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No. 313

BAHA’I YEAR 113

MARCH, 1957

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“The Most Important of All Things”

“In these days, the most important of all things is the guidance of the nations and peoples of the world.”

Under the direction of our beloved Guardian, the Bahá’ís of all continents are engaged in a World Crusade to carry out this instruction, revealed in the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Through the dispersal of pioneers and the translation of the Teachings in many languages, the Message of Bahá’u’lláh has now reached almost every nation and dependency and peoples of many different tongues.

Young Bahá’ís, and indeed even those who have been members of the American Bahá’í community for the past twenty years, wishing to understand better why the believers of America are called upon to play a “preponderating role” in carrying out this instruction of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as well as the various stages by which we have arrived at this particular phase in the spread of the Faith, will find an excellent source for this background in the compilation America’s God-Given Mission. It is a good follow-up to the study of the booklets, The Power of the Covenant and The Charter of Divine Civilization, and it lends itself well to either group or individual study.

In the first chapter the quotations explain the significance of the Bahá’í cycle which inaugurates the unfoldment of “the grand redemptive scheme of God,” through the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, “The Glory of God,” and the unique mission of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Master “Architect of His World Order.” They move quickly to the quotations from God Passes By which define the destiny of America in the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth.

The quotations in the second chapter give a brief and moving summary of the beginning of the Faith in America, the first teachers, the first pilgrims, the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the steps the Faith passed through in America while the foundation was being laid for the teaching campaigns that were soon to carry the Faith to all countries and peoples of the earth.

The third chapter gives a brief review of the goals and achievements of the First and Second SevenYear Plans, which were trials of strength and preparation for the

Two views of the Bahá’í International Archives Building on Mt. Carmel, Haifa showing progress in construction.

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great global crusade. There are references also to the events that have been taking place in the outside world in the fulfillment of the ancient prophecies about “the time of the end” and the preparation of the world for the coming of the Kingdom of God.

The compilation closes with the international events in the Bahá’í world that immediately preceded the launching of the World Crusade in Chicago on May 1, 1953: the Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Báb, the inauguration of the African campaign, the formation of the International Bahá’í Council, the appointment of the Hands of the Cause of God, and the announcement of “the great Jubilee.”

With an understanding of this background, the subsequent messages of the Guardian directing the World Crusade and announcing its progress become more meaningful and exciting for all believers, and enable them to explain to friends and contacts the swift-moving expansion of the Faith throughout the world.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

TRANSLATIONS NEAR COMPLETION

Of the 91 languages into which Bahá’í literature was to be translated during the World Crusade, the Guardian assigned responsibility for twenty to the Bahá’ís of the United States—ten in Europe and ten in the Americas.

All the European translations except Lapp have been completed. Thus far it has been impossible to find a translator either in Europe or America for this language.

Of the ten American languages, it became necessary to secure the Guardian’s permission to make substitutions for seven, for the reason that these were completely extinct or peoples and translators who knew the languages could not be found.

The three languages which were not changed were American Indian languages or dialects—Blackfoot, Cherokee, and Iroquois, all of which have been translated and printed through the cooperation of the American Indian Service Committees of the United States and of Canada.

In addition, introductory pamphlets have been translated and printed in Navajo and Mohawk. The final checking of the translation of a pamphlet in Oneida is being completed. Thus six instead of three American Indian tribes now have Bahá’í literature in their languages.

In Latin America, pamphlets have been published in Quecha, Guarani, Nahuatl, and Maya Quiche; one in Aymara is ready for printing. No translators have yet been found for remaining two — Nongre, and Araucano.

The World Crusade list included only one translation for the islands that constitute the Trust Territory of the United States in the Pacific. This was Kusaie, which has been completed and printed by the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand. However, with the help or native people, an introductory pamphlet is now being translated into Trukese. A few quotations from the Sacred Writings have also been translated into Ponapaean and Chamorro, the latter being the language of the natives of Guam.

Hazíratu’l-Quds of Oslo, purchased January 5, 1956, and located at Nestoppen 27, Alvos, Baerum, pr., Oslo, Norway. The dedication ceremonies took place on February 6, 1957.

Thus the beautiful words of Bahá’u’lláh, “Blessed is the spot . . . ” are now known and loved by peoples in even the most remote places, whether they are written: “Bendisi y logot, y gima, y suid . . .” for the Chamorros, or “Ak mutal ye an sisrik se inge, á city se inge . . . ” for the Kusaiens of the Micronesian Islands, or “Kom kupure wasat, Im wet wasat kiset, o kan im . . .” for the Ponapaeans, or “Bik’ihojidlíigo haz’á lahgo, ’índa dahooghangoo don dabinaagoo . . . ” for the Navajo Indians of the Southwest.

From information available in the Administrative Headquarters of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, it appears that of the languages listed for the World Crusade, 23 of the 41 for Asian peoples have been translated, and 11 of the 31 African languages have been completed.

In addition 23 other African and Asiatic languages not a part of the Crusade have been translated, bringing the known translations since the opening of the Crusade to at least 77. Thus another important goal of the World Crusade is nearing completion, and may even be exceeded by the end of this Bahá’í year.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

SCHOOLS OF 3 CITIES RECOGNIZE HOLY DAYS

The public schools of Danbury, Conn., the Novato School District of San Rafael, Calif., and San Jose, Calif., have given permission for Bahá’í children to be absent on Bahá’í Holy Days. This brings to 36 the number of cities or states which recognize the Holy Days.

In San Jose, permission was also given for Bahá’í children to have one hour each week for religious education in the Bahá’í Faith, outside the school. This is an application of the local Religious Education in the Schools program.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUALL ASSEMBLY

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“Service Highly Meritorious”

Grieved passing (your) dear mother. Her services highly meritorious. Assure fervent prayers (for) progress (of her) soul (in) Kingdom.

(signed) SHOGHI

The above cablegram was sent by the Guardian to Mr. Wilfrid Barton after the passing of his mother, Mrs. Mary Barton. It was received January 26, 1957.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

INTERCONTINENTAL COMMITTEES

Asia

100 ATTEND INSPIRING KWANGJU CONFERENCE

A Bahá’í Winter Conference was held at Kwangju, Korea, on December 26 to 30, 1956. The following account of this memorable meeting has been written by the pioneer there.

