the notes into the river — the time was not ready, the instruments have not been created or perfected; mankind must wait a little longer.

Bahá’u’lláh has revealed an “exquisite Order.” He has written His Covenant so that the theme will never be mutilated or lost. He has handed over the baton to the Center of His Covenant — to whom we are to look for guidance — the Perfect Maestro, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

And ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, after long and

[Page 10]10

NOVEMBER, 1955

MONTHLY REPORT ON WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET

Third Year

National Bahá’í Fund

1955-1956

As of October 15, 1955

Where we are $157,500

Where we should be $253,000

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

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

Monthly receipts to date:

May 1-15 . . . . . . . . . . $l5,500

May 15 - June 15 . . $22,500

June 15 - July 15 . . . . $23,500

July 15 - Aug. 15 . . . $l9,500

Aug. 15 - Sept. 15 . . $37,000

Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 . . $39,500

Total .................... $157,500

Accumulated deficit as of Oct. 15, 1955 .................... $95,500

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

strenuous labors, wrote to the believers of East and West:

“Oh, how I long to see the believers shouldering the responsibilities of the Cause! Now is the time to proclaim the Kingdom of Abhá! Now is the hour of union and concord! Now is the day of the spiritual harmony of the friends of God! . . . I am straining my ears toward the East and toward the West, toward the North and toward the South, that haply I may hear the songs of love and fellowship raised in the meetings of the believers. My days are numbered, and save this there remains none other joy for me . . .”

He, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in His Covenant, has passed on the baton to the first Guardian of the Cause—the new maestro. He alone. the Guardian, is completely at one with the Composer —he alone understands the complete score, he alone can foretell the majesty, the power, the scope—he alone can truly understand Bahá’u’lláh’s words:

“The world’s equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed.” (Gl. 136)

The Guardian alone knows how to place the various instruments for the most harmonious and effective results. The System is perfect—we are imperfect. But we have many basic rules for practicing, individually and collectively:

1. Authority of the Covenant, which means absolute obedience to the divine Institutions of the Faith. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, “The first condition is firmness in the Covenant of God.” (ASM 23)

We perfect ourselves through obedience—we are all trying to follow the music, but sometimes we snap a string, a draft comes through the window and blows the music to the floor, the music stand collapses, or we get so unhappy and discouraged we cannot see the notes because of our tears, the discordant sounds from the outside break through—but if we center our attention on the Maestro with the baton, if we can only keep in the rhythm, in the beat or the music, we will find our places again.

2. The Law of lone, fellowship and harmony. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said: “The second condition: Fellowship and love amongst the believers.”

3. The Law of prayer and dedication (the tuning process). “They must when coming together turn their faces to the Kingdom on High and ask aid from the Realm of Glory.” (Abdu’l-Bahá, in B. Admin. 22)

4. The Law of consultation. “The heaven of divine wisdom is illumined and shining with two orbs, consultation and kindness.” (Bahá’u’lláh Tablet of lshráqát, BWF 198)

“. . . The keynote of the Cause of God is not dictatorial authority but humble fellowship, not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving consultation.” (Shoghi Effendi, B. Admin. 63)

5. The Law of unity. “They must in every matter search out the truth and not insist upon their own opinion, for stubbornness and persistence in one’s views will lead ultimately to discord and wrangling and the tnlth will remain hidden . . . whatsoever thing is arranged in harmony and with love and purity of motive, its result is light . . . .” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in E. Admin. 22)

Whatever part we play, great or small, is glorious if it is in harmony with the whole. The Spiritual Assembly is a divine creation—the music is written for nine instruments, each contributing his special melody. The fullness of harmony requires nine; no matter how loudly five or six or eight can play, the result is not the same. We should go to our Assembly meeting with our instruments tuned, in joyous anticipation. When turned to God for guidance and inspiration, no one can foretell what new music will come forth. The Nineteen Day

[Page 11]BAHA’I NEWS

11

Feast is also a divine creation— we should go to that spiritual gathering with our instruments tuned through prayer and dedication.

