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No. 312

BAHA’I YEAR 113

FEBRUARY, 1957

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The American Bahá’í Community

Base of Operations in the Global Crusade

Beloved Friends :

Many requests have been received for copies of the letter addressed to all State Conventions. Since it is not feasible to reprint the entire letter in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, the NSA shares the following excerpts with the believers.

“Since the Bahá’í communities constitute the source of pioneers, settlers, extension teaching, the strength and activity of these communities is reflected in this summary of the annual reports received from the 179 local Spiritual Assemblies in existence during the year 1955-1956:

1. Number of Assemblies reporting any new enrollments during the year. 85

2. Number of new believers enrolled in these communities. 227

3. Number of communities carrying on some type of fireside teaching. 153

4. Number of communities conducting study classes. 135

Of these, 112 have classes for deepening the believers, and 83 have classes for inquirers and beginning students.

5. Number of communities holding one or more institutes during the year. 51

6. Number of communities having youth members. 78

7. Number of youth members in these communities. 139

8. Number of communities carrying on any youth activities. 52

It should be noted that many of the larger communities have no youth members and are not carrying on any activities to attract youth.

9. Number of communities carrying on some type of extension teaching work. 55

“The foregoing figures speak for themselves. As we consider them, should we not ask ourselves if it is any wonder that the Guardian expresses concern about the ‘progressive devitalization of the homefront’ and states that ‘no sacrifice can be deemed too great for its revitalization and the broadening and consolidation of its foundations.’ ‘The manpower of the community,’ he says, ‘must, rapidly, and at all costs, increase. . . . ’ ‘A far greater proportion of the avowed supporters of the Faith must arise, ere the Crusade suffers any setback, for the four-fold purpose of winning over an infinitely greater number of recruits to the army of Bahá’u’lláh fighting on the homefronts, 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.’

“ ‘It is primarily a task that concerns the individual believer,’ states the Guardian, ‘wherever he may be, and whatever his calling, his resources, his race, or his age.’

National Assembly Assistance

“What is the National Spiritual Assembly doing to assist the individual to discharge his task?

“1. All communications from the Guardian other than those dealing strictly with business of the National Spiritual Assembly are sent to all the believers with minimum delay, principally through BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

“2. Through reports, statements, and inserts in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, it endeavors to keep the community informed of the progress of the World Crusade and of other developments and activities, and to provide material which will inspire and aid the friends in carrying out their individual and collective responsibilities.

“3. Through the Bahá’í Publishing Trust an abundance of literature for study and teaching is readily available to all.

“4. In an effort to aid the entire Bahá’í community to gain a deeper understanding of ‘the most vitalizing forces of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh released by God Himself for the regeneration of souls and the ordering of the world of humanity,’ the National Assembly prepared and distributed as a gift to every believer two compilations—The Power of the Covenant and Charter of a Divine Civilization. Individual and group study of these two booklets not only deepens the believer in the knowledge and understanding of his station and his responsibility as a follower of Bahá’u’lláh, and of the spiritual force

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Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Bogotá, Colombia, dedicated on October 12, 1956.

and energy which penetrate the universe and quicken the souls of men, but they also provide him with a simple outline of the basic and essential truths for teaching and confirming ‘new recruits.’

National Teaching Plan

“5. Following frequent and full consultation with the American National Teaching Committee, the National Spiritual Assembly has adopted a national teaching plan aimed at accomplishing the four-fold purposes of the homefront campaign called for in the Guardian’s July 19 letter, to be carried out by the American National Teaching Committee and the Area Teaching Committees. Briefly stated, the program is this:

“a. To develop circuit teaching schedules that will provide the smaller communities and active Bahá’í groups with ‘teachers having spiritual capacity and deep knowledge of the Covenant to help ground the believers in the spiritual fundamentals of the Faith.’ This is in direct accord with the instructions of the Guardian as stated in his letter of July 19, written on his behalf by his secretary. This assistance is aimed directly at overcoming the maladjustments and the lack of knowledge which the Guardian says are the chief reasons why the work on the homefront is lagging.

“The National Teaching Committee is developing a panel of teachers and through the Area Teaching Committees it is working out circuits to make most effective use of the time these teachers can devote to such service. The National Spiritual Assembly appeals for the fullest possible cooperation on the part of every community and group that will be offered such assistance.

“b. The local Spiritual Assemblies are urged to aid in converting isolated centers ‘into firmly founded groups’ and accelerating the growth of groups into Assemblies, by providing consistent extension teaching to nearby localities. As reported earlier in this statement there are 675 Bahá’í groups, 675 seed beds for future Assemblies—and 622 isolated centers which should be converted into groups. Perhaps the act of bringing into being another local Spiritual Assembly is the greatest service any community can perform during the next few years.

