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No. 299

BAHA’I YEAR 112

JANUARY, 1956

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THE GUARDIAN

“PROCLAIM THE FAITH”

The Guardian, through his secretary, sent this message to the Tennessee Valley States Area Teaching Committee in response to a letter of greeting from their Blue Ridge Conference in August:

“He is eagerly hoping the friends in the United States, and in other lands where freedom exists, will constantly bear in mind the restrictions and persecutions of their brothers and sisters in Persia, and will seize this opportunity to proclaim the Faith on every occasion that presents itself to them. If the Faith is held down in its progress in one land, God will cause it to advance more quickly in other countries, if the friends will just arise and make use of the great power that has been released through these severe persecutions.”

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

THE BAHA’I HOME

A Progress Report

The friends have been informed of the plan to construct, as one of the tasks of the World Crusade, a home for the aged as an accessory or dependency of the Bahá’í Temple. The first decision was to build the Bahá’í Home on the tract of land between the National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters and the canal, opposite the Temple. This is the tract purchased by the Temple trustees from the Goldblatt family some years ago and known as Temple Annex No. 1.

Further consideration, in addition to difficulties arising from the local zoning ordinance which restricts this area to one family houses, impressed the National Assembly with the fact that this particular site has certain disadvantages, including distance from the shopping center, danger of crossing Sheridan Road with its heavy traffic, and exposure to high wind and severe storms from the lake.

Action has therefore been taken to acquire a very favorable site as location for the Bahá’í Home, at the southwest corner of Fourth Street and Greenleaf Avenue, one block from Linden Avenue and its shopping facilities. The electric line which ran on Greenleaf Avenue has been abandoned, creating a quiet and desirable avenue for our purpose. It is also zoned for commercial purposes on one of the parcels acquired and multi-family occupancy on the other.

Under the contract of purchase, title has passed to the trustees, but possession cannot be taken until August, 1956, providing time for preparation of building plans and specifications.

It might be added that the purchase could only be effected because of a special contribution pledged for use in connection with the Bahá’í Home.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN PROGRESSES

The activities undertaken to remove the oppressive measures taken against the Bahá’ís by the civil authorities of Írán have continued at rapid pace under the direction of our public relations counsel.

A basic text in this campaign is the pamphlet Bahá’í Appeal for Religious Freedom in Írán, complimentary copies of which have been sent to the local Assemblies. In order to meet the wide demand from the friends, this pamphlet has been reprinted and copies may now be obtained at 25c each from Bahá’í Publishing Trust. Not only is it well for the friends, one and all, to learn exactly what has taken place up to and including the filing of the appeal with the Secretary General of United Nations, but the pamphlet has great possibilities for local teaching and public relations contacts.

In November BAHÁ’Í NEWS current activities were reported, and the following information brings the report up to December.

1. In order to keep the issue alive it is essential to make use of the most influential papers, and The Washington Post was selected to carry a letter written by Stanwood Cobb, published November 7. In this letter Mr. Cobb drew attention to the disabilities still suffered by our Íránian fellow believers.

2. At the request of The Washington Post, Reuters, the press service of London, was requested to issue a release from Tihrán on the current status of the Bahá’í case. The Reuters dispatch is now appearing in American papers, and clippings have been received from The Christian Science Monitor, November 7, The Chicago Tribune, November 16, and Boston Sunday Globe, November 6.

3. The Guardian has approved the extension of the public relations campaign for the period of one year beginning December 1, 1955. Very shortly the public relations counsel will prepare and distribute material for the direct promotion of Bahá’í teachings.

4. A United States Senator has written the State Department inquiring what has been done to help the

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Progress in construction of the International Bahá’í Archives Building, Haifa in November, 1955. Above, steel reinforcing for cement slabs supporting front steps. To the right, Leroy Ioas and head mason with the first stone in place.

Persian Bahá’ís. This project will be reported in detail later.

5. Professor H. Van R. Wilson of Brooklyn College had an excellent letter published in The New York Times on October 15, following up the Times interview with the Secretary General of United Nations.

6. A press conference is to be held at United Nations by the friendly director of one of the United Nations Commissions.

7. A letter written by the Bahá’í International Community to United Nations pointing out that the Bahá’í Center in Tihrán has been taken over by the military authorities, apparently as army headquarters, has been transmitted to the Íránian government and copies referred to the Commission on Human Rights, with a summary to the Sub-Committee on Prevention and Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. Any results following this action will be reported.

8. Religious News Service, which distributes material to the religious press, has accepted a story on the Bahá’í case for its subscribers.

9. Copies of materials prepared for this campaign, and reprints of the more important press stories, are constantly being shared with all National Spiritual Assemblies. From time to time clippings are received showing that the case is getting editorial attention in other countries.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

HAIFA MAYOR VISITS HOUSE OF WORSHIP

His Worship Mr. Abba Khoushy, Mayor of Haifa, made his second Visit to the Bahá’í Temple on December 6, where he was met by a large number of Bahá’ís including Mrs. Amelia Collins, Vice President of the International Bahá’í Council, and members of the National Spiritual Assembly.

