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No. 303

BAHA’I YEAR 113

MAY, 1956

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THE GUARDIAN’S MESSAGE TO THE FORTY-EIGHT ANNUAL BAHA’I CONVENTION

The triumphant termination of the second phase of the decade-long global Spiritual Crusade on which the followers of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh have so suspiciously embarked impels me to share with the delegates assembled at the Annual Bahá’í Conventions convened in all the continents of the globe the feelings of joy, of pride and of thankfulness which so significant a victory has evoked in my heart.

A Remarkable Victory

The year that has just ended—a year which posterity cannot fail to regard as one of the most eventful and challenging in the annals of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation—has been overshadowed, in the course of its opening months, by a sudden and highly menacing crisis in the fortunes of this Faith, a crisis which, though as yet not fully resolved, has already led to a remarkable victory over the combined forces of its traditional adversaries in the land of its birth, who, for more than a century, have plotted assiduously to disrupt its foundations, tarnish its glory and extinguish its light. A long-abused. down-trodden, sorely tried community, constituting the overwhelming majority of Bahá’u’lláh’s followers. subjected recently to the strain and stress of a violent recrudescence of persecution, which was marked throughout by intense villification, intimidation, spoliation, expulsion, arson, rape, and murder, has emerged triumphant from yet another gruelling experience — a testing period of exceptional severity—its unity unbroken, its confidence reinforced, its prestige considerably enhanced, its fame noised abroad to an unprecedented degree, its administrative agencies unshaken, its endowments unimpaired, and the grim, boastful and reiterated threats of its sworn enemies to outlaw it through formal legislative action, confiscate its property, demolish its edifices, imprison and deport its members, and extirpate it, root and branch, in the native land of its Founder unenforced.

Progressive Unfoldment of the Ten-year Crusade

Simultaneous with this marvellous, awe-inspiring interposition of Providence, at this critical stage in the mysterious evolution and the resistless progress of God’s infant Faith in the land of its birth, towards the two shining goals of complete emancipation from the shackles of religious orthodoxy and of state recognition, an equally significant development can be noted, during the last twelve-month, in the progressive unfoldment, beyond the confines of this storm-tossed land, and stretching to the farthest corners of the earth, of the Ten-Year Plan, now entering upon the third, and what promises to be the most brilliant, phase in its execution.

This world-encompassing enterprise, embarked upon, three years ago, on the occasion of the worldwide celebrations commemorating the centenary of the birth of the Mission of the Founder of our Faith, has, in all phases of its operation, throughout five continents, as well as the islands of the seas, gathered swift momentum, and is demonstrating, in both its territorial and institutional aspects, a vitality, and has registered successes, that have far exceeded the expectations of even the most sanguine among its promoters.

The number of localities into which the light of this unconquerable Faith, now radiating the splendor of its glory over the face of the planet, has penetrated, has swelled to well nigh thirty-seven hundred, marking an increase of almost five hundred in the course of a single year. The number of Sovereign States and Chief Dependencies included within its pale, which multiplied with such amazing swiftness during the opening year of this World-Crusade, has now risen to two hundred and forty-seven through the arrival of the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh Udai Narain Singh, Frank Wyss and Daniel Haumont, in Tibet, in Cocos Island and Loyalty Islands, respectively, as well as through the opening of Laos and Cambodia and of the Islands of Pemba, Fernando Po,

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Trinidad and Corisco — territories not included in the provisions of the Ten-Year Plan, — and as a result of information recently received indicating the presence of a few believers in the Soviet Republics of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The number of local Spiritual Assemblies now functioning throughout the length and breadth of the Bahá’í World exceeds nine hundred. Every single country listed in the Plan within the confines of every continent of the globe, with the exception of those within the Soviet Orbit, are now opened to the Faith. All islands figuring in that Plan, over seventy in number, situated in the Pacific, the Atlantic, and the Indian Oceans, in the Mediterranean and the North Sea, have, likewise been opened except Nicobar Islands, Chagos Archipelago, Hainan Island, Sakhalin Island, Spitzbergen and Anticosti Island, The number of the islands of the globe to which the Message of Bahá’u’lláh has been carried since its inception now totals ninety-eight. In the Pacific Ocean alone the number of opened territories is now over forty, while the number of localities where Bahá’ís reside exceeds one hundred and seventy. The number of languages into which Bahá’í literature has been and is being translated has now reached one hundred and ninety, no less than thirty-four of which are to be regarded as supplementary to those included in the provisions of the Plan.

Fast-awakening Continent of Africa

In the Continent of Africa and in its neighboring islands, in both the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans, the number of the avowed supporters of the Faith has passed the three thousand sand mark; over two thousand five hundred of whom belong to the Negro race. The number of territories opened to the Faith in that fast-awakening continent and its neighboring islands has risen to fifty-eight, while the number of localities where Bahá’ís reside is over four hundred. The number of tribes represented in the Bahá’í Community is now over one hundred and forty, the number of local Assemblies already established is over one hundred and twenty, and the number of languages into which Bahá’í literature has been and is being translated exceeds fifty.

Forty-three National Hazíratu’l-Quds

The number of incorporated Assemblies, both local and national, in various continents of the globe, has been raised to one hundred and sixty-eight. the latest additions being the Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assembly and the Local Spiritual Assemblies of Brussels, Tokyo, Liverpool, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Quincy, Basel, Zürich, Geneva, Heidelberg, Buenos Aires, Saigon, Suva, Malacca and Addis Ababa. The number of National Hazíratu’l-Quds, the precursors of Bahá’í National Spiritual Assemblies, acquired in the capitals and leading cities of North, Central and South America, of the goal countries of Europe, of Africa, Asia and Australasia, and of several islands of the globe, has reached fortythree, involving the expenditure of over half a million dollars, amply compensating for the seizure and occupation of the National Administrative Headquarters of the Faith and the demolition of its dome by the military authorities in the Persian capital.

Temple Sites and Endowments

Land for ten Temple sites has moreover been acquired at a cost of no less than one hundred thousand dollars, while negotiations are well advanced for the acquisition of the one remaining Temple site to be purchased in the Swedish capital. In no less than thirty of the fifty-one countries listed in the Ten-Year Plan, National Bahá’í endowments estimated as having a value of one hundred thousand dollars have been acquired, outstanding among them being the Maxwell Home honored by the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá while in Montreal, which has been transferred by the Hand of the Cause ‘Amatu’l-Bahá to the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly. Efforts are moreover being strenuously exerted for the establishment of similar endowments in the twenty-one remaining countries. Following the completion and adoption of the design for the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in the cradle of the Faith, steps have been taken for the preparation of no less than three additional designs, one for the Temple scheduled to be erected in the heart of the European Continent, another for the one to be erected in the near future in the African Continent, and the third for the one contemplated for Australasia, paving the way thereby in each of the remaining continents of the globe for the erection of a House to be consecrated to the worship of the one true God, and to the glory and honor of His Messenger for this Day.

Development at Bahá’í World Center

In the Holy Land, the center and pivot round which the divinely appointed, fast multiplying institutions of a world-encircling, resistlessly marching Faith revolve, the double process, so noticeable in recent years, involving a rapid decline in the fortunes of the breakers of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant and proclaiming the rise of the institutions of its World Administrative Center, in the shadow of His Shrine, has been accelerated on the one hand, through the death, in miserable circumstances, of the treacherous and malignant Majid’d-Dín, the last survivor of the principal instigators of the rebellion against the Will of the Founder of our Faith, and, on the other, through the laying of the foundation, and the erection of some of the pillars, of the facade and of the northern side of the International Bahá’í Archives — the first of the major edifices destined to constitute the seat of the World Bahá’í Administrative Center to be established on Mt. Carmel. No less than thirty of the fifty-two pillars, each over seven meters high, of this imposing and strikingly beautiful edifice have already been raised. whilst half of the nine hundred tons of stone ordered in Italy for its construction have already been safely delivered at the Port of Haifa. A contract, moreover, for over fifteen thousand dollars has been placed with a tile factory in Utrecht for the manufacture of over seven thousand green tiles designed to cover the five hundred square meters of the roof of the building.

Coincident with these building operations an extensive plot, adjoining the resting-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf has, after protracted and difficult negotiations, been purchased for the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, for the purpose of extending and safeguarding, on the one hand, the area of the international Bahá’í endowments on Mt. Carmel. and of providing, on the other, the much needed space for

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the extension and completion of the far-flung arc around which the edifices of the World Bahá’í Administrative Order are to be built. The recently acquired area surrounding the holiest Shrine in the Bahá’í World and its appointed Qiblih in the plain of ‘Akká has been further extended through the purchase from the Development Authority of the State of Israel of a dilapidated house, situated south of the Mansion and blessed by the presence of ‘Abdu-l-Bahá and in which He was wont to receive His friends, amongst them the first party of western Bahá’í pilgrims to arrive in the Holy Land after the passing of Bahá’u’lláh. To these latest acquisitions must be added the purchase of another plot situated in the neighborhood of the Báb’s Sepulchre and adjoining the area surrounding the future seat of the World Bahá’í Administrative Order, raising thereby the total area of the international Bahá’í endowments in the Holy Land to over four hundred thousand square meters. Furthermore, the necessary formalities have been completed in connection with the purchase of the site of the future Mashriqu’l-Adhkár on Mt. Carmel, while the transfer of the title deeds of recently acquired plots to the name of the Israel branches of the United States, the British, the Persian, the Canadian and Australian Bahá’í National Spiritual Assemblies is being expeditiously carried out.

