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No. 311

BAHA’I YEAR 113

JANUARY, 1957

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THE GUARDIAN

The Guardian’s Tribute to Juliet Thompson

Deplore loss much-loved, greatly-admired Juliet Thompson, outstanding, exemplary handmaid (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Over half-century record (of) manifold, meritorious services, embracing concluding years (of) Heroic, (and) opening decades (of) Formative Age (of) Bahá’í Dispensation, won her enviable position (in) glorious company (of) triumphant disciples (of) beloved Master Abhá Kingdom. Advise hold memorial gathering (in) Mashriqu’l-Adhkár pay befitting tribute (to the) imperishable memory (of) one so wholly consecrated (to) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh, (and) fired (with) such consuming devotion (to) Center (of) His Covenant.

(signed) SHOGHI

December 6, 1956

Completed south wall of the Bahá’í International Archives Building, Haifa.

American Hands of the Cause Address Baha’is at State Conventions

Beloved Friends:

The American Hands of the Cause send you loving greetings.

You are assembled for consultation as well as for election of delegates. To contribute the Guardian’s advice and appeal to your consultation we quote these passages from a letter directed to us on behalf of Shoghi Effendi by the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land.

“The need of the Hour is teaching on the Home Front. Its goals can only be won by a new spirit of dedication and consecration on the part of the friends, each in his own country, in his own home. Miraculous victories are being won, in the difficult virgin areas, because the pioneers have consecrated their lives to the noble mission they have embarked upon. The friends at home must display this same consecration and dedication. Never must they let a day pass without teaching some soul, trusting to Bahá’u’lláh that the seed will grow. The friends should seek pure souls, gain their confidence, and then teach that person carefully until he becomes a Bahá’í, and then nurture him until he becomes a firm and active supporter of the Faith.

“The friends must realize that it is the individual effort and initiative that are needed for Victory at home, just as it is in the virgin areas. Every one must remember that it is the ‘Holy Spirit’ that guides us and therefore the teacher must become like a reed through which the Holy Spirit may reach the seeking soul.

“The beloved Guardian has stressed over and over again, that to effectively teach the Faith, the individual must study deeply the Divine Word, imbibe Its life-giving waters, and feast upon Its glorious teachings. He should then meditate

Some of the finished tiles for the Bahá’í International Archives Building, displayed over a roof at the factory. The first shipment of tiles left Holland for the Holy Land early in December.

on the import of the Word, and finding its spiritual depths, pray for guidance and assistance. But most important, after prayer is action. After one has prayed and meditated, he must arise, relying fully on the guidance and confirmation of Bahá[Page 2] ’u’lláh to teach His Faith. Perseverance in action is essential, just as wisdom and audacity are necessary for effective teaching. The individual must sacrifice all things to this great goal, and then the victories will be won.”

Here, in these few words, we are offered the keys to the Paradise of service in the Eternal Faith of God.

The American Hands of the Cause are proud to be able to report that the nine members of the Auxiliary Board are carrying on many missions throughout the Western Hemisphere. The Guardian’s direct concern with teaching the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, expressed through the Hands and their Board members, is, during this third year of activity, strongly reinforcing the work of the National and Area Teaching Committees, and the local Assemblies and groups in Canada, the United States, Alaska, Central America, the Antilles, and South America.

For the contributions to the Continental Bahá’í Fund making possible the widespread missions of the Auxiliary Board, the American Hands of the Cause are grateful indeed. Gifts have been received from the Guardian, the various National Assemblies and also from local Assemblies and a number of individual Bahá’ís. 168 separate contributions have been received since this Fund was inaugurated in May 1954.

At this hour our hearts turn with deeper ardor to that leader, statesman and hero, the revered Guardian exalted in the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as the Holy Land lies under the shadow of international crisis.

How else can we express our devotion to the Guardian save by strengthening the American Bahá’í Community—the Citadel of the New World Order? The crisis in the world today can only be resolved through the Divine Teachings. Let us make the unalterable decision within ourselves to fulfill Shoghi Effendi’s high expectations. Upon this decision depends the steady progress and unfoldment of the World Crusade.

Sincerely,

CORINNE TRUE

HORACE HOLLEY

PAUL E. HANEY

536 Sheridan Road

Wilmette, Illinois

November 20, 1956

As the Peril Increases, So in Greater Measure the Pa war of the Holy Spirit

Beloved Friends:

Since the National Assembly prepared the letter published in December BAHÁ’Í NEWS, the skies have darkened with new evidence of international discord. Pilgrimage to our World Center is interrupted. The Holy Land of four Faiths has become the focus of current trends striving both for peace and war.

Having no commentary by the beloved Guardian on this situation, we cannot grasp its true significance as one step in the swift process which is destined to culminate in a new order and one universal Faith. Nevertheless every follower of Bahá’u’lláh understands that as perils increase, so the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit is offered Bahá’ís in fuller measure.

Now, therefore, is the time for heroism and sacrifice for service to the World Crusade in unsurpassed degree. Capacity to achieve all its present goals has been conferred upon the Community of the Greatest Name. The trumpet sounds for every intrepid warrior enrolled under the banner of the Lord of Hosts.

Let us ponder anew, and more deeply, why the World Crusade is established for the period 1953-1963. Is not this the crucial time for building the Ark of security for mankind? It coincides with the swift movement of Destiny itself, arousing both good and evil to their peak of action.

Thus, in the settlement of virgin goals, in the purchase of Temple sites and Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, in the formation of new local and National Assemblies, in the completion of the Shrine, the purchase of lands on Mt. Carmel, and the construction of the International Archives Building as the first in a series of International Institutions at the World Center—here before our eyes we behold the framework of the Ark of a regenerated humanity take shape and strength to ride the storm and enter the Haven of Divine Grace.

The Ten Year Plan is a perfect unit, and all its tasks are of utmost importance, but year by year some tasks must be given central attention. It is for this reason that the beloved Guardian has so strongly called for work on the home front at this time. Every fresh increment there means greater potentiality for supporting the Crusade in all parts of the world.

The American National Teaching Committee in this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS has provided a list of homefront goals. The National Assembly appeals to the friends to give these goals utmost concern in the light of the supreme importance of the World Crusade.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

2 ASSEMBLIES JOIN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

The various National Spiritual Assemblies which are related to United Nations through the Bahá’í International Community have been increased by the addition of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Central and East Africa, and of North West Africa.

