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No. 310

BAHA’I YEAR 113

DECEMBER, 1956

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The Great Reservoir of Power

Beloved Friends:

The National Spiritual Assembly, on behalf of the Bahá’ís throughout the United States, is at present actively engaged in planning ten National Conventions to be held during Riḍván, 1957.

These ten include: the Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States; the first Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Alaska; the first Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru; the first Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay; the first Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama; the first Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Haiti, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Bermuda; the first Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland; the first Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg: the first Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Portugal and Spain: the first Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Japan, Sakhalin Island, Formosa, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau and Hainan.

Among these new National Assemblies it will be noted that the four to be established in Latin America are formed from the two existing National Assemblies of Central and South America, making a net addition of seven to the number of National Spiritual Assemblies now existing.

As it is necessary for one member of the U. S. National Assembly to be present at each of the nine Conventions, this means that its entire membership will be absent from the United States during the first few days of Riḍván, returning in time for the Convention in Wilmette.

The formation of these nine Regional National and National Assemblies will mark a tremendous conquest for the beloved Guardian’s Ten Year Plan. Latin America, the Territory of Alaska, Western Europe, and the Far East are all involved, manifesting the world-wide spread of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. At present there are fifteen National administrative bodies, and by the end of Riḍván there will be twentysix, a greatly strengthened basis for the Bahá’í Order and a corresponding increase in the communities directly linked to the beloved Guardian.

The second consideration of vital importance is that the great reservoir of power making the formation of these new National bodies possible is directly or indirectly the American Bahá’í community. From here went forth the original impetus to settle and consolidate all these administrative areas. It is an hour of victorious achievement.

At the same time, the victory itself is but a prelude to greater tasks ahead. Therefore America, the great reservoir of power, must gird itself at this very moment to multiply its members, its local Assemblies, its groups and its isolated believers. The homefront is a world front. This is the fact which the National Assembly urgently presents to all the American believers and all the Assemblies, groups and committees concerned with the teaching and consolidation work throughout the country.

Once again the National Spiritual Assembly appeals for support of the new circuit teaching plan and wholehearted study of The Power of the Covenant and the Charter of a Divine Civilization. The supreme need is for spiritually enthused, and mature and well-balanced Bahá’ís whose daily lives act on the realization that sacrifice and continuous service are the dearest privilege of those who are near to God.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

REPORTS SHOW INCREASED INTEREST IN FAITH

While it is too early to determine the amount of interest in the Bahá’í Faith aroused by the articles on the Faith in the October issues of the Methodist publications, Adult Student and Adult Teacher, the friends will be interested to know that requests for additional information are being received daily by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Between October 15 and 31, twenty-three individuals in eleven states asked for factual material which they could present to their adult Bible classes. During the same period there were ten other requests from six states which could have been inspired by these articles, although no direct reference was made to them. These figures do not take into account any requests for literature or speakers that may have been received by local Spiritual Assemblies or individual Bahá’ís.

The Spiritual Assembly of Nashville, Tenn. reports that one of its members had been asked to speak[Page 2] on the Faith at one of the local Methodist churches on November 4, and to a young adult class in another on the following Sunday.

A note from the Assembly in Arlington, Va., states that Methodists in two churches asked Bahá’ís to be present for the study and discussion of the Faith on October 28.

The local Spiritual Assembly of Dallas, Texas, in a well-written letter to each of the Methodist churches in that city, offered to supply a speaker on the basic principles and history of the Faith, or to answer questions during the discussion period. The letter emphasized the fact that this offer was made only in the hope of being of service and not to take advantage of the opportunity to proselytize. It also extended a warm invitation to the members of the adult classes to attend the local Bahá’í observance of United Nations Day, and the anniversary celebration of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh.

Sherman Rosenberg, East Lansing, Mich., was invited to present the Faith before the adult study

To the left is shown the main door of the Bahá’í International Archives Building, Haifa, received from Italy in October 1956.

Above is the carved Chiampo stone cresting of the International Archives Building being placed in position.

group in a neighboring Community Church. He reports: “It would be difficult to say how much further interest was aroused by our visit. However, there was not enough time to answer all the questions raised after I presented particular aspects of the Faith to them, specifically correcting the major mistakes appearing in the article, and commenting on the criticism of this being one in a series of Revelations from God.”

The Audio—Visual Education Committee reports that 100 recordings of the talks by Winston Evans, “The Lord of the New Age,” and “The Promised Day of God,” were shipped before October 22 for use by local radio stations. The Bahá’í Publishing Trust also reports that more than 8,000 copies of the new pamphlet, “The Lord of the New Age,” were ordered within three weeks after it was announced to the believers.

The immediate and wide response to this teaching opportunity announced by the National Spiritual Assembly is a most encouraging indication of the ability of the friends to arise and seize the special occasions offered them. The long-term value of this particular project can well be far greater than we realize now.

Other teaching opportunities, local in character and less spectacular than this, frequently arise in most cities and towns. Thus each local Assembly and group should be on the alert to adopt the right method to present the Faith on every possible occasion.

The special characteristic of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, that it has no professional clergy but ordains every believer to the office of teacher, multiplies our contacts and keeps the Bahá’í community vigorous and alert.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

SUGGEST “Bahá’í WORLD” FOR COLLEGE LIBRARIES

In making plans to carry out the Guardian’s instructions for promoting the Bahá’í Faith among college students and persons from other countries, local Spiritual Assemblies. Bahá’í groups and individuals should consider the possibility of placing a copy of The Bahá’í World, Volume XII, in the local college libraries.

This current volume is one of the most impressive evidences we have of the world-wide scope of the Faith, its achievements and its vigorous response to the Ten Year Plan. Its many illustrations and maps, as well as its statement and articles on the aims, purposes and teachings of the Faith, have particular interest for the student mind.

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust will send with each copy ordered for this purpose a mimeographed review-[Page 3] summary of the book which can be given the librarian when copies are presented, and which may also be used for local publicity concerning the gift.

Assemblies, groups, and individual Bahá’ís acting on this suggestion are requested to report to the National Library Service Committee their placement of copies of these volumes in college libraries.

The true value of The Bahá’í World, Volume XII, depends on current distribution. The American Bahá’ís are urged to give this plan their careful attention.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

INTERCONTINENTAL COMMITTEES

Asia

BAHÁ’ÍS PARTICIPATE IN TOKYO CONGRESS OF WORLD FELLOWSHIP

The City of Tokyo, Japan, was host to an International Congress of World Fellowship of Faith on October 3 and 4, when 350 delegates representing the religions of the world met “to draw in a common band of fellowship people of all denominations, races and countries, to comprehend that the whole human race is one and that all religions are different manifestations of the Supreme Reality.”

The special guest speaker at the opening session was Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India. Several Ambassadors and other important persons brought messages of greeting and good wishes from their respective countries for the success of the deliberations.

The agenda for the second session was devoted to discussion of the question: “How we reach the common square where all the followers of different religions, each of them having their own faiths, doctrines and rites, can heartily join hands.”

The speakers as announced in the printed program were:

Dr. S. Ono (Shintoist); Reverend

T. Miki (Newreligionist)

Mr. S. Imaoka (Unitarian); Mr.

W. P. Woodard (Christian)

Mr. Philip Marangella (Bahá’íst)

“Pattern for World Unity”

Dr. R. Masunga.

Mr. L. H. Hamilton, a member of the Tokyo local Spiritual Assembly, who served as a member of the planning committee for the Congress, also spoke on the Bahá’í Faith during the discussion of one of the subjects having to do with the unity of religions. Bahá’ís from a number of communities attended as observers and talked with many delegates about the Faith.