Events in the United States

In the United States of America, the home of the champion-builders of a fast-evolving Order, an official invitation was extended to the Bahá’í Community by the San Francisco Council of Churches to send representatives to attend a Service of Prayer for Peace and Divine Guidance to the United Nations, an invitation to which the Community warmly responded. At this inter-religious gathering, held in the Cow Palace in San Francisco, the birthplace of the Charter of the United Nations, which united nearly sixteen thousand people in worship and silent prayers, and at which government leaders, among them the United States Secretary of State, were present, the voice of the Bahá’í representative was the first to be raised, reciting a prayer revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, after whom a prayer was read by each of the representatives of the Christian, the Muslim, the Jewish, the Hindu, and the Buddhist Faiths, all oi whom were similarly invited to participate in that immense and historic gathering. A prayer revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for America was presented by the elected national representatives of the United States Bahá’í Community to President Eisenhower, who acknowledged its receipt in warm terms and above his own signature.

Other Victories and Achievements

Nor should mention be omitted in this brief survey of Bahá’í victories and achievements in the course of the closing year of the second phase of the Ten-Year Plan of the establishment of a Bahá’í Publishing Trust in India; of the establishment of over thirty new centers and fifteen Assemblies in India, Pákistán and Burma; of the purchase of some of the holy sites blessed by the footsteps of Bahá’u’lláh in Adrianople, the Land of Mystery and the scene of the proclamation of His Message; of the holding of the first Bahá’í Summer School in Central Africa, in Kobuka, Uganda, attended by about one hundred African and white believers and representatives of no less than twenty-eight Bahá’í local Assemblies; of the convocation of the first historic All-France Teaching Conference, the first fruit of the combined labors of the believers of about thirty centers already established throughout the length and breadth of that country; of the setting apart of a plot to serve as a burial-ground for the members of the Bahá’í community in Tripoli, Libya and in the capital of Tanganyika; of the purchase of land for the establishment of a Bahá’í Summer School in Íráq; of the extension to the Bahá’í women in Egypt of the right to be elected to the Egyptian Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly as well as to participate as delegates in the National Bahá’í Convention; of the purchase, in an island near Muara Siberut, Mentawei Islands, of a plot supplementing the Bahá’í endowment established in Jakarta, the Indonesian capital: of the pushing of the northern outpost of the Faith in Alaska to Point Barrow beyond the Arctic Circle; of the initiation of auxiliary plans for the promotion of the Faith in the Seychelles Islands and in the Sudan; and of the arrival of a pioneer in Praslin Island forming a part of the Seychelles group.

Land purchased for the National Endowment of Paraguay on January 26, 1956. It consists of approximately 11 hectares (over 25 acres) of a wooded knoll over looking San Bernardino Lake, 30 kilometers from the capital city of Asuncion.

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Appeal to United Nations

Nor can I in this survey allow to pass unnoticed the energetic and commendable efforts exerted by Bahá’í communities the world over for the support, protection and relief of the persecuted members of the Persian Bahá’í Community subjected to one of the severest ordeals experienced in recent years by the steadfast followers of the Faith in the land of its birth. Following this barbarous recrudescence of religious persecution and the transmission of over one thousand messages by Bahá’í communities, some in writing and others telegraphically, to His Majesty the Sháh, the Government, the Majlis and the Senate, and reinforcing the wide publicity given in the world’s leading newspapers and the numerous protests voiced by scholars, statesmen, government envoys and people of eminence such as Pandit Nehru, Eleanor Roosevelt, Professor Gilbert Murray and Professor A. Toynbee, a written communication accompanied by a memorandum listing the atrocities perpetrated throughout the Persian provinces, was submitted in Geneva to the Secretary General of the United Nations, who appointed a commission of United Nations officers,

The newly acquired Hazíratu’l-Quds of Havana, where the two women wave a greeting, is shown to the left. Above is the Hazíratu’l-Quds at Tegucigalpa, Honduras, dedicated in November, 1955. The inauguration ceremonies were led by Artemus Lamb, Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Central America, and were attended by a group of Bahá’ís and their friends.

headed by the High Commissioner for Refugees, instructing its members to contact the Persian Foreign Minister and urge him to obtain from his government in Ṭeherán a formal assurance that the rights of the Bahá’í minority in that land would be protected. Copies of this communication addressed to the United Nations were delivered to the representatives of the member nations of the Social and Economic Council, to the Director of the Human Rights Division, and to certain specialized agencies of non-governmental organizations with consultative status. Furthermore, the American President was appealed to by the national representatives of the American Bahá’í Communities as well as by all local Assemblies and groups in the United States. A courteous and reassuring letter was subsequently received by the American Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly from the State Department in Washington, acknowledging the receipt of the appeal, while the Director of the Division of Human Rights addressed in his turn a communication to the Secretary of the American National Spiritual Assembly, informing him that summaries of both the letter and petition forwarded to him would be furnished to the Commission of Human Rights, and copies sent to the Persian Government. Assurance was moreover given that summaries would also be sent to the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. As a further measure to obtain redress a forty-thousand dollar publicity campaign was initiated by the American Bahá’í Community designed to lend an impetus to the proclamation of the fundamental verities of the Faith, the aims and purposes of its followers, and of the disabilities suffered by the overwhelming majority of its adherents in the land of its birth,

Enrollments in Virgin Territories

Nor can I refrain from emphasizing in this rapid survey the highly significant fact that in over sixty territories, constituting more than a half of the total number of virgin territories opened to the Faith, since the inauguration of the World Spiritual Crusade, the number of those who have espoused the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and enlisted under His banner has surpassed the number originally anticipated and regarded as a minimum for the opening of these territories; that in a considerable proportion of them the Bahá’í membership has far exceeded the number required for the formation of local Assemblies; that in Gambia as many as three hundred, and in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands as many as five hundred, have been and are being enrolled beneath His standard; and that in Uganda alone, which holds the palm of victory, the number of registered believers has exceeded one thousand.

Next Phase of World Crusade

Such heart-warming, soul-stirring examples of Bahá’í initiative and enterprise; such splendid testimonies to Bahá’í solidarity, perseverance, courage, fortitude and self-sacrifice, displayed in rapid succession, and over so immense an area of the globe’s surface, and in the face of mounting opposition on the part of those who envy the ever widening glory of the Faith or fear the influence of its all-pervasive power, have shed on the opening chapter of this Crusade a luster which the passing of time can never tarnish. The third phase of this momentous enterprise — the opening of which

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is, at this hour, being signalized by the emergence of no less than three additional Regional Bahá’í Assemblies in the African Continent—must cast on the annals of this prodigious Crusade an illumination of such brilliancy as will eclipse the splendor of this luster.

The glorious and stupendous work already accomplished, singly and collectively, in the course of three brief years, in five continents of the globe and the islands of the seas, both at home and abroad, in the teaching as well as the administrative spheres of Bahá’í activity must, as the army of Bahá’u’lláh’s crusaders marches forward into new and vaster fields to capture still greater heights, never be jeopardized or allowed to lag or suffer a setback. The prizes so arduously won should not only be jealously preserved but should be constantly enriched. Far from suffering the long and distinguished record of feats which have been achieved to be tarnished, assiduous efforts must be exerted to ennoble it with every passing day.

The newly opened territories of the globe must, under no circumstances, be allowed to relapse into the state of spiritual deprivation from which they have so recently and laboriously been rescued. Nay, the highly edifying evidences proclaiming the expansion and the consolidation of the superb historic work achieved in so many of these territories must be rapidly multiplied. The local assemblies that have been so diligently and patiently established must under no circumstances be allowed to dissolve, or their foundations be in any way endangered. The mighty and steady process involving the increase in the number of the avowed supporters of the Faith, and the multiplication of isolated centers, groups and local assemblies must, throughout this newly opened phase of the Plan, be markedly accelerated. The incorporation of local assemblies must proceed with a rapidity that will throw into shade the progress achieved in this respect during the first two phases of the Plan. The remaining unopened territories of the globe outside the Soviet orbit, now confined to no more than four lonely islands, must with the least possible delay, be won over to the ever spreading dominion of Bahá’u’lláh, consummating thereby the most far reaching and thrilling of all the enterprises launched through the concerted efforts of His valiant followers. The one remaining Temple site destined to be bought in the Swedish capital must be speedily acquired. The six remaining Hazíratu’l-Quds, some in Latin America, others in the European continent, must likewise be rapidly established. The Bahá’í endowments in the countries still deprived of the benefits of this divinely appointed institution must be forthwith purchased. The task of completing the translation of Bahá’í literature into the languages listed in the provisions of the Plan must be carried out with renewed determination and vigor. The Bahá’í Publishing Trusts that are as yet unestablished must be founded at the earliest possible opportunity The sacred obligation of purchasing the remaining chief historic sites in the birth-place of the Faith, and particularly the scenes of the Báb’s incarceration and martyrdom, must be discharged as expeditiously as possible. The search now being conducted for the purpose of identifying the resting-places of the Father of Bahá’u’lláh, of the Mother and the Cousin of the Báb must be pursued with the utmost diligence and circumspection. The construction of the Mother Temple of Europe, so vital and yet so long overdue, must be speedily commenced, whilst a parallel effort must be exerted in Africa for the erection, without delay, of a similar institution which the phenomenal progress of the Faith in that continent has made imperative. The construction of the Home for the Aged, marking the inauguration of the first of the Dependencies of the Holiest House of Worship in the Bahá’í world, must, now that the site in the proximity of the Temple has been acquired, be started and expeditiously carried forward. The process of incorporating the newly formed National Spiritual Assemblies, whether regional or independent, must be initiated soon after their formation, and should be continually stimulated with every increase in the number of these assemblies in all the continents of the globe. Above all, an effort unprecedented in its range and intensity, must be exerted for the speedy multiplication of local spiritual assemblies in all the territories where National Spiritual Assemblies, whether independent or regional, provisional or permanent, are to be established, for the purpose of broadening and strengthening the foundations on which these potent national institutions — the pillars of the future Universal House of Justice — must rest. Immediate attention should be focused on the multiplication of such institutions in areas where these National Spiritual Assemblies are to be established in the near future, such as South and Central America, the Arabian Peninsula, South-East Asia, Pákistán, Alaska, Japan, New Zealand, Scandinavia and Finland, the Benelux countries, the Iberian Peninsula and France, as well as those territories in which national assemblies are to be established at a later stage in the course of the unfoldment of the present phase of the Plan, and the date of the formation of which will, to a large extent, depend on the rapidity with which these local assemblies are formed.

