Bahá’í News/Issue 301/Text

←Previous

Bahá’í News Issue 301

Next→

Proofread onceReturn to PDF view

[Page 1]

---

No. 301

BAHA’I YEAR 112

MARCH, 1956

---

GUARDIAN URGES “GREATER CONSECRATION TO PRESSING TASKS”

Cable from the Guardian

“Deplore situation home front. Praying ardently rededication entire community (for) greater consecration (to) pressing tasks. Approve all suggestions (in) recent letter. Urge redouble efforts, supplicate unprecedented blessings.”

—SHOGHI

February 2, 1956

COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Dear Friends:

The National Spiritual Assembly has opened its heart to the Guardian in prayerful need for his blessings and guidance. The home front in general needs revivification with the spirit of enthusiasm and determined effort.

The Guardian’s response offers us contact with his creative spirit and will. His approval of the suggestions made by the NSA for dealing with the problem gives us a spiritual starting point. The suggestions involved a new approach to the Bahá’í community by stressing our blessings and achievements to arouse a sense of spiritual happiness and accomplishment. The letter entitled “Your Blessings as a Bahá’í”, initiated this new approach.

A broadside is in preparation which will carry illustrations of the Ḥaẓíras already acquired with brief text pointing out the importance of the achievement made in this world—wide task. The NSA is dealing with many local situations where the light of faith is darkened by personality problems. It longs to see the friends generate unity, in which vigorous group and community teaching plans can be carried out. The Faith potentially has every aspect of power and attraction, but we have to release it for others by showing its effects upon ourselves.

Extensive correspondence is also being carried on concerning “inactive” believers, to determine whether they can be reactivated or have actually withdrawn from the Faith.

The work of the Hands of the Cause and members of the Auxiliary Board this year is directed toward consolidation of groups for formation of Assemblies and reinvigorating the weaker communities to prevent loss of Assembly status. A great number of visits have been made in various sections of the home front.

A constructive suggestion for the friends: Attend every Nineteen Day Feast; read attentively each successive issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

“Devoted, zealous servant (of) Faith”

The Guardian sent the following cable on January 26, on being informed by the National Spiritual Assembly of the passing of Homer Dyer:

“Praying (for) progress (of) soul (of) devoted, zealous servant (of) Faith.”

—SHOGHI

Naw-Ruz: A Festival

Praised be Thou, O my God, that Thou hast ordained New-Ruz as a festival unto those who served the fast for love of Thee and abstained from all that is abhorrent unto Thee.

—Bahá’u’lláh, Prayers and Meditations, XLVI

O ye children of the Kingdom!

It is New Year: that is to say, the rounding of the cycle of the year. A year is the expression of a cycle of the sun; but now is the beginning of a cycle of Reality, a New Cycle, a New Age, a New Century, a New Time, and a New Year.

I wish this blessing to appear and become manifest in the faces and characteristics of the believers, so that they, too, may become a new people, and having found new life and been baptized with fire and spirit, may make the world a new world . . .

I desire for you that you will have this great assistance and partake of this great bounty, and that in spirit and heart you will strive and endeavor until the world of war become the world of peace; the world of darkness the world of light; satanic conduct be turned into heavenly behavior; the ruined places become built up: the sword be turned into the olive branch; the flash of hatred become the love of God, and the noise of the gun the voice of the kingdom; the soldiers of death the soldiers of life; all the nations of the world one nation; all races as one race; and all national anthems harmonized into one melody.

—Tablets of Abdu’l-Bahá, Volume I.

[Page 2]2

MARCH, 1956

REPORT ON AUXILIARY BOARD MISSIONS

This report summarizes the schedules carried out by the nine members of the Auxiliary Board this Bahá’í Year in Canada, United States, Central America and South America. The purpose of these local visits is to assist the administrative institutions in their prosecution of plans for the World Crusade, emphasizing in their talks the basic Bahá’í teachings which are the spirit of life, and the importance of service to the Ten Year Plan.

Since the institution of the Hands and the Auxiliary Boards is connected directly with the Guardianship, it does not enter into administrative problems, but the Hands and Board members report such problems, when encountered, to the proper administrative body. Thus this institution can generate enthusiasm and strive to augment spiritual understanding without assuming responsibility for decision and action in the administrative field or expressing any judgment in the realm of personal relations.

This year the general aim has been (1) to visit small communities which might lose their Assembly status, (2) to visit larger groups to help them attain Assembly status, (3) to attend conferences and some larger communities where meetings can attract Bahá’ís from the whole vicinity, and (4) to seek to contribute to the strength of those areas where national Assemblies are to be established.

In order to strengthen the contact of the local friends with the institution of the Hands, the Board members have been given a letter of greeting from the American Hands of the Cause to read at each gathering attended exclusively by Bahá’ís.

The record for the current year is impressive.

Esteban Canales: Intensive protracted stays for concentrated work in Mexico and Panama, with visits to Costa Rica.

William deForge: Conferences at Green Acre Institute, Louhelen School, Staunton, Va.. Falmouth, Mass., Bridgeport, Conn.; visits to New Orleans, La., Snyder, Amherst, and Geneva, N.Y., Bahá’í centers throughout Central America, capital and many large cities throughout South America.

Rowland Estall: Sherbrook, Quebec; lectures in a church, Derby Line, Vt.; Regional Conference, Ingersoll, Ont.; Oshawa, St. Catherine, Burlington, Forest, Oxford Township, Bellsville and Trenton, Kingston, view, Ontario.

Part of facade of the International Archives Building laid on the ground to test joints for accuracy. Taken at the workshop in Chiampo, Italy, prior to shipment.