—ASIA TEACHING COMMITTEE

JAPAN BAHÁ’ÍS ATTEND TEACHING CONFERENCE

A two-day teaching conference arranged by the National Teaching Committee of Japan was held September 23 and 24 at Shogoin Nakamachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, with 58 adults and 15 children in attendance, representing all Bahá’í communities in Japan. The program was designed mainly for study and discussion of the Covenant and Bahá’í Administration.

The agenda for the first session, on Saturday afternoon, included an outline of the purpose and scope of the conference by the chairman of the National Teaching Committee, Mr. Philip Marangella, followed by brief talks on: “Teaching in Japan,” by Miss Agnes Alexander; “Need for Expansion,” by Mr. A. Moghbel, and “Method of Teaching” by Mr, N. Momtazi and Mr. A. Mohtadi.

The study and discussion of The Covenant and Administration began Saturday evening and continued most of Sunday forenoon, led by Mr. Marangella and by Mr. William Maxwell of Kwangju, Korea, with Mr. M. Zenimoto and Mr. Nakajima serving as chairmen of these two sessions, respectively.

The conference closed Sunday noon with a panel discussion on “Why Japan Needs the Bahá’í Faith,” presented by Mr. T. Torii, Mr. T. Ishii, Mr. A. Yokoyama and Miss M. Morita.

A message of greeting from the conference to the Guardian brought his inspiring reply: “Deeply appreciate message. Welcome renewed dedication. Fervently supplicating great victories.”

As a follow-up of the conference, the National Teaching Committee has scheduled visits by members of the committee to every Bahá’í community beginning November first, for a six or eight week intensive study with the community members of The Covenant and Administration, Translations of parts of the compilation on this subject have been made into Japanese for the Bahá’ís who do not know English.

The immediate objective of the conference and this follow-up program is preparation of the Bahá’ís of Japan for the formation of their National Spiritual Assembly next April.

—ASIA TEACHING COMMITTEE

Teaching Conference at Kyoto, Japan, September 23-24, at which all Bahá’í communities in Japan were represented.

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North Pacific Area Assemblies to Participate

First Spiritual Assembly of Kyoto, Japan, elected April 21, 1956.

First Spiritual Assembly of Nagoya, Japan, elected April 21, 1956.

Members of the Spiritual Assembly of Tokyo, Japan, for the year 1956-1957.

First Spiritual Assembly of Kwangju, Chollanamdo, Korea, elected April 21, 1956.

First Spiritual Assembly of Seoul, Korea, elected April 21, 1956.

Eight of the members of the first Spiritual Assembly of Hong Kong, elected April 21, 1956

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in Electing National Assembly on Next Ridvan

First Spiritual Assembly of Nishinomiya, Japan, elected April 21 , 1956.

Bahá’í community of Tainan, Formosa, on the occasion of the election of the first Spiritual Assembly in Formosa, on April 21, 1956.

First Spiritual Assembly of Yokohama, Japan, elected April 21, 1956.

Spiritual Assembly of Osaka, Japan, elected April 21, 1956. Osaka was formerly part of the Hyogo-ken Bahá’í community.

First Spiritual Assembly of Kobe, Japan, elected April 21 , 1956.

Spiritual Assembly of Amagasaki, Japan, elected April 21 , 1956. This community was formerly part of the Hyogo-ken community.

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Europe

MANY BAHÁ’ÍS ATTEND FRANCE SUMMER SCHOOL

The second France Bahá’í Summer School, August 24-September 2, held at Menton-Garavan, opened with a one-day Teaching Conference which was attended by 63 adult believers, 5 youth and 15 children, representing 14 French localities and 7 countries.

The theme of the Conference was “The Ten Year Global Crusade and Specific Goals for France” Mr. Joel Marangella, chairman of the School Committee, was first speaker. By contrasting the remarkable rate of the growth of the Faith during the first three years of the Ten Year Global Crusade with its growth during the first Bahá’í century and the period between the First Bahá’í Jubilee (1944) and the second Bahá’í Jubilee (1953), he called attention to the phenomenal progress which had been made by the Faith since the beginning of the Global Crusade in relationship to the previous ll decades.

The drama of the Crusade, its accomplishments and goals yet to be won, was graphically illustrated by a giant map covering one entire wall of the conference room, and including every detail of our beloved Guardian’s own map of the Crusade.

A special map of France showed the assemblies, groups and isolated centers of the Faith in this country. Paris, Lyon. Marseille and Nice have assemblies. Nice forming its assembly this year. Orleans has good prospects of re-establishing its assembly next April 21.

Other goal cities designated by the Guardian are Bordeaux, Poitier, Lille, Metz, Nancy, Strasbourg and Dijon, the last five not having a single believer. However, there are eight other groups and 13 isolated centers in France. Mr. Marangella reminded us, “We have until Riḍván of 1957 to establish the additional local Assemblies necessary for a firm foundation upon which France can form its first National Spiritual Assembly during Riḍván, 1958.”

We have been given the vision of what could be done—what must be done—before Riḍván of 1963; now it was up to us to decide how we, in dividually and collectively, would play our part in its realization.

Teaching Plan Outlined

On the subject “Teaching Plan for All of France”, Mrs. Sara Kenny spoke on “Consolidation”. She pointed out that impetus in the Faith comes from two directions, from the top down, through the Guardian, who has divine guidance, and from the bottom up, from the individual. The latter must be channeled through the various institutions of the Faith or the individual’s efforts will be diffused and lost. Mrs. Kenny emphasized the importance of “communication” through the Guardian’s messages and other important correspondence read at the Nineteen-Day Feasts, through attendance at conventions, conferences and summer schools.

“Each of us must try to strengthen and beautify in our own community as the Guardian does at the Center. We know where to turn for answers to every problem today, and these problems must be faced courageously and forthrightly,” Mrs. Kenny stated.

On this same subject, Miss Farrukh Ioas outlined a plan for “Promulgation.” The aim is to increase the membership in order to attain the specific goals in France—at least 8 assemblies and 15 groups. To do this, Miss Ioas said, we must find ways to make the Faith widely known, we must increase the number of our individual contacts, and we must be able to inform our contacts about the Faith.

“Initiative, desire, and the will of the individual is required to carry out these tasks. Committees, Assemblies and bulletins cannot do the job for him. When our efforts lead to regular Firesides and classes we should constantly keep in mind the requirements for membership: that complete understanding is required, not partial; that our aim is to increase the number of world citizens, new soldiers in the army of Bahá’u’lláh.”

Review Help Needed

The final topic of the Conference was “Ways and Means”, a consultation period led by Mile. Lucienne Migette, chairman of the Paris Assembly. Representatives from each assembly and group reported on the existing status, plans and problems in their own communities, and outlined the help they needed as well as the help they could give.

There can be no doubt that the Conference succeeded in impressing on all the believers present the urgency of the tasks ahead of us, and it was with a renewed spirit of determination and seriousness that the school opened the next morning.

All of the sessions were held in the Chalet des Rosiers, property gen-

Second France Summer School held at Menton-Garavan on August 24 to September 2, 1956.

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First Spiritual Assembly or Lausanne, Switzerland, formed April 21, 1956

erously loaned for the occasion by two Monaco believers. In a semitropical setting, the Chalet perches on the side of a mountain overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean. It is historically famous as the residence for two years of Queen Victoria, who in turn is famous in Bahá’í history for her reported remark on reading the Tablet addressed to her by Bahá’u’lláh: “If this is of God, it will endure; if not, it can do no harm!”

In this lovely spot the believers and friends turned their serious attention to the study of such subjects as the Kítáb-í-Íqán, the Covenant, The Promised Day Is Come, Seven Valleys, Dawn-Breakers, the spiritual attributes, and the administration. Presentation of the latter subject included an unusual round-table panel which answered questions on local administrative problems.

Great talent and understanding of the Teachings were demonstrated by the French believers, many of whom were teaching in a Bahá’í Summer School for the first time.