The Assembly formerly known as the National Spiritual Assembly of Egypt and the Sudan is now registered as the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Africa.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

GREEN BAY SCHOOLS RECOGNIZE BAHÁ’Í HOLY DAYS

The Superintendent of Schools, Green Bay, Wis., has issued a notice, dated November 6, 1956, to all Principals, listing the Bahá’í Religious Holy Days. Absence by Bahá’í children on these days is to be excused.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Voting Rights Restored

The voting rights of Mrs. Charles W. (Mina Belle) Smith, of Tulsa, Okla., have been restored. These rights were removed several months ago.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

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INTERCONTINENTAL COMMITTEES

Asia

FIRST ALL-TAIWAN CONFERENCE HELD

Eighteen Bahá’ís representing five localities in Taiwan attended the first All-Taiwan Bahá’í Teaching Conference held in Taiwan November 11 and 12, 1956. Miss Agnez Alexander, member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause in Asia, who had just arrived for a two weeks visit to the area, brought great inspiration to the friends, both by her presence and her participation in the program, which was designed principally to aid in increasing the understanding of the believers of the institutions of the Faith and of the World Spiritual Crusade.

The conference opened with a prayer in memory of Mr. H. Ouskouli, who passed away a few months ago after many years of devoted service to the Faith in China. The subjects during the first session, the afternoon of November 11, were: “How the Bahá’í Faith was Introduced to China,” “Our Part in the World Spiritual Crusade,” “The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and

East tympanum of the International Archives Building, showing completed symbol of the Greatest Name, and the surrounding sun rays.

the Institution of the Guardianship.” Slides of Haifa and of the Bahá’í House of Worship were shown in the evening to an audience of more than forty.

The second day was devoted mainly to consultation and a panel discussion on how to increase and promote the teaching work in Taiwan, and many practical suggestions were given as to how each believer can participate.

Through contacts with Bahá’ís in Taipei, two local newspaper reporters attended a tea on the second afternoon, and learned a great deal from Miss Alexander about the history of the Faith and its teachings. Both promised to publish articles on the Faith in their respective papers.

It is interesting to note that the chairman and the interpreter for the conference were both Chinese who had become Bahá’ís in America some years ago.

Cablegrams and letters from the Hand of the Cause of God, Mr. Dhikru’lláh Khádem, the Asia Teaching Committee, friends in Japan, Korea, and in the United States, as well as from the other believers in Taiwan who could not be present, made this a most inspiring experience for most of the new Bahá’ís.

—ASIA TEACHING COMMITTEE

Western Hemisphere

OPPORTUNITIES CALL IN KEY WEST, SOUTH AMERICA

Two Bahá’ís are needed in Key West, Fla., within the near future to replace two members of the local

Steel beams carrying weight of the ceiling of the Auditorium of the Bahá’í International Archives Buildng, Haifa (left). The Auditorium is 10 meters wide by 24 meters long. Thirty beams each 50 centimeters high support the ceiling. Scaffolding (right) to support the ceiling of the Archives Building.

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Assembly who are going to Cuba to help build the Latin American institutions, subsequent to the election of two new regional National Spiritual Assemblies next April. The Key West Assembly was newly formed last April and must not be jeopardized by departures before replacements can be found.

Key West has an excellent year-round climate, even in the heat of summer. It is largely tourist, and there is probably little opportunity to work there. Therefore, settlers

who have an independent income are to be preferred. Anyone wishing to consider this post may have further

Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds at 54 rue Stanley, UccleBrussels, Belgium, located in a residential section. Though narrow, the Center is three rooms deep, and opens upon a charming small garden in the rear. The convention for the election of the Benelux Regional National Spiritual Assembly will be held here on April 22-24, 1957.

information by writing to the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee at the address given below.

South America

An unusual opportunity for a pioneer to get a foothold in South America has come to the attention of the WHTC. A Bahá’í couple living off the west coast of South America will be returning to the States in March for six months, and will make their home available to one or more Bahá’ís who could continue the meetings and keep up the contacts that have been already established. At the end of the six-month period there would be a good chance on finding a way to stay on, if so desired. Although travelling expenses would be about $800 round trip, living expenses while there would be only about $20.00 per month! It is frontier living, Spanish speaking.

“It is not a place to come looking for a job. But people with some capital and know-how can make better than just a living if their occupation is one that fills a need. For instance, both our physicians came here young and inexperienced, have acquired and supported families, own fine homes and other properties, and may be considered well—to-do. A young Spaniard opened a hardware store six years ago, and in spite of the opening of another by a home town boy at just about the same time, has made his fortune and so has the other.

“Modest fortunes, perhaps, but such opportunities for individuals don’t grow on bushes in more civilized and competitive parts of the world these days . . . What I can produce in the backyard goes quite a way toward feeding us and there is enough to sell to bring in a little cash each month besides . . . I have been able to make a few pesos sewing . . . Many people have their meals sent in, instead of bothering with the preparation themselves. There seems to be an opportunity here for someone who could open and operate a stove-wood depository. I figure that would take bought or rented land close in, and at least a machine-driven saw, preferably also a truck. I suppose there are an infinity of other possibilities that I wouldn’t even imagine. This whole south of Chile is real frontier as to opportunities.”

The first two Indian believers of Bolivia.

While this is a specific description of one of the many posts the WHTC is trying to fill, it is fairly typical of many other attractive Latin American posts such as Mexico, David, Panama, Cali, and islands off Chile.

Many of these places would be ideal for a retired person, for ex ample, who has a small pension that is not adequate for the States, but would be the equivalent of wealth in Latin America. On forty to fifty dollars a month in many places, one can live like a king. Knowledge of Spanish or ability to learn it quickly is very important.

The official Calls for the approaching national conventions of Latin America are now going out, and there is a great stirring among the Latin American Bahá’ís, who are looking forward with great excitement to this coming Riḍván. The Auxiliary Board and WHTC members who have recently travelled in these countries report that the people talk about nothing else. The help of North American pioneers is needed to give a good start to these new institutions, and we urgently request that any of you who have been thinking about pioneering but have not written to the WHTC do so now, and let us help you smooth out the obstacles and get started. Write to:

Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, Secretary, Western Hemisphere Teaching Comm., 73 College Road West, Princeton, N. J.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Australia

FAITH PROMULGATED FROM CHURCH PULPIT

At a service of the Congregational Church at Medindie, a suburb of Adelaide in South Australia, the Bahá’í Message was specially delivered to the assembled congregation.