Mrs. Florence Mayberry: Pocatello, Idaho; Laramie, Cheyenne, Casper, Wyo.; Denver, Jefferson Co., Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Colo.: Sparks, Reno, Nevada; Fresno, Bakersfield, Calif.; Fairbanks, Anchorage, Anchorage Recording District, Seward, Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Alaska; Queen Charlotte Island; Kamloops, New Westminster, Vancouver, eight television broadcasts; conferences at Temerity School and Geyserville School, Seattle, Anchorage and Kamloops.

Mrs. Margery McCormick: After guiding at the Temple during the summer, Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, P.E. I.; Moncton, St. John, New Brunswick; Portland, Me.; Ipswich, Cambridge, Newton, Boston, Marshfield, Falmouth, Mass.; Brattleboro, Vt.; Hartford, Bridgeport, Conn.; Providence, R. I. One radio broadcast.

Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin: Conference at Green Acre; Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, Honduras; San Salvador, Santa Ana, El Salvador; Guatemala City, Quiche, Chichicastenango, Guatemala; Mexico City, Cuernavaco, Pueblo, Monterrey, Mexico; Fort Worth, Texas.

Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira: Weekend visits to cities in West Virginia, Virginia; Louisville, Ky.

Mrs. Gayle Woolson: La Paz, Cochabama, Ucarena, Quillacallo, Sacaba, Oruro, Bolivia; Nequipa, Lima, Callaro, Huancayo, Peru; Guayaquil, Danli, Quito, Ecuador; six radio broadcasts.

Mrs. Margot Worley: Repeated visits to Nitheroi, Sao Vicente, Santos, Porte-Alyre, Brazil; Montevideo, Salto, Uruguay; Asuncion, Paraguay.

Numerous letters from Assemblies and groups have expressed grateful appreciation of the work of the members of the Auxiliary Board.

MRS. CORINNE TRUE

PAUL E. HANEY

HORACE HOLLEY

[Page 3]BAHA’I NEWS

3

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

HISTORIC “BAHÁ’Í WORLD” NOW IN PRODUCTION

The Bahá’í World, Volume XII, is now in production and the present schedule calls for completion in June, 1956. Based on estimates of the final cost, the price of this historic volume will be $15.00 per copy.

The National Spiritual Assembly regrets that earlier delivery cannot be assured. The large number of special and supplementary items to be included has created certain production problems which are now resolved so that publication can go forward without further delay.

This volume will contain many items which the believers will greatly treasure. The Guardian has personally prepared certain maps, and there are also photographs of the Hands of the Cause, the Intercontinental Conferences, and other valuable materials of all of the historic events of the period 1950-1954, including the various Centenary observances and the launching of the World Crusade.

The National Assembly is greatly pleased with the number of advance orders for this volume already received by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. The accompanying deposits have been helpful in meeting the initial expenses of production. Since this will be a limited edition, the National Assembly hopes that the friends who wish to be assured of receiving their copies will continue to send in their orders and deposits and thus be guaranteed delivery as soon as the book is off the press.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

NSA APPEALS FOR RADIO MATERIAL

Because of the increasing number of requests for Bahá’í material for radio programs, the National Spiritual Assembly appeals to local assemblies, groups and individuals to send in copies of materials that have been produced for and used successfully in local radio programs.

The materials received will be studied with a view to their wider use throughout the United States.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Your Achievement as a Baha’i

When we survey the tasks accomplished since the initiation of the Guardianship we cannol but he deeply impressed.

First, the transformation of all Bahá’í community relationships which was worked out here in America in conformity with the Gunrdian’s exposition of the administrative order revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Power, influence and direction were transferred from individuals to institutions, and one by one the Convention, the NSA, the local Assembly and the Committee functions were clarified and applied. In one generation a new order of civilization was wrought out of our imperfect human natures as we responded to the Guardian’s successive messages in those days.

A transformation within society which historically might require hundreds of years was effected in less than twenty years by the loyalty and effort of the friends. We live today in a new and different Bahá’í community than existed in 1921 when the beloved Master passed away.

Second, we behold today a completed, dedicated, and functioning House of Worship erected with its landscaping at a cost of some $2,700,000 — a notable achievement indeed.

Then, in successive Teaching Plans the believers estalished the Bahá’í communities of Central and South America and of the ten countries of Western Europe, while Assemblies were established in every State and Canadian province. Four National Assemblies were elected: Canada, Central America, South America, Italy and Switzerland.

Now, during the years of the World Crusade we recount the pioneer missions in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Western Hemisphere, the Hazíras purchased, the endowments acquired, and new local Assemblies formed. As this is written, delegates have been elected for a Convention to form an NSA in South West Africa.

Truly, this is a prodigious achievement and one for which we should he profoundly grateful — and a series of tasks the performance of which measures our collective capacity for greater tasks to come.

Is it not true that every Bahá’í lives in the spirit of Divine Victory — a privilege which nothing on earth can equal; we, a small number, not in any way eminent by the standards of men, qualified by faith alone to undertake measures which reverse the swift descent of the old world to chaos and Lay the basis of the future before statesmen and masses glimpse what that future is to be!

May we not, in prayerful contemplation of our own community history, resolve to stand ever closer to that Divine Victory and respond ever more faithfully to its claim upon each Bahá’í soul for its full measure of service.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

[Page 4] 4

MARCH, 1956

Architrave, frieze, and one of the two corbels of the main entrance door of the International Archives Building, Haifa.

OBSERVANCE OF NAW-RUZ, FEAST CLARIFIED

In response to requests for clarification about the observance of Naw-Rúz and the 19-Day Feast, both of which fall on March 21, attention is called to the following answer from the Guardian through his secretary, dated July 5, 1950, and published in BAHÁÍ NEWS No. 236, October 1950:

“The Naw-Rúz Feast should be held on March 21 before sunset and has nothing to do with the 19-Day Feast. The 19-Day Feast is administrative in function whereas the Naw-Rúz is our New Year, a Feast of hospitality and rejoicing.”