Youth Plan Meetings

The Youth held frequent impromptu meetings to discuss their own problems. Deciding to combine their strength to attract other youth to the Faith, they planned a series of get-togethers to be held in different cities during the year to which they could bring their friends. The time and place of the first meeting was set for September 29-30, at Orleans.

Beloved Hand of the Cause, Ugo Giachery, made many inspiring contributions during his two-day visit to the school, and related several interesting facts concerning the construction of the International Archives Building on Mount Carmel.

Great was our joy when a cable from our beloved Guardian arrived. Time was set aside for discussion and consultation on the goals re-emphasized by him. Quote: “Delighted large attendance praying great victories urge intensify efforts multiplication consolidation centres deepest love Shoghi.”

A public meeting sponsored by the Summer School Committee, held in Nice, August 26, was an outstanding success with an attendance of 84 persons. Mrs. Harold Gail spoke on “World Peace and the Bahá’í World Faith.”

The friends departed from Menton, somewhat exhausted after such a busy week, but happy in the knowledge that during this period of daily intimate association and study of the Teachings they had become a close-knit community with a single desire—to promote the Cause of God throughout France.

—FLORENCE BAGLEY

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Australia, New Zealand

U. N. SOCIAL CLUB HEARS OF FAITH

A Panel of Religions was presented to the United Nations Social Club of Wellington, New Zealand on July 29, the New Zealand Newsletter reports.

Represented were the Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Bahá’í Faiths. Percy Leadley, secretary of the Wellington Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly, spoke on the Bahá’í Faith.

Each speaker gave quarter-hour talks on the religion they represented, and a question period followed each talk. Mr. Leadley spoke briefly on the birth and early history of the Faith, concentrated on each of the 12 Bahá’í principles, and closed by touching on the Administrative Order and by reading the appreciations of the Faith of Queen Marie of Roumania and Leo Tolstoy.

This evening of religious discussion was a departure from the usual U.N. Social Club activity, which usually keeps to the lighter side of entertainment. Its realization was due to the patient efforts of Suhayl ‘Alá’í and Clarice White, and lately of Vernon Mackenzie and Hooshang Mosaed, in breaking down the opposition of certain club committee members. The latter two also took part in the Panel of Religions.

Many questions were asked at the meeting following the Bahá’í exposition, and the club committee was surprised to find the largest audience in attendance for some weeks.

TEACHING CONFERENCE HELD lN WELLINGTON

The Regional Teaching Conference for New Zealand sponsored a Teaching Conference in Wellington on September 8 and 9. The New Zealand Newsletter has published a detailed account of the actions of this meeting, which are excerpted below.

After greetings by the Chairman, Vernon Mackenzie, excerpts from the Guardian’s convention message were read, to emphasize four particular points: (1) Newly opened territories must not be allowed to[Page 8] become vacant, (2) Local Assemblies must not be allowed to dissolve or be dangered, (3) The process of increasing the number of supporters and multiplying isolated centers, groups, and Assemblies must be accelerated, (4) Incorporation of local Assemblies must proceed with great rapidity.

Local Assemblies then reported their present strength and what their requirements would be by next Riḍván, when the adjustment of the areas of jurisdiction would come into operation.

Miss Joyce of Christchurch Group reported that she has presented seven Bahá’í books in a canister to the officer in charge of the American Antarctic Expedition, for their library. Others are to be sent to another Antarctic base at McMurdo Sound later on.

A new approach to Regional Teaching Work was presented for Assembly consideration: that local Assemblies “adopt” certain Goal Groups for a full measure of support.

Teaching through service was stressed as a means of appealing to some people who would not be reached by pamphlets and meetings.

The conference was closed with suitable prayers. The Teaching Committee termed the meetings a notable success.

YERRINBOOL SCHOOL PROGRAMS LISTED

December 26, 1956, to January 7, 1957, will be the dates of the Yerrinbool Bahá’í School, Yerrinbool, New South Wales.

Topics will include, “The Place of Islam in Progressive Revelation,” “Spiritual Laws and Ordinances,” and classes on the teaching and administration of the Faith.

Inquiries may be addressed to the secretary, Mrs. S. W. Bolton, 40 Clinton St., Orange, N. S. W.

British Isles

GLYNLLIFON SCHOOL ACTIVITIES RELATED

Impressions of the Summer School held at Glynllifon, near Caernarvon, North Wales, have been published in the British Bahá’í Journal. This account is reprinted in part below:

The quiet grey and green setting of Glynllifon was perfect for a Summer School. Its wide lawns and

First Spiritual Assembly of Wellington, New Zealand, formed on April 21, 1956.

stretches of water, the tall pillars of the house, and the pine woods folded us into its atmosphere and made us feel as though we were an international community on a green island.

During the first week we were fortunate in having with us Dr. Moayyad, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s personal doctor, who told us of his work among the believers in Haifa, of how he longed to examine ‘Abdu’l-Bahá himself, and of when the opportunity finally came.

On another occasion Dr. Moayyad gave us a moving account of how the remains of the Báb were transferred, over long years, to their final resting place on Mt. Carmel. These accounts all brought the early history of the Faith very near, and we were caught up in the enthusiasm and verve of those early days.

In a series of discussions led by Dr. Moayyad and Philip Hainsworth we heard stressed the power of the Guardian and of the Covenant which binds all Bahá’ís to God, and helps us forward in teaching and pioneer work.

There were alternative courses each week on Bahá’í Administration and the Gleanings, also two series of lectures on Christianity and Islám.

Much interest was aroused by David Hofman’s review of George Townshend’s book, Christ and Bahá’u’lláh, which we are told to expect towards the end of the year, and we are looking forward to its publication.

Thus we leave Summer School 1956 with impressions of fun, comrade ship, love for each other and the Guardian, and gratitude to God that we have been touched by His great bounty.

—AUDRE ROGERS

Irish Translation

The Bahá’í Journal also reports that the translation of a pamphlet into Irish has been received, and an order placed for its printing in Ireland. The Dagbane translation has been received from the printer, bringing the number of Ten-Year Crusade translations to eleven.

Central America

PANAMA PRESIDENT RECEIVES U. N. FLAG FROM BAHÁ’Í OFFICER

Esteban Canales, Secretary of the National Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Central America, and member of the Auxiliary Board, in his capacity as United Nations Information Agent presented a United Nations flag to newly—elected President Ernesto de la Guardia Jr., of Panama.

The occasion was the observance of the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations on October 24. The Panama Star & Herald published a three-column photograph showing the presentation ceremony.

Other officials present included Juvenal Castrellon, chief of the International Organizations section of the Foreign Office, Camilo Levy Salcedo, chief of protocol, and Foreign Minister Aquillino Boyd.

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Congresses, Dedications Stimulate Central America Teaching

Bahá’í communities of Central America, Mexico, and Panama were visited by Esteban Canales, Member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause, from July 25 to September 9, 1956. He spoke at public meetings, held consultations with the Bahá’ís on teaching projects, and shared with them a special message from the Hands of the Cause regarding teaching contacts collectively and individually.

The following cities were visited: Mexico City and Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Chichicastenango, and Quiche, Guatemala; San Salvador and Santa Ana, El Salvador; San Pedro Sula, La Lima, and Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Managua and Nandaime, Nicaragua; San Jose, Escazu, Limon, Puntarenas, and Alajuela, Costa Rica; and David. Colon, Canal Zone, and Panama City, Panama.

Reports from these communities reveal that his visit was the source of great inspiration and encouragement, and there have been many new confirmed believers received into the Faith as a result of these activities.

Four of these countries scheduled Teaching Congresses in conjunction with Mr. Canales’ visit, and two countries held ceremonies dedicating their Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds during these summer months.

Friends attending the Teaching Congress in San Jose, Costa Rica, on August 28-29, 1956.