6. Practice of the qualities of justice, kindness, truthfulness, courtesy, humility, patience, trustworthiness in our relationship with each other and in the functioning of the Bahá’í institutions. For example, we must be ever ready to be of service. At a concert one evening, just at the beginning of the solo by the first violinist, I saw a string of his violin snap. The violinist next to him handed over his own violin so quickly there was scarcely a note missed. We never know when the wind of tests may blow our music, who will be the one to help us pull ourselves together. We could mention many more examples of the practice of these qualities of humility, kindness and patience required of us in learning to work together.

The maestro, our Guardian, is the nerve center. He is sensitive to every vibration in his world orchestra—he hears every sour note of a disunited Assembly, every lovely cadenza from a far-off island in the North. He, too, is listening. He writes:

“And now as I look into the future, I hope to see the friends at all times, in every land, and of every shade of thought and character, voluntarily and joyously rallying round their local and in particular their national centers of activity, upholding and promoting their interests with complete unanimity and contentment, with perfect understanding, genuine enthusiasm, and sustained vigor. This indeed is the one joy and yearning of my life, for it is the fountain head from which all future blessings will flow, the broad foundation upon which the security of the Divine Edifice must ultimately rest.” (B. Admin, 67)

You have all heard the talks on Bahá’í Administration. You have the music in front of you. We have so much work to do. We can only pray that when the curtain goes up for the Golden Jubilee in 1963 we will be at our places, individually qualified, collectively united and harmonious through practice. As the baton points to the various countries may there instantly ring out in deep swelling tones the collective call, “Here am I, here am I!”

(Talk given at the First Northern Countries Summer school, Helsinki, Finland, July 28, 1955.)

The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Hamburg Township, New York incorporated April 14, 1955.

Fist Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís od St. Pierre, Reunion Island, elected April 21, 1955

CORRECTION

In the picture of the Reunion Island Bahá’ís and their guests, published in the BAHÁ’Í NEWS for September (page 8), the young man standing at the left should have been stated to be Jalal Nakhjawani, member of the African Auxiliary Board. BAHÁ’Í NEWS regrets its error in stating this was his brother, ‘Ali Nakhjavani. Both brothers are members of the African Auxiliary Board.

NATIONAL NEWS

BAHÁ’Í IN THE NEWS

The Catholic Digest, October, 1955, page 99, in a reference to the Chaldean town of Al Gosh states: “This town of 6,000 souls was entirely Catholic, with the exception of the governor, a charming and popular Bahá’í, and a family of three Jews charged with the care of the tomb of the prophet Nahum.”

Valdez Breeze, a mimeographed news sheet of this town in Alaska, lists the Faith in its Church News for July 1, 1955. In its July 15 issue the Breeze gives a list of its Staff members and runs a column by Rex King entitled “Ramblin’ Round With Rex King.” This issue also runs a brief reference to Bahá’í History taken

[Page 12]12

NOVEMBER, 1955

from Anchorage News, begun in the issue of July 8 as a serial.

A reference on Muhammadanism appears in An Historical Survey by H. A. R. Gibb. “The new religion, now definitely outside the pale of Islam, has had some success in Persia and the United States and its headquarters are in Haifa in Palestine.”

The Zim Lines Bulletin for August September 1955 features an article on the Shrine of the Báb with a large illustration of the Shrine. Another Bahá’í reference is a photo entitled “Gate to the beautiful Bahá’í gardens in Haifa, Israel.”

The Chicago Sight-Seeing Co. has been sending daily buses to the Bahá’í Temple. Its circular carries a photo of the Temple and lists it as one of the sights in a North Shore Suburban Tour requiring about three hours.

SECOND SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

The Second Bahá’í Southern Conference was held August 27-30, 1955, at Blue Ridge Assembly, North Carolina, a YMCA Boy’s Camp located a few miles from Asheville. The Conference, open to Bahá’ís and their friends, was organized by the Area Teaching Committees of the Central Atlantic and Southern Atlantic States, assisted by the Area Teaching Committee of the Tennessee Valley States. The one hundred Bahá’ís and thirteen children attending the Conference came from twelve of the thirteen States in the Areas, plus Ohio and Illinois.

The Conference theme was “Modern Living,” and the deliberations concerned individual confirmation and local, national and international living, and emphasized realization and acceptance of the divine spirit throughout the fabric of the Bahá’í Administrative structure.