In Foundation Hall the Mayor was presented to the believers by Herace Holley, and Mrs. Collins outlined the many ways in which the Mayor had cooperated with the Guardian in making possible the acquisition of lands needed for the World Center.

The Mayor himself with real feeling informed the believers of the respect and esteem in which he and the State of Israel hold the Bahá’í Faith.

Photographs of the occasion were taken for the Mayor’s public relations representative for a press release and a professional photographer made several pictures for the National Assembly.

U. S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LISTS WORLD RELIGION DAY

The 1956 edition of Special Days, Weeks and Months, issued by the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, lists World Religion Day on January 15 in its compilation of special events. This listing was first made in the 1955 edition. References to World Religion Day appear on pages 4 and 44.

As this recognition enhances the importance of our local observances of World Religion Day, believers wishing copies may order from Domestic Distribution Department, Chamber of Commerce of the United States, Washington 6, D. C., at the rate of 50c per copy on orders up to ten copies and 25c on orders from eleven to one hundred.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

WORLD CRUSADE

NEWSLETTER FROM AFRICA

Musa Banani’s Newsletter for November, sent to the African pioneers, has been submitted by the United States Africa Teaching Committee. The following passages are of special interest:

“An interesting news item is the decision to purchase a house in Sfax, Tunisia, to serve as the National Endowment for North-West Africa. At this writing the Tunis Spiritual Assembly is busy finalizing the purchase, which has already received the approval of our Beloved Guardian. From the description received, we know it is a small house of an area of 108 square meters, bounded by three roads and equipped with electricity.

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National Hazíratu’l-Quds of Finland in Helsinki, purchased October 24, 1955.

“Thus, with the purchase of the Sfax endowment brought to completion, we will be having in Africa our two Endowments (Sfax and Johannesburg), our three Temple Sites (in Cairo, Kampala and Johannesburg) and our four Ḥaẓiratu’i-Quds (in Cairo, Tunis, Kampala and Johannesburg).

“Another exciting activity in Africa in these days consists in the preparations being made for the four forthcoming Conventions. The Beloved Guardian has now fixed the number of delegates for each Regional National Area. The dates of the three Conventions I will have the privilege to attend have been fixed as follows by the relative National Assemblies: Johannesburg, April 21-22; Kampala, April 24-25-26; Tunis, April 30, May 1-2.

“The friends in Egypt, notwithstanding their financial limitations and the great need to be wary and circumspect, are, nevertheless, persevering in their work quietly and are seizing every chance to grow. A Board Member writes, ‘From Cairo three friends set out on teaching trips for two to three weeks. The experience of the first is very interesting to share. A youth of 24 years, in his final year of medicine, had 15 days to spare. Immediately after finishing his exams, he did not lose a single moment and left for Aswan, the remotest Provincial capital in Upper Egypt and very hot in summer, All the money he could procure was not more than 15 dollars and the railway ticket. For meals he lived on unimagined austerity, a piece of bread with some beans for midday meals. In that way he could generously accord hospitality and offer entertainment to his increasing number of contacts. Such was the life he had for 17 days, during which he established friendship with over 20 contacts, including students, merchants, etc. It was a very pleasant surprise to him to find that some of the Nubians who worked some time ago in the dining and sleeping cars of the Palestine Railways know the Holy Shrines and still remember the name “ ‘Abbás Effendi”. On his return, he was seen off by ten of his contacts who came to the station to bid him good-bye.’

“From Abyssinia comes the heartwarming news of the incorporation of the Addis Ababa Assembly, the first African local Assembly to be incorporated under the Ten Year Plan. The incorporation took place on the eve of the Báb’s birthday.

“A one-week training course was held in Kobuku, Teso Province, which attracted 100 believers representing 28 Assemblies of the territory, with five pioneers helping in giving the courses.

“Pemba Island, which is part of Zanzibar Protectorate, has been recently opened to the Faith.””

AFRICA

Bomi Hills Literacy Graduates First Class

Two American pioneers in Bomi Hills, Liberia, Vivian Wesson and Mavis Nymon, conducted the first graduation exercises for their Bomi Hills Literacy classes, sponsored by the Bahá’í Local Spiritual Assembly, on November 8, 1955.

The graduation exercises were held in a school building made from stick frames and mud. Eight benches were added to the original furnishings of three benches and a rickety table, and chairs were borrowed for the occasion. Oil lanterns were also borrowed for light.

Seven graduates from a class of 60 were honored. Those who tried but failed were also given recognition. The ages of the pupils ranged from 22 to 26 years. Arithmetic, Reading and Writing were taught, with English equivalent to the 6th grade.

Invited to the exercises were all of the mining company officials in the area, all the chiefs of the area, the staff of the National Literacy Campaign, and the general public.

These pioneers are trying to encourage all the people to read and write, and the graduation ceremony was held to stimulate interest in this literacy campaign.

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National Hazíratu’l-Quds of Paraguay at Asuncion, dedicated November 25, 1955.

PARAGUAY HAZIRA DEDICATED

A marble plaque was chiseled flush into the stucco wall beside the freshly painted door at 784 Eligio Ayala in the heart of Asuncion. It was November 25, and the plaque said “Sede Bahá’í”, or, in English, “Bahá’í Headquarters.”