A Major Turning Point

The Crusade, on which the army of the Lord of Hosts has so joyously and confidently embarked, now stands at a major turning point in the history of its marvelous unfoldment. Three years of magnificent exploits, achieved for the propagation of the light of an immortal and infinitely precious Faith and for the strengthening of the fabric of its Administrative Order, now lie behind it. A spirit of abnegation and self-sacrifice, so rare that only the spirit of the Dawn-breakers of a former age can be said to have surpassed it, has consistently animated, singly as well as collectively, its participants in every clime, of all classes, of either sex, and of every age. A treasure, immense in its range has been willingly and lovingly expended to insure its systematic and successful prosecution. Already a few heroic souls have either quaffed the cup of martyrdom, or laid down their lives, or been subjected to divers ordeals while combating for its Cause. Its repercussions have spread so far as to alarm is not inconsiderable element among the traditional and redoubtable adversaries of its courageous and consecrated prosecutors. Indeed as it has forged ahead, it has raised up new enemies intent on obstructing its forward march and on defeating its purpose. Premonitory signs can already be discerned in

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far-off regions heralding the approach of the day when troops will flock to its standard, fulfilling the predictions uttered long ago by the Supreme Captain of its forces.

Before the eyes of the warriors enlisting under its banner stretch fields of exploration and consolidation of such vastness as might well dazzle the eyes and strike awe into the heart of any soul less robust than those who have arisen to identify themselves with its Cause. The heights its champions must scale are indeed formidable. The pitfalls that bestrew their path are still numerous. The road leading to ultimate and total victory is tortuous, stony and narrow. Theirs, however, is the emphatic assurance, revealed by the Pen of the Most High —— the Prime Mover of the forces unleashed by this world-girdling Crusade—that “Whosoever ariseth to aid our Cause God will render him victorious over ten times ten thousand souls, and, should he wax in his love for Me, him will We cause to triumph over all that is in heaven and all that is on earth.”

Putting on the armor of His love, firmly buckling on the shield of His mighty Covenant, mounted on the stead of steadfastness, holding aloft the lance of the Word of the Lord of Hosts, and with unquestioning reliance on His promises as the best provision for their journey, let them set their faces towards those fields that still remain unexplored and direct their steps to those goals that are as yet unattained, assured that He Who has led them to achieve such triumphs, and to store up such prizes in His Kingdom, will continue to assist them in enriching their spiritual birthright to a degree that no finite mind can imagine or human heart perceive.

—SHOGHI

April 1956

COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Beloved Friends:

The Guardian has shared with all Bahá’ís in his Message to the Conventions, his feelings of joy, of pride and of thankfulness as he contemplates the achievements of the TenYear Plan in its just concluded second phase. In this Message we are raised to the heights, where a world view embraces in a single perspective the record of victories won by the Bahá’ís in all five continents.

This Message likewise emphasizes those specific tasks which are to be carried out in the third phase, opened with Riḍván, 1956.

The first All-Holland gathering at the Hazíratu‘l-Quds at The Hague, celebrating the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, November 12, 1955.

The National Spiritual Assembly has no need to summon the friends to a reading and study of this communication from the beloved Guardian. It is historic in its importance. Without it we could not attain adequate knowledge of victories won elsewhere, nor could we assemble our data in perfect unity as Shoghi Effendi has done.

Here the Bahá’ís of the West, of Europe, of Africa and of Asia assemble, as it were, in a world wide meeting of minds and hearts that the Guardian may quicken us all to new and deeper understanding of the World Crusade, and consecrate us for the work which is now to engross our undivided attention and supreme effort.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

“Grieved passing indefatigable promoter”

Grieved passing steadfast devoted indefatigable promoter Faith. Reward assured Kingdom. Praying progress soul.

—SHOGHI

March 23, 1956

COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

This message was sent by the Guardian on receipt of the news of the passing of Miss Beatrice Irwin in San Diego, California, on March 20. Miss Irwin was actively associated with the Faith in London at the time of the Master’s visit there. She later came to the United States and for many years was one of the most active Bahá’í teachers both in this country and abroad.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

“Praying progress soul”

Praying progress soul Kingdom. His services meritorious.

—SHOGHI

COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

This cablegram was sent by the Guardian to the Bahá’ís of Monterrey, Mexico, when he received news of the passing on March 23 of Mr. Frank Ashton. Mr. Ashton had a long record of service as a Bahá’í pioneer, first in Laramie, Wyoming, during the First Seven—Year Plan, and in Monterrey since July 1955 where, in spite of his frail health, he was able to establish a nucleus for the Faith in that city within a few months.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

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A description at the newest building at the Bahá’í World Center

International Baha’i Archives

THE morning of the opening of the Fourth Intercontinental Bahá’í Conference on October 7, 1953, in New Delhi, India, Mr. Charles Mason Remey, Hand of the Cause and President of the International Bahá’í Council, an architect by profession, produced a drawing executed under the guidance and instructions of the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith.

It was the projected design for the International Bahá’í Archives, to be erected on Mt. Carmel in the Holy Land. It represented a building similar to the celebrated temple of Athena in Athens, Greece, known the world over as the Parthenon.

The general dimensions called for a building over 12 meters high, 14 meters wide, and 32 meters long. It consisted of a main central portion surrounded by a colonnade, and standing on a platform two and one-half meters high, approached by a wide flight of steps on the east side, or main facade of the building. The classic lines and return to the architectural beauty of ancient Greece offer at once the promise of a remarkable and unique construction in our time.

Immediately after the end of the Conference, the drawing and letters of explanation were sent to Italy to request several well-known firms there to give an estimate of its cost. On returning to Italy after a stay of fifty days in Ṭihrán, the writer secured all the necessary information, detailed drawings, and estimates of cost, and dispatched them immediately to Haifa for the Guardian’s approval.

The decision of the Guardian called for a building of the Ionic order, to be executed entirely in the same marble used for the Shrine of the Báb on Mt. Carmel. “Chiampo Paglierino.” This is a straw-colored stone, quarried near Chiampo, a small town in the Venetian region of Italy, between the cities of Vicenza and Verona.

Architect Andrea Rocca, Professor Emeritus of the Beaux Arts Academy of Carrara, Italy, who had already collaborated in the production and carving of the stone for the Báb’s Shrine, was called on again to prepare all working plans for the execution of this newly projected, extraordinary undertaking.

On January 10, 1955, the writer signed on the Guardian’s behalf, after having received his verbal instructions, a contract for the furnishing of all stone required to complete the building, for a grand total of $115,000.

Space will not permit a detailed listing of all component parts of the building. It must suffice to say that, besides the one hundred and fifty sections of the column shafts, there are fifty capitals, fifty bases and two pilasters. There are over 200 meters of entablature in three superimposing elements, which in turn will be topped by 276 single pieces of carved crowning. The tympanums, composed of huge slabs of marble 10 cm. thick, have a carved frame all around; the front tympanum bears the monogram of the Greatest Name surrounded by sunrays in base relief, which will be gilded. The surfaces of the cement walls, to be covered with marble, including the base or podium on which the building stands, include well over nine hundred square meters.

There are six carved windows on each long side of the building, one large carved doorway in the front, and a spacious window in the rear. This latter will contain sixty-five panels of stained glass in three different colors, ruby red, yellow and blue, arranged into an original and harmonious geometric pattern. The roof will be covered by green glazed tiles, of pure Greek design — in all 7952 tiles and copes to cover a surface of about 500 square meters. The main door, of extraordinary dimensions and beauty, is being made of bronze, also in Italy. It is divided into ten panels, each panel having at the center a gilded rose one foot in diameter.

The inside of the building will have a balcony all around it, to increase the exhibit space. The floor will be covered with soft green tiles on which rare Persian carpets will be placed. The interior will be illuminated by six crystal chandeliers of exquisite design, each one bearing thirty lights. The outside will be flood-lighted, and another gem-like vision will at night grace the slopes of the Holy Mountain.

By the middle of 1956 all the stone work and accessories will be completed for shipment and it is hoped that well before the end of that year the International Bahá’í Archives will rise in its beauty on Mt. Carmel, a tangible expression of the lofty foresight of our beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi.