The highlight of the Conference was the address given by Paul Haney, Hand of the Cause, on the Guardianship and the Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God. Mr. Haney also spoke feelingly of the persecutions in Persia.

During the Conference a sum of $531.25 was donated, half of which was to be given to the National Fund and half earmarked for the Guardian’s Fund for the persecuted Bahá’ís in Persia.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Suva, Fiji Islands, incorporated January 21, 1955. (Mist Irene Jackson, Australian pioneer to Suva, seated second from left.)

HOW TO APPROACH YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY

Frequently requests reach the Bahá’í National Library Service Committee from Bahá’ís in widely scattered places for information about the best way to approach a library in anticipation of donating Bahá’í books. Here are some points brought out in our consultation on the subject.

Remember that the library is for the use of the public, either special or general, and that you yourself are a part of that public. The library and its resources are there to serve you and be enjoyed. Approach the librarian with an attitude of appreciation for the service which he or she is able and willing to offer. If there is anything in the building, its professional tools, its personal service, and its collection, which you have found helpful or attractive, make this known.

It is best, if you are a settler and have time, not to make your first contact one of trying to “put in” a Bahá’í book. It is well to know the collection first, both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í, and to Show that you are an active patron of the library services. If we expect people to be interested in our books, which are of a special nature, we should, on our part, also have an unprejudiced and catholic interest in other good literature. If we find excellent books of a similar trend to ours (such as World Faith, by Ruth Cranston, or Allah, the God of Mohammad and Their Search for God by Fitch), we may note them and commend their presence on the shelves.

Perhaps you are in town only for a limited time and, very worthily, wish to make a Bahá’í contact with the library. In that case, by all means do so, but preferably with a spirit of cooperation rather than one of propaganda.

In the larger cities, where there is usually a Bahá’í Community already established, it is best to make the contact with the library through the librarian of the Spiritual Assembly. In places where there is no Bahá’í Community, the Contact should be made by the pioneer or settler or a local Bahá’í who knows well the literature of the Faith and is familiar with the library. One should go directly to the librarian,

[Page 13]

First Regional Teaching Conference of Bahá’ís of Uruguay, South America, held July 9-10, 1955, in Montevideo.

Bahá’í Youth of Brussels, Belgium.

although friendly relations should always be established with the staff also. Remember that the librarian is a public servant and does his or her work by means of public funds. He or she is not an independent person and must in some degree keep in mind the Library Board and the public. If the librarian seems reluctant to place a Bahá’í book, a copy of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era or a general pamphlet like the yellow Temple pamphlet might be left to be browsed over. Librarians are busy people and you are only one of their many patrons. The Library Service Committee has copies of the list of famous libraries, printed in God Passes By, which have our books.

When you decide that “today is the day” in which to interview the librarian, go with some samples of attractive Bahá’í books. Be serene, confident, and yourself assured of the value and dignity of our literature.

Books donated do not always have to be Bahá’í books, Such titles as the three mentioned above or other fine books reflecting the Bahá’í attitude may be given at times, but of course our prime purpose is to get Bahá’í literature before the public. Sometimes when a Bahá’í passes on, a Community or a pioneer may wish to give the library a memorial book in his honor. This is a nice gesture from several points of view and may make a good and natural contact, especially if the Bahá’í was a lover of books and a user of the library.

Occasionally a Bahá’í donates a book to a library, goes, after what seems like a reasonable length of time, to the library and looks for the book card in the catalog and the book on the shelves, and finds neither. This may be due to a number of causes. Libraries are usually very busy places and the technical work sometimes lags behind the service to the public, especially if the library is a small one and the staff limited. So be patient. But if after quite a wait, still nothing appears. it is permissible to approach the librarian and, instead of asking why such and such a book is not on the shelves (it may be out—and then your highest hope would be fulfilled!) say that you know that this book has been donated to the library and you (or some other person) would like to read it. Then you will be advised if the book is in circulation or if it has been for some reason removed from the shelves, if it ever got there. The very fact that a book is requested will usually speed up a catalog department to get the book into circulation as soon as possible. And sometimes books are simply “lifted” from the shelves by a too-interested public. In this case, you will have an opportunity to give another one.