Appeal for Settlers

“c. In an effort to safeguard the communities that are in danger of losing Assembly status as well as to restore those Assemblies that have been dissolved, the American National Teaching Committee urgently appeals for Bahá’í settlers. The only source from which these settlers can come is the larger communities and yet last year only 168 settlers moved to other cities, and, unfortunately a large percentage of these did not go to goal cities or centers where their membership might have counted in establishing Assemblies or groups. The need for settlers is urgent. As of this date 22 local Spiritual Assemblies formed or elected on April 21 this year have since fallen below a membership of nine and others are in danger. ‘To act, and act promptly and decisively is the need of the present hour. . . . ’

“Dear friends, the time when we could talk and consult about preparation for teaching, and plan for a future teaching program, is past. It is too late for that now. Because of the desperate needs of the world at this hour, only prompt and decisive action is left to us. In the words of the Guardian: ‘Neither the local or national representatives of the Community. . . . nor even the Guardian himself, however much he may yearn for this consummation, can decide where the duty of the individual lies, or supplant him in the discharge of that task.’ ‘Each must evaluate what his own response can and should be; nobody can do this for him.’ ‘ . . . . because they (the believers) are privileged to have accepted the Manifestation of God for this day, this very act has placed upon them a great moral responsibility, to which the Guardian is constantly calling attention.’ ”

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Recommendations from State Conventions and Actions Talien by the NSA

All recommendations received from the 1956 State Conventions were carefully considered by the National Spiritual Assembly at its December-January meeting. Many of the recommendations were directed to the Area Teaching Committees or to the details of arrangements for future State Conventions. These are not being published, but they have been referred to the appropriate committees for action.

Following are the recommendations adopted and acted upon by the National Spiritual Assembly:

1. That the National Spiritual Assembly list in BAHÁ’Í NEWS the current Bahá’í literature that can be helpful to the believers in creating a bridge between Christian friends and the Bahá’í Faith.

Action: The BAHÁ’Í NEWS Editorial Committee has been instructed to publish from time to time brief listings of Bahá’í literature and suggestions for its effective use in creating bridges between the Bahá’í Faith and people of various backgrounds, including those of the Christian faith.

2. That the National Spiritual As[Page 3] sembly make available to every member of the American Bahá’í community the definition of fireside teaching which was sent to the State Conventions.

Action: This recommendation has been approved and the requested article will be distributed as an insert in an early issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

3. That additional copies of the special material sent to the believers as inserts in BAHÁ’Í NEWS be made available for general use.

Action: The Bahá’í Publishing Trust has for sale much of the material that has been distributed in this manner. Announcements of the availability of these items are published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS by the Publishing Trust.

4. That a Bahá’í school be established in the South as soon as possible.

Action: It is recorded that the Guardian has instructed the National Spiritual Assembly that additional summer schools are not to be established at the present time.

Teaching Outlines

5. That a simple teaching outline be provided for general use by the believers.

Action: The Bahá’í Publishing Trust has been requested to list in an early issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS the teaching outlines currently available with a brief description of each one. The National Spiritual Assembly is taking additional steps to provide other outlines of this type.

6. That the National Spiritual Assembly take steps to republish Promulgation of Universal Peace as the one source of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s talks in America.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly has had this matter before it for more than three years. The retranslation of a number of the talks and other difficult problems are involved. Meanwhile the friends are urged to make maximum use of Foundations of World Unity, which contains 28 selections from the public addresses by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Europe and America.

7. That the outgoing National Spiritual Assembly present at the National Convention a report on actions taken on the State Convention recommendations.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly believes that the publication in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of the State Convention recommendations adopted by the Assembly fulfils the objective of this particular recommendation.

8. That the National Spiritual Assembly report what action was taken on the recommendation made at the 1956 National Convention that scholarships be provided to enable deserving youth to attend Bahá’í Summer Schools.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly calls attention to the action on this recommendation as reported in the June 1956, issue fo BAHÁ’Í NEWS, page 2, paragraph 11.

College Student Inquiries

9. That local communities and groups contact colleges and provide college officials with information which will make possible the answering of inquiries by students concerning the Bahá’í Faith.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly encourages local communities and groups to carry out this recommendation wherever contact can be made with colleges.

10. That the National Spiritual Assembly investigate the possibility of having Bahá’í books included in lists prepared by the American Library Association.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly is taking steps to carry out this recommendation.

11. That the National Spiritual Assembly have the annual reports of the various national committees in the hands of the delegates to the National Convention at least a week before the Convention.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly makes every possible effort to have the printed annual reports in the hands of the Convention delegates at least ten days before the Convention.

12. That the book The Glorius Kingdom of the Father Foretold be reprinted.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly is considering this book along with others, in its plan for bringing out Bahá’í publications.

13. That National Spiritual Assembly endeavor to find a way to contact the isolated believers more directly with regard to contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly feels that the isolated believers obtain full information on the status of the National Fund from the reports published regularly in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, and that the Guardian’s messages, also published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, are the best means of stimulating awareness of the obligation of Bahá’ís to support all Crusade objectives, including the various Bahá’í Funds.

14. That the National Spiritual Assembly send a questionnaire to all believers asking them to indicate

Hazíratu’l-Quds of Buenos Aires, Argentina

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their chief problem in teaching the Faith, in order to determine what particular assistance is required to overcome those problems.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly feels that the questionnaire approach on a wide scale is impractical, but the Bahá’í Summer School Committees are being requested to make this recommendation a matter of consultation during seminar and workshop courses on teaching during the 1957 sessions.