The Conference was scheduled to begin the day after Christmas and run for five days, but with the arrival of Bill Smits and Huh Hong from Seoul on the 24th, the “teaching” aspect of the conference really began.

On the 25th of December John McHenry from Yokohama and the two Bahá’ís from Mokpo arrived, accelerating the power of the Conference. It was not really to ebb until about 20 people journeyed the five miles to the railroad station to say goodbye to Phil Marangella, Smits, and McHenry.

On Wednesday, December 26th, the program formally began with welcomes and introductions of guests and local Bahá’ís. The daily program was arranged so that only one lecture in the morning followed the daily devotions.

In the afternoon three classes were conducted simultaneously: one was for adults who had almost finished the Ten-Lesson Study Course; one was for students studying the same book; and one was a class exclusively for Bahá’ís.

Endowment land at Pangiriwatte, Mirihana, Nugegoda. Colombo, Ceylon.

This latter class covered “Fundamental Verities of the Faith”— an outline from the Dispensation. of Bahá’u’lláh prepared by the Japan Teaching Committee. The Bahá’ís also discussed recent letters from the Guardian; this was led by John McHenry.

The evening sessions were arranged as follows: a showing of colored slides, a public meeting for students, a public meeting for adults, and an evening with the Bahá’ís. On Sunday, December 30, the Feast Committee of Kwangju was host for the largest Feast ever held in this city.

The previous two conferences here in Kwangju were criticized as being too full; this time the program was greatly sheared to allow time for more intimate contacts among the Bahá’ís. Recreation time was scheduled from 1:30 to 3:00, with Scrabble being the favorite game. On Saturday a $64 quiz program was held, with candy replacing dollars. Also, the losers had to sing, the result being that no one tried very hard to win. Even winners were penalized, and to everyone’s delight had to find a partner for a duet.

On the last day, Sunday, an afternoon reception for ladies was planned. The afternoon got started off gaily with some of the ladies doing ancient interpretive dancing. Then a round of singing ensued, the highlight being an almost-professional duet of “O Solo Mio” by Mrs. Pak, wife of a university president, and Phil Marangella.

The program changed key with stories of outstanding Bahá’í women. This part of the program was cut short by the ladies asking deep theological questions about the Faith.

The guests for this program included many high school and college girls, and the Kwangju Chapter of the Ewa Women‘s University Alumni Association.

“One Continuous Session”

In looking back over the crowded events of this conference, we cannot say which was the highlight, or which part was the most stimulating. It can be truly said that this conference was not a series of meetings; rather it was one continuous session with occasional times out for sleeping.

There was the Feast in which prayers were read in six languages, and which was so unifying that curfew almost caught people away from home. There was the Bahá’í night in which Phil discussed the “Valley of Search.” There was the reception, the lectures, the classes; or maybe it was the free time sandwiched in between all of these.

Not one of the more than 100 people who attended some or all of the conference could have left without a boost in spiritual joy, in understanding, and in awareness of that Bahá’í love which alone can unite this planet.

Each of the three conferences held here has had a different emphasis,[Page 4] a different spirit. The first one a year ago concentrated upon basic teachings; the one last summer, with two Persians as guests, concentrated upon history.

An outsider listening from around the corner would have said that this one concentrated upon singing. Even John McHenry, who at first protested that he could not sing, joined everyone in the many song fests. Bill Smits woke up singing. Phil Marangella almost learned a Korean song to add to his vast repertoire, and we in Kwangju all had a chance to exercise our vocal chords. But the singing was, after all, only symbolic.

The last night of the conference, at the Feast of Honor, every heart united to send our beloved Guardian the following cable:

“Representatives Nishinomiya Yokohoma Seoul Mokpo Hwasoon Kwangju Bahá’í Teaching Conference send warmest love.”

—WILLIAM H. MAXWELL

STUDY COURSE PREPARES JAPANESE FOR CONVENTION

The Bahá’ís of Japan are engaged in an intensive two months’ study program aimed at preparing themselves for participation in the Convention and the formation of the first National Spiritual Assembly in the North East Pacific during Riḍván 1957. The program consists of the following subjects:

1. Japan’s Place in the Divine Plan: The Global Crusade—what it is; the future world civilization: Japan’s role; formation of National Assemblies throughout the world.

2. The Responsibility of Being a Bahá’í: The application of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings to the life of the individual whether in the West or the East; teaching the Cause; the of July 19, 1957.

3. “The Power of the Covenant;” study of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

4. The National Spiritual Assembly: Its place in the Administrative Order; its responsibilities; how elected.

5. The Application of Administrative Procedures: Practice of holding a National Convention; practice of electing a National Spiritual Assembly.

Bahá’í Winter Conference at Kwangju, Korea, held December 26 to 30, 1956.

References used in the course include: Messages from the Guardian; Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to America and to Japan; The Advent of Divine Justice; The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’; The Covenant and Administration Compilation, and the Guardian’s Statistical Survey—The Bahá’í Faith.

The National Convention will be held in Tokyo on April 27, 28, and 29, following a one-day teaching conference on April 26. The nineteen delegates were elected on December 2, 1956, by the Bahá’í communities in Japan, Korea, Formosa, and Hong Kong.

—ASIA TEACIENG COMMITEE

Western Hemisphere

COMMITTEE REPORTS PIONEER OPENINGS IN ALASKA, LATIN AMERICA

The Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee submits the following report on pioneer opportunities in Alaska and Latin America:

Alaska

From time to time the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee receives information from the believers in Alaska relative to employment opportunities, which we wish to share with you through the BAHÁ’Í NEWS, hoping to encourage as many believers as possible, who can be spared from the Home Front, to pioneer in Alaska.

This is the year of the election of the first Alaskan National Spiritual Assembly, and excitement is in the air throughout all Alaska! The following letter from Ann Ashen in Juneau speaks for itself:

“For some time I have wanted to write you to . . . make a plea for assistance for others to be encouraged to come here to help us to form our assembly. There is a crying need for stenographers here and a number of government agencies always in search of office personnel. Jobs are easy to find and pay is quite good. We will welcome anyone you can persuade to come here. We Bahá’ís will give them all the assistance in finding employment and a place to stay. We are four active and one inactive—and must have our assembly by April. We hope most sincerely that you will be able to find someone to join us.”