This was arranged with the pastor, Rev. Aubrey Stevens, by E. S. G. Bowes, a South Australian Bahá’í. The service was held on Sunday, August 12.

Rev. Stevens conducted the service, using hymns and Scripture readings chosen by Mr. Bowes, with whom he shared the pulpit.

Mr. Bowes gave the Children’s Address, being a story based upon the Bahá’í teachings. Later he delivered the sermon. This took the form of a brief account of the three central figures of the Bahá’í Faith, with quotations of Bahá’u’lláh’s words, and references to Him by Prof. E. C. Browne.

The address closed with extracts from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s talk given at City Temple, London, 45 years ago, to the Congregational Church of London, and a Bahá’í prayer.

ORANGE BAHÁ’Í GROUP BUYS SHELF IN LOCAL LIBRARY

The newly opened City Library of Orange, New South Wales, includes on an engraved plaque at the entrance the name of the Bahá’í World Faith, along with other local organizations, as having donated at least one shelf of books.

The Bahá’í group of Orange, in buying a shelf, is enthusiastic about their “silent teacher,” and hopes to add to their present collection of Bahá’í publications.

South America

HUANCAYO PUBLISHES NEWS BULLETIN

Huaytapallana is the name given to a new publication of the Huancayo, Peru, local Spiritual Assembly, which was formed last April. Its first edition, No. 001, was issued in October 1956, carrying news, information, and other material of interest to Bahá’ís.

The first issue carried news of the visit of Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, member of the Auxiliary Board, to South America, the protest of the American National Assembly to the United Nations concerning the Íránian persecutions, Bahá’í Youth activities, new Bahá’í literature, a report on the local Bahá’í Fund, and many other items of interest.

Central America

ISLANDS’ TEACHING ACTIVITIES EXPAND

Further reports of teaching activities in Central America, to be added to the account published in the December issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, have been excerpted from the Central American Bahá’í News.

The National Teaching Committee of the Antilles reports that very good activities are being carried out in Haiti. The committee secretary, Mrs. Dee Worth, spent the months of August and September in Haiti, collaborating with the pioneers, Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Blackwell, in consolidation of the communities of Port au Prince, St. Marc, and Cap Haitian. Work has also been commenced in the cities of Liancourt and Gonives, Assembly and Group goals, respectively.

The new American Committee, established this year in the Bahamas, is doing magnificent work with the American virgin areas: British Honduras, Curacao, Isla Margarita, Bahamas, and Bermuda (consolidation). This committee publishes an interesting bulletin periodically for distribution in that area.

A Juvenile Group has been formed in Nassau, Bahamas, the local Spiritual Assembly announces, membership of four youth.

Two views of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Mexico City, D. F.

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Canada

CONFERENCES HELD AT BEAULAC, CHARLOTTETOWN

Canadian Bahá’í News reports two teaching conferences in their November issue, held at Beaulac and Charlottetown.

To the one at Beaulac about 23 people from six national backgrounds came to enjoy the fellowship of friends, and a spiritual feast. There were two study courses, “The Goals Which Draw Us Onward,” and “The Bible and the Bahá’í Faith,” conducted by Vicki Bond and Fred Graham, respectively.

A Maritime Teaching Conference was held in Charlottetown, with over 20 adults and children in attendance. Ken Bolton was the speaker, covering the following topics: “Fireside Patterns,” “Direct and Indirect Teaching Methods,” and “The Ten Year Crusade.”

SAMOA WELCOMES SECOND NATIVE BELIEVER

News from Samoa is published in the Bulletin of the Canadian New Territories Committee:

“It is indeed with joyous and thankful hearts that we are writing

Mrs. Clara Dunn, Hand of the Cause (center), accompanied by Miss Thelma Perks, Auxiliary Board Member (left) and Miss Wu Yat Sim of New Hebrides Islands (right), arriving in Adelaide, South Australia, for a State Teaching Conference in November.

this letter and are enclosing the cards of the newest declared believer in Western Samoa.

“You will, no doubt, recall that in a recent letter we mentioned that one of the people here was studying the Teachings. Sa’ialala joined us officially at the last Feast, and it was a wonderful occasion for us all. Through Sa’ialala’s efforts we now have another person interested in the Teachings, and we all pray that he, too, may understand a little of Bahá’u’lláh’s Relevation.

“The Translating Committee has commenced to function again, and is now preparing a series of small pamphlets which the Group thinks will be suitable for the local population. One pamphlet will be based on Some Answered Questions, the answers being those of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá simplified, to questions which the local Samoans always ask.”

Seventeen Bahá’ís, representing Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam met in Saigon, Vietnam, November 10, 1956, to discuss the mutual problems of pioneers and believers in these four countries. This conference was particularly valuable for the friends from Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, none of whom were able to attend the regional conference held in Djakarta in August. Plans were made for the acceleration of the teaching work in all these areas which will be part of the Bahá’í community of South East Asia following the formation of the Regional National Spiritual Assembly during Riḍván 1957.

North East Africa

ASSEMBLIES URGED TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS

During the convention of the Bahá’ís of North East Africa last April, it was recommended that regular public meetings be arranged in local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, affording a greater chance for the spread of the Cause.

This recommendation has been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Africa, and all local Spiritual Assemblies have been requested to put this into effect.

The Bahá’í Youth Committee of Alexandria was the first to respond to this call. A public meeting was arranged at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds on October 21, 1956, to Which about 50 non-Bahá’ís were invited. About onethird of those invited attended the meeting. The subject of the talk, given in Arabic, was “The Agreement of Science and Religion.” The meeting was termed a success, and it is planned to have further meetings regularly.

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India, Pakistan, Burma

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT, SUMMER SCHOOL, LOCAL ASSEMBLIES PICTURED

Bahá’í Summer School held at Montgomery, Pákistán, on October 11-19, 1956.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ernakulam, India, formed April 21, 1956.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Aligarh, India, registered on March 6, 1956.

Site of the National Endowment in Rangoon, Burma.

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“To Act, . . . Promptly and Decisively”

In our beloved Guardian’s message, “Inestimable Prizes within Our Reach,” he states: “A far greater proportion of the avowed supporters of the Faith must arise, ere the Crusade suffers any set back, for the fourfold purpose of winning over an infinitely greater number of recruits to the army of Bahá’u’lláh fighting on the home front, of swelling to an unprecedented degree the isolated centers now scattered Within its confines, of converting an increasing number of them into firmly founded groups, and of accelerating the formation of local Assemblies, while safe-guarding those already in existence.”

