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No. 305

BAHA’I YEAR 113

JULY, 1956

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“Strive, That Ye May Truly Recognize and Know Him”

Beloved Friends:

Almost every person has some interval during the day when he is free from duty or outside obligation. These are the moments or hours when we feel “free” to do what we please.

Some people spend these intervals in complete relaxation, perhaps listening to radio, watching television, reading a newspaper, or just nothing at all. Many Bahá’ís cherish these intervals as opportunities to read prayers or go over passages in Gleanings or Some Answered Questions.

But all human beings undergo tests, usually at unexpected times, calling for one’s utmost capacity for courage, patience, self-sacrifice and wisdom, or compelling the individual to arrive at some crucial decision.

Bahá’ís understand the purpose and vital importance of tests. Tests come to measure us by the Divine standard and make us realize that our own self-created standard falls far short of the supremacy of the Faith. A test is like a crossroads we meet on our journey. We must make a turn right or left, and the directions are not marked, or we must turn back whence we came.

Decision is a great mystery. The final outcome of the struggle or perturbation seems to come from some depth or height of being beyond our conscious awareness. We note the outcome by a strange feeling of elation, gratitude, humility, discouragement, or remorse.

Perhaps we can realize something about decision if we view it as a final and inevitable outcome of forces we have released over a long period. The seizure of free periods for enraptured prayer or reverent study of the Word — these are building a will within our will — and at the crucial instant this takes control of our destiny and gives us the fruits of victory. Conversely, when a person, to the amazement of those who know him, makes an evil decision, it may be that this is the result of the influence exerted by the succession of his wasted moments when, without pressure from without, he indulges his secret self.

Since decisions determine our destiny, let us make effort to create the good, the holy decision before we are summoned to judgment, by devoting our so-called “free moments” or “spare time” to the remembrance of Him Who is the Remembrance of God.

These years of World Crusade offer continuous challenges to all Bahá’ís. A spiritual challenge compels a decision even if we think we have evaded the issue for ourselves. For what we can do with Divine help determines our right decision in the face of challenge. What we do not do is the sign of our negative decision.

Surely it is a most hopeful and helpful door opening into the spiritual life to know that actually we are called upon to make little daily decisions rather than occasional overwhelming ones. For when we bring the Faith into our daily life like an intimate Friend, we can be certain that this dearest Companion will guide us and encourage and help us when the great ordeal confronts us.

Take this very day. Let each Bahá’í calmly pick it up and look at it. “Have I used the daily Prayer? Have I displayed a real Bahá’í spirit in my encounters with others? Have I attended the meetings which were scheduled for today? Have I pondered over the Guardian’s Convention Message as a challenge directed to myself? Have I read even a little from the Literature?”

Did not Bahá’u’lláh tell us to “examine our deeds each day,” and do we not begin to realize the divine Mercy in that advice?

Beloved friends! We are all urgently called to return to the first and simplest truths of the Faith, that the foundation of our daily effort may be securely laid in the Kingdom as in human existence.

Here are a few brief passages from Gleanings which bring light and love.

“O ye lovers of the One true God! Strive, that ye may truly recognize and know Him, and observe befittingly His precepts. This is a Revelation, under which, if a man shed for its sake one drop of blood, myriads of oceans will be his recompense.” (pp.5-6).

“Whatever duty Thou hast prescribed unto Thy servants of extolling to the utmost Thy majesty and glory is but a token of Thy grace unto them, that they may be enabled to ascend unto the station conferred upon their own inmost being, the station of the knowledge of their own selves.” (pp. 4-5, referring to prayer).

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“The whole duty of man in this Day is to attain that share of the flood of grace which God poureth out for him.” (p. 8).

“Bend your energies to whatever will foster the education of men. Nothing is, or can ever be, hidden from God. If you follow in His way, His incalculable and imperishable blessings will be showered upon you.” (p. 9).

“Verily I say, this is the Day in which mankind can behold the Face, and hear the Voice, of the Promised One. The Call of God hath been raised, and the light of His Countenance hath been lifted up upon men.” (pp. 10-11).

“It is incumbent, in this Day, upon every man to place his whole trust in the manifold bounties of God, and arise to disseminate, with the utmost wisdom, the verities of the Cause." (pp. 13-14).

“Look not upon the creatures of God except with the eye of kindliness and of mercy, for Our loving providence hath pervaded all created things, and Our grace encompassed the earth and the heavens. This is the Day whereon the true servants of God partake of the life-giving waters of reunion . . .” (P. 33).

“He Who is everlastingly hidden from the eyes of man can never be known except through His Manifestation, and His Manifestation can adduce no greater proof of the truth of His Mission than the proof of His own Person.” (p. 49).

“Having created the world and all that liveth and moveth therein, He chose to confer upon man the unique distinction and capacity to know Him and to love Him — a capacity that must needs be regarded as the generating impulse and the primary purpose underlying the whole of creation.” (p. 65).

“Led by the light of unfailing guidance, and invested with supreme sovereignty, They (i.e. the Manifestations) are commissioned to use the inspiration of Their words, the effusions of Their infallible grace and the sanctifying breeze of Their Revelation for the cleansing of every longing heart and receptive spirit from the dross and dust of earthly cares and limitations.” (p. 67).

“Through the Teachings of this Day-Star of Truth every man will advance and develop until he attaineth the station at which he can manifest all the potential forces with which his inmost true self hath been endowed.” (p. 68).

“God’s purpose in sending His Prophets unto men is twofold. The first is to liberate the children of men from the darkness and ignorance, and guide them to the light of true understanding. The second is to insure the peace and tranquility of mankind, and provide all the means by which they can be established.”” (pp. 79-80).

““These are not days of prosperity and triumph. The whole of mankind is in the grip of manifold ills. Strive, therefore, to save its life through the wholesome medicine which the almighty hand of the unerring Physician hath prepared.” (p. 81).

When we make such words intimate and familiar by our love for them, then the great objectives of the Ten-Year Plan swing into the horizon of our own spiritual landscape, and we eagerly reflect upon what new things we can do for the Faith of God. He lays no burden on us beyond our capacity to bear!

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

“Faithful, Consecrated Handmaid of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”

The National Spiritual Assembly reports that the Guardian has sent the following cable after learning of the passing of Mrs. Louise M. Gregory:

“Grieved news passing faithful, consecrated handmaid (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Confident rich reward Kingdom. (Her) pioneer services highly meritorious.”

—SHOGHI

Cable received May 29, 1956.