Latin America

In one of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote: “You must give great importance to teaching the Indians, i.e., the aborigines of America. For these souls are like the ancient inhabitants of Peninsular Arabia, who previous to the Manifestation of His Holiness Muhammed were treated as savages. But when the Muḥammedic light shone forth in their midst, they became so illumined that they brightened the world. Likewise, should these Indians and aborigines be educated and ob-

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Bahá’í community of David, Republic of Panama, which elected one of the new local Spiritual Assemblies of Central America last April.

tain guidance, there is no doubt that through the divine teachings they will become so enlightened as in turn to shed light to all regions.”

This native race of the Western Hemisphere inhabits lands all the way from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, at the tip of South America. There are about 300,000 in the United States, but they are numbered in the millions in Latin America. In two of the American Republics, Guatemala and Bolivia, they form the majority of the population. So far, not only have they met oppression by the “white man,” but also in only a few places has there been any effort by the Bahá’ís to carry out the Master’s mandate. But a start has been made, notably at the Bahá’í Indian Institute in Guatemala; there are now Indian believers in Alaska, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico and Peru. In the January issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, a picture was published of the first two Bolivian Indian Bahá’ís. Here is an account of the meeting of a North American traveler with these brothers in the Cause.

“You can imagine my thrill when told I was to meet two Indian Bahá’ís, newly enrolled, for everywhere I had seen Indians in their colorful costumes—in the cities, in the markets toiling under their burdens over the mountain roads—and had been longing for the time when the message would be brought to these people.

“When our two brothers, dressed in their native clothes, joined us— Bahá’ís of North and South America —how truly Bahá’í was the meeting. The elder of these brothers, the ‘mayor’ of his ‘estancia’, told us of his search for, and final finding of, the Truth. Standing, with the dignity of a king, he told how he had been searching for years and years; how he had looked at the sky and the stars, the mountains and the miles of the Bolivian Altiplano, and had thought there must be only one God and one Creator; how he had thought it was wrong to worship ‘stones’; how he had gone into Church and again felt it wrong to worship ‘idols’; how he had investigated the Protestant Missions, still unsatisfied; how he had been persecuted by the authorities in his search; and how, when walking the streets of the Capital, La Paz, he had seen the Bahá’í Center, with its sign inviting inquiry, and had knocked at the door for information. (This was a distinctive act, for, as in many of these countries, there is great prejudice and a strong line of demarkation in Bolivia, where the Indian was a serf until only a few years ago.)

“Andres, for that is his name, told of his great happiness in at last encountering the ‘word of God’, of his determination to take it to his people, and of his hope that the ‘law of God’ would be brought to all the Indians of the world and that all human beings would unite and obey God and find peace. He said that many Indians have been searching for years and years for the ‘word of God’, and that there has been no one to teach them; that they do not like war and killing and quarrels, they do not like ‘drunken fiestas’; that they are searching for liberty, justice, education, peace, and for love between men; that for centuries they have been oppressed and that up until today they have not encountered the truth.

“Next day, before leaving to take the message back to his people, Andres and Carmelo, his brother, gathered a group of Indians from various parts of Bolivia, to hear this new message. Each in the costume of his own locality, men and women, and suckling babies, gathered under the tree in the garden of the Seton Smiths, pioneers to Bolivia, to hear Andres translate into their native Quechua. How sweet and simple they were! And what radiance shown in their faces when they heard the prayers!”

With the millions of Indians in Latin America, must of them living about the same life they led when the Conquistadores first landed, it is significant that the Master placed the paragraph with which this article opens, in the midst of His list of the lands of the Americas in which we are to promulgate the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

Anyone who is interested in pioneering among the Indians of South or Central America may write for information to: Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, Secretary, Western Hemisphere Teaching Comm., 73 College Road West, Princeton, N.J.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Central and East Africa

NEWSLETTER TELLS OF TWO AFRICAN TOURS

Musa Banání, Hand of the Cause for Africa, has distributed a new issue of his informative “Newsletter” to the Bahá’í's of Africa. The following excerpts are of especial interest to all Bahá’ís:

“Board Member William Sears recently traveled to Zululand, accompanied by our new arrival, Robert Quigley, The purpose of the visit

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Pioneers serving in the Seychelles Islands.

was to meet the lonely pioneer there, but they soon learned that she was not there, as she was-spending a few days (visiting).

“ ‘We decided that the thing to do,’ writes William Sears, ‘would be to get a car and go to Zululand the very next day ourselves, have a special session of prayers on the land, and hope that a new spirit would come into the work.

“ ‘In order that we should not lose any teaching time, we took two of the African believers with us. In this way we had three hours of teaching on the way over, and three on the way back. Mr. Quigley rented the car and drove, and I sat and taught the boys. It was a thrilling trip for all of us, Mr. Quigley joining in on the teaching whenever he didn’t have to duck a giant hole in the appalling roads.

“ ‘We prayed (all four of us) for some time on a high hill overlooking the sea and the city. There is a cross there to the first martyr among the Zulus to believe in Christ. We thought the spot significant. We prayed the Tablet of Aḥmad. the Tablets of Visitation, and called out the Greatest Name in all directions, as well as the Remover of Difficulties. There was a strong wind blowing in from the sea, and it seemed to us that it took the prayers from our very lips and scattered them throughout that lovely land. Then we returned (home), continuing our deepening sessions on the way back.’

“This little moving story is, I know, but one of many similar experiences that pioneers and friends have in the service of their Beloved Faith. When prayer and service join forces, the results are overwhelming. This account is a demonstration of the deep conviction the friends must have in the power of prayer. The work of the Faith is, in it final analysis, a spiritual activity. The great force that Bahá’u’lláh has promised us shall be ours only if We dissipate the darkness of our own self-importance from our hearts, and allow the light of humble prayer to shine and guide our path—a prayer symbolizing our complete dependence upon God, a token of our weaknesses and our constant need for His aid. When we succeed in combining our services to Bahá’u’lláh with such a prayerful attitude, we are bound to attract to ourselves His promised blessings.