With this four-fold purpose in mind, our immediate objectives are:

1. To restore or form at least one local Assembly in each of the four States which have none at the present time: Vermont, Rhode Island, South Carolina, North Dakota.

2. To strengthen all Assemblies in danger of losing their status, especially if such an Assembly is the only one in the State.

3. To bring promising groups to Assembly status, regardless of whether or not they are in goal cities.

We submit the following list of localities where settlers and special teaching effort are needed, and where immediate help will be effective.

Please give this appeal prayerful thought. Then contact the secretary of the Area Teaching Committee of the area in Which you are interested for information as to what you may do to assist in this urgent teaching endeavor.

—AMERICAN NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE

EDNA VOIGHT, Secretary

New England States

Mrs. Ethelinda Merson, Secretary

5 Katy Hatch’s Hill

Falmouth, Mass.

CONNECTICUT

Bridgeport

Hamden

MASSACHUSETTS

Ipswich

• • Worchester

• Cambridge

MAINE

Augusta

Fryeburg

Bangor

Lewiston

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Concord

Keene

Manchester

RHODE ISLAND

• • Providence

East Providence

Pawtucket

Cranston

VERMONT

• • Brattleboro

Burlington

Rutland

North Atlantic States

Mrs. Forence Steinhauer, Secretary

5 Ridgedell Ave.,

Hastings-on-Hudson, N. Y.

NEW JERSEY

Elizabeth

• Jersey City

• Risgewood

Hackensack

NEW YORK

• Yonkers

Geneva

Niagara Falls

Victor

• • Syracuse

• Seneca Twp.

Poughkeepsie

PENNSYLVANIA

• Scranton

Erie

West Goshen Twp.

• • West Chester

Central Atlantic States

Mrs. Margaret Gawen, Secretary

5917—14th St. N. Arlington, Va.

DELAWARE

Dover

MARYLAND

• • Prince Georges County

• • Montgomery County

NORTH CAROLINA

Charlotte

Durham

Raleigh

Winston Salem

Haitian Teaching Congress held at Port au Prince November 1-4, 1956. Bahá’ís and friends gathered on the steps of a park to hear an address by Mrs. Gayle Woolson, Member of the Auxiliary Board. Four cities in Haiti were represented at this Congress.

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VIRGINIA

Norfolk

WEST VIRGINIA

• Charleston

South Atlantic States

Mrs. Beatrice Alexander, Secretary

P. O. Box 943, Tampa 1, Fla.

FLORIDA

• Tampa

• Miami Beach

• Orange County

Sarasota

St. Augustine

SOUTH CAROLINA

• • North Augusta

• • Greenville

Gulf States

Miss D. Thelma Jackson, Secretary

302 E. Huisache, Apt. 9

San Antonio, Texas.

LOUISIANA

Baton Rouge

• New Orleans

TEXAS

Austin

Fort Worth

Galveston

Tennessee Valley States

Mrs. Louise Matthias, Secretary

636—39th St., South

Birmingham, Ala.

ALABAMA

Mobile

KENTUCKY

Fort Knox

MISSISSIPPI

Gulfport

Meridian

• Jackson

TENNESSEE

Chattanooga

East Central States

Mrs. Hazel Meese, Secretary

8030 Warren Blvd., Centerline, Mich.

INDIANA

Kokomo

MICHIGAN

Pontiac

• Lansing

• Kalamazoo

• Royal Oak

Marysville

• • Dearborn

OHIO

• Urbana

Kettering Village

• Mansfield

Central States

Mrs. Annalean Schwandes, Secretary

2832 W. Bottsford, Milwaukee 15, Wisc.

ILLINOIS

• Addison Twp.

Aurora

Decatur

• Winnetka

Elgin

• Limestone Twp.

Melrose Twp.

Rockford

• Waukegan

IOWA

• Cedar Rapids

MINNESOTA

St. Cloud

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Buffalo, N. Y., for 1956-1957, incorporated on April 13, 1956.

WISCONSIN

Monona Village

Fond du Lac

Oshkosh

Eau Claire

Brookfield

New Berlin Tp.

NEBRASKA

• Omaha

Lincoln

North Central States

Miss Margaret Detwiler, Secretary

711 N. 5th SL, Fargo, N. Dak.

NORTH DAKOTA

• • Fargo

Minot

SOUTH DAKOTA

• Sioux Falls

Lead

South Central States

Mrs. Mildred Birkett, Secretary

4053 Lindell St.,

St. Louis, Mo.

KANSAS

• • Wichita

Kansas City

ARKANSAS

Eureka Springs

OKLAHOMA

Tulsa

MISSOURI

• • Springfield

Independence

St. Joseph

Webster Groves

Rocky Mountain States

Mrs. Mary Lou Ewing, Secretary

1830 Arizona Ave. N. E.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

COLORADO

• Pueblo

• El Paso County

NEW MEXICO

• Bernalillo County

• Roswell

WYOMING

• Laramie

Casper

Northwestern States

Mrs. Helen Wilks, Secretary

12710—11th N. W.

Seattle 77, Washington

IDAHO

Lewiston

MONTANA

• • Great Falls

Missoula

• • Butte

OREGON

• Eugene

Astoria

Salem

WASHINGTON

Monroe

Wenatchee

Walla Walla

Kirkland

• Yakima

Southwestern States

Mrs. Loraine Johnson, Secretary

1001 W. Solano Dr., Phoenix, Arizona.

ARIZONA

• • Tucson Sub Area

Flagstaff

• Yuma

• Tempe

CALIFORNIA

• Chula Vista

• National City

• Cloverdale J.D

• • El Monte J.D.

• • Escondido J.D.

• • Glendale J.D.

• • Inglewood

• • Inglewood J.D.

• • South Gate

• • Millbrae

• • Burlingame

Santa Ana

Redding

Twentynine Palms

Alhambra J.D.

Healdsburg J.D.

• San Leandro-Hayward J.D.

• San Mateo

South Bay J.D.

NEVADA

Las Vegas

• Sparks

UTAH

• Provo

Ogden

• Assembly status in danger

• • Disbanded Assembly

[Page 10]

American Baha’i Communities Achieve Wide

Bahá’ís throughout the United States—from Burlington, Vt., to Missoula, Mont., from Miami, Fla., to Tacoma, Wash., Hawaii and Alaska —may all take pride in the many excellent programs presented by Bahá’í communities and groups in observance of the Eleventh Anniversary of the United Nations.

