Bahá’í News/Issue 309/Text

←Previous

Bahá’í News Issue 309

Next→

Proofread onceReturn to PDF view

[Page 1]

---

No. 309

BAHA’I YEAR 113

NOVEMBER, 1956

---

Birth of Baha’u’llah

Glorified art Thou, O my God! Thou knowest that my sole aim in revealing Thy cause hath been to reveal Thee and not myself, and to manifest Thy glory rather than my glory. In Thy path, and to attain Thy pleasure, I have scorned rest, joy, delight. At all times and under all conditions my gaze hath been fixed on Thy precepts, and mine eyes bent upon the things Thou hast hidden me observe in Thy Tablets. I have wakened every morning to the light of Thy praise and Thy remembrance, and reached every evening inhaling the iragrance of Thy mercy.

And when the entire creation was stirred up, and the whole earth was convulsed, and the sweet savors of Thy name, the All-Praised, had almost ceased to breathe over Thy realms, and the winds of Thy mercy had well-night been stilled throughout Thy dominions, Thou didst, through the power of Thy might, raise me up among Thy servants, and bid me to show forth Thy sovereignty amidst Thy people. Thereupon I arose before all Thy creatures, strengthened by Thy help and Thy power, and summoned all the multitudes unto Thee, and announced unto all Thy servants Thy favors and Thy gifts, and invited them to turn towards this Ocean, every drop of the waters of which crieth out, proclaiming unto all that are in heaven and on earth that He is, in truth. the Fountain of all life, and the Quickener of the entire creation, and the object of the adoration of all worlds, and the Best-Beloved of every understanding heart, and the Desire of all them that are nigh unto Thee.

Though the fierce winds of the hatred of the wicked doers blew and heat on this Lamp, He was, at no time, in His love for Thy beauty, hindered from shedding the fragrance of His light. As the transgressions committed against Thee waxed greater and greater, my eagerness to reveal Thy Cause correspondingly increased, and as the tribulations deepened— and to this Thy glory beareth me witness — a fuller measure of Thy sovereignty and of Thy power was vouchsafed by me unto Thy creatures.

The prison at ‘Akká, seen from the main gate.

And finally, I was cast by the transgressors into the prisoncity of ‘Akká, and my kindred were made captive in Baghdád. The power of Thy might beareth me witness, O my God! Every trouble that hath touched me in Thy path hath added to my joy and increased my gladness. I swear by Thee, O Thou Who art the King of Kings! None of the kings of the earth hath power to hinder me from remembering Thee or from extolling Thy virtues. Were they to he leagued — as they have been leagued — against me, and to brandish their sharpest swords and most afflictiye spears against me, I would not hesitate to magnify Thy name before all them that are in Thy heaven and on Thy earth. Nay rather, I would cry out and say: “This, O my Beloved, is my face which I have offered up for Thy face, and this is my spirit which I have sacrificed for Thy spirit, and this is my blood that seetheth in my veins, in its longing to he shed for love of Thee and in Thy path.”

—Prayers and Meditations, p. 103-105

[Page 2]2

NOVEMBER, 1956

The Charter of a Divine Civilization

Beloved Friends:

The National Spiritual Assembly, in its continuous effort to assist in activating the Bahá’í Community throughout the United States, has prepared and printed a compilation, a copy of which is being sent directly to every believer.

This compilation, similar in format to The Power of the Covenant issued to the friends in July, completes the plan adopted by the NSA to place in the hands of every believer for study, meditation and discussion, the basic Message of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

The new compilation, entitled The Charter of A Divine Civilization, carries forward the great Message from the principles expounded in The Power of the Covenant to their application to humanity through the Institutions of the Bahá’í Administrative Order. The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá constitutes the Charter of this Order, the function of which is to unify mankind and usher in the Golden Age of a Divine Civilization.

This is the mystery of the Day of God, that Bahá’u’lláh both revealed the oneness of the Prophets and, through ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, provided the instruments for establishing His Revelation as the Law and Order of a regenerated humanity.

Those who recognize and accept Bahá’u’lláh recognize and accept all the Prophets before Him. Those who repudiate Bahá’u’lláh repudiate all the Prophets, including Him whom they extol and claim to obey.

Furthermore, those who accept Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, established in the Person of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, are members of that Administrative Order through which the Power of the Covenant flows, first to the Bahá’ís, and through them to the sincere members of every race, nation, class and creed.

This mystery signifies that our Bahá’í Communities and Institutions are the sole recipients and chosen trustees of the Bounty which God has destined for mankind in this age.