For the native Asuncenos and the small band of North Americans it meant the culmination of months of search for a Hazíratu’l-Quds for Paraguay. The small plaque, the gift of a North American Bahá’í, symbolized triumph over inflationary currency and endless details of negotiating.

We had chosen the Day of the Covenant for the public dedication, and when the day came. we joyfully squeezed 35 chairs into the new Bahá’í meeting room. Luckily, all we did invite did not come! But the printed invitations and program were a fine means of publicizing the Faith.

The hour’s program included short talks in Spanish, prayers in Guarani, Spanish and English, and the recording of Sweet Scented Streams. Afterwards the visitors saw the pictures of all other Hazíratu’l-Quds, clipped and mounted for the occasion; pictures of the Shrine of the Báb, and finally, after a cooling drink of fruit punch, the colored slides of the Temple with the explanation translated into Spanish.

Though the temperature still hovered near 100 degrees, the people were loath to leave, and wandered around the patio looking at the book displays and picking up literature.

The day prayed over and longed for had finally come to a climax, made joyous our hearts, and slipped away into the hot Paraguayan night.

The house is an early Paraguayan type, The frontage is 10 meters and the depth is 35 meters, making 350 square meters of area.

—ALICE BACON

PIONEER LETTERS

Mauritius

From Ottilie Rhein, the lone pioneer on Mauritius, comes this letter, forwarded by the United States Africa Teaching Committee:

“Am swamped with requests for books; how wonderful to see them even copying the prayers and other writings. I am amazed, the change that has taken place in so short a time. Once you find a few ready ones, they are, so to speak, the eyes and ears of their country.

“Have from seven to 20 people every afternoon. It’s hard on my little bank account, even with serving only tea and cookies, but a joy for the soul. Can you imagine people spending 50 cents carfare daily for several weeks to come and learn the glad tidings? Would be very happy if you could send me some slides; I have none of these things, just a few pictures. These dear friends should have a Little change from the listening and study. We have worked them rather hard.

“I shall continue the Sunday open house and conference parties with a talk on the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Guardian, and other key figures of the Faith, Luckily we have a most capable and fluent translator, but the friends are getting used to my American style English, and I speak rather slowly.

“Was told this P.M. that we can expect several new believers tomorrow, when we shall commemorate the birth of Bahá’u’lláh.

Group at the dedication of Hazíratu’l-Quds of Rome, Italy, on November 12, 1955, conducted by Dr. Ugo Giachery, Hand of the Cause, with the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy and Switzerland and two members of the Auxiliary Board present.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

INDIA, PAKISTAN, BURMA

All-South India Conference Considers Pioneer Tasks

Bahá’í News Letter, published by the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan and Burma, has announced the agenda of an All-South Teaching Conference, held in Poona, India on November 15-16, 1955.

“How to find pioneers to open goal towns not yet opened; how to help the existing groups to evolve into Spiritual Assemblies, and how to revive the dissolved Assemblies” is the stated theme.

The News Letter emphasized that about 30 goal towns must be opened in India, eight in Pakistan, and seven in Burma. In addition, Assemblies to be revived include 14 in India, one in Pakistan, and three in Burma.

BRITISH ISLES

A recent article in the Bahá’í Journal, publication of the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, describes the qualities of the pioneers of the Northern islands of the Faroes, Shetlands and Orkneys, written by M. S. Mihaeloff and excerpted as follows:

“A general impression of the effect of the pioneers on the people in the places in which they live is that now I feel I understand better what the Master meant when he said that he ‘wished distinction for us.’ Here you have these islands, so long isolated, their people suspicious of anything or anyone new, and on the other hand you have these Knights of Bahá’u’lláh, literally drawing people to them because they give them a feeling of Peace instead of the atmosphere of strife in which they live, of rest instead of running away from things, of contentment instead of grumbling.

“Just as each of these places is different, so is the effect of each Knight on you. Charlie Dunning teaches you a kind of dogged and absolute reliance on the Will of Bahá’u’lláh. You learn from him a supreme confidence to hold fast regardless. The people there, even without realizing it, are drawn to him and by so doing recognise and pay tribute to this greatness.

“From Brigitte Hasselblatt you come away having learnt how to present the Bahá’í teachings ‘like a gift to a King’, how to love your enemies, ‘look upon your evil-wishers as your well-wishers’ and what it is to genuinely care for other people and always think of something to do for them.

“Finally, from Eskil Ljunberg you learn acceptance of impossible living conditions as the ‘price one has to pay to serve Him’. Just how it must feel to be so isolated, with two boats a month taking two and a half days to Europe; no air service; no visitors since he went there, and still to pour out that ocean of love!

“I shall never forget these wonderful pioneers from whom you learn the art of being a Bahá’í.”

GERMANY

Bahá’í-Nachrichten, published by the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria, reports a Teaching Conference in the Ḥaẓíra at Frankfurt on September 10, followed by Summer School sessions from September 11 to 17 inclusive, under the direction of Dr. Hermann Grossman. Both repeated the teaching conference and summer school material used earlier at Esslingen.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Lucknow, India, incorporated July 30, 1955.

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Malacca, Malaya, April, 1955.