—UGO R. GIACHERY

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MAY, 1956

AMERICAN AUXILIARY BOARD CONTINUES VISITS THROUGHOUT WESTERN HEMISPHERE

This report carries forward to March, 1956, the lists of missions covered by members of the Auxiliary Board recently issued in BAHÁ’Í NEWS. It makes clear to what farflung areas of the Western Hemisphere these tireless teachers have traveled to visit with and assist the friends.

Esteban Canales: Intensive teaching work in Cuba for twenty days; five days of teaching activity in Haiti and fifteen days in Dominican Republic. This mission was planned to assist in the strengthening of groups and communities and opening up new cities.

William deForge: Havana, Marianao, Cienfuegos, Cuba; Kingston, Jamaica; Port-au-Prince, Cape Haitian, Haiti; Ciudad Trujillo, Santiago, Moca, Dominican Republic; San Juan, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico. A radio talk was given over the Citadel Radio, Cape Haitian. A public lecture in Santiago; a press interview.

Mrs. Florence Mayberry: Victoria, Nanaimo, New Westminster, Vancouver, British Colombia; Calgary, Lethbridge, Edmonton, Alberta; Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Regina, Saskatchewan; Brandon, St. James, Winnipeg, Manitoba; Fargo, N.D., Butte, Montana. Radio broadcasts in North Vancouver, Lethbridge, Edmonton, Moose Jaw, and Fargo. (Seven broadcasts). Television programs, Lethbridge, Regina and Fargo. This mission was from January to February 16. From February 27 to March 16 Mrs. Mayberry visited Honolulu, Wailuku. Kahului, Lahaina, Kapaa, paying more than one visit to Honolulu, Hilo, Wailuku and Lihue. Radio script presented in Honolulu and radio interviews given in Honolulu, Wailuku, Hilo and Lihue. Six interviews were given. Mrs. Mayberry from October 15 to December 23 had visited Sparks and Reno, Nevada; Eugene and Portland, Oregon; Everett, Seattle, Bellingham, Tacoma, Yakima, Pasco and Walla Walla, Washington: Pendleton, Oregon: Helena, Butte and Billings, Montana; Laramie, Wyoming; Jefferson County, Greeley, Denver and Pueblo, Colorado. (Some cities visited on more than one occasion). Radio broadcasts were delivered in Reno, Eugene, Yakima, Pendleton, Helena, Laramie, Greeley, Denver — twelve radio appearances. A television broadcast in Butte.

Mrs. Margery McCormick: Between February l4 and March 17 these cities were visited‘ —— Pittsburgh, Pa.; Newark, N. J., Manhasset, L.I.; West Chester, Trenton, Jersey City, Linden, N.J.; West Chester, Pa.; Washington, D.C.; Wilmington, Del.; Baltimore, Prince George’s County, Md.; Greensboro, Durham, N.C.; Augusta, Ga.; Birmingham, Ala.; Memphis, Nashville, Tenn.; Louisville, Ky. In each city adjacent communities and isolated believers were invited to the meetings.

Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin: Between January 18 and February 13, Mrs. McLaughlin visited the Bahá’ís in Lima. Peru: Montevideo, Uruguay; Buenos Aires, Ezeiza and Cardoba, Argentina; Santiago, Quilpié, Valparaiso, Osorno, Loncoche and Punta Arenas, Chile. She gave a radio broadcast in Montevideo and two (over different stations) in Punta Arenas.

Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira: Dr. Pereira in March conducted a fireside teaching hour in Beckley, West Virginia, in the home of a high school teacher. Regular study meetings are to follow. At West Virginia State College she has been invited to give an exposition of the Bahá’í World Faith to two classes in Social Science and one in Religion. She is also conducting a regular weekly study class in her own home.

Mrs. Gayle Woolson: Bahá’í Centers visited have been Cali, Medellín, Bucaramanga and Barranquilla, Colombia, spending a week in each city. In Venezuela she visited Caracas and Valencia, and spent a day in Curucao. Mrs. Woolson devoted a month to Valencia, holding two meetings a week and giving public talks at high schools and local clubs affiliated with international organizations. In March she returned from pilgrimage to Haifa and planned to convey the inspiration received from the Guardian with Bahá’ís in Caracas, Venezuela; Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Bogota, Medellin and Cali, Colombia; Quito, Ecuador; Guayaquil, Lima, Callao, Huancayo, Arequipa, La Paz, Cochabamba and Sucre, before the Convention of the Bahá’ís of South America.

MRS. CORRINE TRU

PAUL E. HANRY

HORACE HOLLEY

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

GUARDIAN’S EULOGY OF VARQÁ RECEIVED

The National Spiritual Assembly has received a copy of the cablegram sent by the beloved Guardian to Mr. Mehdi Varqá, at Stuttgart, Germany, on the occasion of the death of Mr. Valíyu’lláh Varqá, Hand of the Cause. It was received at Stuttgart on November 15, 1955:

“Profoundly grieved loss outstanding Hand (of) Cause (of) God, exemplary Trustee (of) Ḥuqúqu’lláh, distinguished representative most venerable Community (of) Bahá’í World, worthy son, brother twin immortal martyrs (of) Faith, dearly beloved disciple (of) Center (of) Covenant. Shining record (of his) services extending over half century enriched annals Heroic, Formative Ages Bahá’í Dispensation. His reward (in) Abhá Kingdom inestimable. Advise erect my behalf befitting monument (at) his grave. His mantle as Trustee funds Ḥuqúq now falls on Ali Muhammad his son. Instruct Rawhani Ṭihrán arrange befitting memorial gatherings (in) capital (and) provinces honor memory mighty pillar Cradle (of) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh. Newly appointed Trustee Ḥuqúq now elevated (to) rank Hand (of) Cause.”

—SHOGHI

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TRUSTEES OF THE MERCIFUL

Beloved Friends:

We have become accustomed to the annual election of local Assemblies on April 21, since the occasion is one which, for many American believers, has been taking place for a long period. Each year the results are anxiously examined, to see whether any Assemblies have been lost and how many new ones have been gained. This is particularly the case during the period of the Ten Year Plan which calls for 300 Assemblies in the United States by 1963.

As this is written the returns for April 21, 1956 are not yet known. Therefore let us give thought to some of the deeper meanings of the institution itself, whether new or old, having a large or small community.

The “mechanics” or procedure for the conduct of an Assembly has been thoroughly clarified, and is outlined in the standard By-Laws. What needs prayerful consideration is the spiritual nature of this honored body and its responsibilities in the realm of human relations.

First of all, the institution requires the unity of its nine members. Membership on a Spiritual Assembly transcends personality because each member has become part of an institution created by Bahá’u’lláh, ordained in the Master’s Testament and guided by the beloved Guardian in many letters written to the American Bahá’ís. Membership is a consecration and not an enhancement of individual privilege or authority. The first step after April 21 is the attainment of complete mutual confidence, understanding and cooperation. The flow of the spirit from on High is checked by every sign of apathy or discord.

The next step, perhaps, is to realize that the Assembly is no mere passive body waiting for something to do, but a dynamic agency for the encouragement of individual service and the coordinator of collective undertakings. The Assembly must also be concerned for the relationships of believers throughout the community, setting the example of loving consideration and service, understanding of other natures and different views, and striving to maintain a unified and joyous community.

Finally, the local Assembly has to support the national and Crusade plans as they are announced from time to time.

Only true consecration and constant, ardent prayer will enable our human nature at this stage to fit into a Divine order by fulfilling the obligations and responsibilities pertaining to Assembly membership. The experience is purifying rather than easy, and exalting rather than simple.

It is what God has ordained for His chosen supporters in this era. To please God is our true aim, not to seek personal popularity or prestige. A great proportion of our local “problems” will disappear when the friends humbly realize the privilege of serving at the very basis of that Divine order in which they have become “trustees of the Merciful.”

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

STATEMENT ON THE ONENESS OF MANKIND

Beloved Friends:

Particular attention is directed to the insert included in this BAHÁ’Í NEWS entitled The Oneness of Mankind. This statement was prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly in order to set forth the Bahá’í Teachings on race relations at this critical hour.

The aim is twofold: to go on public record where the Bahá’í Community stands, and to unify all American Bahá’ís on an authorized exposition which emphasizes our obedience to a spiritual principle and at the same time points out that Bahá’ís do not become involved in political controversy. Believers can refer to this statement whenever questioned about the Bahá’í attitude.

Plans are also being carried out to secure widespread publicity for this official statement. It was submitted to the Guardian and his cabled approval has been received.

It is an hour of confusion and disagreement. May our beloved Community radiantly abide by the Divine teachings, safe from the controversy and rancor which disturbs the world.

—NATIONAL SPIRTITUAL ASSEMBLY

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Belglum

CEREMONIES CONSECRATE NEW CENTER AT BRUSSELS

The official inauguration and consecration of the Hazíratu’l-Quds of Belgium was held on Sunday, April 1, 1956. The Center is located at 54, rue Stanley.

Three ceremonies were planned, so that all might have the opportunity to be present. Services were held from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon, from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M., and from 8:00 to 10:00 P.M.

Central America

FETE INAUGURATION OF HAZIRATU’L-QUDS IN GUATEMALA

The Guardian’s goal of a Hazíratu’l-Quds in each of the ten Central American republics approaches realization with the inauguration of one more in this territory.

on February 24, 1956, about 40 people assembled to celebrate the opening of the Hazíratu’l-Quds at Retalhuleu, Guatemala.