To ignore, to dislike, to repudiate the Institutions is to lose contact with the Bounty itself. It is because ‘Abdu’l-Bahá authorized and appointed them, with the Authority conferred upon Him by Bahá’u’lláh, that we must respect the Bahá’í Institutions and serve them with all our hearts. Outside their authority and order we behold the dark jungle which human society has become.

By what (apparently) little deeds are the great results eventually won: purity of motive in consultation; cheerful acceptance of the final decision; support of the Fund; radiance of spirit in attending the Nineteen Day Feasts and Anniversaries; ardor in participating in the success of the World Crusade; sincerity and patience in dealing with one’s fellow believers.

Unity is that condition which attracts the Divine bounties. Only in a mutual understanding of His Message can unity be achieved.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Suggestions for Baha’i Writers

The National Spiritual Assembly finds it necessary to remind the individual believers and committees who submit material for possible publication in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, The Bahá’í World,” as pamphlets, and in bulletins, that any excerpts quoted from the Bahá’í Writings must cite the authentic source and page number for each quotation used. This practice will not only save many hours of time for the Reviewing Committee or any other committees who are required to approve material for publication, but will also insure the accuracy of the quotations, which must be preserved.

It is further requested that all material intended for publication be submitted in manuscript form, typed in double space, correct and ready for the printer.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

EMPHASIZE CONTACT WITH MINORITIES IN UNITED STATES

The friends are requested to give careful consideration to the Guardian’s feeling about the matter of contacting minorities, as expressed in the following paragraphs of a letter written on behalf of the Guardian by his Secretary on July 19, 1956.

“The beloved Guardian feels that sufficient attention is not being paid to the matter of contacting minorities in the United States. A great impetus could be lent to the work in the European countries, in certain far-eastern areas, and in Latin America, if the Bahá’ís residing in the big cities and university towns would make a determined and sufficient effort to extend friendship and hospitality to students and nationals from countries where the Bahá’ís are struggling so hard to establish the Faith. They would not only have the possibility of making more local believers, but they might also increase the membership of communities abroad, by sending back Bahá’ís from the United States. This has happened already a number of times with Chinese and Japanese friends, etc., to the great advantage of the Cause.

“He feels that your Assembly should appoint a special committee to survey the possibilities of this kind of work and then instruct the local Assemblies accordingly, and in the meantime encourage the Bahá’ís to be active in this field, which is one open to everybody, as the minorities are invariably lonely and often respond to kindness much more quickly than the well-established majority of the population.”

In order to make a definite beginning on this important teaching work, the National Assembly has appointed a committee to study the possibilities and recommend how local communities and groups can effectively respond to the Guardian’s expressed desire. When the committee’s recommendations are received, the National Assembly will bring them to the attention of the friends. Meanwhile the field is open for local activities by communities and groups.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

[Page 3]BAHA’I NEWS

3

Construction Progresses on Archives Building

Erection of the Bahá’í International Archive: Building on Mt. Carmel, Haifa, had reached the stage shown in these pictures by September 1, 1956. Above is the Archives Building, showing carved crowning on the North Wall, from the Shrine Gardens.

Front view showing two of the superimposing Entablature stones.

Carved Canter Crowning for Archives Building.

Entablature of the South Wall, Archives Building.

[Page 4]4

NOVEMBER, 1956

Hazíratu’l-Quds of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

REPORT PUBLICITY ON PERSECUTIONS IN ÍRÁN

This vital case is being actively pressed through interviews and publicity. Important developments will be reported from time to time.

This report covers publicity during the past few months.

Editorial, Minneapolis Sunday Tribune, July 1; editorial, Press-Demo- bune, Santa Rosa, Calif.; London Times,July11; NewYorkTimes, July 21; Religious News Service release, July 23; Manchester Guardian, July 27, editorial; Chicago Daily News, August 4; fifteen clippings from papers using story on “UN Human Rights Chairman Deplores Bahá’í Persecution in Írán;” twelve clippings from papers using story on “Asks UN Halt Religious Persecution;” list of twenty-three papers using Bahá’í Press Service releases on persecution of Íránian Bahá’ís, May 1-July 22; UN Press Release ECO5O6/912, July 25, reporting Mr. José Vicente Trujillo’s remarks on respect for human rights, with reference to the persecution of the Bahá’í community in Írán; and Montana Standard, September 16, 1956, published in Butte.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Correction In Text of Guardian’s Letter

The letter from the Guardian dated July 19, 1956, which went out to the friends as an insert in September BAHÁ’Í NEWS, is to be corrected as follows:

P. 4, left hand column, second paragraph from bottom of page, should read: “The history of a century old Faith eloquently bears witness.”

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Will You Be There?