Reports of meetings held are still coming in to the Bahá’í U.S. United Nations Committee, many of which are sensationally interesting and most of which are excellent, not only in the results reported, but in the methods and manner of planning and executing UN Day activities.

Obviously, space does not permit a complete run-down of programs reported, yet we know you will enjoy reading of some, from which it is hoped inspiration and renewed determination to redouble our teaching efforts may be gained by all of us.

Window display arranged by Milwaukee, Wisc., Bahá’ís in window of leading store for United Nations Day.

Missoula, Mont., with a group of only seven Bahá’ís, launched a fullscale community-wide observance of UN Day. From the University there they obtained the services of two university “co—chairmen” who aided in securing many foreign students to take part in the pageantry, music and dancing. It was possible, through the students, to secure the new and very beautiful University Music Hall for the meeting place. Through contact with the Ministerial Association, the Council of Churches (Jewish, Christian, Greek, and Mormon), and over forty other groups, invitations to them to participate in the program brought wide-spread acceptance with many of them giving one to two—minute talks along with brief selected readings from their own Holy Books.

Bahá’í speaker at city-wide Missoula, Mont., United Nations Day public meeting. Seated on platform are representatives of other religions: (left to right) Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Mormon, and a Missoula College International Relations student.

The Bahá’í speaker, Mr. John Morgan, was interviewed by two radio stations; spot announcements of the meeting were used by all three local radio stations; the local press cooperated fully with news items, photos and announcements in advance of and after the meeting. All of the publicity used was prepared by the Bahá’ís.

At the meeting the Mayor of Missoula read President Eisenhower’s UN Day Message, and then he officially proclaimed “UN Week 1956” to the citizenry of Missoula; leading business firms contributed, without charge, engraved and printed programs: colorful posters were given by the airlines office; large green plants were donated for stage decor; a set of flags of the member nations of UN was received; Boy Scouts and Campfire Girls assisted as ushers at the public meeting, which was attended by approximately 400.

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Response to United Nations Day Programs

United Nations Day display arranged in the Public Library by the Bahá’ís of Erie, Pa. This display was in Erie’s only library, serving a population of 136,000.

The full report of this UN observance is thrilling, indeed, for there is much more than can be set forth in this article. The tenor of the report, however, can be demonstrated in Bill Musler’s own words in reporting the activities. He writes, “I cannot transmit to you in letter form the many opportunities we had—some striking—to call attention to the Bahá’í Faith before, during, and after this program. On several occasions we were able to present the tenets of the Faith with much prestige . . . One or two religious leaders have most earnestly inquired as to learning more about the Faith. They (seem) instinctively to have recognized something wonderful here . . . The Faith in Missoula has, through Bahá’u’lláh and His Teachings brought our local citizenry a little closer. ‘A Path to Peace’ has aided in getting many people here to think more on the international level, and at the same time much prestige has been attained for our Cause and the friends here. For all of this we are forever grateful.”

No less impressive was the UN Day observance held in Burlington, Vt., where a group of only three Bahá’ís reside. They, too, were the ones to initiate a city-wide UN Day observance. Paul Meade contacted all of the religious groups and civic, cultural and humanitarian organizations to form the Burlington UN Day Committee, and was, himself, elected ‘chairman of “UN Day in Burlington.”

As Chairman, he was interviewed on the local television station; one of the ladies of the Committee was interviewed on radio, during which she stated, “Everyone was wishing someone would do something about UN Day in Burlington and it took Paul Meade with his Bahá’í Faith to get it organized.” That is certainly a fine example of action gaining results.

It is interesting to note the organizations represented on the committee: Burlington Council of Churches, local synagogues, Catholic Diocese, Vermont Council on World Affairs, American Heritage Group, and YWCA. Many other organizations participated in the program and ceremonies. Local newspapers cooperated in this case also to the fullest extent, giving six separate articles concerning the program. All of the publicity was prepared by Mrs. Juliette Meade, a Bahá’í.

The program consisted of a public flag raising ceremony on one day; church bells throughout the city were rung on another day as a call to prayer for all Burlington people to pray for the UN’s success in its role of peacemaker; special services were held in churches and synagogues on other days. On UN Day the three Burlington Bahá’ís placed a Bahá’í advertisement in the local

Some of the Bahá’ís and friends attending the United Nations Day Program Tea given by the Bahá’ís of Long Island, N. Y., on October 28.

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paper showing a picture of the Temple, and on that same day the Bahá’í Press Service release was carried by the paper.

Mrs. Meade writes, “So, in reporting what part the Burlington Bahá’ís played in a jointly sponsored UN Day program here, you may state that one of the Bahá’ís here organized it and acted as citywide Chairman . . . As a result of these UN Day activities, it is possible that in the future Burlington will be more ready to celebrate the Day. Also, as a result of the part the Bahá’ís played in the UN Day activities here, Paul was invited to attend a meeting of the Burlington Council of Churches to meet the ministers.”

Milwaukee, Wisc., held a public meeting to which 66 persons came, including 22 non-Bahá’í friends. Louisville, Ky., held a public meeting and a fireside meeting, with attendances of 20 and 55, respectively.

The Bahá’ís on Long Island, N.Y., cooperated in holding a Program Tea in the home of one of the Bahá’ís. Advertisements and news releases appeared in six Long Island newspapers (in six different cities) announcing the program. Forty—five attended, including 30 non-Bahá’í friends.

The group of three Bahá’ís in Northbrook, Ill., cooperated with the League of Women Voters and the World Federalists in a UN Day program which was a social-fireside type meeting. They were successful in having four displays of UN-Bahá’í material in prominent public places, and in obtaining newspaper publicity for the meeting.

The Three Rivers, Mass., group observed UN Day by presenting to the local grammer school a shelf of UN material, in addition to holding a fireside meeting.

Englewood, N.J., held a public meeting, a fireside, and also cooperated in the community-wide observance. They report having received newspaper publicity for the Bahá’í meetings which were attended by 50 persons, 15 of whom were contacts.

The Bahá’í Group of Norfolk, Va., along with nearby isolated believers, cooperated in holding a public meeting. Four newspaper articles were obtained in their local paper in connection with their meeting.

The two local Assemblies of Miami, and Dade County, Fla., sponsored a joint UN Day meeting to which 63 persons came, 33 of whom were not Bahá’ís. They, too, reported success in securing four news articles concerning their meeting.