In one of our “fan” letters recently, we received the following interesting and practical report:

“Last spring, as a personal project, I made up a brief case similar to a salesman’s sample case, with pictures of interior, exterior of the Temple, cost, materials, also literature, which has proved to be a good approach for business and library people I have met. As it is so easy to see, I find they give me more time and act as if I were doing them the honor. . . . I work, but plan to cover as much as possible of the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, visiting libraries, etc. As you see, I am trying to get a survey, get books in libraries, plus getting them checked out.”

This is really “traveling teacher” service!

Here in the middle west is another enthusiastic Bahá’í, a young traveling salesman, who visits the libraries in every town or city he covers and finds out whether they have any Bahá’í books. He keeps a record of territory covered and shares this with the National Library Service Committee, so that Assemblies, groups, and individual believers in the Area can assume the responsibility of contributing books to isolated communities Where no Bahá’ís are resident.

The Library Service Committee has outlined a project on an Area scale, which it hopes soon to share with the believers through BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

Please address all communications to Miss Flora Emily Hottes, secretary, 406 West Iowa Street, Urbana. Illinois.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL COMMITTEE

[Page 14]14

NOVEMBER, 1955

YOUTH TRAVELING TEACHERS

Firesides in Laramie

The Laramie Spiritual Assembly reports that after the Geyserville Bahá’í School three Arizona Bahá’í Youth visited Laramie. Two firesides were held, which were attended by guests of several different nationalities. Included were a Hindu from the Punjab, a Muslim from Pákistán, a Spanish girl, a local school teacher, and several students from Abilene Christian College in Texas. On the following Sunday three Youth from Colorado Springs arrived in Laramie, They, with two of the Arizona Youth and a Laramie Bahá’í, were special guests at a dinner given at the Wesley Foundation Methodist Youth Center. After the dinner color slides of Haifa were shown, and a talk on the Bahá’í Faith was given by Ed Polley, Colorado Springs Youth, to the thirtyfive members of the Methodist group present. Many fine questions were asked and deep interest shown by most of those present. As this was the final meeting of the Summer School at the University, many asked if Bahá’í books could be found in the libraries of other cities.

Inter-Racial Panel Highlights All-Texas Gathering of Bahá’ís and Friends

Six years ago, an invitation was sent out by the Regional Teaching Committee to the Texas Bahá’ís inviting them to come to a picnic planned for them at Flintrock, the home of Miss Anna Reinke, located a few miles west of Austin. The gathering was a huge success, with Bahá’ís coming from the far corners of Texas, many of them traveling several hundred miles just to meet their fellow Bahá’ís, some for the first time.

This was the beginning of an annual event looked forward to with eagerness by both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís—a time for feasting and fellowship in lovely natural surroundings.

Highlighting this year’s picnic gathering was a panel of four young Bahá’í speakers of different racial backgrounds who spoke to an audience of more than seventy persons, about half of whom were non-Bahá’ís. Raul Walls from San Antonio, of Spanish-American descent, spoke on Unity of Religion; Paul Pettit of Fort Worth, on the Unity of Mankind; David Luan, a Formosan student from Austin, on Unity in Economics, and Mr. M. W. Plummer, a young Negro attorney from Houston, on Unity in Diversity, all relating to their main topic, “The Bahá’í Pattern for World Unity.”

AREA NEWS BULLETINS

The Area Bulletin of the South Central States reports that a successful week-end Conference was held in Wichita, Kansas, in August at the Allis Hotel. The Saturday evening dinner, at which thirty-three were present, was followed by a stimulating public address by David Ruhe, MD., on “World Religion for World Health.” Forty-four Bahá’ís and their friends attended the leeture. Sunday was devoted to the deliberations of the Conference, on the theme “Developing our Bahá’í Communities.” Key subjects were presented and discussed in four workshop groups.

The next conference in this area is planned for November 12-13 in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Beverly, Massachusetts Spiritual Assembly took charge of the Bahá’í booth at the Topsfield Fair, the Area Bulletin for the New England States reports. Teaching Conferences in this Area were held during September in East Providence, Rhode Island, in Brattleboro, Vermont, and in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The September bulletin of this Area carries an excellent statement on the Institution of the National Fund prepared by the National Treasurer, Mr. H. Borrah Kavelin.