New Pamphlet

15. Since there is nothing currently available to take the place of the pamphlet, Victory of the Spirit by Dorothy Baker, it is recommended that this pamphlet be reprinted.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly has already included in its schedule of publications a pamphlet that will fill this need.

16. That local Spiritual Assemblies be encouraged to send ninety per cent of all contributions to the National Fund every nineteen days.

Action: While it endorses the sending of the maximum amount to the National Fund, which must be the source of financing many World Crusade projects throughout the world, the National Spiritual Assembly feels that it is improper to set a too rigid percentage or goal.

17. That the National Spiritual Assembly consider the feasibility of making it mandatory for persons whose voting rights have been suspended or who have voluntarily withdrawn from activity, to go through the usual process of preparation for enrollment before reinstating these individuals to full membership.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly approves the principle that deepening study and classes should be provided for believers who have been inactive for any lengthy period, for whatever reason.

18. That the National Spiritual Assembly clarify what is meant by the “reasonable length of time” in which believers should sever connections with other religious groups and/or fraternal and other organizations in which the Guardian has said the believers should not hold membership.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly records the following principles to be applied in carrying out the Guardian’s instructions referred to in this recommendation: (a) a rigid time limit cannot be established for complying with these instructions for the reason that individual circumstances differ; however, (b) the Guardian’s instructions must be obeyed, and (c) Bahá’í administrative bodies have the obligation to report to the National Spiritual Assembly any continued disregard of the warnings that failure to obey them will result in deprivation of voting rights.

19. That the National Spiritual Assembly make suggestions as to how provisions should be made and carried out for having Bahá’í children brought up in the Bahá’í Faith in the event of their parents’ death.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly encourages Bahá’í parents to make such provisions in their wills that will insure their children receiving Bahá’í’ training.

First Bahá’í Teaching Conference on Taiwan, held in Tainan on November 11-12 1956, and reported in “Bahá’í News” for January.

Pictures of Temple

20. That the National Spiritual Assembly consider the production of a large-size picture of the Temple suitable for display in homes and public places.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly has under consideration a plan for the production of a group of pictures of the Temple and Temple gardens, and will attempt to expand the plan to include this recommendation.

21. Several states recommended that their states be represented in the membership of their respective Area Teaching Committees.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to explain that the Area Teaching Committees were not designed to be representative in structure, but, in accordance with the instructions of the Guardian, they are Composed of a small number of believers centrally located for the purposes of consultation, and as such committees they serve as arms of the National Teaching Committee in planning and supervising the teaching activities for a given area.

—NATIONAL SIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Memorial Service for Juliet Thompson

In accordance with the instructions from the Guardian in his cablegram of tribute to Miss Juliet Thompson (published in the January BAHÁ’Í NEWS), the National Spiritual Assembly will hold a memorial service for Miss Thompson in the Bahá’í House of Worship on Saturday evening, February 9, at 8:00 o’clock.

It is hoped that as many friends as possible will be present to pay fitting tribute to the memory of this “exemplary handmaid of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

[Page 5]IANNI NEWS

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Port Adelaide, South Australia, incorporated on August l0, 1956.

“Service Unforgettable”

(Cable from the Guardian)

Grieved news dear father’s death. Pioneer teaching (and) administrative services unforgettable, highly meritorious. Assure (you) (of) fervent prayers (for the) progress (of) his soul (in the) Abhá Kingdom.

(signed) SHOGHI

December 27, 1956

The foregoing cablegram from the Guardian was addressed to the family of Mr. Edwin W. Mattoon, who passed away in Key West, Florida, December 24, 1956, after a long period of illness. He and Mrs. Mattoon settled in Key West as Bahá’í pioneers in August 1954.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

NATIONAL CONVENTION DATES ANNOUNCED

The Forty-Ninth Annual Bahá’í Convention will be held in Foundation Hall of the Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois, Sunday, April 28 through Wednesday, May 1, 1957.

Delegates and visitors wishing accommodations in private homes should send their request for reservations to: Mrs. Priscilla Hassan, 1244 Maple Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, Chairman of the Housing Committee, or to the Co-Chairman, Mrs. Edna Coleman, 1227 Leon Place, Evanston, Illinois. A list of nearby hotels, together with rates, will be published in the next issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS. The friends wishing this type of accommodation are requested to make their own reservations.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Australia, New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND PREPARES FOR FIRST CONVENTION

Preparations for the historic first national Bahá’í Convention to be held in Auckland, New Zealand, on April 25-28, 1957, are well in hand, the Bahá’í Bulletin from the National Assembly of Australia and New Zealand reports.

This convention will be held in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Auckland, and will elect New Zealand’s first National Spiritual Assembly. It will he one of 13 National and Regional-National Spiritual Assemblies to be formed during Riḍván next year throughout the Bahá’í world.

Canada

PIONEERS WRITE OF AFRICAN TOUR

The Canadian Bahá’í News has published a letter from John and Audrey Robarts, Canadian pioneers in Africa, that is of interest to all Bahá’ís. Excerpts are reprinted below.