French Togoland

“There is also the story of a team of three African believers from Lomé, French Togoland, who went on a teaching trip to nearby Dahomey to visit members of a Bahá’í group in Agoue-Adjigo, one of whom is a tribal chief. A picturesque description of this trip has come to hand; it rings with the spirit of faith, of dedication, and of a consciousness of Bahá’í responsibility on the part of the rising Bahá’í generation in Africa.

“ ‘On Sunday morning our three man delegation headed to Agoue-Adjigo to visit the friends there on teaching work and deepening. A little shower stormed the vicinity, and we drove away in a misty cloud. The ride was loving and beautiful. The sea gave plenty catch: our main agricultural crop, coconut, gave chrysoberyl grandeur to the scene.

“ ‘About 9 a.m. we finally reached our destination. We were escorted to the king’s palace to pay perfunctory loyalties. Through friendly conversations we learned that the new believers had all gone outside the town on pleasure trips. our informative letter was never received, except an only one received this morning per the courtesy of a bearer, It was therefore not possible to meet all the friends to participate together in our deliberations.

“ ‘We began our activities with opening prayer said in Ewe: “O God, unite the hearts of Thy servants . . .” Following this the king was taught how to direct declarations of individual believers (filling of forms). The king also informed us of his contact-campaigns, and hoped that the group would reach Assembly status before Riḍván. Cheers!

“ ‘This group has also two French literates, of whom the king is one, two English and French literates, and two illiterates, all quite a nice composition of six members.

“ ‘Our local Assembly fostering this group freely gave out the followbooks: Bahá’í World Faith, Man One Family, and the Bahá’í calendar.

“ ‘The most orderly procedure sprang up with listening ears as David Tanyi gave a 55 minute account of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and mainly about the world encircling work the Guardian has divinely shouldered.

“ ‘Then the king gave a short but impressive address on why he became a Bahá’í. The seance closed with the Prayer for All Nations, Pictures were taken and delicious dishes were served to round off the occasion. When we said goodbye the king said, “I am never tired of seeing you. It is hard for me you are parting. Always try to increase your visits. Never fail to lend us your Knowledge, and we will also hear your burdens abreast with you. Goodbye.” ’

“A postscript to this report adds ‘We are glad to report that at our visit we attested the declarations of four more believers.’

Letter from Guardian

“To one of our pioneers in the African campaign our Guardian has written recently through his secre[Page 7] tary these illuminating words:

“ ‘ . . .Sometimes people strive all their lives to render outstanding service. Here is the time and opportunity to render historic services; in fact the most unique in history, aiding in the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecies of the Last Day, and the 1335 days, when men are to be blessed by the Glory of the Lord, covering the entire globe—which is the real goal of the Ten Year Crusade.

“ ‘In other words, when we fulfill the Ten Year Crusade we will have brought into fulfillment Daniel’s great prophecy of “Blessed is he who waits and comes to the 1335 days.” What could be more wonderful than taking pm in the fulfillment of religious prophecy of over 3,000 years!’ ”

SEYCHELLES BAHÁ’ÍS EXPECT TO WIN GOALS

Progress of the Faith and hopes for the attainment of teaching goals in the Seychelles Islands, now under the Central and East Africa National Assembly, has been related in a report from the local Spiritual Assembly there:

At the time of writing this short account of the progress of the Faith in the Seychelles Archipelago the number of adult believers is 26, which includes 8 pioneers and 18 local believers.

Generally the Seychelles is known as a penal colony and thus it might give an impression to some that the life here must be a difficult one. Far from it, there are the loveliest group of islands that you can imagine, full of scenic beauty, grand panoramic views, fine beaches, no dearth of anything to eat, no malaria and no poisonous insects. Climate is wonderful and on top of everything some 30,000 simple folk inhabit them.

Some very useful work in the teaching field has been done in these so-far forlorn islands, which may be attributed to the fact that these islands, once these were opened to the Faith, remained wihout a pioneer and some of the pioneers who actually were not destined for this place had perforce to stay and do work. In fact we are looking forward to very good prospects in course of time.

Mahe is the main island of the Group and the seat of the Government. We have an Assembly which will get incorporated before the close of the year, two isolated centers and one group, while two other islands of the Archipelago have one believer in each.

The Local Assembly has a one year teaching plan based on the beloved Guardian’s latest instructions about priority tasks under the Crusade, and we are confident that we shall achieve all the objectives laid down therein and perhaps something more.

—A. RAHMAN

Australia. New Zealand

LANGUAGE TRANSLATION GOALS NEARLY WON

Of the 14 language translation goals of the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand under the Ten Year Crusade, only three remain to be secured, according to the Australian Bahá’í Bulletin.

Translations secured and now undergoing checking before passed for use are Petats and Manus, as well as Marquesas.

Pamphlets already printed and available are in Tongan, Samoan, Mwala, Lifu, Kusaien, Mentawai, Tetum, and Pidgin English, as well as a reprinted Fijian leaflet. Pamphlets undergoing printing are Nuie, Binandere. and a second Tetum and a second Tongan publication. A duplicated issue of Roviana was prepared for use in the Solomon Islands.

Roviana, Tetum, and Pidgin English are in addition to goal languages.

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

MANY YOUTH ATTEND YERRINBOOL SCHOOL

The Twenty-First Armual Bahá’í Summer School was held at “Bolton Place,” Yerrinbool, New South Wales, from December 26 to January 7, 1957. A total of 72 persons attended, with about 50 of these youth.

The states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania were represented. We were blessed by having Clara Dunn, Hand of the Cause of God, with us for the entire period.

At the school were many nationalities of various religious backgrounds, such as Jewish, Christian, and Muslim, all mingling and studying the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

The courses of study were “Islam and Progressive Revelation,” “Spiritual Laws of the Quran.” “Administration of the Bahá’í Faith,” and “Teaching the Bahá’í Faith.” Each night there were lectures covering a great variety of subjects.

During spare hours a film evening was held, and a picnic and visit to a Bahá’í home in the local community.