San Jose, Costa Rica

A Teaching Congress was held in San Jose, Costa Rice, on August 24-26 during the visit of Mr. Canales there. Topics included “The Assembly, Axis of a Community,” “The Power of the Nineteen Day Feasts,” and “Teaching the Faith by Our Example.” Mr, Canales spoke on “How to Gain Success in the World Crusade.”

Mexico City, Mexico

The inauguration of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds took place during the visit of Mr. Canales in Mexico City from July 25-29. Over 70 persons attended the inauguration, including visiting Bahá’ís from Monterrey and Puebla,

Some of the Bahá’ís attending the Teaching Congress in Mexico City on July 23-29, 1956.

and from the United States, Mr. Canales was the guest speaker on this occasion. On July 28-29 a Teaching Congress was held for the Mexican Bahá’ís.

=Managua, Nicaragua

The inauguration of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Managua, Nicaragua, was held on July 12, 1956. The National Spiritual Assembly of Central America was represented by Jenny Taylor and Donald Ross Witzel, and the event was celebrated along with the observance of the Martyrdom of the Báb.

From August 21 to 24, Esteban Canales visited Nicaragua. On August 22 he spoke at a public meeting in the Bahá’í Center at Managua, and the next day he addressed the Bahá’í community on “Teaching Goals” and “How to Teach the Faith.” On August 24 he spoke at the village of Nandaime, a goal city, and afterwards spoke individually with the contacts there.

The response to his Conferences, talks, and individual teaching efforts was unparalleled. In Nandaime, a town

Inauguration of the Managua, Nicaragua, on July 12, 1956.

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of 1500 inhabitants, he spoke to an audience of 30 contacts.

Bahá’ís of Managua held their Teaching Congress on September 14-15, which served to deepen the members of the community in the Faith. Miss Rosy Vodonovic, representing the National Teaching Committee of Central America, was the guest Speaker at a public meeting on September 15.

The Teaching Congress in reality was a workshop, which was put into practice in Nandaime on September 16, when Miss Vodonovic spoke on “The Twelve Principles” before an interested audience of 22 contacts.

Santa Ana, El Salvador

A Teaching Congress was opened in Santa Ana on August 11, and continued for two days, during the visit of Esteban Canales. Bahá’ís from San Salvador as well as Santa Ana attended, and 35 persons availed themselves of the opportunity of deepening their knowledge of the Faith at these classes.

Speakers at the Congress included Miss Marjorie Stee, Mrs. Mercedes Vides, Miss Margaret Mills, Mr. Artemus Lamb, and Mr. Esteban Canales.

Many new believers were confirmed, and a great spirit of joy and unity reigned throughout the meetings.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Sialkot, Pákistán, registered on March 2, 1956.

India, Pakistan, Burma

MALACCA ASSEMBLY REPORTS ON FAITH IN MALAYA

The National Assembly of India, Pákistán, and Burma has forwarded to BAHÁ’Í NEWS an account of the progress of the Faith in Malaya, sent by the Secretary of the local Spiritual Assembly of Malacca:

Malaya is a pleasant land of eternal sunshine and tropical beauty. But its people are all today in a

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Montgomery, Pákistán, formed on April 21, 1956.

“melting pot” both politically and socially. Bahá’u’lláh and His Cause has come to the peoples of Malaya (with their diversity of cultures and racial background) as an inspiration in their best interests.

Bahá’ís in Malaya and Singapore are well versed in the teachings of the Faith and they are everyday disseminating the new knowledge to countless people everywhere, without fearing the Muslim and Christian missionaries, who are dead against Bahá’ís for their tolerant views and aim of religious unification.

We need pioneers from England and America very badly, and we have been promised by Mr. ‘Alá'í, the Hand of the Cause, pioneers from Írán. However, Bahá’ís here are well calibered to work for the Cause and follow His divine instructions. They are the best souls waiting for communion with others who may like to share with them the Bahá’í way of me.

—MRINAL KANTI PAUL

Canada

WESTERN CANADA SUMMER CONFERENCE REPORTED

The Canadian Bahá’í News has reported the Westem Canada Bahá’í Summer Conference, held at the Banff School of Fine Arts, Banff, Alberta, September 2-8, 1956, reprinted below.

On Sunday evening, September 2, Bahá’ís and their friends were given

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First Cameroons Teaching Committee, British Cameroons, West Africa.

a forecast of things to come when Mrs. Katherine Moscrop of West Vancouver and Raymond T. (Ted) Anderson of Whitehorse gave brief summaries of their courses on “The Covenant” and “Bahá’í Administration.”

Monday morning, September 3, Senator Don Cameron, Director of the Banff School of Fine Arts, officially opened the Conference and welcomed all. Approximately 50 Bahá’ís, children, and friends attended. They came from the Northwestern States, Northwest Territories, the Yukon, and the four western provinces and Ottawa.

From Monday through Wednesday, Ted Anderson and Mrs. Moscrop capably elaborated on the study courses. Both were most instructive and inspiring.

From Thursday through Saturday equally inspiring talks on “Deepening the Spiritual Life” were given by Miss Joyce Noble and W. R. Maclean of Vernon.

Evening sessions were arranged by the Calgary community, and consisted of film strips with commentaries by Dr. Arthur Irwin and Ted Anderson. On Thursday evening Dr. Roy Brookbank, President of the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews, gave a most interesting talk, which was followed by questions and discussion.

It is impossible to convey to others the sense of spiritual and physical refreshment experienced at the Banff Conference, or to explain the inspiration that descended upon all.

North East Africa

NEW ASSEMBLY SPONSORS FIRST SUMMER SCHOOL IN ALEXANDRIA

Within a radius of about seven hundred meters distant from the African shores of the Mediterranean Sea, in an oasis-like locality surrounded by red glowing sand, with here and there thinly scattered clusters of palm trees, which area, not many years ago—only 19 years before the birthday of the Author of our Faith—had been, during the Napoleonic wars, the scene of roaring guns and the clinking of arms, and later on, 14 years subsequent to the arrival of Bahá’u’lláh at the penal colony of ‘Akká, had witnessed similar warfare activities, and now privileged to lie in peace and tranquility but shaken, at regular intervals, by the whistling and tremor of the passenger train that plies between Alexandria and its suburb town of Abou Qir; herein lies the premises rented by the National Spiritual Assembly for the use of the 7th session of the Bahá’í Summer School for the Bahá’ís of Egypt and Sudan, but the first to be held under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly for the Bahá’ís of North East Africa, and at this very locality on the 8th of August 1968 on the occasion of the birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, the friends from Alexandria, Cairo, Port Said, Ismailia and Djibouti gathered together and filled the whole atmosphere with prayers and songs in praise of this Blessed Beauty.

The school was formally opened on Sunday night 8th Rahmat 113, 1st July 1956, to extend during July and August, in the open air, at the roof of the hired villa attended by about 70 friends from different parts of the country. The prevailing spiritual atmosphere, the blowing of a gentle northern breeze, impregnated with sweet fragrances from the Holy Shrines, the clear starlit firmament, the serene quiet surroundings, the stalwart green palm trees with their leaves rustling with musical notes. all coalesced to bring about a frame of mind attuned to absorbed medita-

Spiritual Assembly of Monrovia, Liberia, incorporated March 28,1956.

[Page 12]‘I2

tion and translation into a world of complete detachment from all mundane affairs, turning all thoughts to the great bounty that Bahá’u’lláh has given us through His unique Covenant as crystallized in the peerless institution of Guardianship.

This spiritually charged atmosphere visualized before our eyes the exploits of the standard bearers of the new Dispensation. Everyone present televisioned the eventful numbered days of me summer of 1848, which were instrumental in bringing about a fundamental change of attitude in the minds of those who had found their spiritual quest, what a miraculous change! Over a hundred years ago, by the solitary mountains of Ádhirbáyján, in the frontier line of Persian and Russian territories, within the four walls of a prison cell, in a well guarded castle, a divinely inspired soul was incarcerated. Physically barred, yet he was busy formulating fundamental laws and principles to inaugurate a new Era, a prelude to a far greater Dispensation. The dynamic force behind these laws surpassed all physical barriers and found its reaction outside the prison walls.