.WLV. 1756

ANNOUNCE COMPLETION OF BAHÁ’Í WORLD VOL. XII

The new volume of The Bahá’í World, which Went into production January, 1956, is now ready for distribution. Volume XII, covering the four momentous years of 1950-1954, contains approximately 1,000 pages and includes such events as the Bahá’í Holy Year and Jubilee events, dedication of the Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette, Illinois, the four great intercontinental conferences, completion of the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa, Israel, and the launching of the World Crusade and accomplishments of the first year of the Ten-Year Global Teaching Plan. A beautiful four-color frontispiece of the Shrine of the Báb and over 300 other photographs, many of them full-page in size, illustrate this book.

Front and back cover pockets of the volume contain six large supplementary maps and charts, several in color, depicting goals of the World Crusade, movement of Bahá’í pioneer teachers to goal areas, and the spread of the Bahá’í Faith throughout the world.

The Bahá’í World is the only permanent record of current Bahá’í achievements throughout the world and is the chief source of information for keeping informed of the constant, steady development of the Bahá’í World Community.

Bahá’í individuals and communities will find it interesting and inspiring to read the Guardian’s letter in Bahá’í Administration (pages 156, 157) concerning these volumes. The following statement is excerpted from that letter:

“ . . . it [The Bahá’í World] stands unexcelled and unapproached by any publication of its kind in the varied literature of our beloved Cause. It will, without the slightest doubt, if generously and vigorously supported, arouse unprecedented interest among all classes of civilized society.”

The price of the book is $15.00. (It shipped outside the US. and its territories add $.75 postage).

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Martyrdom of the Bab

“O thou Remnannt of God! I have sacrificed myself wholly for Thee; I have accepted curses for Thy sake; and have yearned for naught but martyrdom in the path of Thy love. Sufficient witness unto the is God, the Exalted, the Protector, the Ancient of Days!”

Words of the Báb, in Kitáb-í-Íqáán, p. 231

Shrine of the Báb on the slopes of Mt. Carmel at Haifa, Israel.

The events leading up to this “miraculous tragedy,” as Shoghi Effendi terms it, are described in detail in the pages of The Dawnbreakers and God Passes By: His arrest, incarceration, humiliation, and torture, climaxed by death and mutilation before a firing squad of over seven hundred soldiers and ten thousand onlookers.

Of greater importance than the physical events surrounding this persecution and martyrdom of the Prophet or God, is the inner significance of the Báb’s consent to be martyred. He was not the victim of this savagely, but the Victor; He died voluntarily, sealing with His life the covenant of universal brotherhood.

As the declaration or the Báb was the generating impulse that created a new world, His martyrdom was the catalyst that quickened the life all this creation, that it might remanifest itself “in the shape of a still more compelling Revelation.”

Here is a Divine Mystery, the power of sacrifice. Bahá’u’lláh, writing of the Báb, stated, “He craved martyrdom, saying: ‘Methinks I heard a Voice calling in my inmost being: “Do thou sacrifice the thing which Thou lovest most in the path of God, even as Ḥusayn, peace be upon him, hath offered up his life for My sake?” And were I not regardful of this inevitable mystery, by Him, Who hath my being between His hands even if all the kings of the earth were to be leagued together they would be powerless to take from me a single letter, how much less can these servants who are worthy of no attention, and who verily are of the outcast . . . That all may know the degree of My patience, My resignation, and self-sacrifice in the path of God.’ ” (Íqán, pp. 231, 232)

Here, moreover, is indubitahle proof of the immortality of the soul. Bahá’u’lláh has written, “How could such Souls have consented to surrender themselves unto their enemies if they believe all the worlds of God to have been reduced to this earthly life? Would they have willingly suffered such afflictions and torments as no man hath ever experienced or witnessed?” (GL, p. 158)

Finally, here is a demonstration oi the invincibility and the unity of God, for the Báb, although martyred, reappeared as Bahá’u’lláh. Shoghi Effendi asks us to “regard the Forerunner and the Founder of our Faith as identical in reality — a truth which the text of the Súriy-i-Haykal unmistakably affirms. ‘Had the Primal Point (the Báb) been someone else berlide Me, as ye claim,’ is Bahá’u’lláh’s explicit statement, ‘hurl lwrl attained My presence, verily He would have never allowed Himself to be separated from Me, but rather We would have had mutual delights with each uther in My Days.’ ‘He Who now voicelh the W anl of God,’ Baha"u’lla’li again affirms, ‘is none other except the Primal Point Who hath once again been made manifest.’ ” (D.O.B., pp. 46, 47)

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INTERCONTINENTAL COMMITTEES

ARCTIC PIONEER REPORTS HARDSHIPS

Trials and confirmations experienced in pioneering above the Arctic Circle at Point Barrow, Alaska are described in a letter from Frances Wells, distributed by the Geneva Bureau News Exchange. Excerpts from this account follow.

“As you recall, our beloved Guardian instructed the Alaskans back in 1946 ‘to carry the Message beyond Fairbanks and nearer to the Arctic Circle.’ With this in mind Margaret and I talked it over, and as a result we now have a Bahá’í home in Barrow in ‘Knob Hill.’ It is a two room cabin belonging to a school teacher who is living at Barter Island. When we first saw the place, we shut our eyes in horror. No electricity, no hath, no furniture, no stove, no closets, no running water. One big hole in the roof, and dirty! It was the only house in Barrow, so we took it, but fast!

“Now that it is fixed up it doesn’t look too bad, and many speak how cozy it is. But there is one thing of liking the little house, and another of trying to live in it. I use a coal stove to cook on, as wood is a scarce item and very costly up here. So it is either too hot or too cold. In subzero weather I had to set my alarm every two hours through the night to keep it going. Finally it got the best of me; then Rex King sent me a small oil heater which I set up in the room where I sleep. The little thing worked like a charm until the temperature dropped to 40 below, and during the last cold spell when it was 45 and 50 degrees below I hardly slept trying to keep warm. But now it is better. I have since learned to cut the oil with kerosene, and thus far—and it is 40 below today,—the little stove is still going.

“My next problem is the water situation. We chip ice from the Arctic ocean and melt it. Believe me, it takes a heap of ice to make a gallon of water! I have two 50-gallon drums in the kitchen part of the house which I feed constantly, so the chores of chopping wood chipping

The Bahá’í pioneer to the Frisian Island of Sylt, with the first declared believer of the Frisian Islands, North Sea.

ice and keeping the house warm are a full time job.

“When I came here I thought I would have a lot of time on my hands to study and read, but the days and nights are far too short. The electricity is so bad I have to use a flashlight whenever I read even a letter. The coal mine supplies our electricity, and when the motors freeze up we have no juice.

“Margaret tried desperately to get a teaching job here, but met with no success and had to leave last August. In the meantime I found a job as secretary to the Manager of the Barrow Native Store. It is quite an experience to work with people of another language, and who think so entirely differently. The Barrow Native Store is a corporation owned and operated by the natives.