Also reported was an invitation received from the Training Department for young clerics of the Evangelical Church in Hessen and Nassau, whose center is in Wiesbaden, to send a Bahá’í representative capable of explaining the Bahá’í religion.

The National Spiritual Assembly directed Dr. Eugen Schmidt to speak. Many questions were asked by the students; they could not all be answered because of the lack of time. Tentative arrangements were made for a return visit.

The Bahá’í Faith was the only non-Christian religion which these youth leaders invited during this “preparation period.” This opportunity was welcome, particularily in view of the stand of the Protestant Church last August toward the Temple project in Eschborn.

CANADA

Mrs. Margery McCormick, member of the Auxiliary Board, toured the Maritime Provinces during the Fall. At Charlottetown she spoke at a public meeting before 25 guests, gave a 15 minute radio talk, and

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met with the community and interested friends at a fireside and dinner.

Mr. Rowland Estall, member of the Auxiliary Board, visited communities in Ontario during October. He spoke at a Central Ontario Teaching Conference in Ingersoll on the fuller meaning of the Guardianship, a wellattended, enthusiastic meeting keyed to inspire dedication to the year’s tasks.

Autumn activities in Halifax included radio broadcasts, a series of advertisements, participation in civil defense projects and other community events, as well as firesides and study courses.

A member of the Hamilton community has been conducting firesides in Dundas (goal city). The Dundas Bahá’ís pledged to speak to a new person each day about the Faith. In 38 days they gained 13 new contacts for the fireside.

The Quebec Regional Teaching Committee has announced plans for a week of study and fellowship at the Laurentian Bahá’í School. All are invited to take Dart in the Bahá’í activities amid the quiet beauty of the snow-covered Laurentian mountains. Further information may be obtained from Miss Dorothy Walsh, 4613 Wellington, Verdun, Quebec.

New Territories Committee

The New Territories Committee of the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly reports that, in addition to the four unfilled goals listed in the December BAHÁ’Í NEWS, Franklin should be added.

NATIONAL NEWS

FIRST AMERICAN INDIAN TEACHING CONFERENCE MEETS IN ARIZONA

Clouds bearing the first storm of the winter were low over the mountains of northern Arizona on Sunday, November 13 as a stream of cars wound their way into the valley of the Verde River, for years the home of the Apache Indians.

For seventy-three adults and seventeen children the end of the scenic road was the Seaf Gimlin ranch, and in store for them was a unique experience.

At eleven o’clock. before the fireplace in the hospitable ranch house there began the first Bahá’í American Indian Teaching Conference and consultation on one of the great unfinished tasks of the American Bahá’í Community.

To a feeling of seriousness was added one of joy as new arrivals brought pioneers from the Navajo reservation, Bahá’ís from Gallup, the Indian capital of the world, and others whose contributions were drawn from experiences in teaching among the Indians.

The conference began with a word of greeting by the Chairman of the Indian Service Committee, and stayed close to the spirit and the words of ‘Abdu’l Bahá’s mandate to the American Bahá’ís forty years ago. and related itself to the ex-

Memorial erected at the grave of Siegfried Schopflocher, Hand of the Cause of God, at Montreal, Canada.

pressed concern of the Guardian that a long-neglected people receive their share of God’s message for this day. Its inspiration was contained in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's own statement, “You must give great importance to teaching the Indians,” whose future, as He so graphically explained, is dependent on receiving the light of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

The seeming strangeness of a culture had isolated this great people, so the attitudes and preparation for real pioneering were discussed.

“To become a part of their group life, to enter their mental and spiritual climate, then draw them through correlation of thought into ours” had been the advice of Rúḥíyyih Khánum to pioneers in the Pacific. It was agreed that this was applicable to an approach to the various Indian tribes as well.

The validity of this approach was confirmed first by Hayward Camper of Indian Wells, Arizona and then by Amoz and Mary Gibson, now settled in the heart of the Navajo reservation, teaching in a government school. This is pioneering, it was agreed.

Pioneering exists, too, in a town such as Gallup, N. Mex., we learned from Grace Dean and James Stone. Here the friends are opening a center to serve the Indians visiting from nearby reservations needing a shelter in town. Here a translation of A New Day Comes has been made into the Navajo tongue by an official government translator through the efforts and good will of these pioneers.

The guest speaker, Dr. Robert Euler from Arizona State College, Flagstaff, joined the group as the morning consultation was drawing to a close. With his opening remarks at the afternoon session, Dr. Euler indicated his sympathy for the Bahá’í purpose. As an anthropologist, his analysis of the Indian’s way of life, his problems and attitudes was invaluable.

As an individual, his dedication to the cause of greater harmony among the peoples of the world made every remark valuable to his listeners. His counsel called attention to a more sensitive approach to the American Indian.

The success of this first Conference points to probable future ones in other spots across the country.

—NANCY PHILIPS

JANET WARD

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Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Nasik, India, incorporated September 5, 1955.

YOUTH ATTEND SIX AREA CONFERENCES

Bahá’í Youth Conferences were held throughout the United States on the week end of October 22-23. Reports have been received on the following meetings:

East Central States

This conference was opened Saturday afternoon, and the agenda established by the National Youth Committee was followed. Saturday evening a dance was given, and Sunday more youth arrived for the remainder of the meeting. Because of the interest shown, another conference was planned for November 25-26-27 at Louhelen.