Your State Convention for the election of delegates to the National Bahá’í Convention in April 1957 will be held on Sunday, December 2, 1956. Make plans now to attend and participate. Information regarding place, time and agenda, and ballots will be mailed to each enrolled adult believer about November 15.

The Guardian has stated that the State Conventions “will promote Bahá’í solidarity in every state . . . and, by bringing together the believers, enable them to function more efficiently and harmoniously, and promote the work of the Cause that lies ahead.”

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

INTERCONTINENTAL COMMITTEES

PIONEERS NEEDED IN N. W. AFRICA

Challenging opportunities to teach the Faith and participate in the rapid expansion of its Administrative Order in the many countries of North West Africa are open today.

The need for self-supporting pioneers in virgin and consolidation areas is both great and immediate. For further details write to:

U. S. Africa Teaching Committee

Mrs. Sylvia Parmalee, Secretary

4700 47th St. N.W.

Washington 16, D. C.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Canada

RELIC OF MAH-KU PLACED IN MAXWELL GRAVE

The National Assembly of Canada has published in their Bahá’í News an account of a memorial service at the grave of Sutherland Maxwell in Montreal.

This gathering was held for the purpose of fulfilling the instructions of the Guardian for the placing, under the headstone of the grave, of a piece of plaster from the walls of the prison in Mah-kú where the Báb was incarcerated in 1847.

The Guardian had sent this piece of plaster enclosed in an alabaster box to the National Assembly. The Guardian pointed out that another piece of plaster from the same source had been placed under the first golden tile of the dome of the Shrine of the Báb on Mt. Carmel. The superstructure of the Shrine was designed by Sutherland Maxwell.

A simple but impressive service of prayers and readings was arranged by the National Shrines Committee.

This was followed by a brief statement on the life of Mr. Maxwell and his historic service to the Faith, especially as recalled in the Guardian’s cable at the time of his passing.

Mention was made of the period of the Báb’s ministry, during which He was incarcerated in Mah-kú, and of the special instructions of the Guardian regarding the piece of plaster from the prison wall.

The box containing the plaster was placed in a special excavation in the foundation stone under the headstone. Attar of roses, sent by the Guardian tor the purpose, was poured over the alabaster box, which was then permanently sealed with tile and cement in the foundation stone in the presence of the friends. The service closed with the reading of the Tablet of Visitation.

[Page 5]BAHA’I NEWS

5

HAZÍRATU’L-QUDS OF CANADA DEDICATED

The dedication of the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of the Bahá’ís of Canada took place at 274 Huron Street, Toronto, at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, September 30th. The meeting began with music, a devotional period, and an introduction by the Chairman, Mr. Lloyd Gardner, who read greetings from other countries and Bahá’í communities in Canada.

The Dedication Address, prepared by Horace Holley, Secretary of the American National Spiritual Assembly, and Hand of the Cause of God, was delivered by Mr. Rowland Estall, member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands for Canada.

The address reviewed the growth of the Faith in Canada since its establishment, noting the history-making services of Mrs. May Maxwell, pioneer Bahá’í of Canada; of Sutherland Maxwell, Architect of the Shrine of the Báb on Mt. Carmel; and of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, wife of the Guardian. Mr. Holley noted ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Montreal in 1912. He wrote also of the memorable services of Fred Schopflocher, called by the Guardian “The Temple Builder.”

Then he went on to describe the significance of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, its many functions as administrative

Newly acquired Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of La Paz, Bolivia.

headquarters, Secretariat, Library, Archives, and headquarters for teaching conferences and public meetings. Beyond its functions however, he wrote, is its threefold influence: first the enhancement and consolidation of the authority of the National Assembly throughout the Bahá’í community; second, the new dignity and prestige it confers upon the Faith in the eyes of the public; and third, its importance as the seat of one of the electoral bodies of the members of the future International House of Justice.

Completed Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds at Rangoon, Burma.

PIONEER ARRIVES IN NEWFOUNDLAND

The Canadian New Territories Committee Bulletin has received a letter from Suzie Pawlowska, who recently arrived in St. Anthony, Newfoundland. Excerpts from her letter are reprinted here:

“By the grace of God I have arrived at St. Anthony. So many new impressions and my exacting school activities have impeded me from writing you earlier.

“We sailed into the harbor on the beautifully sunny Sunday morning of September 2. Just outside the harbor was a leftover iceberg (my introduction to the North). It seemed to augur well for Bahá’í teaching that as we were sailing into sight of the town we were right in the midst of a discussion about the Faith. One of the teachers at the school had been in the Yukon and had heard about the Faith there.