It is situated diagonally from El Sagrario, the second most important cathedral in the city. Only a paved street separates the Hazíratu’l-Quds from this imposing edifice with its large dome.

Behind the Hazíratu’l-Quds is the city hospital, so that it is located in the center of the social life of the community.

The Hazíratu’l-Quds, painted pink inside and outside. was filled with many kinds of lovely flowers, reminding us that we are in the “Land of Eternal Spring,” a title which Costa Rica also claims.

Joyful Program

The opening program was happy and lovely. We were reminded of the generous sacrifices of the beloved Guardian, Mrs. Amelia Collins, and the North American believers, in giving this Center for the future National Spiritual Assembly oi the Bahá’ís of Guatemala.

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A painting of a bird in flight, the gift of Sheila Rice-Wray, various gifts from the Guatemalan Bahá’ís, blue hyacinth petals that had been placed on the threshold of our Lord’s tomb, a candle that had been in the tomb of the Holy Báb, were all given to the Hazíratu’l-Quds.

What a joy it was to hear from Marjorie Stee the fresh assurance from our Guardian that the work in Central America had a small but firm foundation, and that the future would be very great! Oh, marvelous and elusive future! On whom are we waiting? Maybe you?

Inspiring Classes

Three days of school followed: stirring classes in the Covenant by Artemus Lamb; a class in the working of Bahá’í Administration in two sections, one given by Louise Caswell, and a workshop session conducted by Mrs. Jennie Taylor; colored views of Haifa; slides of Dawnbreaker pictures; a picnic at the Neffs’ spacious home and garden, with food prepared by the Guatemalan Bahá’ís.

Our few days together were filled with the joys of the spirit: the great happiness of being together with our wonderful future before us, and our beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá watching over us and blessing a work he loves so well.

—LOUISE CASWELL

Germany, Austria

COUNCIL MEMBERS VISIT GERMANY

Early in January two members of the International Bahá’í Council, Leroy Ioas, Secretary-General, and his wife, Sylvia, visited Frankfurt, Germany. The account of their visit is taken from Bahá’í—Nachrichten, official Bahá’í publication of the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria:

“Mr. Ioas came at the direction of the Guardian to discuss with the National Spiritual Assembly matters pertaining to the erection of the Temple (at Eschborn).

“On Saturday, January 7; Mr. Ioas, accompanied by his wife, Sylvia, also a member of the International Council, arrived in Frankfurt, and shortly thereafter met for several hours in consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly in the Hazíratu’l-Quds.

Tasks for Germany

“After he had been warmly welcomed by the Chairman, he delivered first the greetings and love of our honored Guardian, and then went on to tell how the Guardian frequently mentions the tasks which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá assigned to Germany, and that he said that Germany is the heart of Europe, which must be strong,

“Next Mr. Ioas touched on the great teaching tasks, and told how the Guardian, in this connection, recalled the suffering which Germany had already endured, and how this suffering had not only prepared the Bahá’ís for their tasks, but had prepared others who also had endured them, to accept the truth of the Bahá’í Faith. Our Guardian anticipates, in the near future, the readiness of many people in Germany to accept the Faith. For that reason, he explained, the Guardian emphasizes the importance of the dispersion of the friends over the whole of Germany.

“The Divine outpourings are ready to overflow. The more communities and isolated settlements that are established, the greater will be the harvest.

“His words clearly indicated the great and immediate responsibility facing every single believer. The administrative institutions can assist in this task, but in the highly spiritual matter the appeal is to the heart of every single believer, and to his sacrificial devotion in the service.

World-wide Tasks

“Mr. Ioas gave a clear survey by the Guardian in relation to the worldwide tasks:

“The local and national institutions are now accomplished; the next task is the establishment of the international institutions.

“For our great teaching as it is presently being worked out in the Ten Year Plan, the kernel and charter are found in the Tablets of the Divine Plan which ‘Abdu’l—Bahá directed to America. The directives which our Guardian gives for the Ten Year Plan follow step by step that Divine Plan from the pen of our Master.

“A third great task is the establishment of the World Center of our Faith. This is being accomplished through the construction which the Guardian is making on Mount Carmel. Here he follows the divine directives in the Tablet of Carmel, revealed by Bahá’u’lláh.

“Soon, Mr. Ioas said, we will see the ‘Ark of God’ land on Mt. Carmel, and the ‘people of Bahá’ will, as stated in the Tablet of Carmel, become known.

Divine Guidance

“Mr. Ioas spoke of the divine guidance received by the Guardian. He mentioned Africa as an example. When he first called for pioneers to go to Africa, no one could surmise the great results of our work there. The Banani and Nakhjavani families arose, and followed by a few other friends, went to Africa. And how astounding and unique are the results of this teaching work! Therefore, if we do what the Guardian out of the strength of his guidance advises, we will have results.

Symbolism of Temple

“Following this helpful world view, the matter of the Temple was discussed in detail. Here, too, Mr. Ioas spoke of the Temple not only as a symbol of our work in Europe, but also as the silent teacher. He mentioned in this connection the role of the Temple in Wilmette, and that of the Shrine on Mt. Carmel. No international tour coming to Haifa, but visits the Shrines on Mt. Carmel and Bahjí. Hundreds and thousands come over the week-ends, and the highest number of visitors was 10,000 in a month. So our edifices carry the message of the coming of the Manifestation of God for our time to the world.

“The consultation with Mr. Ioas in regard to the erection of the Temple were discussed in great detail. On the following Monday he had a conference, in company of Dr. Grossman and our attorney, Dr. Sandmann, with one of the judges. Afterwards he had a long conversation with Prof. Eierman, one of our friendly counsellors in the Temple matter, and with our friend, Gottfried Höpfer, of Stuttgart.

“The judges are well aware that the Whole world awaits their decision; that their verdict will be published in all the languages of the Bahá’í world.”

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INDIA, PAKISTAN, BURMA OUTLINE NEW GOALS

Hazíratu’l-Quds at Rangoon, Burma, during reconstruction.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma, through their publication Bahá’í News Letter, has reported the results of several conventions and teaching conferences, and other activities.

All-South India Teaching Conference

A large group of Bahá’ís, pictured below, attended the All—South India Teaching Conference at Poona, India, on November 15-16, 1955. Mr. I. Bakhtiari and Mr. A. A. Butt, the

Local Spiritual Assembly of Daidanaw, Burma, which recently received papers of registration.

President and Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, respectively, were among those present.

Mr. Butt spoke on the subject, “Pivotal Goal of the Ten Year Plan.” He emphasized the fact that the Pivotal Goal was the consolidated expansion of the Faith.

A discourse on how to develop the existing groups into assemblies, and the dispersion of the friends was given by Prof. Dipchand L. Khianra in the Urdu and English tongues.

Mr. R. N. Shah spoke on “How to Teach the Nations,” from an extract of the instructions of the Beloved Guardian. He added that, since in India the majority is Hindu, we should try out to get more

All-South India Teaching Conference at Poona, India November 15-16, 1955.

[Page 12]12

MAY, 1956

Hindus into the Bahá’í fold, while at the same time the minorities should not be overlooked.

Mrs. S. Kirmani spoke in Urdu on “The Importance of Pioneering,” and told how pioneers should be detached from worldy affairs.

At the final session, Mr. Butt called for prospective pioneers to come forward to volunteer, and a large number responded.

Pákistán Conference

A Teaching Conference of the Bahá’ís of Pakistan was held on January 28, 29 and 30, 1956. It was held to prepare the ground for the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of Pakistan in 1957.

The National Spiritual Assembly sent two of its members, Mr. I. Bakhtiari, and Mrs. Shirin Boman Mihrbani as its representatives. Mr. A. Q. Faizi was deputed by the Hands of the Cause in Asia.

The conference discussed its two main purposes: (1) To speed up teaching plans that will bring into being a good number of new assemblies by April, 1956, so that they may participate in the convention to be held in April, 1957 for the election of the new National Spiritual Assembly. (2) To find pioneers to open all the centers of the Pákistán home front to the Cause.

The result was more than expected. Most of the believers present offered their services to go to the groups as teachers and try to bring them to assembly status.

Other believers offered themselves to go to groups whose number was more than half of that required for the formation of an assembly. Thus groups at Abbottabad, Montgomery, Nawabshah, Mirpur Khas, Gujranwala, and Mustang were assured of becoming assemblies at the next Riḍván.

Pákistán Regional Convention

The Annual Regional Convention of Pákistán was held in Karáchí on January 25-26-27, 1956, in the presence of 17 delegates from the different centers of Pákistán.

Among the resolutions were the following:

The Karáchí Local Spiritual Assembly should endeavor to persuade believers to spread the Cause in Pákistán, and open new centers to the Faith.

Seven publications are to be printed in Urdu and widely distributed in Pákistán.

Various means for the dissemination of Bahá’í literature may be adopted.

A program of public lectures should be drawn up, with one lecture to be delivered in each important center each month.

The Press should be utilized, and regular articles submitted to the newspapers.

Books dealing with scientific and spiritual proofs of the Faith may be compiled and published.

Most appropriate speeches were made by the delegates, and the many resolutions showed the spirit of ardor that prevailed at the convention.

Burma Regional Convention

The important Regional Convention of Burma was held on December 25-26-27, 1955, and was attended by 20 delegates representing all the Bahá’í centers of Burma except Mandalay.

Among the important decisions made at the convention were the following:

Pioneers should open centers at Hmawbi and Yamethin. Two pioneers were named who were prepared to undertake this task.