North Atlantic States

Four states were represented in this conference, opened Saturday afternoon at the Teaneck, NJ. Bahá’í Center. Unity and uniformity were defined and discussed, with current events used as examples to clarify the differences. That evening a party was held at the Teaneck Bahá’í cabin.

Sunday morning the conference was convened at the Kelsey home. The institutions of the Covenant and the Guardianship were discussed in relation to the achievement of unity. The House of Justice and the World Parliament were explained,

North Central States

The Saturday evening session was given over to a reception for a Bahá’í recently arrived from Írán, who has enrolled in South Dakota State College.

The conference proper, held at the Sioux Falls, S.D. Bahá’í Center, began on Sunday morning, with reports on unity in Írán and the United States. The Bahá’í proposals for United Nations Charter Revision were reported, and the film “Workshop for Peace” was shown. Consultation and discussion on unity followed, and the meeting was closed with readings from Bahá’í World Faith.

Central States

This meeting, held in Milwaukee, Wisc., began with a dinner-dance Saturday evening. On Sunday morning the conference was convened, following the N.Y.C. agenda. A feature of the discussion on national unity were remarks by an Oneida Indian on the achievement of national unity by the American Indians before the coming of the white man.

After a Chinese dinner, complete with chopsticks, the meeting was resumed with a showing of a movie on the United Nations, Following adjournment, many youth stayed for the evening public meeting sponsored by the Milwaukee community.

New England States

The Saturday session featured a discussion and fireside at the home of a Cambridge, Mass. Bahá’í family. Sunday the youth group attended the Boston Bahá’í’ Center for a public meeting on “The United Nations and the Bahá’í Faith.”

Nothern California

Youth from Fresno, Sacramento and Chico attended a two-day conference in Sacramento, Calif. Material relating to the Bahá’í concept of unity, prepared by the Sanduskys of Stockton, was used as a basis for discussion.

The Saturday evening social included dinner, dancing and games.

On Sunday the topic considered was “What can we do to bring about true unity?”

First Bahá’í Group of Hong Kong, November, 1955.

CENTRAL STATES AREA CONFERENCES HELD

The Central States Area Teaching Committee scheduled two conferences this Fall. On October 30 a well-attended meeting was held at St. Paul, Minn. despite an earlyseason snow storm. Topics discussed included “Unified Action on the Home Front,” “The Covenant,” and “Keeping in the Flow of the Spirit.”

The Blackhawk Hotel, Davenport, Iowa, was the location of the meeting held on November 13. The first two topics of the previous meeting were further discussed; other subjects included “Bahá’í Obligations,” and “Pictures of Africa and the Holy Land.”

Iowa City, Iowa, announced plans for a series of public lectures, and asked the ATC for speakers. A suggestion was submitted that communities use all available free methods of advertising, such as church columns in newspapers, and Interfaith Hours on radio.

Both conferences were successful in giving inspiration to all who attended, through a clearer understanding of the goals to be achieved.

BAHA’I IN THE NEWS

The Meridian Sun (Mississippi) of September 16 carries an illustration of the Temple with an article presented by Philip R. Savilles, pioneer. It also carries a notice of the observance of Proclamation Day inserted by Mr. Savilles.

Social Research, published by the New School for Social Research, New York, refers to the Bahá’í Faith as a development “from a messi

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MONTHLY REPORT ON WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET

Third Year

National Bahá’í Fund

1955 - 1956

As of December 15, 1955

Where we are $224,500.

Where we should be $345,000.

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

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

Monthly receipts to date:

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

May 15 - June 15 ...............$22,500

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

July 15 - Aug. 15 ...............$19,500

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

Sept. l5 - Oct. 15 ...............$39,500

Oct. 15 - Nov. 15 ...............$40,000

Nov. 15 - Dec. 15 ...............$27,000

Total $224,500

Accumulated deficit as of December 15, 1955 $120,500.00

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

anic revolution to an international denomination endowed with appurtenances ranging all the way from a papacy to a public relations program.”

The Chaplain’s Column in The Louisiana Legionnaire for November 1955, states: “Look back through history and you will see that the greatest men were those who lived in close harmony and with a close relationship with God: Abraham, Moses, Confucius, Mohammed, Gandhi, Bahá’u’lláh.”

A mention of die Faith in The Champlain Council Review for June 1955, a Canadian Telephone Employees publication, consists of a reprint of letter written by Anna W. Howard (Bahá’í pioneer) from Mexico, D.F. In the course of her letter about Mexico City she wrote: “We are not entirely settled but in the meantime we are carrying on intensive Bahá’í work. There is a new Bahá’í Center here and numerous native Bahá’ís.”

Lift, a mimeographed Review of What’s Right with the World, edited by D. A. Frey, devotes its November, 1955 issue to the subject of an Auxiliary International Language, and in mailing out this copy, a copy or Compilation from the Bahá’í Writings on International Auxiliary Language and a World Script was enclosed by the editor.