“To tell you all about the activities here would take much too long. The most important things are that it is possible and easy to bring up the Faith, that the mission workers with whom I have talked about it seemed interested and aware of religious questions.

“You have no idea with what gratitude I am filled at these plentiful opportunities and occasions to teach the Faith. After a year at St. Pierre, where such discussions were[Page 6] as difficult to introduce as light into a blind eye, it is like being among people who can see again and being able to show them the potent life-giving source of light.

“On the school where I teach is the big sign “All Thy children shall be taught of the Lord and great shall be the peace of Thy children.” Always looking at it, I am struck anew with the Bahá’í implications of this quotation.

“As you may already know, the Mission is interdenominational, and the school is not a part of the Mission anymore, but all the workers, whether from the Mission hospital or at the school, have the wonderful quality of dedication in common.

“The spirit of Sir Wilfred Grenfell, and of his dedicated service to mankind, seems to prevade the atmosphere of the town, and especially of the house where I am staying, for it used to be his home. What better soil for the development of Bahá’í ideals!

“The opportunities for working with the Eskimos are also abundant. We intend to organize classes after school for the TB cases of Eskimo children at the San.

“I have also been asked to supervise the overflow of several older Eskimo boys from the orphanage. Visits to the Eskimo patients at the hospital are encouraged, for they are starved for companionship.

“These are just some of the things that have come up in the first week. The ability of work to be of service is such an immense privilege that, although my day begins at six and does not end ’til about midnight, tiredness seems almost completely illuminated by the joy of serving both on the human level, and for the Faith.”

Baha’i Institute at Chichicastenango Attracts Maya-Quiche Indians

The picture shove shows some of the students of the Bahá’í Indian Cultural Institute at Chichicastenango, Guatemala, with the Director, Mrs. Jennie Taylor, who does everything from teaching, nursing, and even to assisting in the delivery of Indian babies. A night class has been inaugurated for the parents of these students, who are anxious to improve along with their children. They speak Maya-Quiche, Spanish, and some English.

Top right shows the National Endowment in Chichicastenango. The Bahá’ís are fortunate in having the Guardian’s approval for the purchase or the land and a building for the Indian work. This has brought great joy to the hearts of the Indians. The property is in the center of the town on a hill, and measures half an acre of land.

Bottom right shows how happy the students of the Institute are, plowing and planting corn. Through this Institute the Bahá’í' message is carried to many of the Indians living in the mountains.

[Page 7]BAHA’I NEWS

7

Central America

FIRST TEACHING CONGRESS HELD IN MEXICO

Bahá’í News of Central America, published by the Central America National Spiritual Assembly, reports the first Bahá’í Teaching Congress of Mexico, held in Mexico City on July 23-29, 1956.

The two-day meetings for Bahá’ís were climaxed with a public meeting on Sunday evening, featuring the inauguration of the Mexico City Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

The Teaching Congress program included talks on conducting local Spiritual Assembly meetings and Feasts, the Covenant and Administration, importance of the Bahá’í Fund, the individual’s relationship to the World Crusade, and other related topics.

South America

STUDY INSTITUTE HELD IN RIO DE JANEIRO

The annual Study Institute of the Bahá’ís of Brazil took place in the lovely mountain resort of Rezende,

Bahá’ís attending the first Regional Teaching Congress at Paraguay, held in the newly acquired Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Asuncion on August 19, 1955.

midway between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, on September 7-9, 1956. Attending the Institute were four Bahá’ís from Rio and four from Sao Paulo.

The books chosen for study during the three days of the meeting were those recently published by the National Publishing Committee of Rio Janeiro: The Kitáb-í-Íqán, Renewal of Civilization, and Bahá’í Administration.

Among the suggestions made for furthering the teaching of the Faith was the formation of various language study groups, in order to cope with the diversity of languages among the newcomers to Brazil.

First Bahá’í Summer School held in Rangoon, Burma, during October, 1956.

[Page 8]8

NOVEMBER, 1956

Bahá’í pioneers of Athens, Greece, with the first mainland Greek to enroll in the Faith (front row, center). This picture was taken on the Anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb, when the new friend was welcomed into the Bahá’í group.

LETTER APPRAISES PIONEER PROBLEMS

A recent letter from Mrs. Roberta Christian, Secretary of the Bahá’í Group in Athens, Greece, tells of the enrollment in the Faith of the first mainland Greek, and then continues with an excellent evaluation of the problems and needs of pioneers everywhere.

“We do so wish that we had thrilling news to transmit more often. But we have all had to learn that there are all kinds of pioneering. The glamorous kind always makes the headlines and, we know, thrills and inspires the believers at home. The other kind is going on, too, in many places, among those of us who have had to learn the bittersweet lesson of patience and sustained steadfastness.