Loyal, devoted and leading followers of the Báb, including a woman, whose presence amongst men was diametrically opposed to the Muslim tradition at the time, gathered together, numbering four score and one, in a hamlet on the border line between Khurásán and Mázindarán, accommodated in three gardens, in order to discuss the potentialities of the new Dispensation and having arrived at a concerted conclusion to announce the formal extinction of the old order and the inauguration of a new Dispensation.

The effect of the spiritual energies released from the prison cell of the Báb was the enkindlement of an ever burning torch of guidance which was taken over by the champions of his Cause with the full determination to keep it inflame and relay same to posterity.

This was the occasion which gave birth to the Badasht Conference in the summer of 1848. The wonderful role it played at. the very start of the Apostolic Age of the new Revelation may be taken as a source of inspiration to all the Bahá’í Summer schools. What a stupendous source of inspiration to every attendant of these Bahá’í schools, to feel that each one is attuned to the spirit that was pervading the Badasht Conference, and fully armed with the principles of the Cause under the Administrative Order of the Blessed Beauty to take delivery of the torch of guidance to enlighten the souls in every country and clime. Then may we perceive the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when he says:—The friends of God are the eagles of the height of unity and the hawks of the heavens of detachment; they take their flight from the wrist of might and ascend to the atmosphere of the love of the Peerless one. Whatsoever they will they can accomplish through the assistance of the sovereign of the Divine Kingdom; whatsoever they seek they will find through the confirmation of the King of Kings of the Abhá horizon”. . .

With a spirit as such, and in the name of Bahá’u’lláh, every Bahá’í would be in a position to do wonders and miracles in the field of the service of our Great Cause.

With the gracious prayers of our beloved Guardian and his cherished hope that every attendant of the summer school should concentrate upon the attainment of the objectives of the Seven Year Plan we fervently supplicate the Blessed Beauty to assist us realize this supreme heartfelt desire.

—BADI BUSHRUI

Correction

The friends are requested to note that the population of Indonesia is 80,000,000 instead of 80,000 as stated in the twelfth line of column 3 on page 4 of the October BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

WORDS OF WISDOM

The essence of religion is to testify unto that which the Lord hath revealed, and follow that which He hath ordained in His mighty Book.

BWF, 140

The essence of love is for man to turn his heart to the Beloved One, and sever himself from all else but God, and desire naught save that which is the desire of his Lord.

BWF, 141

British Summer School held It Glynllion, near Caernarvon, North Wales, in August 1956.

[Page 13]

NATIONAL NEWS

PUBLICITY ANALYZED FOR SIX-MONTH PERIOD

Results of publicity for the Special Events for Proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith to the Public have been revealed by the Bahá’í Press Service, for the first six months of the present Bahá’í year.

Publicity for Naw-Rúz, March 21, 1956, brought the greatest coverage for this period, with 100 newspapers publishing information about this Bahá’í Holy Day. Total circulation is estimated at 5,990,563 copies, with over 400 column-inches of publicity and 100 column-inches of advertising.

Other events publicized on a national scale and the results are: National Convention, 58 newspapers and 5,262,335 circulation; Declaration of the Báb, 67 newspapers and 2,611,646 circulation; Martyrdom of the Báb, 86 newspapers and 3/148,740 circulation; Bahá’í Proclamation Day, 63 newspapers and 4,796,364 circulation: and the release on the renewed appeal to the United Nations on behalf of the Íránian Bahá’ís, 32 newspapers and 2,568,355 circulation.

Circulation for these six publicity releases combined gives a total of 24,678,000 for 2,164 column-inches. Advertising for this period totaled 4,057,664 circulation and 443 column inches.

TEACHING AIDS DISCUSSED AT TOPEKA CONFERENCE

An Area Teaching Conference held at Topeka, Kans., on October 6-7, attended by 55 Bahá’ís from 18 localities, emphasized many valuable suggestions for teaching the Faith.

How to Make Contacts: Gladys Bradley stated that we can best reach contacts by the life we live. We must be interested in, and have a sincere concern for, all those we meet. Alex Bird suggested that we use the words of Bahá’u’lláh because they have great power. This message has given us light. Submitting it to others is the greatest task of our lives.

How to Conduct Fireside: and Study Classes: Pearle Easterbrook spoke on this subject. She stated that we are in a Crusade. We have a troubled Guardian because of the home front in the United States.

Many of us have thought that to become a Bahá’í all we had to do was to say “I want to be a Bahá’í,” and when we stepped over the line we stopped studying. Those of us who thought we were studying forgot we cannot see in the dark. Without an illuminated soul we can go to the books and come away with something, but it is not enough because our souls are not illuminated.

We came in as individuals. We didn’t know how to become amalgamated into the group. If a group is not united the spiritual confirmations are completely cut off. In some communities there has not been any ability to consult together, pray together, or work together.

How to Prepare Applicants for Membership: Margaret Rube stated that there is no set way to prepare an applicant, and there is no one party to confirmation. However, we do have some guides as how to proceed.

She referred the members present to the Teaching Manual issued by the National Projects Committee for 1951-1953, and quoted several excerpts from letters of the Guardian taken from this manual.

Continuing, Mrs. Ruhe stated that the teacher is a very important person in the life of the applicant, and the teacher who has a thorough understanding of the Teachings will be able to impart knowledge and understanding. If the teacher does not know his part the whole process disintegrates.

How to Deepen New Believers: Cora Schulte brought forth these ideas: We should not drop the new applicant after he has signed the membership card. We may expect too much of them, and we may fail to help them grow and deepen in the Faith. We must help them become a real part of the community and encourage them to attend conferences and summer schools.

After each of these topics was presented, there was an extended discussion period so that further ideas might be voiced.

Italo-Swiss Summer School held at Bex les Bains, Switzerland, in September 1956.

[Page 14]

Landscape Designs Reach Fulfillment

Nature in her brightest colors: a profusion of flowers, shrubs, and trees displaying every color of the spectrum in patterned array, with a precious jewel set in the middle.

Such are the gardens encircling the Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette, as seen through the eyes of countless visitors this past season.

The summer at 1956 marked the completion of the landscaping of the Bahá’í House of Worship, and the operation of the water fountains placed in each of the gardens.

The nine gardens are numbered, starting to the east of the Temple, and rotating in a clockwise direction. Each garden has a distinctive floral design, with the following selections:

1. Roses.

2. Fiat geraniums with white petunia border.

3. Perennials.

4. Roses.

5. Red Barney qeraniums with white sweet alyssum border.

6. Blue Bedder petunias with Dusty Miller border. The banks are covered with English lavender.

7. Blue dwarf ageratum with center bed or yellow snapdragons. Borders are yellow pygmy marigolds.

8. White petunies with pink coleus borders.

9. Perennials.

The Sheridan-Linden walk is flanked by borders of Japanese yew, ajunto spirea, and Chinese junipers. Behind the borders are honeysuckle and flowering quince, with honey locust and red oak trees beyond on the lawn.

Ranging around the borders of the Linden Avenue walk are aronia, quince, red barberry, and lilac, with pfitzers near the street. The trees at the Temple base are linden.

Photographs on these pages show the gardens as they looked early this Fall.

The picture at the bottom left shows the view at the walk from the intersec-

[Page 15]

Awe-Inspiring Beauty of Temple Gardens

tion of Sheridan Road and Linden Avenue, looking eastward across Sheridan Road to Lake Michigan beyond. Garden No. 2 is to the left of the walk, and Garden No. 3 is to the right.