“There are about 1200 Eskimos living here. We have only about three hours of daylight now, and the past week it has been moonlight. There are no trees or mountains, and the Arctic Ocean is frozen solid. All one can see is ice and snow, and more ice. The ground is frozen solid. My little house sits on top of an ice block, and as the ice shifts it sounds like someone is hitting the house. Sometimes it makes an awful noise.

“Alaska is really developing! Groups and centers are springing up everywhere: Valdez, Seward, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka. It is thrilling to watch the Cause grow, and when I look back over the years I have been here I am grateful for the blessing of being able to offer a helping hand. Just think, next year we will establish our own National Assembly. Can you possibly Come to Alaska for this occasion?”

NEW ASSEMBLIES FORMED IN NORTH PACIFIC

Among the new countries electing local Spiritual Assemblies for the first time this year are two in the North Pacific: Formosa, with its first Assembly formed in Tainan; and Korea, with first Assemblies elected in Kwangju and Seoul. Already plans have been made for a summer conference in Kwangju the second week in July and for extension teaching in a number of other centers.

Japan, which Will be the seat of the National Spiritual Assembly to be elected in the North Pacific next April, achieved a real victory by increasing its local Spiritual Assemblies fourfold over last year, making a total of eight. The cities now having Assemblies in Japan are: Tokyo, Amagasaki, Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Yokohama, Nishinomiya, and Nagoya.

When the National Spiritual Assembly is formed during Riḍván 1957, it will include in its jurisdiction, in addition to Japan, Korea, Formosa, Hongkong, Macau and two areas still unopened to the Faith, Hainan and Sakhalin Islands.

Djakarta Conference

As an important step in preparation for the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly in South East Asia next April, the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pákistán and Burma has called a regional teaching conference to be held in Djakarta, August 15-17, to which traveling Bahá’ís as well as delegates will be most welcome. Detailed information as to reservations and program can be supplied on request to the Asia Teaching Committee of the United States.

—ASIA TEACHING COMMITTEE

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Dedication of Hazíratu’l-Quds at Montevideo Precedes Sixth South American Convention

The Sixth Convention of the Bahá’ís of South America was held at Montevideo, Uruguay, on April 27 to May 2, 1956. The newly elected National Spiritual Assembly of South America is shown to the right; below are pictured the delegates to the Convention.

On the night of April 26, 1956, members of the National Spiritual Assembly, and delegates and visitors to the Sixth South American Convention gathered for the ceremonies dedicating the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds at Montevideo, Uruguay, shown at the right

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Canada

ANTICOSTI SETTLED BY PIONEER

The last Canadian virgin goal, Anticosti Island, was opened to the Faith on April 18, 1956, by a Canadian pioneer, the Canadian National Assembly’s Bahá’í News has announced.

The Bulletin of the Canadian New Territories Committee has published first letter received from Anticosti:

“Greetings from Anticosti! I am loving the island and already am making a few friends. My heart goes out to all the hard-working friends and pioneers.

“Walked along the shores of our half-frozen lake, logs jamming the shores, high snowbanks gradually melting, leaving dry, brown grass, dark green wind-swept spruce touched with a rusty color at the edges, and a gloriously lighted sky, sunset in full splendor. Yes, this is a lovely island!”

Bahá’í News emphasized “While Anticosti is our last goal to be opened to the Faith, we must not forget our three goals which have been opened and have become vacant - Keewatin, Franklin, and the Marquesas Islands. Many jobs at excellent pay are available in Keewatin and Franklin, and the (New Territories) Committee would be happy to send complete information to any men wishing to pioneer to these goals. For the Marquesas we require a Bahá’í with French citizenship.”

CANADA ACQUIRES HAZÍRATU‘L-QUDS

Thursday, May 10, 1956 was a very important day for the Canadian Bahá’í community, their publication, Bahá’í News, reports, for on that day the building at 274 Huron St., Toronto, was acquired as their Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

The Center is now available for use, and the matter of suitable furnishings and equipment for the National Office and auxiliary meeting rooms is under consideration.

This acquisition was made possible by contributions from the Guardian. the National Assemblies of the British Isles and Germany, the Canadian believers, and a bequest, upon his death, by Fred Schopflocher.

LAURENTIAN SUMMER SCHOOL ANNOUNCES COURSES

The Laurentian Bahá’í School, Beaulac, P. Q., has issued its summer school program, listing classes from July 21 to August 5. Three teachers will conduct study courses for each of the two weeks.

Further information may be obtained by writing to Mr. R. Thomson, 845 Willibrord, Verdun, Quebec.

CANADIAN SHRINES COMMITTEE EXTENDS INVITATION

The Canadian National Shrines

Committee invites the friends to visit the Shrine at 1548 Pine Ave. W., Montreal, when traveling through the city. The Shrine is open to Bahá’ís and their friends every Wednesday night from 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. A small library is provided for quiet study and a host or hostess is always present to answer questions.

The Master’s room on the second floor is kept open for visitors and a pamphlet has been prepared to inform visitors of the dates and the response to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Montreal in 1912.

Germany, Austria

HANNOVER ACHIEVES ASSEMBLY STATUS

The National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria, through their publication Bahá’í Nachrichten, has announced that Hannover attained Assembly status, with 11 members.

This was made possible with the arrival of Persian settlers.

Bahá’í Nachrichten also reports that Ulm is able to retain Assembly status through the settlement of Persian friends there.

The National Assembly has urged that the following Assemblies be incorporated: Berlin, Bonn, Ebingen, Frankfurt/M, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, and Stuttgart.

Bahá’í World Youth Day was observed at Karáchí, Pákistán, on March 25, 1556, by this large gathering.

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KAMPALA CONVENTION ELECTS REGIONAL NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF CENTRAL AND EAST AFRICA

The British National Assembly convened the Convention of the Bahá’ís of Central and East Africa at Kampala, Uganda. The following report on the proceedings is by a British representative at the Convention.

About eleven o’clock on the morning of April 23, Mr. Hasan Balyuzi and myself arrived at the scene of the Convention, not, as expected, at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Kampala, but at a large meeting hall called the Budonian Club at Mengo on the outskirts of the town, almost under the shadow of the Kabaka's Palace. This was because that historic great circular tent of the 1953 Conference, which had once again been erected in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds grounds, had suffered in one of the torrential downpours frequent at this time, so that it was no longer adequate to stand up to the rainy season.

Jurisdiction Explained

Inside the meeting hall were row after row of black faces listening to what looked like a geography lesson, being delivered by Mr. Hassan Sabri. Hanging on the wall was a magnificent map of Africa, showing very clearly the boundry lines of the areas of jurisdiction of the four regional National Spiritual Assemblies to be elected in Africa, and the Bahá’í localities within each.