A reference in the Contemporary Review of London for October, 1955. appears in an article by Dr. Norman Bentwich on Acre Old and New: “One of the old high mansions by the sea, which looks as if it had been a depository of smugglers, is marked as a Holy place. It is venerated by that Moslem reforming sect, the Bahá’ís, originally coming from Persia in the 19th century, but now spread over the world particularly in America. Here in the days of the Ottoman rule, the founder of this universal Faith lived after he was released from the prison of Acra to which he was consigned by the Sultan fearful of revolution.”

AREA NEWS BULLETINS

Six conferences were held during November and December by the Tennessee Valley States ATC, their Area Bulletin reports; at Louisville, Ky.; Chattanooga, Tenn. (goal city); Memphis, Tenn.; Nashville, Tenn.; Jackson, Miss.; and Birmingham, Ala. Also reported was a public meeting at the YWCA in Louisville, Ky., for the visit of Sarah Pereira, member of the Auxiliary Board. A Children’s Class has been organized in Nashville, Tenn., meeting in the Hadley Park Branch of the Public Library. A projector for showing slides has been purchased, and a committee of four experienced teachers plan the children’s activities.

The last virgin goal in the Northwestern States area has now been settled, with the arrival of a Bahá’í in Salem, 0re., according to the Bulletin of the Area Teaching Committee of the Northwestern States. The October Area Teaching Conference at Eugene, Ore. (goal city), was attended by Bahá’ís from a radius of 350 miles, representing fourteen localities of Oregon and Washington. Also reported is a recent Inter-Faith devotional program in Lewiston, Idaho (goal city) which included Bahá’í prayers and selections from the Bahá’í Writings, as well as the Hindu, Jewish and Christian Scriptures.

The Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh observance in Kansas City, Mo. was conducted by the Children’s Classes of Greater Kansas City, the Area Bulletin for the South Central States reports. The next day the Area Teaching Conference was opened with a discussion of “Education for Children." That evening a large group gathered at the Paseo Branch of the YWCA for a dinner. Ellsworth Blackwell was the guest speaker.

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Left: Abba Khoushy, Mayor of Haifa, site of the Bahá’í World Center, with Mrs. Amelia E. Collins, Vice President of the International Bahá’í Council and Horace Holley, Secretary of the American Notional Bahá’í Assembly, during his visit to the Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, on December 6, 1955. Above: Abba Khoushy (front row at left) and entourage, with Bahá’ís who welcomed him.

Fargo, N.D. (goal city) Bahá’ís presented three books to North Dakota Agricultural College, the Area Bulletin for the North Central States reports. One of these, Proposals for Charter Revision Submitted to the United Nations by the Bahá’í International Community, was included in a book display for United Nations Day.

The South Atlantic States Area Bulletin reports four conferences scheduled for the late autumn: Tampa, Fla. and North Augusta, S.C, on October 9, the Orlando and Orange County Conference at Pinecastle, Fla. on November 20, and the Miami Beach Conference at Miami Beach, Fla. on December 3. A third conference planned for Greenville, S.C. was postponed. This Area Bulletin also reports that the Jacksonville, Fla. (goal city) group has presented three books to the library at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, including one for the children’s section. Miami Shores, Fla. Bahá’ís alternate Contact Meetings and Study Classes on Friday evenings. Gainesville, Georgia arranged for a Bahá’í to speak to an adult class at the Methodist Church.

The Alaska Teaching Committze Bulletin reports on the requirements of communities in their area to reach Assembly status. Juneau appears certain of reaching Assembly status when several contemplated moves are made: Ketchikan requires five; Outside Fairbanks needs five; and Valdez needs seven Bahá’ís. These posts must be filled through new local confirmations, or by pioneers from the States whose departure will not endanger existing Assemblies.

The Southwestern Bahá’í Area Bulletin lists an Activities Report for November that includes the following: Adult Classes, 18; Child Classes, 9; Deepening Classes, l8; Firesides, 36; Public Meetings, 15; and Youth Classes, 3.

The Area Bulletin for the Central Atlantic States announces an Area Conference to be held on January 14, 1956 at the Bahá’í Center in Baltimore, Md. The theme of the meeting will be “Spiritual Living.” It is also planned to hold simultaneous Conferences in the future in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina.

Also reported were the activities of the Wilmington, Del. community. Deepening classes are held each Sunday morning, with study devoted to A Life Plan by Esselmont, and the Guardian’s World Crusade letters. A series of book reviews to attract non-Bahá’ís will be held monthly. In January, Guy Murchie’s Song of the Sky will be discussed.

Star of the North, bulletin of the Anchorage, Alaska Recording District reports that the Donnelly home was filled to overflowing for the celebration of the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh.

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

Interracial Meetings Held

The pioneers in Rocky Mount, North Carolina planned and carried out a fine interracial meeting on October 22. They rented a banquet hall in the Negro section of town, and invited by letter and telephone Bahá’ís and their contacts from the surrounding area, as well as their own contacts. A film, “Palestine, Land of Many Faiths,” was shown, and a Bahá’í from Greensboro, North Carolina presented a short, basic Bahá’í talk. A question and answer period and an hour of fellowship and refreshments followed the meeting.

of the large number who attended, half were seekers. Before the meeting, all were guests at the home of these pioneers for a buffet supper.