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

EMPLOYMENT OFFERED IN NORTH AFRICA

The United States Africa Teaching Committee reports the following announcement, of interest to prospective pioneers:

“There is a possibility of positions becoming available in North Africa for engineers, surveyors, and mechanics.

“If interested, you may complete a U.S. Government application form (Form 57), obtainable at any Post Office, and send it to the Africa Teaching Committee, Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee, Secretary, 4700 47th St., N.W., Washington, D. C. for forwarding to the appropriate agency.”

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Austraalia, New Zeeland

TEACHING TOURS, CONFERENCES REPORTED

The Bahá’í Bulletin, published by the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand, gives the following information on activities:

S. W. Bolton, Vice-Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, toured both islands of New Zealand last Fall. In the north island he traveled over 1900 miles by car with Hugh Blundell, from Whangarei to Wellington. Driving by day, Mr. Bolton lectured and showed slides by night. Thirty two meetings were held, with an over-all attendance of 700 people.

ln the south island Mr. Bolton travelled approximately the same distance by plane, train, and bus.

A Regional Teaching Conference has been held at New Plymouth, New Zealand, with the discussion centering on teaching methods. Radio broadcasting, window displays, social welfare work, and the interchange of members from other centers were considered.

A similar Regional Conference has also been held at Sydney, New South Wales, with a discussion of World Crusade goals, publicity, and developing new contacts.

An open air rally observing United Nations Day was held at Newcastle Beach. Four religions, including the Bahá’í Faith, took part in the proceedings.

Canada

LETTER REPORTS TRIP THROUGH AFRICA

“Three Thousand Miles Through Southern Africa,” a letter from Emeric Sala, appeared in the January issue of the Quebec Regional Teaching Committee Bulletin. The following excerpts are reprinted here:

“We spent November travelling from Natal, through the Cape Province to Basutoland, Transvaal, Swaziland, Zululand (to Port Elizabeth) . . . drifting on the waves of faith.

“The African, of course, is changing through contact with the White man. But it takes many generations. The difference is between the short and the long view. Those who do not see the Bahá’í view do not see it because they do not see for enough into the future. We Bahá’ís make the same mistake. When we see the shortcomings of our own groups we are apt to be disheartened. But that is only because we see the short view. (Those who see only the long view are just as useless, since they become visionary, impractical dreamers. Moderation in all things.)

“We cannot and should not judge the African by our own standards, We should not try to make them in our image. The keynote to their heart is patience, which is more than love. I find it much easier to love them than to be patient with them. Patience also means that we have to forgive their faults constantly, for most of those faults are faults only in our eyes.

“Kindness towards the African without firmness is almost useless. They were conditioned to exert themselves only because of fear from authority, that is, coercion from without. They also knew fear from within, fear from evil spirits, but this usually told them what not to do. To strive from within, by their own volition, is a new experience.”

BAHÁ’Í INTERNATIONAL BUREAU ANNOUNCES NEW ADDRESS

All correspondents are requested to take note of the new address of the Bahá’í International Bureau, Ann Lynch, Secretary, 29, Route de Malagnou, Geneva, Switzerland.

[Page 5]BAHA’I NEWS

5

Central America

PIONEERS NEEDED FOR CRUSADE GOALS

The greatest obstacle to fulfilling the World Crusade goals in Central America is the lack of workers, the National Spiritual Assembly of Central America reports.

Pioneers are urgently needed, both to help strengthen existing weak assemblies, and to settle in new areas.

There are openings for school teachers, stenographers, secretaries, office workers, technicians, radio experts, and many others. For business men, there are numerous possibilities for starting new businesses. For anyone with faith in Bahá’u’lláh, there is always something.

Contact the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee for further details.

Many Goals Won

“Ail efforts have been concentrated on winning the goals allotted to this area by the Beloved Guardian for this year of the World Crusade,” the Central American Assembly states.

Six national Ḥaẓíras have been acquired, out of a total of ten to he purchased: San Jose, Costa Rica; City of Panama; Tegucigalpa, Honduras; San El Salvador; Guatemala City, Guatemala; and Ciudad Trujillo, Dominican Republic. Ḥaẓíras in Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua are still to he purchased.

Of ten National Endowments, three have been acquired, in Panama, El Salvador, and Honduras.

The local assemblies of all the capital cities have obtained incorporation except Mexico City and Portau-Prince, Haiti. Steps have also been taken to incorporate the local assemblies in the secondary cities of Limon and Escasu, Costa Rica.

Much has been accomplished in the teaching field. At least 10 new cities have been opened to the Faith, and plans are made for the opening of five more.

Native pioneers have settled in David, Panama, and Puntarenas and Heredia, Costa Rica. Efforts are being made to move more pioneers.

A series of brief but intensive schools have been held in several countries, conducted by the National Teaching Committee, and aided by Katherine McLaughlin, member of the Auxiliary Board.

William de Forge, member of the Auxiliary Board, made a very successful teaching trip through Central America, in which local assemblies, local teaching committees, and the National Teaching Committee efficiently collaborated, contributing one more historic step in the march of the Faith.

India, Pakistan, Burma

WORLD RELIGION DAY OBSERVED WIDELY

The National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan and Burma reports that World Religion Day was observed with public meetings in the three countries under its jurisdiction, with material supplied by the American National Spiritual Assembly.

Three of the 276 antefixes that will crown the entablature of the International Archives Building.

Haziratu’l-Quds of Santiago, Chile, at Calle Luis Borgono 44, acquired August 19, 1955.