The assembled crowd of African gentlemen were delegates, mostly from Uganda, who were being instructed once again about the Convention, what role was theirs, and how they were to fulfill it. Our entry terminated that session by a change of subject, and shortly afterward we were carried off to our temporary home.

Unity Feast

The opening Unity Feast was not due to be held until 4:30 P.M. Somewhat later than the due time, all were assembled, this time under the tent in the heart of Kampala, because it was a brilliant, sunny afternoon.

All the African friends were seated on chairs or on straw mats, observing the utmost decorum and an awed silence as of great expectancy.

Mr. Hassan Sabri opened the Feast with words of welcome with the eloquence and dignity due on such an auspicious occasion, and then introduced Mr. Hasan M. Balyuzi, Chairman of the British National Spiritual Assembly.

He recalled the first meeting under the same tent in the same place three years previously, in such a way that all could glow with the pride of an achievement unprecedented and unforeseen by even the most prophetic three years ago.

Mr. Balyuzi’s talk then related the bounties and the miracle of the guardianship, whose utterance is synonymous with achievement. Amid a general feeling of happiness and joy the first meeting came to an end with refreshments.

Convention Opened

On Tuesday morning, April 24, 61 delegates and about 30 visitors, 13 being non-African, were suitably seated so that delegates occupied all the front benches and visitors the

back ones, with an Ateso speaking block on the left, and Swahili, Luganda, and French speakers on the right, all supplied with translators placed at vantage points. These necessary translations were made simultaneously throughout‘

From the more distant territories outside British East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika), from the Seychelle Islands, from the Belgian Congo, and from Ruanda Urundi, the delegates had arrived. Two from Zanzibar, one from Ruanda Urundi, and one from French Equatorial Africa, with several from Kenya and Uganda, were unfortunately unable to be present.

The Convention was opened, the roll of delegates was called, and each received his badge and souvenir program. Then the Convenor read the letters from the British National Spiritual Assembly, the Africa Committee, and the Uganda Teaching Committee.

A prolonged period was then devoted to the election of Convention Chairman and Secretary. The former, Mr. Ali Nakhjavani, received a majority vote only on the third ballot. and the latter, Mr. Phillip Hainsworth, a majority vote on the second ballot.

Mr. Ali Nakhjavani had to explain with apologies that he and Mr. Banání had been instructed by the Guardian to take part also in the Cairo Convention, which was being

Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Zurich, Switzerland, incorporated on August 10, 1955.

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held simultaneously, and as soon as plane reservations could be made they would have to depart. Therefore, the steering committee decided to elect immediately a Vice-Chairman to deputize for him from the moment of his departure, The voting resulted in the election of Mr. Aziz Yazdi as Vice-Chairman.

Greetings From Delegates

The Chairman next explained the significance of the necessary approval by delegates of the agenda, and then one delegate from each territory mounted the platform to give greetings.

Some of these were delightful and touching, as when, for example, we heard of members of the Usumbura Community of Ruanda Urundi, who saw their delegate off at the airport weeping tears of emotion, and yet giving him “hon courage” for his journey.

The afternoon of that first day of the Convention was devoted to the messages of the beloved Guardian, presented by Mr. Banání, Hand of the Cause, through Ali Nakhjavani as interpreter.

After this, Mr. Banani told us that he had in his possession a bottle of attar of roses which had been sent through the Hand of the Cause, Mr. Paul Haney, with which the beloved Guardian wished him to anoint everyone present at each of the four Conventions.

After Mr. Balyuzi had responded to the Chairman’s invitation to say a few words and had pledged, as authorized by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles, the utmost support and help in their power in the years to come, Mr. Banání circulated personally amongst all present to anoint each one with the precious attar of roses from the Guardian. In reverent silence all took this into palms cupped together.

At this juncture a committee was appointed to prepare a cable to the Guardian, and while this was being considered, the official photographs were arranged.

On re-assembling, the cable was read and approved, and then the Secretary spoke on the importance of suggestions and recommendations on the part of the delegates, and indicated some valuable lines of thought along which they might work overnight.

First Local Spiritual Assembly of Nicosia, Cyprus.

Progress of Faith

Wednesday morning’s program opened with the reading of the article published in the newspaper, from an interview given the day we arrived in Kampala. The Chairman then spoke on Africa’s role in the Seven Year Plan. He said that there are 58 countries in Africa where the Faith is established. Only four are left without Bahá’ís, but these have been opened.

On the other hand, four additional islands outside the Plan, Fernando Po, Croscia, Pemba, and Praslin of the Seychelles group have been opened.

Twenty-six of all the African languages have been completed, leaving five still to be accomplished, the translation of Bahá’í literature has been done in 11 additional languages, so that with the 13 already in existence before the start of the Ten Year Plan, there is literature on the Faith in 50 languages.

Later, and in the first part of the afternoon also, delegates gave reports of the situation and needs in their territories.

Election of Assembly

After a little break came the culminating point of the whole Convention — election hour. Mr. Balyuzi spoke on the importance of the election, and the Bahá’í method of voting. He explained the function of the six tellers who had been appointed, and how they would assist delegates in need of help in Writing their ballots, if necessary. He closed by asking the Chairman to read a prayer for guidance.

The six tellers from among the visitors, three non-Africans each with an African assistant to cope with the vernacular languages, took up their positions at tables in a small room behind the meeting hall, to serve both as information bureaux, and scribes where necessary.

An atmosphere of serious earnestness was everywhere apparent, in both rooms, on the verandah, and under the trees, wherever delegates found the most inspiration to perform the task to which they now obviously were putting their whole hearts and minds.

Complete control and orderliness prevailed for the succeeding half hour. Voting papers were handed in as names were called, which, when counted, totalled sixty-nine.

While the tellers repaired immediately to the home of the Sabris to count the votes, the remainder of those assembled were taken again to the tent in the grounds of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for a viewing of the cloak of Bahá’u‘llah. After an introductory talk by Mr. Balyuzi and the reading of the Tablet of Visitation, Bahá’ís entered the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds one by one to see this most precious relic.

Meanwhile, at the end of two and one half hours of concentrated activity, it was established that a fine strong National Spiritual Assembly had been elected, consisting of the three Board Members of the area, and six pillars of the Uganda Com-

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Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Saigon, Vietnam, 1956.

munity, an Assembly of four Africans and five pioneers, as follows: Ali Nakhjavani, Philip Hainsworth, Hassan Sabri, Oloro Epyeru, Aziz Yazdi, Jalál Nakhjavani, Tito Wanantsusi, Sylvester Okurut, and Max Kenyerezi.

Assembly Introduced

The last day of the Convention opened with the announcement of the election results, and the new National Spiritual Assembly ascended the platform. Letters of congratulations were read.