Anchorage Recording District, Alaska, reports an excellent public meeting attended by 36 persons. Their speaker was interviewed on television; they received several radio spot announcements; and secured newspaper publicity. They also report a series of five fireside meetings held the week prior to their UN Day public meeting.

The small group in Galveston, Texas, achieved fine results through their arrangements for a UN Day observance. They were given a 7½ minute television interview; four radio spot announcements, and excellent newspaper publicity.

Indianapolis, Ind., held a public meeting, placed Bahá’í UN Day notices on bulletin boards of 7 organizations of the city. The audience at the public meeting included 24 non-Bahá’ís.

Riverside, Calif., reports a public meeting and a fireside, exhibits placed in several strategic spots in town. They were given 7 radio spot announcements of the meeting, 1 news item in the local press along with a paid advertisement.

The Tanana Valley, Alaska, Bahá’í Assembly was the only organization in Fairbanks that celebrated UN Day. In addition to the Bahá’í speaker there was a non-Bahá’í speaker, Mr. Norman Hogg, who is in charge of the Territory of Alaska Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. A sudden snow storm affected the wide attendance anticipated but “those who came” it was reported, “were very interested and receptive.” Several days after the meeting Mr. Hogg wrote to the Bahá’ís thanking them for the privilege of speaking at their meeting and commending them for having the only UN Day program in Fairbanks.

This is the first year that the Davenport, Iowa, Bahá’ís have attempted to hold a special UN Day observance, and the result is most impressive. The Bahá’ís contacted six other local organizations, all of which expressed interest. Soon there were 14 organizations working with them. Letters were sent to all teachers, civic groups, ministers, and other interested persons (approxi-

Children’s study class of Little Rock, Ark., conducted by Mrs. Laura Parker of North Little Rock. The study material includes “Children’s Stories from the Dawn Breakers,” “God and His Messengers,” “Bahá’í Prayers for Children,” and “Bahá’í Child’s A.B.C.”

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As a follow-up for the 1956 World Religion Day meeting, this buffet dinner was held in the New Orleans, La., Bahá’í Center last February. Such meetings are fine examples of what can he done to invite contacts established at the World Religion Day observances this year.

mately 1500 in all) calling their attention to the UN’s anniversary. Newspapers, radio and TV stations were contacted for publicity. The Bahá’ís also planned a special fireside meeting, in addition to their participation in the city-wide meetmg.

The report from Davenport states, “The cooperation from other organizations was splendid. There is now considerable interest in forming a permanent observance committee for UN Week so that in succeeding years a more ambitious program can be undertaken. The name ‘Bahá’í’ was heard by many people who had not known of it before. Many new contacts were made which may result in some new inquirers.”

The Augusta, Ga., community held a panel discussion meeting composed of a Bahá’í speaker and several outstanding people of the community. They report, “We had no difficulty in getting speakers for the panel. We were all very happy to be able to get a message so outstanding to the public. One local library asked for some of our UN literature, which was given to them. Our UN meeting was the only public meeting held in the city.”

This spot-check of Bahá’í activities for UN Day 1956 shows at a glance that exceptionally fine efforts have produced similarly fine results in prestige for our beloved Faith in our local communities, in the joy we received in working together in unity and harmony for our common purposes, and in establishing contacts among progressive and liberal-minded organizations and individuals.

The U.S. United Nations Committee is indeed grateful for the whole-hearted cooperation on the part of Bahá’ís in the United States for UN Day 1956. and you may be assured that our report to UN Headquarters of this year’s celebration of UN Day will be made with justifiable pride.

—LEE BLACKWELL

UNITED NATIONS DAY PUBLICITY SHOWS GAIN

Newspaper publicity and advertising for the observance of United Nations Day on October 24 shows totals more than double last year’s results, according to the Bahá’í Press Service.

Publication of the Bahá’í activities in connection with this anniversary appeared in 119 cities with a total circulation over 8,000,000. Advertising space in newspapers was purchased by 27 Bahá’í communities, adding another million circulation to the totals.

Linage totals for publicity and advertising combined shows 969 column inches.

NEGRO CHURCH GROUP ATTENDS BOISE MEETING

The entire congregation of the Bethel African Methodist Church of Boise, Idaho, attended the observance of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh jointly sponsored by the Boise and Ada County Bahá’í communities.

This is the first time that such a large representation of the Negro race attended a Bahá’í meeting there, and the Bahá’ís welcomed them with great joy.

A fellowship hour followed a talk by Mrs. Fredye Stanley of Salt Lake City, in which she explained the station of Bahá’u’lláh as the Lord of the New Age. Refreshments were served, and a large quantity of Bahá’í literature, placed in the lobby of the meeting hall at Julia Davis Park, was depleted by the close of the evening.

UNITED ACTION BRINGS SUCCESS IN ALASKA

The Alaska Teaching Committee, with the cooperation of the Anchorage and Anchorage Recording District Assemblies, united in action to secure the maximum benefit from the scheduled Visit of the Auxiliary Board member, Mrs. Florence Mayberry, from October 16 through the 26th.

In addition to a five-evening seminar with an average attendance of 36 and several fireside meetings, these local communities arranged guest speaker appearances and colored slide showings for the USOYMCA, the NAACP, a Chamber of Commerce luncheon, a Kiwanis Club luncheon, and several school classes.

Radio, TV, and newspaper coverage was excellent. All three radio stations announced the various lectures, three radio and TV interviews were secured, as well as four newspaper releases which included publicity on the forthcoming formation of a National Assembly in Alaska next April. Over 500 printed invitations were distributed for the public lectures, a United Nations Day program, and an open house tea at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

BAHA’I IN THE NEWS

From Germany in a personal letter to an American believer, we find this important item, translated from[Page 14]14 World Mirror Magazine, where it was published as a letter to the editor: “It is hoped that the Bahá’í religious authorities (i.e., the National Assembly of Germany and Austria) Will be able to find a new location for their House of Worship. Though the Bahá’í religion has its roots in Asia (its home is in Persia), its deeply anchored religious convictions have stirred one of our choicest men, namely Albert Schweitzer, to unmistakably express his deep sympathy for the Bahá’ís. I myself have read (his) mail sent to the Bahá’ís!

“If Christianity so far has failed to unite mankind, perhaps the Bahá’ís will be successful in their efforts.” (Signed) Hans Grog Remus, Minister of the Unitarian Church.

(The statement in the above letter about a new location for their House of Worship refers to the fact that the site selected by the National Assembly of Germany and Austria was withheld by the civil authorities).