The South Atlantic States Area Bulletin reports a Conference held October 9 in goal city Tampa, Florida. The Area Committee were invited to give a brief resume on the Faith at a membership rally of the NAACP in Tampa. About twelve members of this organization later accepted an invitation to a Bahá’í fireside.

The Southwestern States Area Bulletin lists conferences scheduled for the month of October in Los Angeles; San Diego; San Francisco; Phoenix; Tucson; Reno; Salt Lake City; Stockton, California (a goal city now having achieved Assembly status); and Verde Valley, California.

A two day conference was held at Chautauqua, New York for the friends from Western Pennsylvania, Western New York, and the East Central States. A lively and interesting program based on the Ten Year Crusade was arranged and good publicity resulted from this endeavor, according to the Area Bulletin of the North Atlantic States. They also report an “exceedingly joyous meeting” in Albany on September 10 was held by the Bahá’ís of Eastern New York. The Bulletin lists the following communities which are planning United Nations Day meetings: Rochester, New York; Yonkers, New York (in conjunction with Mt. Vernon); Syracuse, New York; Ridgewood, New Jersey; Jersey City, New Jersey.

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

The San Francisco Bahá’í News reports that a five-inch one-column news item on the Bahá’í’ appeal to the Sháh and Iranian government for protection of the Bahá’ís was printed on the church page of the San Francisco Examiner, August 13.

In observance of Proclamation Day, Flint, Michigan held a public meeting in a local home. News items concerning the event were printed in seven city and county newspapers and sixteen free radio announcements were made over seven radio stations in Flint and the nearby towns of Owosso and Bay City.

In Los Angeles The Bahá’í Journal reported plans for observing the tenth anniversary of the United Nations at the center on October 23 in order to “serve to identify the unifying forces of the Bahá’í World Faith with the nation-wide appeal by the United Nations for peace and understanding.”

EDITORIAL NOTE: In “The Bahá’í Faith, 1844-1952” the Guardian lists the “Reinforcement of ties binding the World Bahá’í Community to the United Nations” as a World Crusade objective in the Ten-Year Teaching Plan.

Bahá’í Books at Air Force Base

At the request of the librarian at Elmendorf Air Force Base the Anchorage, Alaska, Spiritual Assembly has furnished the following Bahá’í books to the Base library: Hidden Words, Bahá’í World Faith, Prescription for Living, and Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.

[Page 15]BAHA’I NEWS

15

BAHÁ’Í SERVICE FOR THE BLIND

The Committee reports the first request for Bahd literature for the blind from Mexico, and the first transcription of Communion with God in Esperanto Braille.

Spanish Braille:

Single copies of Diseño Para La Sociedad Del Futuro, and La Unidad Religiosa were sent to Puebla, Mexico. It is interesting to know that these pamphlets transcribed into Spanish Braille by a member of the Committee had been proofread by a non-Bahá’í blind Mexican contact in Los Angeles.

Esperanto Braille:

Komunio Kun Dio (Communion with God), recently translated from English edition into Esperanto by Miss Roan U. Orloff, has been transcribed into Esperanto Braille. Several hand-transcribed copies are ready for distribution.

The Committee will be glad to receive inquiries about literature for the Blind. Price list in English or in Braille will be sent on request.

For printed list see BAHÁ’Í NEWS, November, 1954, page 6.

Bahá’í Service for the Blind

844 North Hayworth Avenue

Los Angeles 46, California

AUDIO-VISUAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENT

Color slides of the Bahá’í House of Worship are now available, four slides for $1.00 in a small plastic container, through the Bahá’í AudioVisual Education Committee, to Local Assemblies and librarians for sale to the friends at a 20 per cent discount. They may also be obtained in photographic supply stores, without discount.

The Committee is expecting to make available in photo stores throughout the world a set of slides of the Shrine of the Báb and of scenes at Haifa and Bahjí, through similar distribution arrangements made with Meston’s Travels Inc.

Requests for information concerning the plan of distribution and orders should be sent, with your name and address, to:

Audio-Visual Education Committee

51 Blauvelt Ave., Dumont, New Jersey.

PUBLICATIONS

The Story of Louis G. Gregory. By Elsie Austin. The story of God’s guidance to a receptive soul, the first Negro Hand of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh (first published as an insert in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, February, 1953). Useful for inter-racial teaching work, and especially valuable in pioneering areas. Attractively printed the wide way on size 5¾ x 3¾, brown ink on India paper, illustrated with picture of Louis Gregory.