The remainder of the morning was devoted to discussion of suggestions from the delegates for the guidance of the Assembly. Response here was remarkable and fruitful, and resulted in the Secretary’s tabulating 49 recommendations, of which 34 became embodied in resolutions discussed and accepted. It seemed indeed as if the delegates were activated by a true spirit of cooperation, and many excellent and worthy suggestions pertaining to the organization of the work ahead under the Seven Year Plan was a source of inspiration and good augury for the future.

It revealed indeed a tremendous progress in both the spiritual and administrative development of the African Bahá’ís during the three years which have elapsed since the Intercontinental Conference, and it proved their readiness to get down to work with determination and without delay, and that communities possess member with a gratifying sense of responsibility and leadership.

Closing Session

The last session was devoted first to suggestions from visitors, and then to discusssion of the Bahá’í Fund, its extreme importance being most simply illustrated by the Chairman, who used the analogies of a child who has now grown up and should not expect to be any longer dependent upon its parents, and of the blood stream to the heart, which keeps the body functioning, making absolutely clear that what is really important is the element of sacrifice for love of the Faith.

Finally, Mr. Balyuzi made the closing speech of the Convention, a vote of thanks was moved by the Chairman and Secretary, and just at the precise moment that the closing prayer was about to be read, Mrs. Nakhjavani arrived with the following cable from the beloved Guardian:

“OVERJOYED PROFOUNDLY APPRECIATE SENTIMENTS SHARE HOPES ASSEMBLED FRIENDS FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING UNPRECENTED BLESSINGS CONFIDENT GREAT VICTORIES AHEAD. URGE COMPLETE DEDICATION ATTAINMENT OBJECTIVES NEW PLAN. DEEPEST LOVE.

——SHOGHI

Sadly but triumphantly the Convention was closed, the map rolled up and the Greatest Name taken down. All were transported to the tent in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds grounds for the concluding garden party, an occasion to which contacts had also been invited. Darkness fell upon one of the greatest of Bahá’u’lláh’s miracles—the unity of mankind in a gathering of loving harmony and fullest cooperation.

—IRENE BENNETT

PERSIAN GULF AREA GAINS 3 ASSEMBLIES, 3 GROUPS

A report has been received from Baḥrayn that this Riḍván three new Assemblies and three new groups have been added to those already established in the Persian Gulf area.

GUATEMALAN HAZÍRATU’L-QUDS LOCATED IN GUATEMALA CITY

The report of the inauguration of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Guatemala, in the May issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, erroneously stated that the Center was at Retalhuleu. It is situated in Guatemala City.

The World Youth Day picnic pictured in the June BAHÁ’Í NEWS, captioned San Jose, Calif., was from San Jose, Costa Rica.

WORDS OF WISDOM

The source of all good is trust in God, submission unto His command, and contentment in His holy will and pleasure.

BWF,140

The source of all glory is acceptance of whatsoever the Lord hath bestowed, and contentment with that which God hath ordained

BWF,140

True reliance is for the servant to pursue his profession and calling in this world, to hold fast unto the Lord, to seek naught but His grace, inasmuch as in His hands is the destiny of all His servants.

BWF,141

[Page 10]10

JULY, 1956

Pomona Valley Festival of Faith at Claremont, Calif., April 22, 1956, with six world religions, including the Bahá’í Faith, participating in a “Service of Prayer for Peace and for Divine Guidance to the United Nations.”

NATIONAL NEWS

BAHÁ’Í REPRESENTED AT FESTIVAL OF FAITH

six world religions, including the Bahá’í Faith, took part in the Pomona Valley Festival of Faith at Bridges Auditorium, Claremont, Calif., on April 22, 1956.

Charles Wolcott, Vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, represented the Bahá’ís in this “Service of Prayer for Peace and for Divine Guidance to the United Nations.”

Other religions participating included the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and Moslem faiths.

Guest speakers at the festival were Gov. Goodwin J. Knight of California and Dr. K. C. Wu of Evanston, Ill., former governor general of Formosa.

An interracial, interfaith choir of 150 persons sang before the audience, estimated at over 2500 people.

Spokesmen for each of the six religious faiths presented a call for prayer and meditation, and a resolution endorsing world peace and the United Nations.

The Bahá’í prayer was by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, beginning “O Thou compossionate Lord! Thou who art generous and able.”

A statement of the Bahá’í National Assembly was presented as the Bahá’í resolution, as follows:

“Bahá’ís believe that the World of humanity for a hundred years has been undergoing a great transformation, the end and aim of which is to establish a new order of justice and peace.

“The outer witness to this transformation is the rise of science and technology which abolish all old frontiers dividing the peoples and nations. The inner sign is the emergence of a new spirit in religion which recognizes that the Prophets all reveal the love of God for man and the possibility of love between men without distinction of race, nation, class, or creed.

“The final barrier is the existing conflict between spiritual and materialistic concepts of man himself. The appalling struggles resulting from this conflict have been prophesied as the final experience of suffering and purification, after which true peace can be established. The modern crisis has manifested the dire need for a universal religion.

“The Author of the Bahá’í Revelation, Bahá’u’lláh, has written: ‘That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common Faith.’ ”

Gov. Knight called attention to California’s harmony as an illustration that “the people of all colors, all national origins, all political beliefs, all religious denominations, and all stratas of material wealth, can live peaceably together.”

An appeal for world peace was given by Dr. Wu, who urged that the Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations be observed.

Newspapers in the surrounding area gave widespread publicity to this Festival, both before and after the meeting. One prominent article was devoted to the invitation extended to the Bahá’í Faith to participate in the ceremony, as further evidence of the public’s recognition of the Faith as an independent world religion.

This Festival of Faith, patterned after the San Francisco Festival of Faith on June 15, 1955, in observance of the Tenth Anniversary of the United Nations, was organized by the Pomona Valley Chapter of the U.N. Association,

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YAKIMA ACTIVITIES GAIN WIDE PUBLIC RESPONSE

Yakima, Wash., is one of the home front goal cities to elect its first local Spiritual Assembly this year. The story of the rapid development of the Faith in this small western city is fascinating and inspiring. If it could be published in full it would give great encouragement to all who are considering the Guardian’s instructions to disperse from the large centers.

Mr. and Mrs. Edvard Lindstrom moved there in December, 1953, where Mrs. Emma Lawrence had been teaching the Faith for six years before leaving to pioneer in Costa Rica. In October, 1954, they were joined by Mr. and Mrs. Victor deAraujo and their two small children.