Germany, Austria

PROGRESS REPORTED BY EUROPEAN BOARD

An interim report from the European Hands of the Cause and their Auxiliary Board, and the National Spiritual Assemblies concerned in European work, lists developments in Germany and Austria since last summer. Excerpts from this report giving news not yet reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS follow:

The four goal cities of Austria, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, and Linz, are now settled, but need more pioneers to assist in the teaching work.

Pioneers in the Frisian Isles report the circle of interested people is steadily widening. Wyck/Fohr has again been settled by a pioneer. The former pioneer there had to leave because of ill health.

In Greece, there are now five adult believers in Athens, and at Heraklion a second native has declared himself.

The Heidelberg Spiritual Assembly has been incorporated, and other assemblies have been urged to take the necessary steps for incorporation.

Preparations to further the goal of the establishment of a European Bahá’í Publishing Trust have been made.

[Page 6]6

MARCH, 1956

Pacific Islands Awaken to Call of Baha’u’llah

“The Guardian feels that Asia and the South Pacific area are now ripe for a rapid development of the Faith. He ‘leels that it we properly teach the Cause of God, there will be victories as wonderful as those achieved in Africa.”

Letter to the Asia Teaching Committee from Leroy Ioas, Secretary General, International Bahá’í Council, July 2, 1955.

Korea

A newly enrolled Bahá’í in Kwangju, Korea, Oh Jai Dong, has given an excellent report of another historymaking event in that goal country.

Here at the seat of Chon-nam National University there were gathered in the home of William H. Maxwell, American Bahá’í pioneer, twice the anticipated number of Bahá’ís and students of the Faith for the first Bahá’í Winter School in this part of the world. The nine new Bahá’ís enrolled shortly before the school, following a ten-lesson course of preparation, assisted enthusiastically with the countless details and assumed most of the responsibility for translation for the morning devotional periods, as well as the classes.

The official registration at the school was 36, but many others came for one or more sessions. The majority were college students, but a good percentage were college professors, and a few were high school students.

David Earl came over from Yamaguchi, Japan, to serve as the “visiting teacher.” He was kept busy day and night, not only with lecturing at the school, but also with individual and group discussions, and meetings with college groups and professors. To many of the students, the school was more or less a “post-graduate” course, for they had already been well taught the essential verities of the Faith, and the school provided opportunity for deepening as well as for meeting the Bahá’ís who were able to come from other parts of Korea.

A very stirring incident during the school was the presence one day of a Korean gentleman who had met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Holy Land. His account of his im-

Some of the students attending the Bahá’í Winter School at Kwangju, Korea. David Earl, visiting from Japan, center, and Capt. Kim Won Be, to his left.

pression of “that Holy Man” was very moving and touched the hearts of all the new believers deeply. He paid tribute to the aims of the Faith and the contribution it could make to a spiritual renaissance in the orient.

As is the case throughout all the orient. the need for Bahá’í literature is very great in Korea. Selected Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, already translated by Capt. Kim Won Be, is being reviewed by a committee of the new Bahá’ís in Kwangju in preparation for publication. A number of prayers have been translated and mimeographed for distribution.

Gilberts

(The amazing developments in these islands can best be told in the words of Mrs. Elena Ferrite, with excerpts from a letter she wrote on Abaiang Island last summer.)

“We have had a wonderful Gilbertese Bahá’í (Peter) for over a year. He has been with us through thick and thin, but so many false accusations were made against him and so much pressure was brought to bear on the Island Council through the missionaries, that an investigation, which was a farce from beginning to end, resulted in his banishment from the island on 24 hours notice.

“It was because of this that the first tremendous event took place. Peter bore his persecution with such fortitude and returned so much good for evil, that over half the village threw off (their) Faith, and came en masse to our house one morning at 3:00 a.m., asking for teaching in the Bahá’í‘ Faith.

“The next day about 90 people appeared, and since it was Peter’s last day on Abaiang, he taught his people the Bahá’í Faith directly for the first time. That was a day full of tremendous emotion. Peter was so happy to achieve his heart’s desire — freedom to teach his beloved Faith. The people were already pledging themselves to be loyal to their new religion, and listened raptly to Peter’s teaching. At the same time, the hearts of everyone were grieved, for Peter’s only crime was to behave so like a Bahá’í that the veils . . . were stripped from the people’s eyes, and they saw with perfect clarity that the new religion, Bahá’í, not only talked about love, but practiced it constantly.

“Since we are I Matanga (white people), we could not be banished like Peter. All that they (the missionaries) could do was to request the Resident Commissioner to ask us to leave. . . . We went to Tarawa to be interviewed by him, and after breaking down all the false accusations, the Comissioner’s only reason for desiring to

[Page 7]BAHA’I NEWS

7

deport us was that we can’t imagine the effect our presence has on the people.

“Before we left for Tarawa, over 100 Gilbertese had declared their intention to be Bahá’ís. We had helped them to elect three ‘practice Assemblies’. During our absence the rumor was spread that we would never return, but the only result was that nearly 100 more decided to become Bahá’ís. Also, while we were gone, a district officer, with one of the Bahá’ís, went from village to village up and down Abaiang, taking the names of those who desired to be Bahá’ís. The total figure: 225!”

Japan

There have been ten new enrollments in Japan between the Nike conference and the end of December. The number of localities where Bahá’ís now reside in Japan is sixteen, ten of them having Bahá’í groups. Regular classes and firesides are being held in Tokyo. Amagasaki, Kobe, Nagoya, Kyoto, Yokohama, Osaka, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, and Nishinomiya. Special attention is being given by the National Teaching Committee to the six cities most likely to have new local Spiritual Assemblies in April 1956.