“Time is relative, of course; but it is extremely difficult to balance one’s eagerness against the rocky pinnacles of seemingly unscalable impediments. Under such circumstances, the pioneer learns — hard and slow — that progress is made by putting one foot in front of the other, husbanding one’s strength, never succumbing to frustration or discouragement, and keeping one’s eyes fixed upward and ahead.

“We know that the friends at home continue to pray for all the pioneers everywhere. But we hope that they do two things besides: first, that they give praise at all times for their freedom to teach and to testify, and, second, that they pray especially for the pioneers who very rarely even sip of the life-renewing draught of success.

“Those of us in this category need such assistance more than you can imagine. The weeks turn into months and the months into years, and loneliness and frustration are almost tangible enemies which it takes strength to combat. Our strength, of course, lies in our love and consecrated devotion to our Cause, and its agencies and institutions; but our human natures also need the sustenance to be found in the association with and prayers of our fellow believers.

“We can associate only in spirit, but that spiritual association surely spans the oceans and continents. And so we turn in thought so often to our memories of the radiant faces of the friends we know and love, and hope that their faces are turned also to us.”

NATIONAL NEWS

INTERRACIAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES PROGRAM

The Bahá’í Interracial Teaching Committee was established as one of the national teaching committees in 1953 when Dorothy Baker brought back from Haifa the Guardian’s message that we were failing to attract a sufficient number of Negroes to the Faith, and that a special committee must be set up to concentrate on this aspect of teaching-work.

The goal of this committee is to act as a clearing house for news, projects, and ideas that could be of benefit to all communities or individuals who need such information and assistance. It is recommended that communities appoint an interracial news representative to send reports, beginning immediately with an account of interracial activities that have been carried on between last April and the present time. Groups and isolated Bahá’ís are also urged to inform us of their work in this field.

The committee stands ready to serve in many different ways. Questions, requests for help, and suggestions are invited. Following is an outline of the interracial teaching program approved by the National Spiritual Assembly for this year. Complete details will be sent to all local Spiritual Assemblies and Area Teaching Committees, as well as to individual Bahá’ís who do not have access to them through these channels.

1. Race Amity Conferences

‘Abdu’l-Bahá inspired the original race amity conferences which Mrs. Agnes Parsons initiated in Washington, D.C. As originally conducted, they brought together both white and colored speakers on the Bahá’í platform, at least one speaker and the chairman being Bahá’ís; the others being identified with the spirit of race amity.

To give the conferences a national perspective, the Interracial Committee recommends that as many communities as possible plan to hold conferences at the same time, between February 10 and 17, 1957, which is Negro History Week.

The extent to which a community acts upon this recommendation must

[Page 9]BAHA’I NEWS

9

be determined by the locality, the size, and financial resources of the community. However, every community, group, and isolated believer can participate in some manner as suggested in the committee’s detailed program.

2. Survey of Local Leaders

As a first step in making plans to reach Negro and white leaders, the committee recommends making a survey of such leaders, male and female, at the young adult, college student, and youth level. Because the prestige of the mature leaders — Negro or white—religious, political or social — in any community depends upon maintaining the status quo, the mature leaders are less likely to become actively interested or involved in what they consider a “new religion.” By contrast, the young leaders are generally willing to investigate new horizons.

The Interracial Teaching Committee offers suggestions on how to gather names. It has prepared a special letter on committee stationery, and has selected special Bahá’í literature to be sent to the names collected. The actual mailing is to be done by the local community. Please inform the committee of the number of letters required.

3. Introduction to the American Negro’s World

If we are to adequately and persuasively present the Bahá’í story to the Negro people, we should go armed first with love, followed by facts. The individual Bahá’í supplies the love, but the committee will supply the facts in the form of free and inexpensive literature. What it is, how and where to get it, is outlined in the detailed program, but the committee will be glad to furnish on request a copy of the literature list.

4. —Institute on “Faith in Action”

Faith in Action is the compilation prepared by the 1953-1954 Interracial Teaching Committee for an organized study of the Bahá’í approach to human relations. Copies may be obtained from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

5. Circulate and use the book “Race and Man”

This is one of the most complete compilations giving the solution of the race problem as outlined by recognized authorities in scientific and sociological fields, with spiritual teachings on the unity of the human race as expounded by Bahá’u’lláh. Please see the announcement by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust regarding the price of this publication.