Newspaper publicity, radio programs, well planned public meetings, firesides, and personal teaching work have all been employed to tell the story of the Faith. Following are excerpts from one letter from one of the members of the Assembly. They are typical of the many that have been received. The full names of the individuals referred to have been omitted for various reasons:

“We have just had the most wonderful week-end. The J.’s came over, and Mr. J. spoke for our public meeting which was a great success. We had forty people there, including four Bahá’ís and their four contacts from Wenatchee. Some entirely new people came through the newspaper publicity. We had a question period with quite a few questions from the audience. Our public meetings seem better every time. I think it is just that the activity here is steadily gaining momentum. Many people are hearing about the Faith and there is more than casual interest among quite a number. For example, one person called me today and mentioned that her husband had enjoyed the meeting so much that he came home and started reading a Bahá’í book to her . . . .

“Yesterday one person who has attended Bahá’í meetings for more than a year brought a young woman librarian to the meeting. She told J. that a nurse from the hospital inquired at the library for Bahá’í literature some time ago. The nurse said there had been two Bahá’í children at the hospital, and she wanted to know what the Bahá’í Faith was.

“V. contacted the city editor of the morning paper last week, who said we could have the ‘This We Believe’ column for this week. We had to work fast. The by-line (carrying the writer’s name) was the editor’s idea, because otherwise it would look as if the paper had prepared the material. The article came out yesterday in both morning and evening papers and we will really have things popping now. It’s already started. All of us have had people ask questions all week just on the election of our Assembly where our names appeared in the paper.

Our contact with the Indians is probably the next thing our whole group will cooperate on furthering. We have only one intimate contact so far, but we are hoping that we can get him and his family to join us in a picnic. They have three or four small children and our children could get acquainted with them along with the adults.

“We are very thrilled with all the developments and are happy because the Faith is now beginning to be really known in Yakima. People are at least going to have the opportunity to investigate it. It is hard to imagine how different a small town like this is. Everyone reads the local newspapers and it is quite amazing how aware they all seem to be of things in the paper.”

(BAHÁ’Í NEWS welcomes similar stories from growing communities that would like to share the story of their accomplishments and progress.)

FAITH DISCUSSED ON LOS ANGELES RADIO

A nightly radio program on station KFI, Los Angeles, Calif., broadcast from 11:00 P.M. to 5:30 A.M. Tuesday to Saturday, has gained a wide audience in the Western states and from ships and airplanes with two-way discussions between the announcer, Ben Hunter, and his listeners on varied topics of interest.

Some discussions have proven so worthwhile that Mr. Hunter publishes them in a periodical called The Limb. A recent edition of this magazine reported that a book titled The Oahpse Bible belonged to “the famous Bahá’í set which has ten million followers in North America alone.”

Bahá’í community of the San Leandro-Hayward Judicial District, Calif.

[Page 12]12

JULY, 1956

A Bahá’í in the area read this report in The Limb, received permission from the proper source to correct the statements, and telephoned Mr. Hunter. He graciously broadcast her remarks, stating that the word “religion” applied to the Bahá’í Faith, instead of “sect,” as it is one of the great world religions, and that the National Bahá’í Assembly knows of no connection between the Bahá’í Sacred Writings and the so-called Oahpse Bible.

Two hours later a student of Comparative Religions telephoned. The conversation was broadcast as he read the twelve Bahá’í Principles, with comments on the statement relating to equal rights for men and women, stating that this was an important question in Írán, where the Bahá’í Faith originated. He also spoke of the provision for a universal language, naming Esperanto as one considered,

He went on to give a beautiful description of the Bahá’í House of Worship, with comments on the entrances and parts of the interior.

A call from a second listener followed, who proclaimed that his mother assisted in the start of the building of the Temple.

Before the program went off the air the announcer, in reviewing the topics discussed, again mentioned the Faith, making four times it was called to the attention of the radio audience.

BAHÁ’Í IN THE NEWS

Monterey Peninsula Herald, February 11, 1956, contains an extensive article on “Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette Is One of Today’s Architectural Wonders,” with a large illustration of the House of Worship and its landscaped grounds.

On the editorial page of Manitowoc Wisconsin Herald-Times of March 2, 1956, we note a two column article based on an interview with Mrs. Clarence Creager.

Yearbook of American Churches for 1956 gives a brief Listing of the Faith.

For two successive years a course has been given at Harvard University Center for Middle Eastern Studies in which the Faith is discussed. Excerpts from two Bahá’í books are on the reading list.

WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET

Fourth Year — 1956 - 1957

Annual Budget ..........$500,000.00

Total Requirements

May 1 to June 15 ...... 62,400.00

Total Contributions

May 1 to June 15 ...... 43,000.00

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Oklahoma Eagle, published in Tulsa, has in its March 8 issue a long and favorable article on the Faith under the heading “Bahá’ís Need No Special Week for Brotherhood.”

Consolidated Book Publishers of Chicago is preparing a new general encyclopedia and will include photographs of the Shrine of the Báb and the House of Worship.

Dr. Marcus Bach has recently spoken before the Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan on four contemporaneous religious personalities whom he has personally interviewed. One of the four is Shoghi Effendi.

Secretariat News, published at United Nations Headquarters, in its issue of January 31, 1956, included under “Invitation” an announcement of a talk by Norman Cousins at the Welsh studio, Greenwich, Conn., to be held February 5. “This is the first of a series of meetings sponsored by the UN Committee of the Bahá’í International Community accredited to UN.”

They Shall Not Hurt Nor Destroy by Mary Hostetler Murray, Vantage Press, New York, is “the story of Beth, of her husband Bill, and of their three children,” dealing with the tragedy and waste of inherent in war. It presents the Bahá’í teachings very clearly in six pages at this volume.

The Christian Century of May 23, reported the Festival of Faith held by representatives of six “world faiths” in Bridges auditorium, Claremont, California, on April 22, sponsored by various groups in the Pomona valley.

Bahá’í dates of special events in 1957 will be included in the 1957 Personal Record Book for Executives, published by The Dartnell Corporation, Chicago.

The weekly membership bulletin of the Wilmette Rotary Club, May 19, announced a program to be presented by Dr. Isaac Schour, dean of the University of Illinois College of Dentistry on “Observations While In Israel.” Dr. Schour used color slides of Israel to illustrate his talk, which included two views of the Shrine of the Báb.

Adventures in Paradise, by Willard Price, refers to two Bahá’í pioneers in the South Seas as “the mast unusual missionaries” he encountered. In talking with them he learned the

Local Spiritual Assembly of Ketchikan, Alaska. Seated at the left is Joyce Combs, the first Indian believer in Alaska.

[Page 13]BAHA’I NEWS

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basic Bahá’í teachings and described them in his book.

A transcript of the weekly Sunday night broadcast over American Broadcasting Company Stations, by George E. Sokolsky, April 15, 1956, was devoted to the subject of The Middle East. In his remarks about Israel Mr. Sokolsky said, “There is a Ministry for Religious Affairs which has separate departments for the Jewish, Moslem, Christian, Druse and Bahá’í communities.”