—MARIETTE G. BOLTON

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Canada

PERSONAL TEACHING STRESSED AT TORONTO

The importance of personal teaching as the only means by which the home front goals can be achieved, was the message of the Canadian National Teaching Committee at a conference in Toronto on December 8, Canadian Bahá’í News reports.

The conference was jointly sponsored by the National Teaching Committee and the New Territories Committee.

A drama, “The Seated Bahá’í,” written and produced by the New Territories Committee, was also presented. It portrays the imagined obstacles that Bahá’ís find in their way when deciding to pioneer.

Saskatoon Seminar

A seminar on “The Covenant and Administration” and the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was given by the Saskatoon Assembly on the weekend of November 25, with the Regina community as guests. It is hoped that this seminar will prove to be a step toward the establishment of an intercommunity teaching program between Saskatoon and Regina Bahá’ís.

Montreal Broadcasts

The Bahá’í News also reports that a Montreal radio station is broadcasting a Bahá’í prayer for peace every ninth day.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Mirpur-Khas, Pákistán, formed April 21, 1956.

India, Pákistán, Burma

PÁKISTÁN BAHÁ’ÍS PLAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

Representatives of most of the local Spiritual Assemblies of Pákistán met in Karáchí last autumn to prepare the ground for the establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly, to be elected during Riḍván 1957, the Indian Bahá’í News Letter reports.

Also present was Shu’a’u’lláh ‘Ala’i, Hand of the Cause, who had been visiting various cities in the Indian area following the Jakarta Conference of last August. He was accompanied by Isfandiar Bakhtiari, Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pákistán, and Burma.

Mr. ‘Ala‘i will represent the Guardian at the Pákistán National Convention, and the new National Spiritual Assembly will be formed under his supervision.

Spiritual Assembly at the Bahá’ís of Rampur (Banaras), India, registered August 3, 1956.

MARIANAS OBSERVE WORLD RELIGION DAY

The Bahá’ís of Agana, Guam, Mariana Islands, took advantage of the annual observance of World Religion Day to hold their second public meeting on the Island. Although the attendance was small there was widespread publicity. In addition to a large paid advertisement in the Guam Daily News there was a news item announcing the speaker and the theme. Posters were placed in the windows of the largest department store, a sports goods store and at the Civil Service Community Housing. The meeting was announced twice a day for several days before the meeting, as part or the general announcement of events scheduled to take place in Guam. On Sunday morning, the day of the meeting, a talk on the Faith was given by Mrs. Cynthia Olson. The speaker at the public meeting was Mr. Edgar Olson and Miss Virginia Breaks of the Island of Truk was his chairman.

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Germany, Austria

TEACHING TRIP, WINTER SCHOOL REPORTED

Bahá’í Nachrichten, news organ of the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria, has published details of a teaching trip by Dr. Hermann Grossmann, Hand of the Cause, to Vienna and the goal cities of Austria last autumn.

Dr. Grossmann reported gratifying consolidations and deepening of the work. Vienna is continuing its regular teaching and study activities. His journey continued to Graz, where the untiring work of Edna Johnson and Robert Schultheiss has interested an enlarged circle of people. Here the work has been strengthened by the arrival of Íránian friends.

In Salzburg, next visited by Dr. Grossmann, the work is also very active. The six friends living there are untiringly engaged in deepening the interested inquirers in the Faith.

It was stressed that one thing is extremely necessary—that more German friends go to Austria, Only in that way can the Guardian’s wish be fulfilled, that three more local Spiritual Assemblies, in Graz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, be established by Riḍván 1957.

Winter School

A Youth Winter School was held in the Freiburger Swimsport club in Titisee/Schwarzwald from December 27 to January 2, 1957. The site of the meeting lies on the south shore of a lake.

The general theme was “Youth in Modern Society,” with these subjects: “Isolation and Community Today,” Religion and Society,” “A New Order?”, “Our Situation and the Bahá’í Principles,” and “How Do We Youth Unlock Religion?”

Recreation was planned to include a trip to a nearby mountain, skiing and social gatherings.

Faith Taught in School

A course in “The Denominations of Christianity, the Sects, and the Bahá’í Religion” is being offered in the high school in Hannover. The secretary of the local Spiritual Assembly there reports that the references to the Faith were accurate and positive, and that the difficulties the Bahá’ís experienced from the churches in acquiring the Eschborn Temple site were mentioned.

Italy, Switzerland

TEN-DAY WINTER SCHOOL HELD NEAR ST. MORITZ

During the Italo-Swiss Youth Winter School of December 22 to January 2, 1957, 26 people representing nine countries attended the ten-day sessions. The school was held in a Swiss chalet in a small town near St. Moritz, Switzerland.

Youth came from Ireland, England, France, Sicily, Denmark, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, Germany, and Írán.

“Some Answered Questions” was the subject of the morning class presented by Mrs. Florence Bagley. During the evening, special subjects such as chapters from Prescription for Living, and presentations on “Plan for a New World Order,” and “What’s New in the Bahá’í Faith” were given. German, English, French, and Persian were the four languages spoken.

Recreation consisted of skiing, skating, sightseeing, dancing, and various games and talent shows. On New Year’s Eve a masquerade proved to be lots of fun, bringing forth ideas of the youth of several nationalities.

—CAROL BAGLEY

Following the first South-East Asia Teaching Conference at Jakarta, Indonesia, August 15-18, 1956, reported in “Bahá’í News” fro October, Hand of the Cause Shu’á’u’lláh ‘Alá’í visited Singapore, Colombo, Bombay,Poona, and Panchgani. The photograph at the left shows his arrival at the Ratmalana Aiport at Colombo, Ceylon. Left to right are Mr. L. J. Peraji, Mr. ‘Alá’í, Mr. Bakthiari, Mr. K. Sivvapirakasam, and Mr. A. Butt. Mr. Peraji and Mr. Sivvapirakasam are secretary and chairman, respectively, of the Colombo local Spiritual Assembly; Mr. Bahktiari and Mr. Butt are chairman and secretary, respectively, of the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pákistán, and Burma. The photograph at the right shows Mr. ‘Alá’í addresing a gathering in the Colombo Hazíratu’l-Quds on the eve of his departure.