Suitable booklets and pamphlets should be translated and printed in the Burmese language.

Greater advantage of the Press should be taken in the propagation of the Cause.

The Local Spiritual Assembly of Daidanaw was commissioned to form Local Spiritual Assemblies at Kungyangoon Hmawbi on April 21, 1956.

The Kyigon Assembly should explore the possibility of opening centers at Ka-bo, Boo-Gyi and Wetto.

The dissolved assemblies of Moulmein and Syrian to be revived.

Attempts to be made to create Bahá’í groups at Prome, Toungoo, Bassein, Pegu, Shwebo, Maymyo, and Akyab.

The convention revived the spirit of faith in the simple and sincere hearts of these Burmese believers.

Panchgani School

The National Spiritual Assembly has announced the opening of a new school year at 'the New Era School in Panchgani, India.

This school is now in its twelfth year of operation. It is housed in five buildings, and is surrounded by a large tract of land. Year-round activities are conducted under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly.

There are several children seeking admission who are in need of financial assistance, according to the Assembly.

Bahá’í Community of Bergen, Norway.

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A group of the friends of Mogadiscio, Somali, are pictured at the left on the occasion of the visit of the first declared Somali Bahá’í. He is a Bravanese, and is holding the Greatest Name. To his right is the first Mogadiscio believer of pure Somali race.

Pictured at the right are those who attended the first Bahá’í Summer School at Mogadiscio on December 24 through 26, 1955.

All the new Somali Bahá’ís who attended took an active part, giving excellent talks. Two contact also attended, and one later declared himself.

Canada

TELL ACHIEVEMENTS IN SAMOA, ICELAND

Canadian Bahá’í News, published by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, has announced several newly won goals under their jurisdiction:

“The friends in Samoa joyfully announce the enrollment of the first native believer there, Mrs. Lotoa Rock. Lotoa’s husband, Emmanuel Rock, joined the Faith in Samoa just prior to the beginning of the Ten Year Crusade, and held the goal for some time before the arrival of other pioneers.

“Marguerite Allman of Hamilton. formerly a pioneer in the Queen Charlotte Islands, is en route to Iceland and expects to arrive there about February 21.”

Iceland

The Canadian New Territories Committee Bulletin has printed the first letter received from this pioneer to Iceland, which is excerpted here:

“Just arrived at my hotel in Reykjavik (February 21, 1956), quite weary from the long plane trip. Mr. Danielson, the Hotel Manager, has been most kind to me, I’m sure God is working through him.

“Today he took me for a ride around the city. It is really quaint and spotlessly clean. No papers or rubbish strewn around. Everything is so peaceful and happy here. Saw people swimming in the open in the winter, also saw a small geyser, the university, airport, etc. He also found me a place to live, one room, with a lady doctor. She is about my age.

“There is a salmon and trout stream nearby within walking distance of where I will live, and plenty to paint. The mountains are beautiful. The houses and building are well kept-up, well painted (white) and well made, mostly all frame and cement.

“Took a walk about 3 P.M. in search of food, and what a time I had! (Just before leaving, I read the Tablet of Ahmad). I just kept going in and out of stores. saying ‘Hello,’ which is the same here, and then I would say ‘Milk’ or ‘Bread,’ and they’d hunch their shoulders and on I’d go. Right about then I was ready to take the next plane home!

“But I kept on going, and finally a nice young man said, ‘Can I help you?’ and I replied, ‘You sure can, and I’d be most happy if you would.’ So back we went to all those stores and bought a bit in each store; milk one place, bread another, and so on. He bade me farewell and said, ‘You are a very brave lady.’

“Little does he know the supreme help I’m receiving. Maybe some day 1 can tell him—I hope so.’

Baranof

Canadian Bahá’í News also published a letter from Dean Fraser, the pioneer on Baranof Island.

“Greetings from the ‘Rock’, otherwise called Mt. Edgecumbe. This former Government defense installation originally had so little soil, people used to carry it over by the sackful from Sitka on Baranof Island. Many places still have little soil, and grass does not grow well.

“As for my work, I have about 1000 regular hospital patients and students attending Mt. Edgecumbe High School. I have a very capable young doctor, just out of Columbia University, to assist me. We have two young ladies, former students, to help us. I also have a training course for dental assistants.

“Our patients and students are Eskimo, Athahascan, Haida, Thlinget, Tsimshian and Aleut. One, of course, cannot by regulations speak of religious matters, but opportunities to do so occur now and then.”

Correction

BAHÁ’Í NEWS for April published pictures of the Local Spiritual Assemblies of Ottawa, Ontario, and Winnipeg, Manitoba, on page 11. Regrettably, the captions were transposed.

The correct date of incorporation of the Ottawa Assembly is May 12, 1955.

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U.S. HOME FRONT

“The mighty and laudable effort exerted, by a considerable number of pioneers, in the course of the opening phase of this world-encircling Crusade, in the virgin territories of the globe, must, if this primacy is to remain unimpaired, be increased, doubled, nay trebled, and must manifest itself not only in foreign fields where the prizes so laboriously won during the last twelve months, must, at whatever sacrifice, be meticulously preserved, but throughout the entire length and breadth of the American Union, and particularly in the goal cities, where hitherto the work has stagnated, and which must, in the year now entered, become the scene of the finest exploits which the homefront has yet seen.”

—From Shoghi Effendi’s American Bahá’ís in the Time of World Peril, July 23, 1954.

The Intercontinental Teaching Committees charged with the responsibility of accomplishing the goals in Europe, in Asia, in Africa, and in the Western Hemisphere, through the nature of their functioning remain in direct touch with those pioneers who have arisen to serve under their aegis. We have all been thrilled at the reports these committees have shared with us from time to time.

The American National Teaching Committee, on the other hand, once a pioneer has found his place in the Home Front Crusade, relinquishes the joy and inspiration of this direct contact to the proper Area Teaching Committee so that the work may be assisted through the appointed channels and grow more swiftly. We need the aid of every believer in the United States to bring victory to the World Crusade on the Home Front — through participation in the teaching work, in dispersal, and through the support of prayers. We know so many are achieving much that we do not hear of individually.

In these few columns we want to share with you the story of the courage and faith that has contributed to the establishment of seven brilliant centers of light on the Home Front, raising virgin cities, or cities settled by a single Bahá’í when the Crusade began, to the hope, and possibly to the realization of an Assembly by April 1956.

—AMERICAN NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE

Sparks, Nevada

For six years Sparks, Nevada had but one Bahá’í, Jane Ward, who made her declaration on Naw-Rúz, 1948, under the jurisdiction of the then Regional Teaching Committee of Northern California and Nevada.

After years of prayerful waiting, three settlers came to Sparks on August 24, 1954 from Mill Valley, California: Marjorie Torres, Stanley and Billie Brackett. Shortly afterward, Norma Gimlin and Charlotte Nelson arrived from Hollister, California on November 11, 1954, Marguerite Meyer arrived on January 16, 1955 from Alaska and Laverne Anderson on August 1, 1955 from California.

Through concentrated teaching efforts, firesides and study classes, Laurel Arata became a Bahá’í on December 20, 1955.

April 21, 1956 will be the highlight in the life of the Bahá’í who has waited and prayed these many years for an Assembly in Sparks.

Davenport, Iowa

Davenport has achieved a membership of ten adults and one youth almost entirely by internal growth, stimulated and assisted from without. For eight long years a group of two had existed in Davenport, which was chosen as a goal city. Miss Zella Smull and Miss Carrie Ridenour, taught by Mrs. Struven, had been this faithful nucleus. With the impact of the spirit released by Bahá’u’lláh for this World Crusade, waiting souls were stirred. Dr. and Mrs. Hugh Chance, as far back as 1945, had heard of the Faith in Sydney, Australia, when guests of Stanley and Marietta Bolton. In 1953, the Boltons, en

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route to the Convention, Temple Dedication, and the Stockholm Conference, visited in the Chance home, and aroused new interest in the Faith. The spirit was in motion, and the Chances began serious study. The Area Teaching Committee sent teachers, the study continued; the Chances were enrolled in the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. In January, 1955, came the first attempt at regular firesides, and this sincere effort put forth brought the promised confirmations. Mr. Arthur Petzoldt spoke at the first public meeting given by this group, in November, 1955, and followed with conferences for those interested. Mrs. Moffett visited Davenport, and held a seminar. All activity has been confirmed, resulting in the gradual enrollment of the number sufficent for assembly status.

This has been a collective group activity: members attending Area Conferences, the National Convention, and supporting all group activities. The activity must continue, since they are working with 25 interested contacts at this time. They are singularly fortunate in that many of their contacts are students in a professional school attended by nearly 1000 students, at least 120 of whom come from outside the United states. This group can serve the Home Front, and at the same time build strength in foreign goals.

Fort Worth, Texas

A virgin city when the Crusade began, a Spiritual Assembly is now functioning vigorously in Fort Worth.

The photograph shows the present Spiritual Assembly of Fort Worth. While others have shared in the original work of pioneering in Fort Worth, and have since left this community, the work is steadily increasing. The present nine, upon formation last April, dedicated themselves to the establishment of the New World Order in Fort Worth, and resolved to devote their efforts toward individual contacts and the development of these contacts towards membership. While personal contact work, firesides and public meetings have been regularly scheduled and supported, the Assembly has also set aside time for its members to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Writings.