A monthly bulletin Bahá’í Geppo is published by the Tokyo Local Spiritual Assembly, in Japanese and English, and sent to all Bahá’ís throughout Japan. Besides news of activities, it includes articles by Japanese Bahá’ís or translations from the Writings.

Mentawai, Tuamotu, Tahiti

From the Asian Teaching Committee of Australia and New Zealand comes the good news that there are now five Bahá’ís in the Mentawai Islands, that the first believer has been enrolled in the Tuamotu Islands, and that two more members have been added to the Tahiti group, The Tahitian group has also completed the translation of an introductory pamphlet into the Tahitian language.

New Hebrides

The New Hebrides now have a Bahá’í group of eight, including the pioneer, Mrs. Bertha Dobbins, from Australia. The natives themselves are spreading the Faith, and the seekers are coming in greater and greater numbers to the home of the pioneer. Mrs. Dobbins’ home, “Nur Cottage,” is open from early morning to late in the evening. Classes in English, arithmetic, and Chinese, are held most days for the children, with evening classes for adults. A fine fife band is in the making.

Tonga

Latest news from Tonga is that the first Tongan believer is already carrying on a sound and successful teaching program on his own island. Because of lack of transportation, it is possible for Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Blakely, the Bahá’í pioneers, to visit him only once in three or four months, but they keep in touch with him by correspondence. Several students are studying with him. and he has also made other valuable contributions to the teaching work through the translation of chapters of Some Answered Questions, and an introductory pamphlet prepared by Mrs. Blakely specially for the Togans. The title given this pamphlet is The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, Abraham’s Descendant, and will make a ready appeal to the Tongans, who place great emphasis on geneology.

Solomons

The Bahá’í group in the Solomon Islands now numbers five, including besides the pioneers (Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Blum), the first Melanesian and Solomon Island native believer, and an Australian who moved to Honiara in early spring on business. Mr. Gina, the first native believer, is secretary and treasurer of the group. He is spreading the Faith amongst his people, who have the utmost respect for him since he has a fine education and had previously been regarded as one of “the shining lights” of the Methodist Mission in the islands.

Bahá’í Community of Taiwan, Formosa, with Dhikru’lláh Khádem, Hand of the Cause, Mrs. Khádem, and Miss Haddad, at the celebration of the Birthday of Bahá’u’llah (Nov. 12, 1955).

Cook islands

There are now nine Bahá’ís in the village of Muri on Rarotonga, Cook Islands. A “practice Assembly” elects new officers every six weeks in order that all may gain experience in Bahá’í administration. One of the most difficult of the institutions to explain and understand is the Bahá’í Fund. “It took a long time,” writes Mrs. Danielson, American pioneer, “for the idea of voluntary contributions to take root in their hearts. We had to appoint an assistant treasurer to help with the reports because the treasurer could not even read and write his own language. . . . When we had accumulated 19 shillings, they were very proud, and when it was put to a vote whether we should Withdraw part of it to buy a present for a non-Bahá’í who had done a big translation job for us or all chip in, they wouldn’t hear of touching that money in the treasury! Even though slightly out of order to discuss the amount we might each give, I let them do it as it stirred up interest and helped no end to overcome the old attitude. I had originally offered to make up the difference so that we could buy a really good shirt as we would not want to send a cheap one as a gift. I was so relieved that some of them felt that though it was nice of me they should be responsible for the full amount. Believe me, this is a far cry from the original attitude which was that I (or some other ‘millionaire’ after me) would give them and the Assembly everything they wanted! I was so pleased with their new attitude and let them know it, too.”

[Page 8]8

MARCH, 1956

World Religion Day, 1956

The Seventh Annual observance of World Religion Day, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, was held throughout the nation on Sunday, January 15, 1956.

The suggested theme of the public relations activity this year was “Religious Liberty.” A special statement on this subject, written by the National Spiritual Assembly, was distributed with the December issue of BAHÁ’Ì NEWS, and extra copies were made available by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

Publicity and advertising material prepared by the Bahá’í Press Service was adapted from this statement on religious liberty, and mailed to 450 Bahá’í press representatives, and to 80 professional news gathering organizations.

The public relations counsel prepared additional editorial copy on this theme, and distributed it to many newspapers.

Statistics on public observances and publicity make impressive totals, and indicate that World Religion Day continues to be the leading annual event for proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith to the public.

Seventy two communities in the United States held public meetings featuring a Bahá’í speaker on the religious Liberty theme. Seven of these, Fairbanks, Alaska, Tucson, Ariz., Berkeley and Beverly Hills, Calif., Peoria, Ill., Lafayette, lnd., and Cincinnati, Ohio, publicized their meetings with the publication of a photograph of the speaker in a local newspaper.

Panel discussions or symposiums, some with representatives of other religious faiths, also proved a popular form of public meeting. Champaign-Urbana, Ill., Dumont, N. J., St. Louis and Springfield, Mo., Butte, Mont., and Spokane and Yakima, Wash., presented general discussion programs. Wilmette and Quincy, IIl., Hackensack, N. J., and Baton Rouge, La., invited members of the Christian and Jewish faiths to participate in discussions on the viewpoint of their religions toward religious liberty.

Topics of public meetings other than the theme of religious liberty were presented by seven communities: Jersey City, N. J., “A New Plan for Peace”: St. Joseph, Mo., “A World Religion Quickens the New Age”: Corvallis, Ore., “God’s Eternal Covenant”; Staunton, Va., “The Fundamental Oneness of Religion”; Salt Lake City, Utah, “What is Religion?” Durham, N. C., and Olympia, Wash., presented illustrated programs on the Holy Land.

Englewood, N. J., held a tea, and Roswell, N. Mex., gave an informal supper for their World Religion Day observance.