The Baptist Message dated November 29 quoted a remark made by a missionary Who recently visited Soviet Russia: “Moscow, a city of 8,000,000 people, has only eight congregations of all faiths—Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist and Bahá’í.” It is not necessary to add that we have no information about believers in Russia. The above quotation also appeared in The Nashville Tennessean of November 16.

Wilmette Life for November 29 had an article about the Temple gardens illustrated with three photographs. The article described the plantings in each of the nine gardens and listed the number of visitors Who have toured the building since 1932.

Horace Sutton, travel editor of Saturday Review, wrote in the issue of November 17: “The last time I saw Haifa I saw it from the deck of the ‘Independence.’ It was a tremendous sight, for the time was twilight and the lights had come on across the whole city, which is built on the rising slopes of Mount Carmel. Earlier that day I had Visited the Bahá’í Temple. the world headquarters of a religious group that preaches love and peace, tolerance and good will . . . Now, as we were ready to sail, the dome of the Bahá’í Temple (i.e. Shrine) shimmered in floodlight.”

The Publisher’s Auxiliary, November 10, Chicago, reprints the list of special days, weeks and months in 1957 compiled by the Chamber of Commerce of the U.S., including World Religion Day, January 20.

The 1956-57 calendar prepared for the Public Schools of Wilmington, Del., contains a list of Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox and Bahá’í Holy Days. The Bahá’í Holy Days were recogniezd by the Superintendent of Wilmington Schools prior to April 21, 1954.

The Memphis Press-Scimitar, June 30, quoted the National Spiritual Assembly statement on “The Oneness of Mankind” under a two column head: “Bahai Sets Forth Its Integration Position.”

AMERICAN INDIAN NEWS

There are many teaching positions open on American Indian Reservations at both the grade and the high school levels. If you are interested in pioneering among the American Indians, this should be a good opportunity for you.

Those interested should write to the Secretary of the American Indian Service Committee, Mrs. Nancy Phillips, 736 Encanto Drive S. E., Phoenix, Arizona.

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

In the course of his extensive travel for business, Challoner Chute of Charlottesville, Va.,. has been able to give teaching assistance to Bahá’ís in many cities throughout the South during the past months. A particularly successful service was a visit in company with Randolph Bolles to a group affiliated with the Episcopal Church of Howard University in Washington, D. C. More than 50 students from various parts of Africa and the West Indies heard about the Faith for the first time, eagerly accepted the literature offered, and expressed great interest in studying with the Bahá’ís. Similar teaching was done at a fireside in Mr. Chute’s locality, comprising the head of the School of Religion at the University of Virginia, a minister of the local Mormon Church, and a professor of physics. Jamshed Fozdar, a pioneer from Vietnam home on leave, also addressed the group.

Little Rock, Ark., has been conducting a series of study classes using the panel discussion format, With an average attendance of 16 adults. The outline course, The Bahá’í Faith —A Synoptic View, is used as a guide.

A Hawaii Teaching Conference was held at the Honolulu Bahá’í Center on December 1, with the morning session devoted to consideration of teaching goals for the Hawaiian Islands, and the afternoon session given to‘the topics, “Teaching Problems,” “Publicity,” “Teaching Aids,” and “Confirming the New Believer.”

A second Area Teaching Conference was held at Burlingame, Calif., on November 18. “Obstacles of Personality,” and “The Bahá’í Way of Life” were topics to be discussed. The first of these area conferences was held at Burlingame on Oct. 21.

Ketchikan, Alaska’s news bulletin, The Northern Star, reports that in less than, a year since the formation of their local Spiritual Assembly from a community of 10 Bahá’ís on April 21, 1956, 14 new believers have been enrolled in the Faith. Thus, the Ketchikan Bahá’ís have surpassed their goal of doubling their numbers.

AREA NEWS BULLETINS

Peter McLaren, former Chairman of the National Youth Committee, spoke in Charleston, W. Va., on September 9 before the York Club, a group of 25 young adults belonging to the largest Episcopal Church there, the Bulletin for the Central Atlantic States reports. Mrs. Marian Lippitt has been invited to speak on “The Great Religions of the World” before the Young Women’s Auxiliary of the Charleston Women’s Club.

The Central States Area Teaching Committee held an Area Conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on September 29 and 30, their Bulletin states. A public meeting on Saturday evening featured a talk by Robert Wolff, a pioneer from Dutch Guiana, and the Sunday conference meeting had as a theme, “The Power of the Covenant—Individual Responsibility.” Also reported was the recent teaching trip by Mrs. Evelyn Allen in Iowa and Nebraska. She appeared on television programs in Waterloo, Iowa, and Omaha, Neb., showing slides of the Bahá’í House of Worship. Firesides and public meetings were held in Waterloo and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and in Omaha.

The Bulletin of the Gulf States Area Teaching Committee an[Page 15] nounces that another isolated center has been opened in Alexandria, La. he first Bahá’í function in that city was a Feast held at the YWCA with two attending, including a Bahá’í Visitor from neighboring Pineville. Also reported was a Bahá’í Youth Conference in Dallas, Texas, on October 6-7, for Bahá’ís and their friends.

A picnic-fireside, given by the Area Youth Committee under the sponsorship of the ATC, was held at Evergreen Cabin on September 3, the Bulletin for the North Atlantic States reports. Les Marcus and Mrs. Beatrice Thigpen led a discussion on “Progressive Revelation” and “Current Events in the Bahá’í Faith.” Friends in Waterloo, N.Y., decided to take a “fresh air” child for a two-week period, as a group project. A 7½ year old girl enjoyed the healthy surroundings of Waterloo as a result of this generous offer, which made new acquaintances for the Faith.

A highly inspirational Teaching Conference was held at Laramie, Wyo., on August 5, sponsored by the Laramie Assembly and the Area Teaching Committee, the Area Bulletin reports. Dr. and Mrs. David Ruhe of Kansas City, Mo., conducted the meetings, speaking on teaching problems and Bahá’í Administration. Since the Assembly in Laramie now numbers less than nine members, it is hoped that additions to the Bahá’í community will enable this Assembly to be held. It is the only one in Wyoming. Crusade goal cities in the area include Casper, Cheyenne, and Sheridan, Wyo., Greeley, Colo., and Santa Fe, N. Mex.

The Tennessee Valley States Area Bulletin now recommends a Book of the Month to their readers. For September it was The Advent of Divine Justice, by Shoghi Effendi.