Bottom right shows the walk from Linden Avenue to the main entrance to the Temple. Garden No. 4 is to the left of this walk, and Garden No. 5 is to the right.

The picture at the top righl is from Garden No. 5, looking toward the main enhance to one Temple. The stairs going up lead lo the Auditorium; the stairs at the side leading down go to the Reception Room, Foundation Hall, and the exhibits.

[Page 16]

TEMPLE VISITORS NEAR 3/4 MILLION MARK

The Temple Guides Committee has released the following statistics on visitors to the Bahá’í House of Worship:

Total visitors during the first nine months of the calendar year:

1954 — 91,231 1955 — 85,493 1956 — 77,698

Total number of visitors since guiding started in 1932—705,634.

Names of some of the groups on scheduled tours in 1956:

Name Number in tour

National Bicycle Dealers (wives) .......... 70

Evanston High School Freshmen .......... - -

Bank Auditors a nd Comptr91lers ........... 223

North Park Academy ...................... 125

Lake County Chapter of Illinois Secretaries of Professional Engineers ............... 100

Lone Wolf High School, Oklahoma ......... 20

Jackson School, Waukegan ................ 100

National Association of Cost Accountants .. 200

Joliet Church Group ....................... 80

New Trier Men’s Garden Club ............. 150

Students, Northwestern University ........ 125

High Ridge YMCA (children) ............. 80

Gregg College Students (two tours) ........ 350

Order of St. Francis, Chicago (Nuns) ...... 30

Providence, Rhode Island, Nurses ........ 27

Association of Christians and Jews (with Protestant Minister) ............... 72

Concordia Teachers College ............... 57

National Dairy and Poultry Association ... 35

Methodist Youth , Joliet, Illinois ........... 30

Home Federal Bureau, Chatham, Canada . 47

Geographical Society ..................... 100

American Finance Conference ........... . 175

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (wives) ..................... 200

Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rochester, N.Y .......................... 32

First Congregational Church, Benton Harbor, Mich .................... 32

Association of Business Officials ......... 8 busses

Many other groups were HI-YI, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and youth groups from various churches, schools, and clubs groups.

Among the interesting visitors was the Ambassador from Burma and his family, and ten Eagle Scouts from Korea on tour in the U.S. as guests of our government.

Among the visitors who signed the guest registers during the month of September were one or more from these countries: Brazil, Cuba, Sweden, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Canada, Australia, India, Írán, Peru, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Greece, South Africa, ‘Iráq, East Africa, Italy, Hawaii, Israel, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, and Turkey.

WORLD RELIGION DAY NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

The Chamber of Commerce of the United States has once more included World Religion Day in the Special Days, Weeks and Months in 1957.

Friends wishing copies for their own Bahá’í files and to show to local editors, TV and radio station directors can obtain them for 25c each by applying to Chamber of Commerce of the United States, 1615 H. Street, N. W., Washington 6, DC.

“CONNECTICUT SUNDAYS” WARMLY RECEIVED

A total of seven Sunday meetings titled “Connecticut Sundays for Study and Sociability,” held during the four summer months under the sponsorship of the Stamford Spiritual Assembly, proved highly successful. Bahá’ís of the area have reported that these meetings drew them closer together in a warm bond of friendship, equally as valuable as the talks and classes.

Six of the meetings were for Bahá’ís only. They opened at 11:00 a.m. with a period of devotions, followed by a class of one hour’s duration. Then there was a social hour and a half over picnic lunches, two hours of classes in the afternoon, and sometimes a period of consultation.

For each meeting a special speaker was invited who could contribute something particularly noteworthy or timely. The subjects included “Pilgrimage to Haifa,” “Talks on Africa,” “Reminiscences of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “Observations of a Bahá’í Traveler: Florence to Fiji,” “Pioneering in South America,” and many others.

To meet the convenience of all the Bahá’ís in the state, the meetings were held in different localities: Stamford, West Haven, Washington, Greenwich, Trumbull, and Norwich. Attendance ran from 32 to 50 adults and a generous number of children.

At the August meeting the Bahá’ís invited guests and contacts. It began with a picnic at noon, a leisurely, pleasant time, followed by a short introduction to the Faith by the chairman and a travel talk by Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, deftly tying in the Bahá’í Faith around the world.

INSTITUTE ON COVENANT HELD AT VICTOR, N.Y.

The first in a series of three institutes on the Covenant was held on October 14 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Woolston of Victor, N.Y. All three institutes are under the auspices of the Inter-Community Relations Project of the Bahá’ís of Upper New York.

The 33 Bahá’ís attending represented the following Bahá’í communities: East Rochester, Linwood, Penn Yan, Rochester, Irondequoit, Rome, Syracuse, Seneca Township, Waterloo, Victor, and Trumansburg.

All present had the opportunity to select one of four workshop sessions. The sessions covered the following subjects: “Our Divine Destiny,” “How to Become a True Exponent of the Covenant,” “How to Fulfill Our Glorious Destiny,” which covered “Teaching—the Cornerstone of Service,” and “The Principle of Consultation, the Keynote of the Collective Life of the Community.”

References based on the pamphlet The Power of the Covenant were sent to the friends a few weeks in advance in order to give them the opportunity to participate in the discussion during the workshop sessions.

After luncheon the friends assembled and a report was given on each one of the workshops. It was very significant that “unity” had been stressed in all four sessions.

BAHÁ’Í RECORDINGS, SLIDES, POSTERS LISTED

Increasing interest in the Bahá’í Faith on the part of the general public is opening new doors and providing new opportunities for radio and television programs and displays, often on very short notice.

Bahá’í communities and groups should be prepared to take immediate advantage of these opportunities, as well as seek ways and means to give publicity to the Faith on every appropriate occasion. A number of materials that can be used effectively in connection with many Bahá’í events as well as for regular public meetings and firesides are available through the Audio-Visual Education Committee, which has[Page 17] been appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly specifically for the purpose of supplying Such aids.

Following are a few of the items that should be available wherever active teaching work is going on or being planned:

Recordings:

A new long-playing recording of two talks by Winston G. Evans— “The Lord of the New Age,” and “The Promised Day of God,”—thirteen and a half minutes each; price $2.50 for the two talks, one on each side of the record.

“Words for the World,” now out of stock, will be made available again provided the number of orders warrant the expense. The set consists of two long-playing records for $5.00, with complete 16 four-minute radio presentations.

Color Slides:

Three different packets oi four color slides each are available at $1.00 each packet. These sets consist of: (1) Views of Bahjí, ‘Akká, and the Shrine Gardens; (2) views of the Bahá’í House of Worship; and (3) views of Haifa, the Shrine of the Báb and the Bahá’í Gardens on Mt. Carmel.

A “color” catalog listing all available color slides, stills, records, and tape recordings, may be obtained from the Audio-Visual Education Committee for $1.00. An order for this catalog entitles the individual to one of the following items without cost: (1) four glossy prints of the Temple or Haifa or the Jubilee; (2) four 5 x 7 inch photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; (3) four color slides of Haifa or the Temple or the Jubilee; (4) a four-inch sample tape recording.

Display Posters:

Three-wing folding panel, with letters “Bahá’í World Faith,” suitable for a backdrop for a display in the Bahá’í center, at public meetings, libraries, or other exhibits. The photographs on the panels include three recent pictures of the Temple and the gardens. Price postpaid in the United States, $3.50.

All of the above items should be “ordered from:

—AUDIO VISUAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE

126 Evergreen Place

West Englewood, N.J.

30 YOUTH ATTEND DAVISON CONFERENCE

An Area Youth Conference was held at the Davison Bahá’í School on September 22-23. Attending the Conference were over 30 youth, including Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

On Saturday afternoon there was a stimulating discussion on the Twelve Principles of the Faith, how they may be applied in the process of Bahá’í life, how best to use them in teaching efforts, and their importance in establishing a new type of world organization.