“A few days ago Audrey and I returned from a most interesting 17 day trip which included the islands of Mauritius, Reunion, and Madagascar.

“There are three local Spiritual Assemblies in Mauritius, and much activity. One recently formed community, of mostly young men, have a study class, or fireside, in their center every day, often two a day, and there is much teaching outside the center. it was a joy to see such enthusiasm, activity, and dedication. Even the new members are called upon to teach, and they do.

“Reunion is like a beautiful bit of old Quebec. We loved the people, and had many happy times‘ There is an Assembly there, due to the wonderful

Bahá’ís attending the Benelux Conference held at the Brussels, Belgium, Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds on September 15-17, 1956.

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pioneering work of Dr. Leland Jensen and his wife, Dr. Opal Jensen, from St. Louis. They spoke no French. How they made their contacts, lent books in French, gradually learned the language, and attracted fine people, is a story that proved to us the ever-presence of chosen angels.

“Tananarive and Tamatave on Madagascar are lovely cities. The Cause was taken there by Mrs. Meherangiz Munsiff, a beautiful Indian woman, now in the United States. After many months of pioneering and having no believers, with a broken heart she cabled the Guardian lamenting that she had failed. He replied, ‘Wait. They are coming.’ The very next day our friends arrived at her door to inquire about the new religion. They stayed and are new active and devoted.

“In these parts one develops a new perspective on the value of the Faith. Here we see it as the breath of life to so many people who are so desperately in need of a divine remedy for their ills. What hope would they have it if were not for this Faith of God?”

WHITEHORSE FORMS INDIAN ASSOCIATION

An Indian Advancement Association has been formed in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, under the leadership of two Bahá’í pioneers there, Joan and Ted Anderson. The Canadian New Territories Committee Bulletin has published the following letter from Whitehorse, telling of this event.

“Our big news this time is the first meeting of the Indian Advancement Association. We were thrilled to have 24 people come, including the Commissioner of the Yukon, the Superintendent of Schools, the Indian Agent, the Indian Health nurse and doctor, the Bishop of the Anglican Church, the newspaper editor’s wife, a reporter from the newspaper (although we asked for no publicity as yet) and seven Indians.

“Ted chaired the meeting and the group discussed the proposed aims, and changed and revised them to

Baha’í Youth Are Active Around the World

Bahá’í Youth Group of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Bahá’í Youth of Kanpur, India.

Bahá’í Youth of Rangoon, Burma.

Bahá’í Youth Club of Lima, Peru.

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Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Buenos Aires, Argentina, for 1956-1957.

suit conditions here. It was decided to call the organization the Yukon Indian Advancement Association for the time being.

“By this time it was 10:30 p.m., so it was decided to have another meeting on the first Wednesday in December to make further plans. We were most happy to see the Commissioner there in particular, as he is a very busy man, and it was kind of him to give his time. He had some very helpful suggestions, too.”

British Isles

GUARDIAN’S LETTER THEME OF TEACHING CONFERENCE

A Teaching Conference held in Birmingham on January 5-6, 1957, drew its themes from the Guardian’s latest letter to Britain. “The Process Set in Motion” was the keynote topic.

The first day sessions were conducted on “Igniting a Fire in the Hearts of Our Countrymen.” The next morning the conference considered the subject, “Building the New Communities,” with emphasis on fireside teaching, the question of new believers, and the role of groups as the nuclei of Assemblies.

“The Call of the Present Hour,” Sunday afternoon, was concerned with that flow of pioneers and concentration of material resources which must be “unexampled" in our history.

BAHÁ’ÍS STRESS WEEKEND SCHOOLS

Ten Weekend Schools have been held in the British Isles since the Summer School of 1956, The Home Front, publication of the British National Teaching Committee, reports.

“In November 1955,” The Home Front states, “our dear Dr. Grossmann, Hand of the Cause of God, having completed his tour of Bahá’í communities, suggested that ‘neighboring centres should come together more often,’ as our ‘lilliputian centres give no idea to new contacts of Bahá’í community life, which is essential.’

“ ‘If this kind of regional cooperation could be stressed,’ he wrote, ‘I feel work would go ahead more quickly and encourage isolated believers and pioneers.’

“How pertinent was this suggestion,” The Home Front continues, “and how prophetic of the Weekend Schools which were soon to appear in every corner of Britain!”

The ten locations of these Weekend Schools are: Lerwick, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Belfast, London, Torquay, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Blackpool.

Central America

PLAN FORMATION OF TWO NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES

Bahá’í News of Central America has announced an election, January 6, 1957, for delegates to participate in the formation of two national Spiritual Assemblies next Riḍván.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Central America will represent Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Antilles will represent Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.

Mealtime at the International Bahá’í Summer School of Ezeiza, Argentina, 1956.

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NATIONAL NEWS

RELIGIOUS EMPHASIS WEEK OBSERVED IN MANHATTAN BEACH SCHOOLS

South Bay District High Schools in Manhattan Beach, Calif., designate the three days preceeding Thanksgiving as “Religious Emphasis” Week, in which any religious organization may participate.