World Religion Day display at the Public Library, St. Louis, Mo. This photograph is representative of many pictures received, illustrating similar exhibits arranged by Bahá’ís throughout the nation to acquaint the public with the teachings and literature at the Bahá’í Faith.

The Lafayette, Ind., community reported outstanding activity in conjunction with World Religion Day. On January 10 Hamilton Niss gave a lecture on the Bahá’í Faith to a class on Modern Religious Movements at Purdue University, at the invitation of Dr. Clithero, of the Department of History, Philosophy and Government. The Lafayette Leader, a weekly newspaper, published a feature article on the Faith on January 12, with a large picture of the Temple. The article was written at the request of the editor. who had contacted Mr. Niss. The next day the Purdue Exponent published a front page article on the Faith, and followed this on the succeeding day with a larger article based upon an interview of Mr. Niss by the editor, and material published in the Leader.

Members of the Lafayette community wrote 60 personal letters of invitation to the World Religion Day meeting, and mailed 300 questionnaire cards to students and staff of Purdue University.

Anchorage, Alaska, presented their public observance with a radio program over KENI, with readings from the Holy Scriptures of seven world religions. Station KCOL. Ft. Collins, Colo., broadcast talks by two Bahá’í Youth. The Antelope Judicial District, Calif., secured radio time for a broadcast of a tape recording by William Sears, on KAVL.

Newspaper publicity and advertising and for World Religion Day showed the following totals: 208 newspapers in 153 cities, representing 38 states, Alaska, and Hawaii, published a total of over 1075 column inches of material, with a combined circulation of over 14,000,000 copies.

[Page 9]BAHA’I NEWS

9

NATIONAL NEWS

NATIONAL CONVENTION ARRANGEMENTS LISTED

The Convention Arrangements Committee urges the Bahá’í delegates and visitors planning to attend the Convention to make their housing reservations promptly. Hotel reservations should be made direct and a deposit must accompany the letter. One hotel has requested that the Bahá’ís deposit the full amount for the period of time they are staying because they’ve so frequently experienced last minute cancellations. Hotels in Evanston where all Bahá’ís are welcome are:

The Evanshire Hotel,

860 Hinman Avenue

Single $6.50, Double, $7.50,

Twin beds, $9.50

The Evanston Hotel

340 Forest Avenue

Single (private bath) $5, Single (connecting bath) $4, Double (private bath) $6.50,

Twin beds (private bath) $7.50 (Remit full amount when making reservation)

The North Shore Hotel

1611 Chicago Avenue

Single $6 and $7, Double $8.50 and $9.50 (T.V.)

Twin beds $9 and $10

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

Mrs. Priscilla Hassan

1244 Maple Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

or to

Mrs. Edna Coleman

1227 Leon Place

Evanston, Illinois

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

Convention Identification

All Bahá’ís planning to attend the National Convention, either as delegates or visitors, are asked to bring their Bahá’í identification cards and to present them on registration,

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEIVIELY

View looking northward from the Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, showing newly completed service entrance and tunnel. The bridge completes the outer walk encircling the Temple gardens.

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

For the Bahá’ís arriving early there will be an informal reception in Foundation Hall, Wednesday everling, April 25, at 8:00 p.m.

Believers who are planning to arrive a few days early, or to leave a few days after the Convention, and who will be able to help with various details are requested to notify the Convention Arrangements Committee as soon as possible: Mrs. Dorothy Redson, 681 Garland, Winnetka, Illinois.

GREEN ACRE BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL LISTS SUMMER SESSIONS

The Green Acre Bahá’í School Program Committee plans to have the 1956 summer session run for eight weeks, beginning July 2nd and ending August 24th, with a special week end program at each end, making the overall dates during which the school will be open June 30th through August 26th inclusive.

There will be three regular classes each week day, with special emphasis given to The World Crusade. The first two weeks have been designated Youth Weeks.

There will also be a children’s school with graded classes for children from 5 to 14 years of age running throughout the eight weeks. In addition there will be a course each week on “Fundamentals of the Bahá’í Faith” designed for non-Bahá’ís.

LOUHELEN BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL ANNOUNCES SUMMER DATES

This summer will mark the 25th anniversary of Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Mich. The Program Committee is planning special activities in commemoration of this event.

The dates for the summer sessions have been announced as follows: Junior Youth (Ages l0 to 14), July 1-14; General Sessions, July 15-August 18; Senior Youth (15 years and up), August 19-31; and Homecoming, September 1-3.

BAHÁ’ IN THE NEWS

Valdez Breeze at January 14, Valdez, Alaska, a general local interest bulletin, carries the NSA statement on Religious Liberty.

The Indianapolis Times of January 24, in its series entitled “Your Religion,” publishes a statement on the Faith by Horace Holley.

Washington Religious Report, published by Church Information Service, to supply religious news, in its January 15 issues has a reference to World Religion Day.

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust has sent out a review of the Persian and Arabic Glossary prepared by Marzieh Gail, and references to this Glossary are evidently appearing in local papers because of orders being received from non-Bahá’í sources, including bookstores.

Berkeley (California) Daily Gazette of December 9, in a column on “So We Hear,” by Kacy Ward, mentions Mrs. Gail and her Glossary. This is also mentioned in William Hogan’s A Bookman’s Notebook.

[Page 10])10

MARCH, 1956

MONTHLY REPORT ON WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET

Third Year

National Bahá’í Fund

1955 - 1956

As of February 15, 1956

Where we should be:

$$437,000.

Where we are:

$293,000.