After a wonderful meal, cooked and served by local Bahá’ís, a dance was held in the auditorium, followed by a hamburger snack and a great deal of fellowship.

On Sunday after devotions and breakfast, the business meeting was held. There was a discussion of the agendas for future youth conferences. During this session the need for personal deepening in the Faith, teaching methods for youth, and many other topics were discussed.

Many adults contributed to the success of this conference by donating their services to cook and clean up the buildings.

—BAHÁ’Í YOUTH BULLETIN

BAHA’I IN THE NEWS

An illustration of the Bahá’í House of Worship, with an article, appears in Illustrated Home Library Encyclopedia, Guild Edition, Educational Guild, Inc.

The office of The Homefinders, Inc., Wilmette, has a sketch of the House of Worship made by local artist Georgia Dearborn. A photograph of the artist and two officers of the firm holding the framed sketch has been received by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Írán Past and Present, by Donald N. Wilber, published by Princeton University Press in 1950, contains a brief reference to the Faith which states that Mírzá Yaḥyá became the head of the religion founded by the Báb and “the leader of the opposing group . . . . . took the title of Bahá’u’lláh . . . in 1863, and Bábism gave way to Bahá’ísm.” Literature explaining the station of Bahá’u’lláh has been sent the editor of the Press.

Friendly Isle News, a newspaper of Kaunahakai, Molokai, T. H., on October 5 contained an editorial commenting on the blessings of religious liberty and the number of faiths represented on the Island. “There is even a follower of the Bha’i (sic) Faith.”

The Sunday School Times, a weekly published in Philadelphia, carries in its July 28, 1956, issue a letter from a reader, with editorial comment, Under the heading “Bahá’ísm—A Fake Cult.” The comment quotes from “The Chaos of Cults” by Jan Karl Van Baalen, and refers to the booklet “Bahá’ísm in America” by Jessie A. Tritt. The editor ends his comment by quoting from the New Testament: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”

A letter has been written to the editor offering literature in case he is willing to make an independent investigation of the truth.

Dr. Marcus Each has an article “What’s Happening on Church Street, U.S.A.” in Better Homes and Gardens, October, 1956, which emphasizes the current “trend toward a personalized faith,” in which he states: “Church Street has sanctioned this personalized gospel of abundance with a phrase. It calls it ‘Christian materialism . . .’ This typically American approach to religion came into the traditional churches by way of the new groups which have come strongly into our religious culture within the past 30 years.”

Enumerating the new values brought in by various “new groups” Dr. Bach includes the Bahá’í Faith in these words: “The Bahá’í Faith with its $3,000,000 temple in Wilmette, Illinois, proclaimed, ‘In creation there is no evil. All is good.’ ”

The Pittsburgh Press, June 25, 1956, presents an article on the Temple, with illustration, written by Gilbert Love, who visited the House of Worship and attended a meeting of public worship. The author reports his own observation and experience at the Temple, and what he learned there about the Faith. This article is vivid and understanding, a tribute to the House of Worship and the Bahá’í teaching.

[Page 18]

The Coast of Maine, by Louise Dickenson Rich, a current book, contains an interesting reference to Green Acre in the days of Sarah J. Farmer. “At first it was really successful, and some of the best minds of the time lectured and conversed there—men like John Fiske, Edward Everett Hale, and William Dean Howells.” However, the author based her conclusion on an incomplete set of facts. “But as is too often true when idealism is unsupported by hard boiled realism, the colony later fell into the hands of crackpots and self-interested promoters— actually, I suppose, a type of racketeer—and gradually lost prestige until it was abandoned.”

The U. N. Advocate, Portland, Ore., in its September 1956 issue states: “Increasing interest in the display was shown by other Salem organizations and the following shared in manning the booth: Bahá’í World Faith, Catholic Daughters of America, Order of Odd Fellows and Salem Council of Church Women.”

In an article entitled “Hollywood and Its People,” published in the October issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine, a section is devoted to “Focus On Religion” which states that “The swing to religion is more noticeable . . . It would be difficult to estimate the numbers of people who hold to Unity, B’Hai (sic), Self-Realization, and many other more or less obscure religions . . .”

Mrs. Alice S. Cox contributed a well-prepared article on “Bahá’í World Faith” to the October number of Fellowship in Prayer, published in New York. Its statement of purpose is: “To promote the practice of prayer among all religious Faiths whose fundamental belief is in God, regardless of race, creed, or color, and whose tenets include the universal attributes of truth, honesty, justice and mercy, that thereby there may arise a closer relation to Almighty God and a deeper spirit of fellowship among mankind.” Mrs. Cox, in three pages, outlined the aims and teachings of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’í prayers she submitted are to appear in later issues.

The Chicago Defender, world’s largest Negro newspaper, has on many occasions published articles very commendatory of the Bahá’í Faith. Its founder and publisher, the late Robert S. Abbott, became a member of the Bahá’í Community.

Its issue of November 3, 1956, presents a full page story of the Temple and the Faith under the sevencolumn head “Bahá’í Temple—The World Worships Under Its Majestic Dome.” The story is illustrated with seven photographs: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Temple exterior view, Temple interior view, three views of the gardens, a photo of the Chicago Spiritual Assembly, and a photo of a gathering in the former Chicago Bahá’í Center.

Under the captions describing the illustrations, a three-column head “Bahá’í Faith Based on World Unity and Tolerance” is followed by a staff writer’s story of the Temple, what the Temple means, Bahá’u’lláh, the Bahá’í purpose, and reference to prominent Bahá’ís, with excerpts from the Sacred Writings.

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

The Boise, Idaho, Spiritual Assembly has sponsored a deepening class for Bahá’ís using the outline prepared by Horace Holley on The Mission of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. It was divided into seven weekly classes. In September a second deepening class was begun, using the Institute on The Covenant and Administration.

The Ketchikan, Alaska, Assembly has distributed the first issue of a news letter titled The Northern Star. It reports statistics on the visit of Mrs. Florence Mayberry, Member of the Auxiliary Board, to Ketchikan; the first Bahá’í wedding in Southeastern Alaska; new members of the Faith, and other information about the activities of the community.

The Los Angeles, Calif., deepening class has augmented their study with an hour devoted to the text of Promulgation of Universal Peace, and the second hour for brief talks by all members of the group on assigned subjects.

The Hawaii Teaching Committee has sent copies of God Passes By, Gleanings, and Bahá’í World Faith to Maui for their placement, along with three books they are donating, in the Molakai library.

Sixty members of the Young Adult Group of the First Methodist Church of Honolulu, Hawaii, attended a talk on the Faith given by Major Salvatore Pelle. After the meeting many questions were asked, and great interest was shown.

Hawaii has welcomed the first declared Bahá’í on the island of Molokai, a native Hawaiian.

Dr. Hushang Javid spoke before a group of 40 people at the Methodist Church in Tacoma, Wash., on November 11, the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.

Daytana Beach, Fla., reports a two-day Institute on The Covenant and Administration through the Area Bulletin for the South Atlantic States. Friends from Holly Hill, Ormond Beach, Ft. Pierce, Orlando, and Orange County, Fla., and Hamilton Ont., attended.

The only Negro church of WheatonSilver Spring, Md., was shown the slides on “Palestine, A Land of Many Faiths” on October 26. Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Barham conducted the program and discussed the slides. In spite of a heavy rain, out of a Negro community of about 50 families, 35 adults, young people and children, including the presiding Elder and Minister attended. An invitation to return has been extended.

AREA NEWS BULLETINS

The Bulletin of the East Central States Area Teaching Committee lists seven teaching conferences held during September, October, and November: Columbus, Cleveland, Warren, and Lima, Ohio; Indianapolis, Ind.; and Kalamazoo and Muskegon, Mich.