In addition to spiritual emphasis in the class rooms by the teachers, in an effort to show the relationship between the material and the spiritual side of man without actually teaching about God or any sectarian belief, there are assemblies held each day in the auditorium.

Each religious organization represented was assigned a room where students were free to go to ask questions during their lunch hour. Because of the law prohibiting the teaching of religion in the public schools, the students could not visit the religious groups during a class period.

After the first question period apparently the word got around that the Bahá’ís had something of interest to offer, as the next periods were so crowded the door had to be left open for all to hear. The Bahá’í youth were not able to give out literature or take names of interested seekers, but were able to give them the name of Brenda Gangel, a Bahá’í youth of Manhattan Beach, and a student in Mira Costa High School. She reported that the entire campus was buzzing with “Bahá’í.”

Since then, Seymour Malkin represented the Faith at a breakfast given by the Ministerial Association. There was a Catholic priest, and a Mormon and Salvation Army representative present, in addition to the regular members. The Bahá’í spokesman suggested that next year all participants should have a voice in the program planning, and the idea was accepted. This year’s publicity, handled by a member of the Ministerial Association, eliminated reference to Bahá’í participation in the activities. It is hoped that next year a publicity chairman can be elected, who will give more complete publicity coverage.

It is estimated that 200 students and teachers were told of the Bahá’í Faith during Religious Emphasis Week, and many more heard about it indirectly. A Public Youth Meeting was held as a follow-up, with new contacts expressing interest. There is a regular Youth Fireside night for further teaching work.

COMMITTEE REVISES MAILING PIECES

Changes in the “Campaign Ensemble,” a direct mailing unit distributed by the National Committee on Bahá’í Questionnaires, have been announced. A description of the material produced by this committee was published in the November issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, page 10.

Four communities of Colombia were present at the dedication of the Hazíratu’l-Quds at Bogotá on October 12, 1956.

The cost of producing the “Announcement Questionnaire” as described in that article, proved to make it unsatisfactory for direct mail use. Instead, features of this Questionnaire will be combined with a revised “Campaign Ensemble,” which was also described in the November BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

The new “Campaign Ensemble” will be printed on a four-page folder, with a new type of letter appearing on the first page, written in a manner to appeal to those who are world minded.

On the left inner page is a statement about the Bahá’í Faith by the Guardian, and on the facing page is an illustration of the Bahá’í House of Worship.

This folder will be enclosed in an envelop with a white question card. This ensemble is designed to present the dignity of the former “Announcement Questionnaire” and possesses the result-getting features of the former “Campaign Ensemble.”

The cost of these ensembles is $3.75 per hundred. Orders should be addressed to the Questionnaires Committee, in care of Mrs. Sylvia Calhoun, Treasurer, P.0. Box 545, Green Bay, Wisc.

Latest returns on the questionnaire cards show a new trend, according to the committee. A recent upsurge has been noted, with more men checking the questionnaires. In the past they were checked mostly by women. There has been an increase in the percentage of inquirers who have indicated their desire to learn more of the Bahá’í teachings.

The most popular questions on these cards have proven to concern immortality, the spiritual meaning of adversity, proof of the existence of God, the destiny of America, and soul, mind, and spirit.

WINTER SESSION HELD AT DAVISON SCHOOL

“Security in a Failing World” was the theme of the Winter Session at Davison Bahá’í School, Davison, Mich., held from December 26 to January 1.

There were four courses of study: “Individual Responsibility in the Bahá’í Community,” “Christianity in Today’s World,” “Healing Methods Revealed by Bahá’u’lláh,” and “The World Crusade,” based upon the Guardian’s letter, “Inestimable Prizes to be Won.”

[Page 9]

VALUE OF CONSULTATION DESCRIBED IN BULLETIN

The “Teaching Column,” a feature of the Bahá’í Youth Bulletin, in its December issue publishes an excellent exposition by Allan Ward on achieving unity through consultation. BAHÁ’Í NEWS reprints portions of this article in the belief that it is of value to all Bahá’ís.

The author develops his theme by explaining that “any group must agree on their definitions before they can discuss any given topic.” He then proceeds to ask, “How can we have unity of action, let alone a world-wide brotherhood, if we do not have unity of thought—if we do not have unity of thought on the spiritual teachings which are our life-blood?

“One group, which has just begun this sort of consultation to understand the Teachings together, began with the ‘Tablet to the Seeker’ (Gleanings, page 264). The first meeting lasted two hours. And the material covered was the first three sentences of that Tablet.

“And let me mention the background of preparation for that consultation. One of the members had typed up copies of the first paragraph of the Tablet. Members of the group had carried it with them for a week previously, reading it and meditating on it every spare moment during the day, even while walking between classes at school, and at mealtimes. Can you imagine the unity achieved by this?

“The meeting itself was the essence of discipline in consultation, for each member was to listen fully to whomever was speaking, instead of formulating his own next comments, and was to say exactly what he thought, no matter how inconsequential it seemed.

“Now, how can this help you? This can serve as a deepening class for you personally, as you meditate during the week; it forms a powerful cord of spiritual unity for the minds attuned to the same teachings; it promotes understanding of the group and it can be used for any number, anywhere, whether a community, or youth group, or an isolated believer and his friends. And contacts, in our experience, have found these meetings challenging and enlightening— clearer path to our supreme goal of spiritual unity.”