6. Use of the Statement on Race Relations

Widespread use should be made of the statement, “The Oneness of Mankind,” issued by the National Spiritual Assembly and sent to every believer as an insert in the May 1956 issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS. One suggestion is that a copy he sent to local newspapers for their files on race relations so that the editorial office may have available for ready reference the Bahá’í View on race. Copies of this statement are available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

7. —Pioneering in a Southern City

Bahá’ís in America do not need to be told that the situation in the southern states is grave. The committee urges the friends to give prayerful consideration to accepting one of the most challenging Bahá’í teaching assignments, that of settling in a goal city in the South. The committee’s detailed program includes a list of such places.

To sum up the goals toward which the Interracial Teaching Committee is striving, we quote the following from a statement by the National Spiritual Assembly published in the October 1954 issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS:

“ . . . true solidarity in every Bahá’í community whose members represent more than one race; local public programs for promotion of that principle in all who can be attracted, white or colored alike, continuous resolve to influence the white people we encounter to accept the principle of the oneness of mankind; and creation of a spirit of unity so strong that it will consciously or unconsciously affect every Negro we encounter with respect for and interest in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.”

—BAHÁ’Í INTERRACIAL TEACHING COMMITTEE

Mrs. Etta Woodlen, Secretary

206 North Scott St.

Wilmington, Del.

MASTER INDEX PLANNED BY LIBRARY COMMITTEE; SEEK ASSISTANCE

With the approval of the National Spiritual Assembly, the National Reference Library Committee has developed a plan for compiling a master index of the entire Writings in English of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi.

When completed, the index will be of immeasurable and enduring value to the entire Bahá’í community.

The second established Spiritual Assembly of Khartoum, Egypt, formed on April 21, 1956. Since there are three municipal areas in Khartoum, there can be three local Spiritual Assemblies there.

[Page 10]10

NOVEMBER, 1956

However, it can only be accomplished with the assistance of a great many believers who are willing to devote any time ranging from fifteen minutes daily to two or three hours a week to this service.

The system that has been adopted is a definite mechanical process in which anyone can participate. The only requirement is the ability to recognize and summarize a verity that is expressed in a sentence, or an idea that is expounded in one or more paragraphs.

The National Spiritual Assembly has reminded us that successful teaching is based on three fundamental requirements: (1) study of the Creative Word, (2) “living the life,” and (3) telling the story. The Guardian has pointed out that some of our difficulties can be traced to neglect of this first step. This indexing project offers an excellent, systematic and effective way to study the Creative Word.

Even though an assignment will not be large in scope, a worker will be assured of digesting every bit of truth embodied in that part of the Writings. Moreover, the work will cultivate the habit of recognizing and summarizing each gem of truth as he encounters it. Also there is the “influence upon his soul” which Bahá’u’lláh has promised to the person who “reciteth, in the privacy of his chamber, the verses revealed by God.”

A secondary bounty accruing to the individual will be the satisfaction of having contributed to something that will be of great assistance to all believers. Is this not a valuable investment of time?

Any Bahá’í willing to work on this project is requested to write for complete instructions to:

NATIONAL REFERENCE LIBRARY COMMITTEE

Mrs. Marian C. Lippitt, Secretary

1587 Virginia Street East

Charleston 1, West Virginia

NEW MAILING PIECE PRESENTED

The “Campaign Ensemble,” a new mailing unit, has been announced by the National Committee on Bahá’í Questionnaires.

It embodies several new developments which should assist in locating seekers of the Bahá’í teachings, by

Bahá’í Children’s Class for tiny tots in Portland, Ore., under the leadership of Mrs. Esther Linen, assisted by Lynne Choquette.

serving as the initial step in local teaching campaigns.

The Ensemble consists of a question card, a covering letter, and an envelope. It is designed to be used with a three-mailing follow-up series of mailings, and the Committee suggests at least a live-month campaign for maximum effectiveness.

Question Cards feature questions of the type found most effective in locating the sincere religious investigators, who are the ones most easily attracted to fireside classes.

The brief, friendly covering letter embodies the style of letters used by direct mail specialists.

These Campaign Ensembles may be ordered at a special low price when it is agreed to purchase a specified number of 100, 200, or 500 each month for five months, at $2.85 per hundred. On single orders, the Campaign Ensembles cost $3.00 per hundred.

In addition, the Questionnaires Committee has issued a more formal mailing piece, called the Announcement Questionnaire. This is a fourpage folded engraved-announcement type, containing a picture of the House of Worship, a quotation of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the Bahá’í Revelation, and an offer of free literaturs on the Faith. Included in this mailing is a Question Card similar to the one used in the Campaign Ensemble.

This Announcement Questionnaire is available at $3.00 per hundred.