In the past Bahá’í year they have held three public meetings, nine informal fellowship meetings, and numerous firesides in homes. Children’s classes and deepening classes have gone forward weekly. They have had five opportunities to speak before non-Bahá’í organizations. Lengthly articles have been printed in the local press in support of display ads placed in their advertising columns — a majority of them in the Fort Worth Mind, a local Negro paper. The paper accorded frontpage coverage to some of the articles given them, and the Negro radio station has cooperated by making radio announcements for public meetings. Other local stations also accorded this support. This is a community which should grow rapidly to the point where it may fulfill another of the Crusade goals — that of becoming incorporated.

Provo, Utah

Mr. and Mrs. Alan McCormick were the first pioneers to the virgin goal city of Provo, Utah, which they settled in August, 1954. Nineteen months later this act of Faith has been rewarded by the gift of a potential assembly to he formed April, 1956.

This group has followed the healthy pattern of growth from within, augmented by assistance from further settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bell, and Mr. and Mrs. John Conkling have settled in Provo to further the progress of the Crusade on the Home Front, and the other members of this anticipated assembly, Mr. Bob Sanders, Miss Sandra Couch and Mr. Phil Bartholomew, have enrolled due to the teaching activities of this group.

The McCormicks found joy in pioneering, through the necessity of making new friends; they found doors opened through cooperation of the newspapers. They joined Toastmaster and Toastmistress clubs, and the Red Cross Volunteer Services at the State Mental Hospital, seeking out through activity and service to meet those, in Provo, who might be “waiting souls.”

When other pioneers arrived to assist, the work began to bear fruit. Regular firesides began with the same people attending regularly.

There is a trained teacher in the group now, experienced in social work and child psychology. With six young children in the group as a nucleus, the establishment of classes for children was a natural step. Non-Bahá’í children are attending; the parents are becoming interested, and one has just completed preparation for membership. Others are completing study for enrollment. Here is a group that has had tangible experience of the fulfillment of the promises of Bahá’u’lláh to “those who will arise.”

[Page 16]16

MAY, 1956

Roswell, New Mexico

The history of the Roswell Group goes back to 1950, when Mrs. Elizabeth Darreff, a believer from Philadelphia, moved there. Alone, though with generous periodic help from the Albuquerque Assembly, she fed the flame of the Faith until the Ten-Year Crusade was well under way.

Late in 1954 Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hart were able to close out their affairs in Central New York and move to Roswell. A few months later Mr. and Mrs. Fred Simmons left Albuquerque to join the growing group. In the fall of 1955 the impetus of the Crusade brought Mr. and Mrs. P. R. Meinhard from Brighton, N.Y., and Mrs. Elinor Kepfer from Lima, Ohio.

Needing only one more believer to reach assembly status, the group is praying fervently that the lack will be filled before April 21, to give Roswell a full-fledged Bahá’í community.

San Jose, California

For many years, Mr. Walter Pappelbaum was the only Bahá’í in San Jose, which was chosen as a goal city.

Mrs. Clara Meyer, of Geyserville, California, moved into San Jose as a pioneer in 1954, and a few months later, Mrs. Adrienne Reeves, of Los Angeles, California joined her. Confirmations followed, and other settlers began to join these first pioneers to San Jose, and of these, still remaining at their posts in San Jose, are Mrs. Eva McAllister and Mary Spivack, from Los Angeles, Val Sage, from Oregon, Mr. and Mrs. James Morgan, from San Luis Obispo, and Creadell Haley, of Los Angeles.

The group also had assistance of youth members studying at San Jose State College—Miss Helena Somer-halder, and Mr. Eugene Gallant.

Members of this group have overcome health problems, severe financial difficulties, and the distress of separation from their families while their husbands have been delayed in receiving job transfers to San Jose, but are rejoicing together that the Assembly will be achieved in April, 1956.

Santa Ana, California

Between January and October, 1955, six believers had arisen to settle this virgin city: Mrs. Viola Hodgson, Mrs. Mabel Perry, Miss Jessica Perry, Mr. Kenneth Rutan, Mrs. Martha Ann Rutan (youth) and Mrs. Steffes.

While it is unlikely they will achieve assembly status by April, 1956, confirmation will surely be theirs by 1957.

In cooperation with the small adjoining groups of Corona del Mar and Costa Mesa, they have given musical evenings, observed United Nations Day, World Religion Day, and the Bahá’í Holy Days. They have presented a series of talks, with visiting speakers, presenting the subject of Progressive Revelation under the head of “Nine Basic World Religions,” and have maintained regular study and deepening classes at all times. Thirteen public meetings have drawn attendance varying from 13 to 28. Six contacts are reading seriously at this time. Their latest activities were an Intercalary Day party, attended by 18, and an equally well attended observance of Naw-Rúz.

[Page 17]BAHA’I NEWS

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NATIONAL NEWS

DURHAM, SEATTLE REPORT INTERRACIAL WORK

The Bahá’í Interracial Teaching Committee has released reports on the interracial activities of two communities, Durham, N. C., and Seattle, Washington.

Durham

In Durham, initial contacts were made among the faculties and students of the Negro College and the two universities of Durham and Chapel Hill, as well as other organizations, by attending meetings and lectures.

The three local newspapers were approached, and friendly contacts established with the editors. Several stories about the local Bahá’í group resulted.

On holidays students from other cities and continents were invited for dinner at the home of the Bahá’ís. Haiti, Formosa, Liberia, and Indonesia were among the nations represented by the foreign students.

A beautiful room at Duke University was secured for the observance of World Religion Day, where for the first time colored and white could attend a Bahá’í meeting. Forty five attended, including 14 Bahá’ís from Durham and other towns, and 19 new Negro contacts. The program embraced a talk, slides, music, refreshments and fellowship.

On March 6 and 7, Mrs. Margery McCormick, a member of the Auxiliary Board, visited Durham. A luncheon and a fireside were arranged, and 25 contacts, Negro and white, heard with interest her inspiring message.

Naw-Rúz was observed at the Van Sombeek home by 15 interracial contacts and 5 Bahá’ís. There was a buffet supper, music, readings from the Bahá’í Writings, and a discussion period.

Frequent fellowship dinners are planned for Negro and white together, for the first time in Durham.

Seattle

The Seattle Bahá’í community, over a year ago, obtained use of the Eastside Branch of the YWCA as a base for community activities, in-

Local Spiritual Assembly of Quincy, Ill., incorporated on February 8, 1956.

cluding the Bahá’í Holy Day observances. The Eastside Branch is staffed with Negroes, and serves the minority district.

The outstanding event of this year was a program on February 12 called “Spotlight on Negro Achievement.” Publicity was secured in the local Negro press, by announcements mailed to churches, and by extending personal invitations to contacts. About 100 people attended the meeting; three-fourths of them were Negro who had been attracted by the newspaper publicity and church announcements.

There was music by a Negro chorus, a symposium on Negro achievement in literature, science, music, and social endeavor presented by members of the Negro community, none of whom were Bahá’ís and an appreciation of Louis Gregory, Hand of the Cause, by Helen Wilks.

Because the whole program was planned and carried out as a service to the Negro community, and not primarily as an advertisement of the Faith, it appeared to have a tremendous impact.

INDIAN CONFERENCE HELD AT LOS ANGELES

An American Indian Teaching Conference was held at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on April 7. The Los Angeles Local Spiritual Assembly was host.

All the Bahá’ís of Southern California were invited to participate in this conference, the first on the subject of reaching, teaching, and serving the ever increasing number of Indians in the city.

The American Indian Service Committee is prepared to plan and conduct other conferences in cooperation with any community or area that would welcome such an opportunity for consultation on one of our country’s great unfinished tasks.

“FORMATIVE YEARS OF FAITH” STUDIED IN SAN FRANCISCO

The San Francisco, Calif., community has been conducting a series of classes on “Thirty Years of the Formative Period of the Faith.”

A special feature was the showing of the films of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on his visit to America in 1912, and the playing of recordings of his voice. At this meeting, the class of inquirers was also invited, for a joint party given by the leader, Dr. Mildred Nichols.

To give the community the benefit of the class’ work on the Formative Period of the Faith, several members of the class will relate the outstanding events as chronicled in The Bahá’í World volumes at several future Feasts.

This information should help to familiarize the friends with the records and illustrations contained in these books, and to indicate the world-wide scope of the Faith.

[Page 18]18

MAY, 1956

MONTHLY REPORT ON WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET

Third Year

National Baha’i Fund

1955-1956

As of April 15, 1956

Where we should be:

$529,000.

Where we are:

$354,000.

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

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

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

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

November 15 - December 15 ..$27,000

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

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

February 15 - March 15 ........$35,000

March 15 - April 15 .........$26,500

Total ...............$354,500

Accumulated deficit as of April 15, 1956 ..........................$174,500

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

REVEAL FUTURE PLANS OF COMMITTEE ON QUESTIONNAIRES

Expanded activities are planned by the National Committee on Bahá’í Questionnaires for the future, according to a committee announcement.

These plans will include the following:

1. Creation of a new type of questionnaire card which will not be mailed, but used by local Bahá’ís at public meetings to stimulate local follow-up and response.

2. Initiation of an accelerated program of periodic mailings to all assemblies informing them of latest plans, and soliciting their aid and cooperation in the consideration of new ideas.

3. Development of a constructive follow-up technique that will help all assemblies and individual Bahá’ís to secure confirmed and resolute new members from those indicating a basic interest.