PUBLICITY REPORTED FOR BIRTH OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

An analysis of publicity received for the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá‘u’lláh has been reported by the Bahá’í Press Service.

Bahá’í publicity appeared in 147 newspapers, and advertising in 37 newspapers. There was a total of 639 column-inches of publicity and 263 column-inches of advertising. One hundred ten cities were represented by these publications.

DEMAND FOR COMPILATION PROMPTS NEW EDITION

Demand for the four compilation articles by Mrs. Gene Crist, written for Bahá’ís as a “bridge” from Christianity to the Bahá’í Faith, has necessitated a second edition, according to the National Reference Library Committee.

These four papers, described in the September 1956 issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, include “Prophecies Fulfilled, Arranged by Time, Place, Name, and Characters,” “The Return of Christ,” “God’s Everlasting Covenant,” and “Progressive Revelation.” The set, comprising about 40 pages, sells for 75c.

Another compliation, “Teaching the Bahá’í Faith,” is available at 15c additional when ordered with the above set, or 20c when mailed separately. The committee bears the expense of mailing, which is considerable, and therefore requests that the money be sent with the order to eliminate additional postage, bookkeeping, and time.

Orders should be sent to the National Reference Library Committee, Mrs. Marian Crist Lippitt, Secretary, 1587 Virginia St. East, Charleston 1, W. Va.

Dinner given for members of the armed forces by the Wilmington, Del., Bahá’í community at the home of Mrs. Etta Woodlen. An expression of appreciation from the local U.S.O. officials has been received by the Wilmington Spiritual Assembly.

BAHÁ’Í CHILDREN PERFORM ON HUMAN RIGHTS DAY PROGRAM

UN Human Rights Day was observed by the Nassau County, N.Y., Woman’s Forum with an interfaith festival featuring the music and dances of the major world religions.

Mrs. Hubert Cowan, a Bahá’í of Garden City, N.Y., serves as chairman of the Nassau County Woman’s Forum, a group that numbers other Bahá’ís among the membership.

The Bahá’í contribution to the festival was the Children’s Choir, from the Roslyn Bahá’í Sunday School, singing two songs. The group was trained by Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, and accompanied by Mrs. Martha Kavelin.

Other religions represented on the program included the Moslem, Hindu, Jewish, and Buddhist faiths.

BAHA’I IN THE NEWS

Dr. Marcus Bach, School of Religion, University of Iowa, has writ[Page 10] ten a book reporting his personal interviews with five religious personages. One chapter is devoted to each interview. The published volume presents these reports in the following order: Therese Newmann, Shoghi Effendi, Helen Keller, Pope Pius XII, Albert Schweitzer.

Preceding these chapters is an introductory chapter entitled “The Search.” The book title is The Circle of Faith. The introductory chapter makes it clear that what Dr. Bach sought was a way to find the sum total of what men professed about Christ, feeling that this sum total “would constitute the most valid Christian faith that anyone could find.” The Bahá’í reader will appreciate the fact that what the seeker finds in the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh cannot exceed the degree of independence with which the investigation is made.

Despite this self-imposed limitation, the author’s experience in meeting the Guardian is described with dignity and reverence. The nobility and power of the Guardian, if not understanding of the Guardianship, will become apparent to the non-Bahá’í reader. Thus the area of knowledge about the Guardian and about some at least of his profoundest convictions, will be considerably enlarged as Dr. Bach’s book is reviewed and distributed. The Circle of Faith is not the universal orbit of the Bahá’í Revelation, but it is as large as contemporary western religious culture can at present encompass.

For the Bahá’í the chapter concerning Shoghi Effendi is made additionally interesting by the authors account of his visits to the Prison in ‘Akká, Bahjí, and the gardens, and by his meeting with Rúḥíyyih Khánum, Mrs. Amelia Collins, Dr. Lotfullah, Mrs. Leroy Ioas, and Jessie and Ethel Revell.

“To the Guardian the relationship between Jesus and Bahá’u’lláh was consistently unvarying. The world, he recalled, had rejected the Christ. It was again seeking to reject the Spender of God. But as the Prophet of Nazareth seized and conquered the minds of men, so the Prophet of Teheran was conquering too. As the Prince of Peace shook and terrified the kingdoms of Selfish individuals, so the Prince of Unity was even now beginning to shatter the kingdoms of selfish systems. Jesus and Bahá’u’lláh were Divine Manifestations, whole and inseparable.”

The Circle of Faith, by Marcus Bach, is published by Hawthorn Books, Inc., New York. Publication date, March, 1957.

The Continental Assurance Co. of Chicago has distributed a very impressive Season’s Greetings card reproducing a beautiful illustration of the Bahá’í House of Worship, identified as one of the “Landmarks of Chicago.” Permission to use the Temple as theme for the card was given by the National Spiritual Assembly some months ago.

Fourth Annual picnic given by the Bahá’ís of Antelope Judicial District, Calif., with five non-Bahá’ís in attendance. Public response to advertising and publicity is small in this area, but the fellowship engendered by this annual picnic has begun to bring results.