The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh was the subject of three lectures by Dr. Genevieve Coy at the Boston, Mass., Bahá’í Center on October 26-28, the New England States Bulletin announced.

Lewiston, Idaho, has taken part in a variety of activities the past months in working toward their goal of an Assembly next April, the Northwestern States Area Bulletin reports. In July there was a window display in the Public Service Co. featuring the Bahá’í House of Worship, and 26 inches of newspaper publicity; in August a public meeting at[Page 19] tracted 25 persons. with 14 contacts. There was a two-day Youth Conference with discussions, talks, and recreation. A Picnic and swim brought two Indian guests, and there was a later meeting at Lapwai with Nez Percé Indians for an outdoor potluck supper, singing, talks, and discussion. Only one more Bahá’í is now needed to attain Assembly status.

Six Colorado communities were represented at an all-state conference at the Colorado Springs Bahá’í Center on September 16. Consultation was based upon the Guardian’s letter of July 19 and the accompanying letter from his secretary. Other topics included “Revitalization of the Home Front Through Group Effort,” and “The Individual Must Arise,” the Bulletin of the Rocky Mountain States reports.

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES

At Upsala College, East Orange, N. J., one of the two Bahá’í youth in attendance, Jamshid Nassehi, a Persian belonging to the International Club, was asked to speak for 15 minutes on the Bahá’í Faith at the Chapel there on October 3. He brought out the basic principles of the Faith, and Bahá’u’lláh’s claim to be the return of Christ.

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

Bahá’í News Index. (N04 1 to No. 172; December 1924 — December 1944). Compiled by May Prentiss Stebbins. This is a very thorough index covering twenty years of BAHÁ’Í NEWS issues, an invaluable reference to

WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET

Fourth Year — 1956-1957

Annual Budget . . . . . . . .$5000,000.00

Total Requirements May

l to November 15 . . . . . 270,400.00

Total Contributions May 1 to November 15 . . . . . 171,000.00

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

subjects covered in the Guardian’s Cables and Letters, messages from the National Assembly, and many other items carried in these issues. 102 pp., 8½ x 11, embossed paper cover with spiral, looseleaf binding.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00

Bahá’í Calendar, 1957 (Bahá’í Year 113-114). Carl Scheffler has again prepared a beautiful drawing to illustrate the calendar—a picture of one of the Temple gardens and fountains, with part of the Temple visible, in red, green, blue, and black. Feast and Holy Days are depicted in red and green, and all per-

Know Your Literature

Declaration of Trust. By the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. (By-Laws of National and Local Assemblies).

Who may call a meeting of the Local Assembly? How many members must be present to conduct business? How are vacancies on a Local Assembly filled? How many days’ notice must be given to all members of the community before holding an election? How does an individual appeal a decision of the Local Assembly?

These and many other questions regarding the functioning of the Local and National Assembly are answered in the above publication. This knowledge is vital, not only to Assembly members, but to everyone in the Bahá’í Community. (Ask your Librarian about this publication).

Fer copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .20

Ten copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.50

tinent information is contained on back of calendar. 8¾ x 12.

Four copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.00

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

Spiritual Perspective. By Marie M. Kershaw Frain. Additional copies of this excellent teaching aid included as an insert in November BAHÁ’Í NEWS are available. Explains how to “build a thought bridge” with each contact you make by an association of ideas and by linking the teachings to the experience of the individual.

10 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .50

50 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.00

Extra Copies of Compilations Available

Extra copies of The Power of the Covenant, a compilation prepared by the National Assembly some months ago and mailed to each believer in the U.S., and the new compilation, Charter of a Divine Civilization, can be obtained from the Publishing Trust.

Please specify correct title when ordering.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .15

Out of Print

The Bahá’í Faith and World Government. By David Earl. Not to be reprinted.

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era. (Icelandic). A supply obtained several years ago is now exhausted, and no source is presently available for a new supply.

Star at the West Supply Limited

The miscellaneous assortment of 50 copies of Star of the West (and Bahá’í Magazine) at $4.00 can no longer be furnished. Less than 50 individual monthly issues of these magazines are now available, and the number of copies of each issue is also considerably limited. Anyone desiring even a token assortment of these remaining copies should send orders promptly. The price is $.10 per copy, with a minimum order of ten copies, postpaid.

Minimum Mail Order, $1.00

Available from

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

[Page 20]

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

December 12—Masá’il (Questions)

December 31—Sjaraf (Honor)

BAHÁ’Í STATE CONVENTION

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

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS

December 29, 30, 31, January 1

IN MEMORIAM

Mrs. Ruby Dillingham

Flint, Michigan

September 29, 1956

Mrs. Vera M. Vaughn

San Francisco, California

October 2, 1956

Mr. Oscar Ketels

Port Huron, Michigan

October 3, 1956

Mrs. Anna S. Tucker

Falmouth, Massachusetts

October 6, 1956

Mrs. Willis s. Hilpert

Pecatonica, Illinois

October 9, 1956

Dr. Elzora Gibson

Los Angeles, California

October 15, 1956

Mrs. Flora Hottes

Urbana, Illinois

October 15, 1956

Mr. Walter Deppe

Elmhurst, Illinois

October 22, 1956

Mrs. Mary Underwood

Buffalo, New York

October 23, 1956

Mr. Frank Tyndall

Macy, Nebraska

(date not reported)

BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY CHANGES

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

California (southern)

Santa Monica: Mrs. Leona Wallace, Acting Secy., 624 10th St.

Florida

St. Petersburg: Mrs. Mary A. Marlow, 1024 Cherry St., N.E.

New York (eastern)

Yonkers: Mrs. Lillian Rogers, 64 Locust Hill

ADDITION TO COMMITTEES

Northern Peoples Teaching Committee

Mr. Elmer Guffey

American Indian Service Committee

Mr. Allan Ward

Area Teaching Committee—North Atlantic States

Mrs. Lilian Keller

Central Area Youth Committee

Mr. Alden J. Lauchner

North Atlantic States Area Youth Committee

Miss Sue Williston

Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Committee

Mrs. Blanche Kauffman

Mr. Robert Schmitz

Bahá’í Temple Worship Committee

Mr. Joseph Peter

Davison School Maintenance Committee

Mr. Robert J. Sevier

Mr. Paul Peters

Mr. Richard Bruce

Miss Pauline A. Rushing

Mr. Daniel Lupu

Temple Public Meetings Committee

Mr. Harlan Scheffler

BAHÁ’Í SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Geyserville School Program Committee

Mr. John Bustard, Chairman

Mrs. Viviana Lisota, Secretory, 910 Sierra Vista, Redding, Calif.

Mrs. Margaret Bustard

Mrs. Alla Dakserhof

Mrs. Inez Dones

Mr. Raymon Dones

Mrs. Frances Fletcher

Mr. Harold G. Irwin

Mrs. Clair Irwin

Mr. Thomas Lisota

Mr. Michael Marney

Mrs. Anna Stevenson

Mr. Albert Melvin Vanderhof

Mrs. Johanna Vanoni

Mr. Alfred Zahl

Green Acre Institute Program Committee

(Officers to be announced later)

Dr. Sam G. McClellan

Mr. Roy Mottahedeh

Mr. Harry Merson

Dr. Anselm Schurgast

Mrs. Nancy Mondschein

Mrs. Marie Swan

Mr. Rafi Mottahedeh

Mrs. Rene Welsh

Davison School Program Committee

(Officers to be announced later)

Mr. David P. Baral

Mrs. Lois Nochman

Mr. Stanley Brogan

Mr. Ralph Peotter, Jr.

Mr. Sam Clark

Mrs. Jane Rowe

Miss Phyllis Hall

Mr. Donald T. Streets

Mr. Hamilton Niss

Miss Violet Wuerfel

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

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

BAHA’I NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 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 he reported directly to National Bahá’í Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.