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

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

Monthly receipts to date:

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

May 15 - June l5 . . . . . . . . . .$22,500

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

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

August 15 - September 15 . . . . . .$37,000

September 15 - October 15 . . .$39,500

October l5 - November 15 . . .$40,000

November 15 - December 15 . . .$27,000

December l5 - January 15 . . . . .$40,500

January 15 - February 15 . . . . .28,000

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$293,000

Accumulated deficit as of February 15, 1956 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$144,000

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

GEYSERVILLE SCHOOL OFFERS 5 COURSES

The Geyserville Bahá’í School Program Committee announces the following adult courses which will be offered during the 1956 session, July 2 to August 12, all of which will be directly related to the general theme: “Meeting the Challenge of the Bahá’í Way of Life.”

1. “Fulfilling the Divine Plan and the World Crusade.” A course designed to place the individual in the Divine Plan and to aid in fulfilling the goals of the World Crusade.

2. “Knowing the Bahá’í Literature.” A series of discussions and study groups on certain books of the Sacred Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

3. “Learning to Teach the Faith.” Discussion and workshops on firesides, public meetings, publicity, handling contacts, the use of national committees, etc.

4. “Building the Administrative Order.” Discussions and workshops on the formation and functions of the various institutions of the Faith, including the local Spiritual Assembly, the National Spiritual Assembly, and the International House of Justice.

5. “Living the Bahá’í Life.” A course designed to help the Bahá’í translate the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh into action in his daily life.

There will be classes and other activities for children throughout the entire session.

CHILDREN’S MAGAZINE DISPLAYS “NEW LOOK”

Readers of Child’s Way last month noted a “new look” in the eight-year-old guide for parents and teachers issued by the National Bahá’í Child Education Committee.

Changed is the printing, general appearance, and grouping of material in the bulletin. Unchanged is the primary objective of the guide: To teach the child to understand the purpose of his existence.

Child’s Way is the result of a problem posed by the 1948 Committee: To design a teaching aid for parents, teachers, and all those interested in Bahá’í child education. The idea for the bulletin was the result of consultation.

In the first issue the Committee stated: “We hope that Child’s Way will enable us to cooperate with child education facilities maintained in local communities, and to foster parent education from the Bahá’í point of view.”

A further objective of the guide is to enable the parent and teacher to meet the child on his level, a recognized responsibility of educators.

Child’s Way showed improvement as each year’s experience increased its usefulness and acceptance. Today, 45 issues later, the bulletin remains as originally set up, its objectives reaffirmed by each succeeding committee. A present goal is to increase this usefulness to those responsible for child education by increasing the bulletin’s circulation.

Beginning with Volume 1, No. 1, Child’s Way has been self-supporting, charging $1.00 for six issues. Correspondence about subscriptions should be directed to Miss Banu Hassan, 1244 Maple Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.

Suggestions and Child’s Way or its supplement, “Children’s Page,” should be addressed to Mrs. Barbara McCurdy, Box 255, Deerfield, Illinois. Children’s Hour activities, teaching suggestions, manuscripts, and queries about story ideas for possible publication are invited.

Child’s Way is planned for the use of all Bahá’ís, since child education is the concern of each believer. The bulletin is punched for easy notebook filing, and an annual index provides a handy teaching reference.

[Page 11]BAHA’I NEWS

11

LIBRARY COMMITTEE SUGGESTS BOOKS

From time to time the National Library Service Committee has inserted in BAHÁ’Í NEWS suggestions for cooperation with library agencies, and lists of recommended titles for first and later purchase. (Issues of December, 1954: March, April, and November, 1955). We again suggest here a slightly revised list of books, as the Committee is frequently asked for a repetition of recommended titles.

A. Introductory books for libraries in places where the Faith is only beginning to be Known.

1. *Foundations III World Unity, ‘Abdu’l Bahá (Clothbound).

2. *Paris Talks, ‘Abdu'l Bahá (Clothbound).

3, *Some Answered Questions, ‘Abdu’l Bahá.

4. Reality of Man, ‘Abdu'l Bahá.

5. Bahá’í World Faith (Although this excellent compilation has some material entirely for Bahá’ís, it is the best single volume containing the finest translations of the Writings).

6. The Bahá’í World. The most recent volume if possible, but any recent volume, if local interest and library space permit.

7. *Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Cobb (Clothbound).

8. *Bahá’u’lláh and The New Era, Esslemont (Clothbound).

9. *Renewal of Civilization, Hoffman (Clothbound).

10. Portals to Freedom, Ives hound).

11. *Spell of the Temple, McDaniel (Clothbound).

12. *Divine Art of Living, Paine (A devotional book, but the title, size, and content make a popular appeal).

13. Prescription for Living, Rabbani. (Clothbound, temporarily out of stock).

l4.Heart of the Gospel, Townshend (Clothbound, temporarily out of stock).

‘indicates for first purchase.

B. Books for larger or specialized libraries, where an interest in the Faith is already established, and which have a good basic collection of Bahá’í literature:

1. Glenaings, Bahá’u’lláh.

2. God Passes By. Shoghi Effendi.

3. Mysticism, Science, and Revelation, Shook (Especially for university and special libraries. Clothbound).

4. The Promise of all Ages, Townshend.

No list can be considered final, nor do all books appeal equally to all persons. Very large or specialized libraries, where religious study and research are carried on, will of course need, and welcome, titles which a public library could not as yet find room for on its shelves. The believers will be guided by their own best judgement also, and by their “on the ground” knowledge of particular library conditions. The Committee is always ready to answer questions and make suggestions.

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust will send literature catalogs to believers making library donations, to give to librarians who might be interested in further orders; or if a library wishes such a catalog for their files, they will be glad to send one direct.

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust is listed in the Trade List Annual, and in Books in Print each year, so the source of Bahá’í books is readily available to any librarian or book store. Also, Publishers’ Weekly, the American Book Trade Journal, lists all new titles published by the Trust, and includes a Directory of publishers whose titles have appeared during the year.