4. Coordination of the efforts of this committee, at all times, with the entire teaching and proclamation program of the National Spiritual Assembly.

During the past year, this committee sent out 7,025 questionnaire cards. Of these, 4,450 were “Announcement Cards,” and 2,575 were the “Double Card” type.

MAUI ENJOYS 4 DAY TEACHING PROGRAM

Maui, Hawaii, is normally “off the beaten track” as far as visits from itinerant Bahá’í speakers is concerned. Therefore, the four day visit of Mrs. Florence Mayberry, member of the Auxiliary Board, had a tremendously stimulating effect on the entire Maui Bahá’í community.

Mrs. Mayberry and her son, Michael, arrived on the island of Maui on March 1, 1956. On hand to greet them were a group of Bahá’ís and a press photographer from the Maui News. One of the pictures he took was published in the newspaper two days later.

Mrs. Mayberry spoke at noon that day before the Kiwanis Club in the town of Wailuku on “World Government.” She was introduced by one of Maui’s leading Congregational ministers.

That evening, at the Feast of ‘Ala’, the community gained much inspiration from her message from the Hands of the Cause, and from her remarks on the Faith.

On March 2, Mrs. Mayberry appeared on the regular 15 minute monthly Bahá’í radio program on station KMVI. She was interviewed by a local Bahá’í on the subject “What Does a Bahá’í Believe?”

In the evening, the Maui community had arranged a public meeting at Kahului on the subject, “One World Faith.” There were 29 present, including 16 non-Bahá’ís.

The next night, March 3, a fireside was planned, at which Mrs. Mayberry showed slides of Canada, Alaska, and the Haifa Shrines. The news of the work by pioneers in Alaska was most inspiring to the Maui friends, and served to bring them closer, in spirit, to their Bahá’í co-workers in that region.

March 4, Mrs. Mayberry traveled to the western side of Maui, to the town of Lahaina, for a public meeting in a public school.

The Maui community, through their efforts, obtained considerable newspaper and radio advertising, both free and paid, for these various meetings. They believe that the efforts of Mrs. Mayberry and the members of the community brought a great deal of prestige to the Faith. and increased the public’s recognition of the Cause on Maui.

[Page 19]BAHA’I NEWS

19

SEMINAR TEACHING USED IN FOUR COMMUNITIES

The seminar method of Bahá’í teaching was used with success in four communities during the months of February and March.

Whitefish Bay, Wisc., presented Mrs. Florence Mayberry, member of the Auxiliary Board, from March 25 to 29; Waukesha, Wisc., featured Mrs. Vivian Fellows during the week of March 4; Fargo, N. D., March 4 to 14, and Sioux Falls, S. D., February 23 to March 3, conducted classes by Mrs. Ruth Moffett.

In each community the pattern of activity was similar: daily classes of concentrated study, public meetings in the evening, radio and television publicity and interviews, and newspaper advertising and publicity.

The results of these seminars indicate increased activity and interest in the Bahá’í message, and the securing of many new contacts. Total attendance figures are impressive.

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

Anchorage and Anchorage Recording District, Alaska, held a joint Naw-Rúz observance, beginning with a dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a party at the Hazíratu’l-Quds, with singing, games, and refreshments. There was good interracial attendance, with over 40 Bahá’ís and guests present.

The Albuquerque, N. Mex., community has arranged for free TV time every second Sunday over station KOAT-TV. The time will be used for 15 minute panel discussions on the Faith.

Los Angeles, Calif., Child Education Committee gave a Naw-Rúz party for all children of Bahá’ís on March 21 at 11:00 A.M. Each child brought an inexpensive present to exchange with a gift brought by another child. Games and refreshments were provided, with the celebration planned to give the children a better understanding of this Bahá’í holiday.

Naw-Rúz in Kansas City, Mo., was observed with a public meeting at the YWCA. The program included a talk and readings by Mrs. Margaret Ruhe, a film on South America, refreshments, and a social hour.

Newly incorporated Local Spiritual Assembly of Memphis, Tenn. They state, “Becoming an incorporated Assembly is quite an event, and we are happy about it.”

AREA NEWS BULLETINS

The East Central States Area Teaching Committee announces in their Bulletin a series of meetings to be held on May 6, at which delegates to the National Convention will report on the proceedings while the spirit of the convention is still with them. Cities scheduled are Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and South Bend, Ind., Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, Mansfield, Cincinnati, Lima and Warren, Ohio, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Battle Creek, Flint, Lansing, Muskegon, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo, Mich.

A Blue Ridge Conference Committee meeting was held in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 4 to discuss future plans. This year the Blue Ridge Conference will be held on August 25 to 28. This information is included in the Bulletin for the South Atlantic States. Also reported is a large meeting held at Orangeburg, S.C., on February 12. Over 500 people heard Dr. William Tucker give the Bahá’í message at the New Mount Zion Church at two meetings that day. The pastor of this church is deeply interested in the Faith. That same day, at once Lincoln’s Birthday and Race Relations Day, Mrs. Van Sombeek spoke to a group in another church in the same city. Bahá’ís of Orange County and nearby towns gathered at Orlando, Fla., on March 11 for a public meeting with Allen McDaniel as speaker. St. Petersburg, Fla., has had an active season, with weekly study classes, and a public meeting on March 25.

ANNOUNCE TEMPLE OBSERVANCE FOR DECLARATION OF THE BÁB

The Temple Worship Committee has announced the order of the program for the Anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb on May 22, 1956:

8:15-9:05: Public Meeting in Foundation Hall.

9:15-9:30: Devotions in the Auditorium.

PUBLICATIONS

Living Today For Tomorrow’s World. (A Junior‘s Book of Religion.) By Marguerite True. The material covers the Prophets, the new laws for the nations and for the people of the world, and questions and answers (with spaces for additional comments), as contained in the previous edition of A Junior’s Book of Religion, with a few revisions. Illustrated with several drawings by Jean Hutchinson. This is a printed (not mimeographed) book, with colorful stiff paper cover. 24 pages.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$.75

New Editions

Bahá’í World Faith. Selected from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This new edition Contains an introduction by Horace Holley which will add greatly to the value and understanding of this compilation of Bahá’í Sacred Writings, particularly for its placement in public and university libraries. This book offers the student of religion a compilation of Bahá’í Writings which, in

[Page 20]20

MAY, 1956

one convenient volume, discloses their universal ranges of themes, their direct application to modern life and their incomparable spiritual power. Here is a World Bible revealed for men of all races and lands. 465 pages, bound in cloth.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.50

Bahá’í World Faith. (Deluxe Edition). A few copies remain of the genuine red leatherbound, gold-edged edition of this work prepared especially for the Centenary of 1944. This is a beautiful gift item.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00

The Chosen Highway. By Lady Blomfield. A new printing is now available on this treasured collection of intimate stories surrounding the lives of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Their families. Contains photographs of the Master, Bahíyyih Khánum, and the author, Lady Blomfield. Bound in blue cloth with blue and white jacket.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.75

Reduced Price

The Spell of the Temple. By Allen B. McDaniel. The Publishing Trust has acquired the remaining stock on this title from the original publisher and is thereby able to offer a 20% reduction in price.

This is the only publication we have which gives a detailed story of the Temple. The National Public Library Committee highly recommends this for library presentation. The story is told by one who was intimately concerned with the Temple from the original dream to completion of the structure, and it will interest not only the many thousands who have already come to the Temple to visit or to worship, but to those who have not yet caught a gleam of what a dawning universal age has in store for mankind.

96 pages, cloth, jacket illustrated with Temple photo.

Per copy (reduced price)....$2.00

Foreign Literature

The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh. (Russian).

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .85

The Renewal of Civilization (Norwegian). By David Hofman.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .60

Available from

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEASTS

May 17—‘Aẓamat (Grandeur)

HOLY DAYS

May 2—Twelfth Day of Riḍván

May 23—Declaration of the Báb

(on May 22, at about two hours after sunset)

(Holy Days and Anniversaries celebrated at the Bahá’í House of Worship are open to the public. The public meeting will be held in Foundation Hall, beginning at 8:15 p.m. and the devotions will be held in the Auditorium upstairs at 9:15 p.m. The meeting is held on the evening of the day preceding the anniversary date.)

May 29—Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh (at 3:00 pm.)

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.

MAIRIAGES

“Glory be onto Thee, O my God! VeriLY, this my servant and this Thy maid-servant have uathered 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 road through Thy bounty and grace . . .”

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Cleveland, Ohio: Dr. Irma Brown to Mr. William C. Ashley on February 5, 1956.

IN MEMORIAM

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

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Mrs. Grace Card

Lake Worth, Florida

Date not reported

Mrs. Zorayeh Hutchinson

Los Angeles, California

February 4, 1956

Mrs. Edith M. Hill

Cleveland, Ohio

March 4, 1956

Mr. William Schend

Kenosha, Wisconsin

March 6, 1956

Mrs. Jennie M. Burdick

Sebastopol, California

March 11, 1956

Mrs. Grace La Rue Hamilton

San Mateo, California

March 12, 1956

Mr. John H. Linfoot

San Francisco, California

March 15, 1956

Miss Beatrice Irwin

San Diego, California

March 22, 1956

Mr. Frank Ashton

Monterrey, N.L., Mexico

March 22, 1956

CORRECTION

Mr. James Erickson

LaCrescenta, Calif.

January 13, 1956

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 item and phowgraphs as general interen 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 data or 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.