Britannica Book of the Year 1956, recording events of 1955, under the general heading of “Religion” (page 593) made this reference to the Faith: “In Írán the persecution of Bahá’í continued. It will be remembered that Bahá’í had its origin in Írán as an outgrowth from Islám. For several years pressures had been brought against it in the land of its birth.”

The Willett Motor Coach Company, Chicago, has published a Field Trip Guide announcing the tours which can be arranged. The Bahá’í House of Worship is listed as one of the tours.

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust has received a number of press clippings of a book review syndicated by The Associated Negro Press throughout the country. The review deals with Race and Man, compiled by Maye Harvey Gift and Alice Simmons Cox, published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

“One of the most complete compilations giving the solution of the

Bahá’ís attending the Tri-Slate Conference at Fargo, N. Dak., on May 19-20. North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska were represented at the meeting.

race problem as outlined by recognized authorities in scientific and sociological fields is found in Race and Man. . . .”

“Religious leaders, public speakers, students of current affairs, world relief agencies and organizations working for interracial cooperation, will find Race and Man one of the best compilations in print today offering a solution to the race problem, with spiritual teachings on the unity of the human race as expounded by Bahá’u’lláh, the most extraordinary spiritual figure and the greatest progressive produced by the 19th century; ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, his eldest son, who lectured in 39 cities of the United States in 1912, warning of race wars, religious conflicts and world upheavals; and Shoghi Effendi, present Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, who resides at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel. . . .”

The New England Journal of Medicine in its May 3, 1956 issue discusses editorially the National Academy of Religion and Mental Health.

Among the statements of partic . lar interest to Bahá’ís we quote:—

“The thought that science and religion agree has permeated contemporary society. Just as there are scientific laws, so too, there are spiritual laws, each of which is revealed to man according to man’s capacity to find it.”

“In this ever-evolving, maturing civilization man is slowly realizing that he has the right to investigate truth independently.”

“The great pacifist, Tolstoy, wrote: ‘The man who holds the key to the universe is a Persian named Bahá’u’lláh.’ ”

World Book Encyclopedia on June 6 telegraphed the National Assembly requesting data for use in that Encyclopedia. The information desired covered the number of countries in which the Faith is represented, the number of its local centers, the number of its national administrative bodies and of the local Assemblies in the United States.

“Movie Pair to Wed in Bahá’í Rites” was the headline on a Hollywood dispatch appearing in Chicago American, June 6, above a photo of Janet Lake. “Robert Dix, actor-son of the late film star Richard Dix, and MGM starlet Janet Lake announced plans for one of the most unusual wedding ceremonies in Hollywood history this month.

“Dix said: ‘We want to have a Bahá’í marriage. We both are followers of the faith.’ ”

As reported in the Lima, Peru, newspaper on May 17, Professor Arnold Toynbee’s talk given at the San Marcos University contained the following statement:—

If we observe the course of history in relation to the high religions instead of to the civilizations, we can come to the conclusion that progress in religious matters has been continuous. Since the first appearance, around 2,500 years ago, of the societies of the high religions, there

Newly formed Local Spiritual Assembly of Eugene, Ore.

[Page 14]14

JULY, 1956

has always been a certain number of high religions existing simultaneously at the side of each other. We have today at least eight. They all claim, with the exception of Bahá’íísm, to be the only way, truth and life.”

“. . . If. . . all of humanity would become converted some day to one religion, then the world will have become unified in the fundamental plane of human life.”

AMERICAN INDIAN NEWS

Since first contact was made with the nearby Lummi Indians in the fall of 1954, the friends of Bellingham, Washington, have developed increasing friendly relations with members of this tribe, including the son of the chief and his family. Indian friends have attended public meetings and firesides, cooperated in the presentation of a school program on Indian subjects, and participated in Intercalary Days celebrations.

When two small Indian villages on the Lummi reservation were flooded following early winter rainstorms, the Bahá’ís were the first to go to the aid of distressed families with clothing, bedding and food for material assistance and prayer books for spiritual. The story of the deepening friendships between the Bahá’ís of Bellingham and their neighbors the Lummi Indians seems to the Committee to reflect a fine blend of service, friendliness, and teaching. Results are sure to follow.

Loving welcome is extended to Francis La Quier of Minneapolis, Minnesota, enrolled by that Community recently and becoming the first of the Chippewa tribe to become a Bahá’í.

Mr. and Mrs. Foster Mudd, pioneers on the Macaw Reservation at Neah Bay, Washington, write that there is a real need for a physician to serve the needs of the Indians, who must at present go some distance to receive medical care. There is also a position open for a teacher of music in the elementary school. Both of these posts offer real fields of service for Bahá’í pioneers. The American Indian Service Committee would be grateful to hear from those who might qualify for either position and share the encouraging word of a recent enrollment among the Indians of this reservation.

Bahá’ís and their friends at a fireside in Silver Spring, Md.

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES

Albion College, Albion, Mich., requested a Bahá’í representative to speak on the Faith on May 2, 1956. Lester W. Long, of Coldwater, Mich filled the engagement and reported that it was a thrilling experience, with a warm response from the student body.

The day began with a Chapel talk before about 700 students at 10:00 A.M. A class at 2:00 P.M. for 12 students brought forth many questions showing an appreciation of the Faith from the brief summary given them.

At 3:00 P.M. a class on Bahá’í Literature for 25 students was scheduled, but there were so many questions that there was little time to discuss the literature.

Later in the day a second Chapel talk was given, together with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prayer for mankind. This program was broadcast over the local radio station, WALM.

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

A Bahá’í settler in Mobile, Ala., has placed Bahá’í pamphlets in the bus stations, airport, beauty parlor, and the Air Lift, which services hospitals throughout the world.

A Bahá’í program was arranged for the Townsend Hall Club No. 2 of Fort Collins, Colo. on May 14th by the local Bahá’í representative. Gilbert Grassley, a student at the Colorado A. and M. University, gave a talk on the History of Religion, and showed slides of Bahá’í subjects.

Burbank, Calif. reports a weekly radio program Sunday evenings on KBLA, and good newspaper publicity in the Burbank Daily Review and the Burbank Independent.

The Los Angeles, Calif. community schedules ten weekly meetings, according to their publication, The Bahá’í Journal. Included are Adult and Children’s Classes and a Public Meeting at the Bahá’í Center, a fireside for youth, and seven additional firesides.

The series of firesides on Progressive Revelation given by the Stockton, Calif. community is being followed by a new series on the social teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

Flint, Mich., observed the anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb with a meeting coinciding with a radio broadcast of “A New Interpretation of History” on station WBRC. There were ten radio spot announcements and seven newspaper articles relating to this observance.