The Hawaii Teaching Committee Bulletin reports that the local Spiritual Assembly of Honolulu has been doing constructive work with the Hawaii Chapter of World Brotherhood. Major and Mrs. Salvatore Pelle are Bahá’í representatives to the Religious Education Committee of the Chapter. One of the Committee’s meetings was held at the Bahá’í Center last summer, and the group was given the history and principles of the Faith.

Bahá’ís from Honolulu flew to the islands of Kauai and Lanai during

WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET

Fourth Year — 1956-1957

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

Total Requirements May 1 December 15 . . . . . . . . 312,000.00

Total Contributions May 1 to December 15 . . . . 195,600.00

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

the autumn months to visit the pioneers and their contacts, the Hawaii Bulletin states. On Maui, one of the regular radio programs on the Faith departed from the usual script type presentation to a reading by Edwin Dover of direct quotations from the Bahá’í Writings.

A feature of the Area Conference held at Charlottesville, Va., on October 27 was a report by Mrs. Dorothy Frey on the activities of the Bahá’í Interracial Committee, and the importance of interracial work, according to the Bulletin of the Central Atlantic States.

The Greensboro, N.C., Spiritual Assembly reports, through the Central Atlantic States Bulletin, that weekly firesides are being carried on in Winston-Salem, N.C., as a part of the extension teaching work.

Area Conferences held in Muskegon, Mich.; Lima, Ohio; and Indianapolis, Ind., are reported in the East Central States Bulletin, with 23 attending at Muskegon, 44 at Lima, and 34 at Indianapolis. The Compilation on The Power of the Covenant was discussed. Indianapolis also reports that a Deepening Class has been organized. A New Carlisle, Ind., Bahá’í reports a newspaper advertising series on the Faith in La Porte, Rolling Prairie, and La Crosse, as well as New Carlisle. Fort Wayne. Ind., tells of three “Park-Lecture-Breakfasts” during the summer months that were successfully received.

An Area Youth Conference was held at South Bend, Ind., on October 20-21, the East Central States Area Bulletin reports, with over 20 youth in attendance from Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. One of the topics discussed was “Detachment.” On Saturday evening a potluck dinner and Social was held, with discussion sessions. Sunday morning the subject undertaken was “Teaching”: “Individual Teaching,” “Conference Teaching,” and “Circuit Teaching.”

“The Promising Land of Africa” was the topic of a public meeting held on October 20 during an Area Conference at Fargo, N.D., with the speaker, Mavis Nymon, dressed in Jolof costume, showing colored slides of West Africa, reports the North Central States Bulletin.

The Youth and Young Adult Committee of the Los Angeles, Calif., community announces in the Southwestern States Bulletin that it is now conducting panels, consisting of three or four youth and one adult, covering various Bahá’í subjects. Hours of study, analysis of teaching requirements, and public speaking practice under the guidance of Mrs. Jesma Herbert have evolved a well-paced presentation. Panel groups are available weekends, and Will travel to points seven hours travel time from Los Angeles.

Stimulating Progress Reports from Memphis and Nashville, Tenn., Louisville, Ky., and Jackson, Miss., have been acknowledged in the Tennessee Valley States Bulletin.

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

What Is A Bahá’í? By Stanwood Cobb. Reprinted from Washington Daily News. In this interview such questions as is the Bahá’í Faith a new religion? how is the Bahá’í Faith organized? are answered by Dr. Cobb. Excellent contact leaflet for mass distribution. 3½ x 1½ Frenchfold. Available approximately

January 15.

25 copies (minimum order) $1.00

100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.00

Bahá’í News Index. (No. 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 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

Minimum Mail Order, $1.00

Available from

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEASTS

January 19—Sultán (Sovereignty)

February 7—Mulk (Dominion)

WORLD RELIGION DAY

January 20—to proclaim the fundamental oneness of religion.

WORLD BROTHERHOOID WEEK

February 17-23—to proclaim the oneness of mankind.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

February 8, 9, 10.

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.

MARRIAGES

Boise, Idaho: Miss Barbara May Bekker to Mr. Alapur ‘Alá’í on September 15, 1956.

Ketchikan, Alaska: Miss Joyce R. Campbell to Mr. J. Leo Baldwin on October 12, 1956.

Chicago, Illinois: Mrs. Thelma J. Rountree to Mr. Irving W. Stevens on November 10, 1956.

National Bahá’í Addresses

NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS:

536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.

NATIONAL TREASURER:

112 Linden Avenue, Illinois.

Make checks Payable to: National Bahá’í Fund

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST:

110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.

BAHÁ’Í NEWS:

Editorial Office:

110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois

Subscription and change of address:

112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois

IN MEMORIAM

Mr. Gerald Hetrick

New Castle, Delaware

August 25, 1956

Mr. Dee Elvery Williams

Phoenix, Illinois

September 27, 1956

Miss Agnes Williams

New York, New York

October, 1956

Mrs. Loa D. Shaffer

Temple City, California

October 13, 1956

Mrs. Parepa Franklin

Wilmette, Illinois

November 7, 1956

Mrs. Elizabeth Householder

Anaheim, California

November 10, 1956

Mr. Bernard B. Gottlieb

West Englewood, New Jersey

November 12, 1956

Mr. J. Harry Bates

Spokane, Washington

November 20, 1956

Mr. John A. Fowler

St. Louis, Missouri

November 22, 1956

Miss Juliet Thompson

New York, New York

December 4, 1956

Mrs. Mary Duffield

Lemay, Missouri

December 2, 1956

Mrs. Irma Ward

Byron, Illinois

Date not reported

BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY CHANGES

ASSEMBLY SECRETARY

Wisconsin

Green Bay: Miss Florence Delany, 309 S. Webster Ave.

ADDITIONS TO COMMITTEES

Area Teaching Committee — Rocky Mountian States

Mr. Tom Ewing

Area Youth Committee — North Central States (new)

Mr. Harry T. D. Rost, Convenor

Mr. Alvin Myers

Mr. Cyrus Omidvaran

Mr. Yossef Rabhani

Mr. Farhang Roshan—Zamir

Child Education Committee

Miss Marjorie Lighthall

Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee

Mrs. Maurine Kraus

CHANGES IN ADDRESS

Radio Service Committee

Mrs. Vivian Fellows, Secretary

4857 North Oakland Avenue

Milwaukee 17, Wisconsin

Wilson Trustees

Mrs. Helen C. LaVey

360 Woodland Road

Chestnut Hill 67, Mass.

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. Materia1 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 be reported directly to National Bahá’í Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.