The success of this meeting suggests the value of its use in other communities to initiate activities in the Negro section.

“The Elimination of Prejudice” was the topic of a program sponsored by the Bahá’ís of New York City on November 6. Dr. Harry C. Oppenheimer, Chairman of the Manhattan Council of the New York State Commission Against Discrimination, and a Bahá’í representative were the featured speakers.

[Page 10]10

JANUARY, 1956

A Bahá’í fireside composed of university students from Chonnam University, Kwangju, Korea, with Prof. Wm. H. Maxwell, pioneer (center front), who teaches at the university.

Milwaukee Club Tours Temple

Thirty-two members of the Milwaukee Women’s Club chartered a bus in October to visit Chicago and the Bahá’í House of Worship. The tour was arranged by a Bahá’í member of the club. The introductory talk, the showing of slides, the beauty of the Temple, and the hospitality were all praised by the guests.

In response to a request for a Bahá’í speaker at Juanita College, Penn., Mrs. Annamarie Honnold addressed the students of the Juanita Christian Association, who not only picked up quickly the Bahá’í literature that was laid out, but remained considerably beyond the allotted time for discussion. The next morning Mrs. Honnold addressed a class on the history of religion at the same college where she found much interest in the Bahá’í plan for peace and the Bahá’í proposals for the revision of the UN Charter.

The instructor of the class gladly accepted a copy of Balui’u’ll4ih and the New Era for the reserved section of the college library.

A New York City Bahá’í speaker was invited to address a group of students of the Christian Club of New York City College, meeting at the Adolphus Lutheran Church. She was invited to return early in 1956.

Tacoma, Wash. reports that Dwight Allen was invited to speak before the Dr. John B. Magee class at the College of Puget Sound, Methodist College of Tacoma, on November 30.

First Spiritual Assembly of Stockton, California, April, 1955, first goal city to attain Assembly status under Southwestern ATC.

The Los Angeles Bahá’í Journal lists eleven weekly meetings, including Sunday Adult and Children’s Classes and a Public Meeting at the Center, and firesides. Also listed is the staff of the Child Education Committee, comprising 29 teachers.

Bahá’ís of San Francisco, Calif. met November 20 to hear Nasrollah Rassekh of Stanford University give a talk on the United Nations and Bahá’í participation in help for the less developed peoples.

A Stockton, Calif. Bahá’í attending the College of the Pacific created a mobile illustrating the prophetic lineage of the Manifestations of God, as a project for an art course, stimulating a classroom discussion of the Faith.

Bahá’í Community of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Bahá’í Children’s Class of Fort Worth, Texas.

[Page 11]BAHA’I NEWS

11

HAVE YOU MOVED RECENTLY? DID VOU 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 Office 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.

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

U. S. PUBLISHING TRUST OFFERS STANDING ORDER SERVICE

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust is able to provide all community librarians with a standing order service on all new publications. This means you will be sent one copy of each book, and the minimum order of pamphlets (usually five or ten copies) each time a new item is published. This will also include copies of new editions of previous works that contain revisions and additions as well as works which have been out of print for a number of years. These standing orders will be shipped to you automatically in addition to any direct order sent in for the same item. If you wish to receive this service please write to The Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.

PUBLICVATIONS

The Reality of Man. Selections from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This explanation of the soul, mind and eternal life contains some passages not found in our present literature. It is appealing to all who wish to probe more deeply into the true nature of man. This new edition has been prepared because of the continuous demand for it. Excellent for deepening and for fireside discussions with those who have already been deeply attracted to the teachings. 52 pp., hardbound with three-piece binding of brown and patterned paper.

Per copy .....................$1.00

Bahá’í Appeal for Religious Freedom in Írán. This pamphlet was originally prepared for use in the Public Relations campaign. It contains many statements and letters by noted people throughout the world, as well as editorials, newspaper and magazine articles voicing public indignation and concern. The appeals made to the government of Írán and to the United Nations, the atrocities that occurred, and replies to the false accusations made against the Faith in Írán are listed. Every Bahá’í should be informed of these events and be prepared to use this excellent material for teaching and public contact. 9 x 6, self cover.

Per copy ..................... $.25

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era. (Chinese). A new translation of this basic text. Bound in paper. (Printed in Macau).

Fer copy ................... $1.00

Bahá’í Calendar, 1956, illustrated with an unusually dramatic picture of the Archives Building in Haifa, Israel; another of Carl Scheffler’s drawings, (which are considered in professional circles to be among the finest of scratchboard artwork), this one with background highlighted in blue. Feast Days and Holy Days depicted in blue and deep yellow, with all other pertinent information contained on back. 8¾x12.

Each ....................... $.25

Ten copies .................. $2.00

Available from

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

MARRIAGES

“Glory be unto Thee, O my God! Verily, this Thy servant and this Thy maid-servant have gathered under the shadow of Thy mercy and they are united through Thy favor and generosity. O Lord! Assist them in this Thy world and Thy Kingdom and destine for them. every good through Thy bounty and grace . . .”