The Washington, D.C., Sunday Star Magazine for December 30 contains a two-page illustrated article on “The Many-Sided Mme. Munsiff.” The text presents Mrs. Munsiff as lecturer, world traveler, social worker, fashion designer, mother, and diplomat’s wife, and states that she has lectured for the Faith throughout the British Isles, in Africa, and on a tour of our own Western States. Ten interesting photos of Mrs. Munsiff enhance the human interest of this feature story.

A pocket size magazine, The New Christian Advocate, an official journal of Methodism, published in Chicago, reviews in its December 1956 issue Dr. Toynbee’s An Historian’s Approach to Religion. The reviewer states: “What might be termed the author’s glorified approach to a new Bahá’í synthesis reminds one of the ancient gnostic syncretizing system. Toynbee himself might be called a devotee of a veritable Christian-Mahayian-Buddhist faith with undertone of Islam and Hinduism.”

Bahá’ís in their study of the Kitáb-í-Iqán learn the reasons for the blind rejection of the Manifestation by the professional clergy in every Dispensation.

Field Trip Guide for Chicagoland, December 1956, January 1957, published bimonthly by the Willett Motor[Page 11] Coach Company, Chicago, lists the places to be visited by tourists. Under the heading “Famous Churches,” the Bahá’í Temple heads the list.

The Concord Daily Monitor and New Hampshire Patriot, November 29, 1956, presented a feature article entitled “With N. H. Women” by a staff writer, Nyleen Morrison. This article presents a detailed sketch of Mrs. Gladys Weeden, including her deep interest in the Bahá’í Faith. “She has lectured in 75 major cities. She has spent six years in Haifa, Israel, lived for a time in Vermont, and now enjoys life in Henniker, where she and her husband, Benjamin Weeden, settled a couple of years ago on his retirement.” The references to the Faith are clear and accurate.

In the December 1956 number of Travel, a monthly publication of the National Travel Club, an article by Thomas B. Lesure entitled “Sacred American Shrines,” included a photograph of the Bahá’í House of Worship, and in the text of the article refers to it as “a striking example of church architecture” erected by followers of the Persian religious leader, Bahá’u’lláh.”

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES

The Bahá’í Club on the Campus of Delaware State College entered a float in the annual Homecoming Day parade on October 13, an automobile decorated with travel posters of many lands With a large banner on the roof reading “This Earth is One Country and Mankind its Citizens.” Preceding the car were 14 children dressed in costumes representing members of the United Nations Organization.

As the float circled the football field at half-time, the crowd gave it a loud ovation, and in the judging it was awarded first prize of $20.00.

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

A Lutheran Church in Arlington, Va., invited the chairman of the Bahá’í local Spiritual Assembly to speak about the Faith to a Sunday School class of teen-agers. There were 20 youth present, and the direct teachings were given. An enthusiastic question period followed the talk, extending the class for two hours duration. Some asked if they might come to Bahá’í meetings for further information.

WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET

Fourth Year — 1956-1957

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

Total Requirements May

1 to January 15 . . . . . . . 353,600.00

Total Contributions May

l to January 15 . . . . . . . 248,600.00

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

The recording “The Lord of the New Age.” by Winston Evans, was broadcast on radio station KTIM, San Rafael, Calif., on November 11. The station offered their public service time for this program, and there was no charge.

Incorporation of the local Spiritual Assembly of Ketchikan, Alaska, has been undertaken, and plans are proceeding as speedily as possible.

An Area Teaching Conference was held at Stockton, Calif., on November 11 at the Clark Hotel. Bahá’ís from Berkeley, Concord, Sacramento and Stockton attended these workshop sessions on teaching methods.

Eight weekly firesides are now conducted by members of the 1415 Angeles, Calif., Bahá’í community.

Anchorage, Alaska, observed Human Rights Day on December 10 with a panel discussion program featuring questions and answers, to stimulate audience participation.

The Lions Club of Kalaupapa, the Hansen’s Disease Settlement on Molokai, T.H., invited Bula Mott Stewart to be guest speaker at their annual Christmas Dinner and Party. There were 110 present, including staff and patients. Her topic was “The Christmas Story for Today,” centered on Bahá’u’lláh and His relation to Jesus, and the talk was illustrated with slides of the House of Worship and the Shrine of the Báb.

A Christmas Greeting advertisement was used by the Flint, Mich., Spiritual Assembly in five area newspapers. They report a fine response, with many calls received about the advertisement.

Human Rights Day was observed by the San Francisco, Calif., community with a public meeting at the Bahá’í Center on December 9, with Arthur Dahl as speaker.

AREA NEWS BULLETINS

Teaching circuits in Wisconsin and Illinois have been scheduled by the Central States Area Teaching Committee for the winter months, with Margery McCormick, Zella Svendson and Vivian Fellows participating.

Prince Georges County, Md., Bahá’ís showed slides of the Holy Land to a group in Clinton, Md., in October, and were invited to return in November for a repeat showing. Since then two local families have invited Bahá’ís to dinner to discuss the Bahá’í teachings, and it is hoped that a study class will soon be organized in Clinton.