[Page 10]

Early American Bahá’ís Honor Juliet Thompson at Memorial Service in House of Worship

“Juliet Thompson truly was one who loved her Lord.”

This opening remark by Paul E. Haney, Hand of the Cause, was the keynote of tributes offered in memory of Juliet Thompson at a memorial service in Foundation Hall of the Bahá’í House of Worship on February 9, 1957.

The program had been opened by Mr. Haney, serving as chairman, with a reading of the Guardian’s cable, received in Wilmette on December 6, 1956, following Juliet Thompsons passing on December 4:

“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 Abba 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.”

—SHOGHI

Following the reading by Borrah Kavelin of Bahá’u’lláh’s Prayer From the sweet-scented streams of Thine eternity give me to drink, O my God . . . , the chairman explained that the National Spiritual Assembly, in planning this memorial service, had asked several of the early American believers, who had shared Juliet Thompson’s period of service to the Faith, to contribute comments on their remembrance of her.

Charles Mason Remey, Hand of the Cause, unable to attend the memorial service, wrote a letter eulogizing her service in propagating the Bahá’í Cause that covered a period of over 55 years. It was read to the gathering by Miss Edna True.

“I first heard the name Juliet Thompson in Washington in the middle 1890’s,” Mr. Remey wrote, “when she, a young girl in her early 20’s, was already known as a portrait artist. Her work had a very pleasing, flower-like, and ephemeral quality that attracted one’s attention.

“Juliet Thompson, however, was but the name of a young artist to me until I first met her in Paris in 1901, This was in the house of Mrs. Barney, at a meeing where Mirzá Abu‘l Faḍl, the Bahá’í savant, was giving lessons to the groups of very-early-in-the-Faith believers. Then it was I learned that Juliet had been a believer for several months, having heard the Message in Washington shortly before coming to Paris, with her mother and brother, to spend a season or more in her studies in Art.

“It was in 1904, 1905, and 1906, in New York, that I next met Juliet, where her studio in the National Arts Club in Grammercy Square was one of the centers of Bahá’í meetings in the city,

“Juliet’s contribution to the Cause was her great love for, and devotion to, the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Her spirit of enthusiasm for the Faith was soul-warming and contagious, and people were attracted to the Cause by Juliet and joined the expanding numbers of the Faith.

“Juliet’s chief art contribution to the Bahá’í Faith,” Mr. Remey’s eulogy continued, “was her portrait of the Master, done in pastels during His visit to this country.

“At the time of the Master’s visit to America, Juliet was particularly active in the Cause. It was through her efforts that the Rector of the Church of the Ascension in New York received the Master at a Sunday evening service in his church, seating the Master in the Bishop’s Chair beside the altar in the sanctuary of the chancel. Here it was that the Master answered many questions about the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh that were asked by people in the congregation.

“Juliet Thompson did not lose the vision of the Bahá’í promise of peace, even in the midst of World War I.

In those days it was dangerous to say anything about world peace. Reprehensible as was this subject, particularly in Washington in those days, Juliet didn’t lose any opportunities to voice the Bahá’í teachings upon this subject. Often she was misunderstood and even threatened, but she never capitulated in her stand.

“After years of service amongst the Bahá’ís of New York, not long after our beloved Guardian had sent the first Bahá’í pioneer teachers into the Latin American countries, Juliet spent over a year teaching in Mexico.

“During her many services to the Cause, Juliet made two pilgrimages to the sacred Bahá’í Shrines in the Holy Land.

“During the later years of her life she was quite invalided in New York. Nevertheless, wherever she was, there was a center around which Bahá’í thought and activity revolved.”

After Mr. Remey’s remarks, Charles Wolcott read three selections from The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh. Mr. Haney then presented a commendation of Juliet Thompson by one who had intimate knowledge of her, Mrs. Mariam Haney.

“Who among us can understand the character of Juliet?,” Mrs. Haney wrote. “She was much more the heart type than the intellectual type, and yet she was at times so brilliant she could cope with the scholars she knew, and in teaching the Bahá’í Faith she become a spiritual scholar and answered sucessfully the deepest questions.”

After reviewing Juliet Thompson’s art studies in Paris and her meetings with many of the early Bahá’ís, Mrs. Haney stated, “Later Juliet met Mr. Thomas Breakwell, the first English Bahá’í, (who) gave her Gobineau’s description in French of The Martyrdom of the Báb, and this completely confirmed her.

“That which amazed me in those extremely happy spiritual days was Juliet’s capacity to accept the Teachings instantly. There can be no doubt that she was of the ‘called and chosen,’ and the Master said, “The chosen have heard and understood the Call from the Divine Assembly.’

“From the beginning of Juliet’s complete acceptance of the Faith, she wanted to serve the Bahá’í Cause, and from the start of a small meeting[Page 11] in her studios, this effort continued to grow for years; here she spread the Message among her extensive contacts with non-Bahá’ís, and also always had a weekly meeting for Bahá’ís only. She had read in the Tablets of ‘Abdul’-Baha, ‘If thou art seeking a heavenly palace, make thy house the gathering place of the friends of God.’ ”

In recalling ‘Abdul'Baha’s visit to New York in 1912, Mrs. Haney related, “Juliet followed the Master everywhere; she attended all the meetings in New York, as well as the meetings in Brooklyn and New Jersey, and the Master graciously addressed a meeting she had arranged for Him in her studio. Several times He called her to walk with Kim on Riverside Drive, with Valíyu’lláh Varqá as interpreter.

“Juliet was greatly confirmed in keeping a complete diary of the tremendous events transpiring during the Master’s visit in and around New York. The story of the great events taking place day by day, recorded in this diary, have been preserved. It has an unusual sweetness, spirituality, and heart appeal.

“Once again a faithful early American believer has left this earthly world of service, but ‘God loves the believers, consequently He will deliver them from darkness and bring them into the World of Light’,” Mrs. Haney’s eulogy concluded.

A reading of the words of Bahá’u’lláh from the Gleanings by Dr. Katherine True followed, and then Mr. Haney turned to a message from another early and distinguished believer asked to contribute to this memorial service, Mme. Laura Dreyfus-Barney.