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Los Angeles, California: Miss Agnes Reginia BaLlew to Mr. Joseph A. Cowan on November 14, 1955.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEASTS

January l9—Sultán (Sovereignty)

February 7—Mulk (Dominion)

WORLD RELIGION DAY

January 15—to proclaim the fundamental oneness of religion.

WORLD BROTHERHOOD WEEK

February 19-25—to proclaim the oneness of mankind.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

February 10, 11, 12.

BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP

Visiting hours

Weekdays and Saturdays:

1:00-4:00 P.M.

(the Auditorium only will be open)

Sundays: 10:30 A.M.—5:00 P.M.

(the entire building will be open)

service of Worship: Sunday at 3:30 P.M., lasting until 4:15.

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

IN MEMORIAM

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

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Mr. G. A. Bossung

LyndonM Kentucky

April, 1955

Dr. H. A. Farris

Rich Square, North Carolina

August 28, 1955

Mrs. Noma Bentley Osman

Monrovia, California

October 31, 1955

Mr. Clarence L. Lathrop

Winnetka, Illinois

November 12, 1955

Mrs. Lillian Sophia O’Keefe

Everett, Washington

November 19, 1955

Mrs. Ivy Drew Edwards

Eliot, Maine

November 22, 1955

Mr. Adolph Boesch

Millbrae, California

November 22, 1955

[Page 12]12

JANUARY, 1956

BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY CHANGES

BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Geyserville Bahá’í School

Mr. Ray Dones, Chairman

Mrs. Margaret Bustard, Secretary, 36 Arreba Street, Martinez, Calif.

Mr. John Bustard

Mrs. Alla Dakserhof

Mrs. Inez Dunes

Mrs. Frances Fletcher

Mr. Roderick Haake

Mr. Alvin F. Heald

Mr. Harold G. Irwin

Mrs. Claire Irwin

Mr. Thomas Lisota

Mrs. Viviana Lisota

Mr. Michael Marney

Mr. Lorne H. Matteson

Mrs. Eleanor Matteson

Miss Eloise Mitchell

Mrs. Anna Stevenson

Mr. Melvin Vanderhof

Mrs. Johanna Vanoni

Mr. Alfred Zahl

Green Acre Bahá’í School

Dr. Sam McClellan, Chairman

Mrs. Mary Swan, Secretary, 1 Prescott Lane, Greenwich, Conn.

Mrs. Mary Burnet

Mr. Kenneth Kalantar

Mr. Curtis Kelsey

Mrs. Edith McLaren

Mr. Harry Merson

Mr. Iradj Sabet

Mrs. Louise Sayward

Mrs. Rena Welsh

Louhelen Bahá’í School

Mr. Harry Jay, Chairman

Miss Louhelen Eggleston, Secretary, 24 North Anderson, Pontiac, Mich.

Mr. Chester Allen, Jr.

Mr. Stanley Brogan

Mr. Sam Clark

Miss Phyllis Hall

Mr. Michael Jamir

Mr. Hamilton Niss

Mrs. Jane Reynolds

Temerity Bahá’í School

(No session in 1956. Property being sold.)

NATIONAL COMMITTEES (additions)

Africa Teaching Committee

Mr. Kenneth Simmons

Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee

Mrs. Elizabeth Katzoff

Miss Betty Ulius

American Indian Service Committee

Mrs. Floyd Heaton

National Bahá’í Youth Committee

Mrs. Georgia Haisler, Secretary, 2339 West Lawn, Racine, Wis. (Change of address)

Mr. David Baral

Reviewing Committee

Mrs. Chappell Porter

AREA TEACHING COMMITTEE

New England States

Mr. Roy Mottahedeh (Youth)

North Atlantic States

Mrs. Anna Mikuryia

Mrs. G. Natalie Bowen

Central Atlantic States

Mr. C. Newell Atkinson

Miss Bernice Bernardo

South Atlantic States

Mrs. Beatrice Alexander, Secretary, PO. Box 943, Tampa, Florida (change of address)

Tennessee Valley States

Dr. J. S. Francis

Central States

Mrs. Maud Reimholz

Miss Sue Williston (Youth)

North Central States

Mrs. Marguerite Bruegger

Southwestern States

Mr. Dale Allen (Youth)

Northwestern States

Mr. Ted Thorsen

Mrs. Ted Thorsen

TRUSTEE COMMITTEES — MAINTENANCE

Bosch Trustees — Geyserville School

Same personnel as Geyserville School Committee.

Mathews Trustees — Temerity School

School property being sold. Committee disbanded.

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Alaska

Fairbanks: Mrs. Rose Yarno, 211 Polaris Bldg.

California (Northern)

Millbrae: Miss Margot Boesch, 999 Millbrae Ave.

Maryland

Prince George’s County: Mrs. Flora W. Brooks, 3300 Maywood Lane, S.E.. Silver Hill, Maryland, Washington, D.C.

Massachusetts

Beverly: Mr. Arthur W. Edwards, 63 Lovett St.

New York (Eastern)

Mount Vernon: Mrs. Catherine K. Deme, 10l Elm Ave.

Oregon

Portland: Mrs. Dorothy C. Henderson, 25 N. E. 63rd.

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, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Richard Thomas.

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.