Consulations with Bahá’ís of Beverly and Springfield, Mass., Brattleboro, Vt., and Danbury, Conn., were scheduled by the New England States Area Teaching Committee during the autumn months.

Goal cities of Gulfport, Miss., and Chattanooga, Tenn., are receiving the concentrated teaching efforts of the Tennessee Valley States Area Teaching Committee. It is hoped to have a local Spiritual Assembly by April.

The UN Day activities of the Missoula, Mont., Bahá’í group, reported in the January 1957 issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, has prompted several forms of public recognition for the Faith. A formerly antagonistic newspaper has promised to publish a complete feature story on the Faith when the local Bahá’í assembly is formed. The Chamber of Commerce now lists the Bahá’í Faith in its directory. A Methodist church student newspaper, Tower Tidings, published an account of the UN Day program. The church pastor is President of the Ministerial Association.

Lewiston, Idaho, held a public meeting on November 4, attended by 40 persons, including 25 contacts. Three radio stations, a television station, and a newspaper publicized the program.

The women members of the Altadena, Calif., Bahá’í community have planned a series of monthly meetings to acquaint their friends and neighbors with the Faith. The first program presented a sound movie in color, “And They Met in Galilee,” furnished by the Israeli Tourist Office. The film included views of the Shrine of the Báb and the surrounding gardens. Planning for future programs has brought forth wonderful cooperation from various sources, including film, use of a projector, and screen.

Excerpts from Area Teaching Committee reports

[Page 12]

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

What ls 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.

25 copies (minimum order) $1.00

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

Minimum Mail Order, $1.00

Available from

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

Bahá’í House of Worship

Visiting Hours

Weekdays and Saturdays

1:00 — 4:00 P.M.

(Auditorium open)

Sundays

10:30 A.M. — 5:00 P.M.

(Entire building open)

Service of Worship

Sundays

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEASTS

February 7—Mulk (Dominion)

March 2—‘Ala’ (Loftiness)

NEGRO HISTORY WEEK

February 10-17—To proclaim the oneness of mankind.

INTERCALARY DAYS

Ayyam-i-Ha, February 26 to March 1.

DAYS OF FASTING

March 2-21

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS

February 8, 9, 10

March 22, 23, 24

MARRIAGES

Madison, Wisconsin: Mrs. Ada Harris to Mr. Stephen Follett on September 1, 1956.

Sacramento, California: Miss Gail Allan to Mr. William J. Reynolds on November 25, 1956.

Chicago, Illinois: Miss Elizabeth Mary Brookes to Mr. Arthur E. Whitney on December 8, 1956.

Tucson, Arizona: Miss Mary Elizabeth Pope to Mr. John Kenton Allen on December 20, 1956.

San Mateo, California: Miss Glenda V. Greenacre to Mr. Daniel G. Gimlin on December 23, 1956.

IN MEMORIAM

Mrs. Lillian A. Ammerman

Highland Park, Michigan

May 1, 1956

Mrs. Irene Werner

Peoria, Illinois

October 6, 1955

Mrs. Harriette Moulton

Honolulu, Hawaii

November, 1956

Miss Fanny Day Exum

Vaughn, Mississippi

November 24, 1956

Mrs. Eva Morgan

Charleston, South Carolina

December 3, 1956

Mr. Frank P. Jones

Nenana, Alaska

December 4, 1956

Mrs. Clarice Blair

Los Angeles, California

December 6, 1956

Miss Rose Immerman

Chicago, Illinois

December 6, 1956

Mrs. Elizabeth Bjornsen

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

December 8, 1956

Mr. Claude K. Winans

Fort Smith, Arkansas

December 8, 1956

Miss Elizabeth Hay

Corvallis, Oregon

December 10, 1956

BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY CHANGES

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

California (Northern)

San José: Mrs. Adrienne Reeves. 240 N. 15th St.

California (Southern)

Glendale: Mrs. Garnette Whitefield, 315 W. Lomita Ave.. Apt. 217, z. 4

Colorado

Colorado Springs: Mrs. Gladys Roberts. 915 N. Hancock

Hawaii

Maui: Mrs. Mable J. Van Valkenburg, Kihei, Maui

Illinois (Northern)

Elmhurst: Mrs. Lois Whitaker, 375 N. York St.

Illinois (Southern)

Quincy: Mrs. Eunice I. Hannawalt. 524 Spring St.

Missouri

Kansas City: Mrs. Jeanne Laite, 1533 Lexington Ct., z. 10

Wisconsin

Green Bay: Miss Florence Delaney, 338 S. Adams, Street

BAHÁ’Í SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM COMMITTEES

Davison School Program Committee

Mrs. Lois Nochman, Secretary, 532 Western Avenue, Inkster, Michigan

Green Acre Institute Program Committee

Mr. Kenneth Kalantar (added to replace Mr. Roy Mottahedeh, who cannot serve)

AREA TEACHING COMMITTEE

North Atlantic States

Mrs. Mary Jane Bramel (added)

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

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

BAHÁ’Í NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1956-57: Mrs. Eunice Broun, 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.