Five copies (minimum order) . . $ .50

Fifty copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. $4.50

In Preparation

Children's Stories from “The DawnBreakers.” By Zoe Meyer. Illustrated by Carl Scheffler. Dramatically written stories from The Dawn-Breakers for children up to about ten years of age that fill a vital need in our children’s literature. Contains seven full-page beautifully executed drawings by Carl Scheffler that will delight both children and adults. This book is now in the process of manufacture and will be available approximately November 18. 90 pages, size 8½ x 11. Price per copy, $2.00. All advance orders will be recorded and shipped as soon as the book is available.

A Child’s Book of Prayers is also being prepared, publication date to be some time in late November. This will be a 64—page illustrated book, hardbound, with buttercup yellow cover, size 6 1/8 X 7 3/4. Tentative price per copy, $1.25.

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 October follow:

Order of Devotions—October 2, 1955

Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abused thyself. Rise then unto that for which thou wast created.

—Bahá’u’lláh

CHORAL SELECTION

Cherubim Song—Bortniansky

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Prayers and Meditations. CLV, p. 248

Gleanings, p. 299: p. 287

OLD TESTAMENT

Psalm 1

NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew 5:6-9, 13-16; 7:1-2

BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS

The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, From the Arabic, Nos. 22, 1, 2, 26, 27

CHORAL SELECTION

Go Not Far From Me, O Lord—Haydn Morgan

BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS

Gleanings, p. 270-271, p. 305

Gleanings, p. 285

Bahá’í World Faith, p. 168

Prayers and Meditations. IV, p. 6

CHORAL SELECTION

Hear My Cry, O God—Alexander Kopyloff

Order of Devotions—October 9, 1955

The highest and most excelling grace bestowed upon men is the grace of “attaining unto the Presence of God.” and of His recognition, which has been promised unto all people.

—Bahá’u’lláh

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Prayers and Meditations, CXVI, p. 197

The Kitáb-i-Iqán, p. 97

CHORAL SELECTION

Blessed ls the Spot (Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh)

—Charles Wolcott

OLD TESTAMENT

Isaiah 30:18-21

NEW TESTAMENT

James 4:1-3, 5-10

QUR’AN

Sura XXX:4-18

CHORAL SELECTION

Heavenly Light — Alexander Kopyloff

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

The Kitáb-i-Iqán p. 103, p. 118, p. 138; Gleanings, p. 313; The Hidden words of Bahá’u’lláh, From the Arabic, Nos. 11, 20, 10

CHORAL SELECTION

Hear My Prayer, O Lord—Arkhangelsky

Order of Devotions—October 16, 1955

In all Dispensation the law of prayer hath constituted a fundamental element of the Revelation of all the Prophets of God.

—Bahá’’u’lláh

CHORAL SELECTION

Almighty God of Our Fathers—James

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Bahá’í Prayers, p. 82

OLD TESTAMENT

Job 33:26; Psalms 50:14-15; 34:1-8; l00

NEW TESTAMENT

Mark 11:22-26; Luke 11:5-13; Matthew 6:5-13

CHORAL SELECTION

Alleluia—Randall Thompson

QUR’AN

Sura II:l47-148; Sura XI:l16-117; Sura I

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (from the Arabic), No. 16, 43

Kitáb-i-Iqán (The Book of Certitude), p. 39

Gleanings, pp. 294, 265, 266, 243, 295;

Advent of Divine Justice, p. 70

Bahá’í Prayers, p. 75

CHORAL SELECTION

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

Order of Devotions—October 23, 1955

All praise, O my God, be to Thee Who art the Source of all glory and majesty, of greatness and honor, of sovereignty and dominion, of loftiness and grace, of awe and power . . . Of all who are in heaven and on earth, none can withstand the operation of Thy sovereign Will. From all eternity Thou wilt rule the entire creation, and Thou wilt conzcmu yor euemnm to exercise Thy dominion over all created things.