Further information and orders for these mailing pieces can be obtained from National Bahá’í Questionnaires Committee, Mrs. Sylvia Calhoon, Treasurer, P. O. Box 545, Green Bay, Wisconsin.

ALBUQUERQUE EXHIBITS 2 BAHÁ’Í DISPLAYS

The Albuquerque, N. Mex., Bahá’í community has recently brought the Faith to the attention of the public with two types of exhibits.

An attractive window display in the Public Service Building in Albuquerque brought comments of visitors from New Mexico, Texas, and California, as well as from local residents. The display featured the ten principles of the Faith, ten characteristics of the Faith, and the symbols of the world religions. Located in the heart of the city, the display faced the main thoroughfare, Highway 66.

Cards carrying date for contacting Bahá’ís in Santa Fe, Gallup, Roswell and Albuquerque, N. Mex., were distributed from the Bahá’í Booth at the New Mexico State Fair. This booth, built by the Albuquerque Bahá’í community, was located beside two of the largest and most popular exhibits at the Fair. those of the Atomic Energy Commission.

TEMPLE MODEL SUPPLY LIMITED

Bahá’í communities or individuals considering the purchase of a Temple model for display purposes should place their orders promptly. A very limited number of models are now available and no further supply is contemplated.

The model measures nine inches in height and eleven inches across the base. The price is $15.00.

The committee also has imported from Italy beautiful printings of “The Greatest Name” in gold lettering on brown, dark red, dark green, and tan leathers. The sheepskin edition sells for $3.00 and the calfskin (in tan only) sells for $4.00. When ordering please give first, second and third choice of color

—BAHÁ’Í SALES COMMITTEE

Harry E. Walrath, Chairman

909 West Foster St.

Chicago 40, Ill.

[Page 11]BAHA’I NEWS

11

BAHA’I IN THE NEWS

A review of Arnold Toynbee’s An Historian’s Approach To Religion, signed by Gifford Ernest, appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times of September 9, 1956. In the course of this review Mr. Ernest states: “The effort to harmonize the substance of each of the six higher religions serves to reveal the key to the learned historian’s personal religion, which has been a matter of conjecture to many, even to his disciples.

“His profession of faith is that of a liberal Christian in the catholic sense of its cosmic and metaphysical meaning.

“His approach to history is that of a theologian, not that of a skeptic or freethinker.

“His theology can with little reservation be classified as that of a mystic.

“But the learned historian may not be quite sure himself to which he adheres of the higher religions that agree that absolute reality has a personal element. He could well be classified as a Bahá’íst, with credit to that religious order and to himself.”

During the week of September 21, 1956 a new Shopping Center was opened in Hillside, Illinois. The curtain department of the new Goldblatt Store, wishing to make their display as attractive as possible, used a scene of the Bahá’í Temple as a view which could be seen from one of their model kitchen windows.

One of the most detailed and favorable notices of the Faith contained in current books is one found in God Will Work With You But Not For You, A Living Philosophy, by Lao Russell. Among Mr. Russell’s references we quote:

“Another modern mystic who has transformed millions of lives and turned their eyes to the Light is Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of a great religious movement known as the Bahá’í Faith. . . .

“In Bahá’u’lláh is an exemplification of this trait (i.e., sacrifice) of human nature, for he was tortured and imprisoned in chains for years in a filthy black dungeon, with thieves and murderers, until he was near death. Many of his followers were imprisoned with him and executed, yet the cosmic ecstasy of an eternally happy man remained with

WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET

Fourth Year — 1956-1957

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

Total Requirements

May 1 to October 15 . . 228,800.00

Total Contributions

May 1 to October 15 . . 144,100.00

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

him through his far greater sufferings than even a crucifixion. . . . ”

“The Bahá’í Faith is world-wide and its followers give evidence of the inspiring nature of its teachings by their exemplary lives and actions.”

AMERICAN INDIAN NEWS

The American Indian Service Committee invites the friends to write for the following teaching aids:

Brochure for Teaching among the American Indians, with supplement, price 50c.

Pamphlet A New Day Comes, in Cherokee, in English, or in Navajo-English, no charge.

American Indian Service Committee

Mrs. Nancy Phillips. Secretary

736 Encanto Drive, S. E.

Phoenix, Arizona

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

The Lord of the New Age. By Winston Evans. A dynamic and challenging message to Christians proclaiming Bahá’u’lláh to be the Promised One, the Lord of the Age. This item was particularly prepared at the request of the National Assembly to be used in meeting the “Nationwide Teaching Opportunity” mentioned in their letter to all local assemblies and in October 1956 BAHÁ’Í NEWS. Prepared in standard, small pamphlet size with colorful two-toned blue cover.