Writing from Paris, Mme. Dreyfus-Barney stated, in part, “My mother had invited Juliet to study painting in Paris around 1898. This is when and where we became lifelong friends. Often we spoke together of religion and art. She was openminded and bighearted. She accepted the Message as naturally as a swallow takes to the air. Her radiant belief never faltered or diminished.

“Later on, others gave her Bahá’í teachings. The summer the Master was in Thonon-les-bains, Juliet Thompson was one of the privileged ones who came to see Him there. I recall a long drive when we were seated with Him in a landau. During the drive He had the horses stopped before a waterfall. He spoke quietly of the harmony of nature and of the interdependence of all creation. Juliet listened eagerly and never forgot.”

Following Mr. Haney’s reading of Mme. Dreyfus-Barney’s letter, Horace Holley, Hand of the Cause, arose to pay his tribute to Juliet Thompson.

He first quoted from a clipping of Juliet Thompson’s obituary, published in a New York newspaper, stating that she was a portrait painter, having done “portraits of Woodrow Wilson, Mrs. Calvin Coolidge, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, son of Bahá’u’lláh, Founder of the Bahá’í Faith” “Even in leaving this earth,” Mr. Holley remarked, “Juliet Thompson served the Faith.”

Referring to Mme. Dreyfus-Banney’s letter, Mr. Holley stated that he had reached Thonon one week after Juliet Thompson’s departure. “From the friends I learned of the great bounty I had lost by missing her,” he said.

Mr. Holley recalled his first visit to Juliet Thompson’s weekly Bahá’í class at 48 West 10th St., New York City, where she had a studio on the top floor of the building. “That evening there was such an overflow crowd that I could not only not get into her studio, I couldn’t even get to the bottom step of the flight of stairs on the floor below!”

Describing his memories of later visits to her class, Mr. Holley pictured her sitting in the midst of some of her finished and unfinished portraits, with a volume of the Bahá’í teachings on her lap. She always read from the Master’s Tablets, and he recalled the great influence radiating from these meetings.

In speaking of Juliet Thompson’s painting of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s portrait, Mr. Holley emphasized that it was at this time, during His visit to New York City, that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá first revealed His station as the Center of the Covenant.

“Thus we see Him, as in Juliet Thompson’s picture, the limelight figure, talking to the New York Bahá’ís about this station as the Center of the Covenant. Here is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, endowed with power greater than the negative forces of war, who came to New York to establish a community which would bring about the spread of the Faith throughout the world.”

In closing, Mr. Holley directed attention to Juliet Thompson’s pamphlet, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Center of the Covenant. “In it she has perpetuated the sense of the Master, Who has lived again in Juliet’s love.”

The first and last paragraphs from the address given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Juliet Thompson’s studio, were then read by Miss Charlotte Linfoot, from Promulgation of Universal Peace, Volume 11, page 426.

The memorial service was fittingly closed with the reading of a Bahá’í prayer by Mrs. Amelia Collins, Hand of the Cause.

Members of the Minneapolis, Minn., Bahá’í community with Mrs. Gayle Woolson, member of the Auxillary Board, during her visit there last summer.

[Page 12]

To proclaim the fundamental oneness of religion

World Religion Day, 1957

The eighth annual World Religion Day was observed on Sunday, January 20, by over 100 Bahá’í Centers in 34 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, according to reports received at the time BAHÁ’Í NEWS goes to press.

These observances were in the form of 73 public meetings based on the theme “To proclaim the fundamental oneness of religion.” Many used the topic suggested by the Bahá’í Press Service for this year, “One Common Faith: Basis for World Peace.” The meetings ranged from panel discussions on comparative religions to direct talks by representatives of the Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Sikh, Christian, Muslim, and Bahá’í faiths.

In conjunction with these meetings, several communities exhibited Holy Books of the various revealed religions, showed films, had special musical programs, or held fellowship gatherings after the meetings. Several reported radio broadcasts and spot announcements, and television interviews.

These observances were held in Bahá’í Centers, homes of Bahá’ís, public libraries, YMCA and YWCA rooms, college campuses, University Clubs, Federation of Women’s Clubs, Girl Scout Headquarters, hotels, churches, and our own Bahá’í House of Worship.

In recognition of those who cooperated in using this event to proclaim the Faith, communities which have reported on their activities to date are listed:

Alaska: Anchorage and vicinity, a panel discussion on comparative religions, and an exhibit of the Holy Books of these faiths.

Hawaii: Kauai, Molokai, and Maui, two public meetings and one fireside with Bahá’í speakers, one a pioneer.

Arizona: Flagstaff, a public meeting and broadcast over radio station KVNA. Phoenix, a public meeting at the Phoenix College Club room, and the film “And They Met in Galilee,” loaned by Israel Airlines. Prescott, a public meeting. Tucson, a public meeting at the YWCA, with readings from the scriptures of the world’s great religions.

Arkansas: Little Rock, a public meeting at the Hotel Lafayette, with a rabbi, a minister, and a Bahá’í participating in a panel discussion.

California: At Berkeley, a public meeting at the Berkeley Women’s City Club, with a musical program. Burbank, a public meeting, with a special presentation by the Bahá’í Sunday School and a musical program. Escondido, with Ramona Bahá’ís participating, held a panel discussion by youth from the Los Angeles community. There was special music and a social hour. Fresno, a panel discussion at the Hotel Californian by young adults from the Los Angeles community. Monterey, a public meeting with a Bahá’í speaker held at the Carmel Girl Scout House. Monrovia, a meeting at the home of a Bahá’í. Manhattan Beach, including the South Bay area, held a meeting in the home of a local Bahá’í, which received excellent publicity and a four-column picture in the newspaper. Pasadena, in which the Alhambra, Altadena, El Monte, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and Temple City communities participated, held a public meeting at La Casita del Arroya. Santa Ana, a public meeting at the YMCA in which a minister, a rabbi, and a Bahá’í participated. Santa Clara, a public meeting in the library with a minister, a rabbi, and Bahá’í speakers. San Francisco, a public meeting at the Bahá’í Center. San Diego, a public meeting in the First Unitarian Church, at which a Methodist minister, 3 Chinese minister of the Community Church, and a Bahá’í from La Mesa participated.