-Bahá’u’lláh

CHORAL SELECTION

Let All the Nations Praise the Lord—Volck mar Leisring

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Prayers and Meditations, LIX, p. 94

OLD TESTAMENT

Psalm 96

[Page 16]16

NOVEMBER, 1955

NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew 4:10; John 4:23

QUR’AN

Sura XXIV, 36-38; 41-42; Sura I

CHORAL SELECTION

O Come Ye Servants of the Lord—C. Tye

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Prayers and Meditations, pp. 271-272; LXXV, p. 123; Gleanings, pp. 60-61

Prayers and Meditations, CLIII, p. 245

CHORAL SELECTION

Laud His Name—P. Ivanoff

Order of Devotions—October 30, 1955

O men! This is a matchless Day. Matchless must, likewise be the tongue that celebrateth the praise of the Desire of all nations, and matchless the deed that aspireth to be acceptable in His sight. The whole human race hath longed for this Day, that perchance it may fulfill that which well beseemeth its station, and is worthy of its destiny.

—Bahá’u’lláh

CHORAL SELECTION

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

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Prayers and Meditations, pp. 35-36; Gleanings, VII, p. 10

OLD TESTAMENT

Psalm 24: Micah 4:1-5

NEW TESTAMENT

Revelation 21:1-5

QUR’AN

Sura LXXV: l-12

CHORAL SELECTION

Now We Sing Thy Praise — P. Tschesnokoff

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 106-107;

Gleanings, p. 6, p. 7, p. 213, p. 39

Prayers and Meditations, LXXI, p. 117

CHORAL SELECTION

We Thank Thee, Lord — Dimitri Bortniansky

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

HOLY DAYS

November 12—Birth of Bahá’u’lláh

November 26—Day of the Covenant

November 28—Ascension of ‘Abdu’1-Bahá

FEASTS

November 4—Qudrat (Power)

November 23—Qawl (Speech)

December 12—Masá’il (Questions)

PROCLAMATION DAYS

November 12, Anniversary of Birth of Bahá’u’lláh—to proclaim the appearance of the Promised One of all religions as the hope of the world.

December 4, Bahá’í State Conventions—to publicize delegate attendance and progress of the TenYear World Spiritual Crusade.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS

November 24, 25, 26, 27

BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP

Visiting hours Weekdays and Saturdays:

10:30 A.M.—4:30 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 P.M., lasting until 4:15

(No guided tours will be conducted during the program of worship.)

Holy days and Anniversaries celebrated at the Bahá’í House of Worship.

Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, November 12

Day of the covenant. November 26

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.

IN MEMORIAM

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

—BAHÁÁ’U’LLÁH

Mr. W. Irving Braddock

Paso Robles, California

Mrs. Mabel Hyde Paine

Urbana, Illinois

Aug. 15, 1955

Mrs. Mable Vicary

Detroit, Michigan

Sept. 4, 1955

Mrs. Georgia Blodgett

Reedley, California

Miss Caroline M. Riedle

Altadena, California

Sept. 7, 1955

Miss Jane Ogilvie

Santa Ana, California

September, 1955

Mr. Charles A. Welch

Kansas City, Missouri

Sept. 16, 1955

Mr. Louis H. Keller

Delmar, New York

Sept. 23, 1955

Mrs. Almeda Bacome

Lima, Ohio

Sept. 27, 1955

BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY CHANGES

COMMITTEES

Alaska Teaching Committee

Mr. Rex King, Secy., Box 14, Spenard, Alaska.

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Alaska

Anchorage: Mrs. Mabel Amidon, 820 8th Ave., Anchorage.

Colorado

El Paso County: Mrs. Kathryn Remple, 1616 Mesa Ave., Colorado Springs.

Jefferson County: Mrs. Julie B. Hathaway, 5555 W. 16th Ave., Denver 14.

Dist. of Columbia

Washington: Miss Bernice Bernardo, 1906 R. St., N.W.

Michigan

Niles Township: Mrs. Louise W. Love, 53 Miller St., Niles.

Montana

Helena: Mr. Robert J. Gagnon, 911 E. 6th, Apt. 3.

Tennessee

Memphis: Miss Johanna Zimmermann, 245 South Watkins Ave.

South Dakota

Sioux Falls: Mrs. Vera D. Esinhart, Bahá’í Center, 210½ S.

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 first day of the month preceding the date of issue for which it is intended.

BAHA’I NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial committee. The Committee for 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.