10 copies (minimum order) .$ .50

100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.50

Reprinted — New Format

The Divine Art of Living Study Guide. Seven Round Table Discussions prepared by Marian Lippitt to facilitate study of Bahá’í teachings on individual life needs. Printed (not mimeographed) on yellow stock, following the new design recently implemented on study outlines, each on different colored paper for easy identification, 8½xll. 12 pages, printed on yellow stock.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .35

Special Price Offered on Presentation Copies

Race and Man. Compiled by Maye Harvey Gift and Alice Cox. For a limited period of time a 50% reduction in price will be in effect on this 134-page book when used for presentation to libraries, or to selected individuals and organizations. (Please see Interracial Committee announcement in this issue.)

This book recently received some excellent and lengthy reviews in several newspapers of the Associated Negro Press which included the following statement: “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 . . .”

When ordering for this purpose be certain to specify presentation copies so that the reduced price will be billed on the order.

The regular selling price of $1.00 for individual personal copies continues to be in effect.

Reduced price (for presentation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .50

Available from

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

PUBLISHING TRUST INVITES INQUIRY ON SPECIAL ITEMS

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust emphasizes the importance of having all committees inquire concerning the status of any literature item before recommending it for use in a special teaching program or publicity campaign. There are always certain items going out of stock, or being eliminated entirely, which can-

[Page 12]12

NOVEMBER, 1956

not therefore be available. Sometimes a small supply, sufficient for months of ordinary use, is not sufficient in quantity when a special emphasis is placed upon it.

An inquiry to the Publishing Trust sent in advance of any such committee announcement will insure having a sufficient quantity of the item in stock and avoid needless explanations when orders are received for it.

—BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

“Bahá’í News” October Supplement

The October issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, made up for 20 pages by the Editorial Committee, was sent out with pages 17-20 missing, due to an error by the printer. These pages are being distributed with this issue, as a separate four-page supplement.

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.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEASTS

November 4—Qudrat (Power)

November 23—Qawl (Speech)

December 12—Masá’í1 (Questions)

HOLY DAYS

November 12~Birth of Bahá’u’lláh

November 28-Day of the Covenant

November 28—Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

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

BAHÁ’Í STATE CONVENTIONS

December 2—for election of delegates to the 1957 National Bahá’í Convention.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS

November 22, 23, 24, 25

December 29, 30, 31, January 1

MARRIAGES

Alhambra, California: Miss Joanne Elizabeth Laux to Mr. James Holiinger an August 24, 1956.

Teaneck, New Jersey: Miss Rita Abramson to Mr. Theodore H. Weiss on September 2, 1956.

Los Angeles, California: Miss Mavis Roberta Button to Mr. Tony Powell Longaker on September 30, 1956.

IN MEMORIAM

Mr. David R. Perry

Gambrills, Maryland

August 10, 1956

Mrs. Rosetta Maddox

Cleveland, Ohio

(date not reported)

Mrs. Mary S. Burland

San Francisco, California

September 1, 1956

Mrs. May Cummings

Flint, Michigan

September 3, 1956

Mrs. Helen Miller

Los Angeles, California

September 14, 1956

Mrs. Helen Matteson

Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania

September 17, 1956

Mrs. Maude E. Sturm

Jackson, Mississippi

September 22, 1956

Mr. Edward Ruppers

Phoenix, Arizona

September 22, 1956

Mr. Joseph Kuperberg

New York, New York

September 28, 1956

Dr. Charles Demoure

Peoria, Illinois

September 28, 1956

Mrs. Lucy K. Anderson

Topeka, Kansas

September 30, 1956

BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY CHANGES

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Colorado

Colorado Springs: Mrs. Gladys Roberts, Secretary Pro Tern, 915 N. Hancock.

Denver: Miss Gwili Posey, 2290 S. Race, Apt. sac, z.10.

Michigan

Muskegon: Mrs. Katherine Schott, 1685 Roberts.

Montana

Helena: Mrs. Mary Cottrill, Acting Secretary, 1206 Lamborn.

New Mexico

Albuquerque: Mrs. Rosemarie Smith, 8101 Princess Jeanne Ave., N.E.

North Carolina

Greensboro: Miss Zoe Meyer, 309 S. Tremont Dr.

Wisconsin

Whitefish Bay: Mrs. Vivien Fellows, 4857 N. Oakland Ave., z.17.

BAHA’I NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States as a news organ reporting current activities of the Bahá’í World Community

Reports, plans, news items and photographs of general interest are requested from national committees and local assemblies of the United States as well as from National Assemblies of other lands. Material is due in Wilmette on the first day of the month preceding the date at issue for 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.