The Declaration of the Báb was observed in Maui, Hawaii, with a buffet dinner, followed by a talk illustrated with slides on “Haifa, A Name to Remember,” given by a local non-Bahá’í who had recently returned from a visit to the Bahá’í World Center.

A New England Youth Conference was held at Brown University. Providence, R.I., May 5-6. The topic chosen for discussion was “Organization.” The next conference has been tentatively scheduled for September 18, with the location still to be determined.

[Page 15]BAHA’I NEWS

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AREA NEWS BULLETINS

Pendleton, Oreg., was the scene of a two day teaching venture on March 24-25. according to the Northwestern States Area Bulletin. On Saturday evening there was a party at the home of the Merlin Youngs; Sunday there were three seminars for Bahá’ís and their contacts. Subjects of the seminars were (1) “The Bahá’í Faith — The Need for this Faith.” (2) “The Bahá’í Faith ; Its Use,” (3) “The Bahá’í Faith — Its Destiny and Ours.” Also reported in the Bulletin was a very successful lntercalary Day Party at Kirkland, Wash. Attendance totalled 130, including 54 contacts. There was music, slides of world-wide Bahá’í activities, a group of Makah Indian girls, and Chinese rice fortune cakes inscribed with Bahá’í quotations.

Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo., has asked the Area Teaching Committee for the South Central States to send a panel of speakers and discussion leaders to discuss the Faith on the campus, the ATC Bulletin states. This request was the result of the visit of Charles Hornby, Peoria, Ill., to the Bahá’í at the University. The school is an outgrowth of Lincoln Institute, founded after the Civil War by a group of white women for the freed Negroes of the community. It now is an integrated school serving all races.

The Bulletin for the South Central States gives the following information of local community activities: Hot Springs, Ark., now has a weekly study group each week; Kansas City, Mo., plans to achieve assembly status this Riḍván; in Fort Smith, Ark., Mr. and Mrs. Winans mail a monthly calandar invitation to contacts, listing the subjects of weekly meetings; Rogers, Ark., reports lively firesides, a public meeting, and several radio broadcasts.

The group in Geneva, N.Y. reports through the Bulletin for the North Atlantic States that a local Bahá’í spoke before a meeting of 50 women at Cornell University on April 15. During the year Geneva activities included three radio broadcasts over WGVA and two public meetings, as well as newspaper publicity and advertising.

Hamburg, N.Y. held a Youth Conference on March 31 and April 1. A total of 26 youth came from Jamestown, Lakewood, Buffalo, Eden, and Niagara Falls, and from Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.

An Area Workshop Conference on Prayer and the Covenant was held at St. Louis, Mo., on June 16-17, the South Central States Bulletin announces. The booklets Institute on the Covenant and Administration and Do’a, The Call to Prayer were used in the round table discussions.

The Tennessee Valley States Area Bulletin states that a total of 35 firesides and four public meetings were held in Louisville, Ky., during the past year. In addition, the local Teaching Committee, working with teachers from Nashville, Tenn., have been doing extensive individual work.

The National Youth Committee will hold a Youth Conference at Green Acre Bahá’í Institute, Eliot, Maine, on June 30 and July 1, preceding the opening of the summer season there. The first two weeks of the school will be “Youth Weeks,” the New England States Area Bulletin reports.

The Stamford, Conn., community has planned picnics for June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22, to bring the friends together for study and fellowship.

Burlington, Vt., reports excellent publicity for their bi-monthly meetings through the newspapers and radio. Contacts have been gained through both mediums.

Window display at the Cleveland Trust Company, Euclid, Ohio, in observance of World Brotherhood Week, February 19-25. Bahá’ís throughout the country placed many similar displays in public places to proclaim the Bahá’í principles for this occasion.

[Page 16]16

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The Bulletin of the North Central States reports that Bahá’ís of the Black Hills Area have recently completed a study class on the Will and Testament, and are now beginning on the Kitáb-í-Íqáán.

PUBLICATIONS

The Bahá’í World, Vol. XII, 1950-1954. Contains nearly 1,000 pages of text and over 300 illustrations including beautiful, four-color frontispiece of the Shrine of Báb and six large supplementary maps and charts, four in color. Covers the Bahá’í Holy Year and Jubilee events, dedication of the Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette, completion of the Shrine of the Báb, the Four Intercontinental Conferences, and many other of the most significant events in Bahá’í history. Bound in midnight blue.

Per copy (mailed within the U.S or territories) $15.00

Per copy (mailed to any point outside the U.S.) $15.75

Bahá’í World Community Map. One of the supplementary maps from Bahá’í World XII available separately, showing countries opened to the Faith through April 1954. This map, clearly printed in black and red with bright red border and large heading “Bahá’í World Community,” will be very useful for display in Bahá’í Centers, in the home, and for window displays. Additional countries opened later can easily be printed in by hand for easy reference. Size 35 x 23 (mailed folded to 9 X 12).

Per Copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$ .50

Ten Copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$4.00

Available from

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

NEW ADDRESS FOR BAHÁ’Í PRESS SERVICE

Clippings, requests for press service materials, and other matters relating to Bahá’í Press Service activities should now be addressed to: Bahá’í Press Service, 434 Thomas Avenue, Rochester 17, New York.

BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP

Visiting Hours

Weekdays:

10:30 A.M.—4:30 P.M.

7:00 P.M.— 9:00 P.M.

Sundays and Holidays:

10:30 A.M.—9:00 P.M.

(Auditorium only will be open in the evenings)

Service of Worship

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

National Bahá’í Addresses

NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS:

536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.

NATIONAL TREASURER:

112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.

Make checks Payable to: National Bahá’í Fund

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST:

110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.

BAHÁ’Í NEWS:

Editorial Office:

110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois

Subscription and change of address:

112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 13—Kalimát (Words)

August l—Kamál (Perfection)

HOLY DAY

July 9—Martyrdom of the Báb

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

July 20, 21, 22

MARRIAGES

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

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Reno, Nevada: Mrs. Marjorie Ethel Torres to Mr. Albert R. Torres on May 12, 1956.

IN MEMORIAM

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

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Mrs. Maria Pilkington

Portland, Oregon

April 13, 1956

Mr. J. Fenwick Bush

Washington, D.C.

May 5, 1956

Mrs. Grace M. Fleckenstein

Portland, Oregon

May 10, 1956

Mr. George W. Reed. Sr.

Seattle 99, Washington

May 16, 1956

Mrs. Louise Gregory

Eliot, Maine

May 20, 1956

Mr. James A. Kincaid

Portland, Oregon

May 27, 1956

BAHA’Í 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 at issue my which it is intended.

BAHA’I NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1956-57: Mrs. Eunice Braun, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Mr. Richard C. 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.