AREA NEWS BULLETINS

An Area Teaching Conference was held at Springfield, Mass. on November 13, according to the Area Bulletin. for the New England States. Following the conference, a public meeting was held, with an attendance of over 60 people.

Members of the Area Teaching Committee for the Tennessee Valley States conducted a Teaching Conference in Nashville, Tenn. on December 18, it is reported in their Area Bulletin.

Area Teaching Conferences were held in Youngstown and Toledo, Ohio on February 11-12, and in Detroit, Mich., on February 25-26, it is reported in the East Central States Area Teaching Committee Bulletin.

The Area Bulletin for the North-Atlantic States announces the following goals in their area: Consolidation goals, Atlantic City, Bayonne, Camden, Clifton, Elizabeth, Patterson, and Trenton, N.J.; Altoona, Erie, Lancaster, and Allentown, Pa.; Albany, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Niagara Falls, Poughkeepsie, Schenectady, and Troy, N.Y. Virgin goals are Chester, Harrisburg, Reading, Wilkes-Barre, and York, Pa.; Elmira, Ithaca, and Utca, N.Y.

Over 60 Bahá’ís attended an Area Conference in Baltimore, Md., on January 14, it is reported in the Area Bulletin for the Central Atlantic States.

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

Bahá’ís of Fairbanks, Alaska, report that a UN film was secured and offered to local organizations for the observance of United Nations Day. The offer was accepted by the Chamber of Commerce, the Civilian Club at Ladd Air Force Base, the USO, and the University of Alaska. In addition, the film was shown twice at the High School.

For the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, the Northern Peoples’ Teaching Committee sponsored a social gathering in Fairbanks to stimulate friendship with the Eskimos.

Members and friends of the Stockton, Calif. Community met on Dec. 2, 1955, for a showing of color slides of Guam, the Philippines, and Bangkok, taken by Lt. Harvey Godenker. Fifteen contacts were present, all of whom have manifested an interest in the Faith.

The Business Girls’ Sorority of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, invited a local Bahá’í to take part in a panel discussion with a Jew, Moslem, and Christian, on the teachings of their respective faiths. The Bahá’í talk included an explanation of a chart showing the teaching of progressive revelation.

The Dallas, Texas, Local Spiritual Assembly was invited to send a representative to speak at a Morning Devotional Program held week days for the staff of the Dallas Morning News. Mr. John Thomas read selections from the Gleanings of Bahá’u’lláh.

PUBLICATIONS

Heart of the Gospel (paper). George Townshend. We are informed by the English publisher that a new printing of this book in paper binding will soon be available. This paperbound edition has been out of print for over a year. All current orders will be recorded for delivery as soon as the shipment arrives. Price will continue to be $1.25 for this edition.

Available from

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

[Page 12]12

MARCH, 1956

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEASTS

March 2 — ‘Ala’ (Loftiness)

March 21 — Bahá (Splendor)

April 9 — Jalál(Glory)

HOLY DAY

March 21 —— Feast of Naw-Rúz

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

DAYS OF FASTING

March 2-20

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

March 23, 24, 25

BAHÁ’Í WORLD YOUTH DAY

March 25 — To publicize the Bahá’í program for uniting the youth of all faiths in promoting lasting world peace.

BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP

Visiting hours

Weekdays and Saturdays:

1:00-4:00 P.M.

(the Auditorium 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.

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.”

—BAHA’U’LLÁH

Mrs. Naomi Hudson

Lakewood, Ohio

December, 1955

Mrs. Henry Davis

Washington, D.C.

December 24, 1955

Mrs. Mina Becker

Des Moines, Iowa

December 27, 1955

Mrs. Edythe B. Ridden

Pinewold, New Jersey

(date not reported)

Mrs. Adelaide Blodgett

Chula Vista, California

January 3, 1956

Mrs. James A. Erickson

LaCrescenta, California

January 13, 1956

Mr. John Ojala

Atlanta, Georgia

January 13, 1956

Mrs. A. T. Sawyer

Fitchburg, Massachusettes

January 19, 1956

Mrs. Anna Petro

Burbank, California

January 20, 1956

Mr. Homer Dyer

Birmingham, Alabama

January 22, 1956

Mrs. Anna V. Hatter

Baltimore, Maryland

January 23, 1956

Mrs. Helena Lehman

Bronx, New York

January 31, 1956

Correction

Mme. M. L. Plise

San Francisco, California

(Listed in this column in December through error.)

MARRIAGES

“Glow be unto Thee, O my God! Verily, this Thy servant and this Thy maid-servant have gatheved under the shadow oy 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

Ann Arbor, Michigan; Mrs. Jane E. Reynolds to Mr. Edward J. Howard on December 14, 1955.

Los Angeles, California: Mrs. Sally Mae Brittan to Mr. John Wesley Ashby on January 7, 1955.

Los Angeles, California: Miss Dorothy Richter to Mr. Dick Maitland on January 21, 1956.

Los Angeles, California: Mrs. Louise Ramsey to Mr. Howard Ellis on January 22, 1955.

New York, New York: Miss Barbara vszquez to Mr. Juan P. Caban, Jr., on January 29. 1956.

BAHÁÍ DIRECTORY CHANGES

AREA TEACHING COMMITTEES

ATC For Southern States

Mrs. Louise B. Matthias, Secretary, 636 South 39th St., Birmingham, Alabama.

ATC For East Central States

Mrs. Mabel P. Long. Secretary, North Shore, Lake Lavine, R.R.3, Box 213, Coldwater, Michigan.

Georgia

Augusta: Mrs. Lilian P. Golden, 1723 Kissingbower Road

Michigan

Royal Oak Twp.: Miss DeMaris L. Morris. 21341 Parkside, Ferndale

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.