Connecticut: Bridgeport, a public meeting sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Connecticut.

This window display for World Religion Day at Webster Grove, Mo., portraying the Holy Scriptures of nine known religious dispensations, is representative of many public display: placed by Bahá’ís throughout the nation for the World Religion Day observance.

[Page 13]

Many World Religion Day programs featured speakers representing some of the major world faiths. to demonstrate the Bahá’í principle of the fundamental oneness of religion. Rochester. N.Y., representative of communities using this type of program, presented spokesmen for the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and Bahá’í Faiths, pictured above.

Florida: Key West, a public meeting at the Bahá’í Center. St. Petersburg, a public meeting at Bahá’í Center, with newspaper publicity that included a three-column picture of the speakers.

Idaho: Boise, a public meeting at their Center.

Illinois: Batavia, a public meeting at Library Hall with colored slides of “Palestine, Land of Many Faiths.” Belleville, a public meeting at which The Promise of All Ages by George Townshend was reviewed, Elmhurst, a public meeting at the Elmhurst Youth Center with a Buddhist, a Jew, a Christian, and a Bahá’í. Springfield, a meeting at the home of a ‘Bahá’í, Peoria, a public meeting and tea at the Center. At the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, a public meeting was held, with the communities of Wilmette, Evanston, Maywood, and Chicago participating.

Indiana: Fort Wayne, a panel discussion at the Bahá’í Center with a Jew, a Muslim, a Christian, and Bahá’í participating. Indianapolis, a public meeting with a Bahá’í speaker. Lafayette, a public meeting publicized with 180 invitational form letters, 21 posters, and 510 mailed questionnaire cards.

Iowa: Waterloo, a meeting in the home of a Bahá’í.

Kentucky: Louisville, a public meeting at the University of Louisville,

Massachusetts: Beverly, a meeting at a Bahá’í home, with readings on the oneness of religion.

Michigan: Detroit, a public meeting at the Veterans’s Memorial Building. Muskegon, a public meeting at the YWCA. Flint, a public meeting at the Federation of Women’s Clubs, with special music and refreshments, and publicized with 25 free radio announcements, 11 news items, and 12 posters.

Minnesota: Duluth, a public meeting at the Bahá’í Center, a radio broadcast of the recording, “The Lord of the New Age” over station WEBC, and a television interview over WDSM-TV. Rochester, a public meeting at a Bahá’í home.

Mississippi: Jackson, a public meeting at the Bahá’í Center.

Missouri: Springfield, a public meeting at the YWCA.

Montana: Butte, a public meeting at a Bahá’í home.

Maine: Eliot, a public meeting with Bahá’ís of Eliot, Kittery, York, Portsmouth, and Dover participating.

New Jersey: Montclair, a public meeting at a Bahá’í home, Newark, a public meeting at the Bahá’í Center, and a book display in the library. Teaneck, a public meeting at the Evergreen Cabin, with special music.

New Mexico: Roswell, a supper in a Bahá’í home.

New York: Buffalo. a public meeting in the Kenmore YWCA. New York City, a public meeting at their new Bahá’í Center. Rochester, a public meeting at a hotel, with speakers of the Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Bahá’í faiths.

Ohio: Ashland, a public meeting at the YMCA. Fostoria, a public meeting in a Bahá’í home. Toledo, a public meeting at the YWCA with Muslim and Bahá’í speakers.

Oregon: Eugene, an informal talk and discussion at the University of Oregon. Salem, a public meeting at the YWCA.

Pennsylvania: Easton, a meeting in a Bahá’í home.

Rhode island: Providence, a public meeting at the Bahá’í Center.

Texas: Galveston, a public meeting in a Bahá’í home, featuring a talk on the Sikh religion by a speaker from New Delhi, India.

Vermont: Burlington, 3 public meeting at the University of Vermont.

West Virginia: Charleston, a public meeting at the Bahá’í Center.

Washington: Everett, a public meeting with Bahá’ís of Everett, Lake Stevens, Monroe, and Marysville participating. Seattle, a panel presentation at the YWCA with a Buddhist, a Jew, a Muslim, a Christian, and a Bahá’í. Tacoma, a public meeting at the YWCA, Walla Walla, an exhibit at the public library.

Wisconsin: Kenosha, a public meeting at the Bahá’í Center. Madison, a public meeting at the YMCA Building at the University of Wisconsin. Milwaukee, a public meeting at the Bahá’í Center.

—BAHÁ’Í PRESS SERVICE

[Page 14]

NATIONAL NEWS

CONVENTION HOUSING ARRANGEMENTS LISTED

The Convention Arrangements Committee urges the Bahá’í delegates and visitors planning to attend the Convention to make their housing reservations promptly. Hotel reservations should be made direct and a deposit must accompany the letter. Hotels in Evanston where all Bahá’ís are welcome are:

Evanshire Hotel

860 Hinman Avenue

Single, $6.00; Double, $7.50;

Twin Beds, $9.00.

Evanston Hotel*

340 Forest Avenue

Single, $5.00; Twins, $7.50;

Double beds, $10.00.

Georgian Hotel

422 Davis Street

Single rooms (depending upon size and location), $6.50, 6.75, 7.00, and 8.00; Twin beds or Doubles, $10.25, 10.50, 11.50 and 13.00.

Library Plaza Hotel

1637 Orrington Avenue

Single, $6.50; Twins, $10.00.

Orrington Hotel

1710 Orrington Avenue

Single, $7.00 to $12.00; Single with double bed, $5.00 per person; Twins, $8.00 for one person, $11.00 for two; Twin double beds, $11.00 to $15.00.

North Shore Hotel**

Single, $6.50; Single double bed (two people), $8.00; Same, but larger and better location), $7.50 and $9.00 respectively; Twin beds, $9.50 and $10.00.

• Hotel requires full payment at

time of reservation.

• • Enclose deposit for one day at

time of making reservation. Only

Convention Identification

All Bahá’ís planning to attend the National Convention, either as delegates or visitors, are requested to present their identification cards on registration.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

about 20 vacancies available at time of Convention.

It should be understood that it is the responsibility of the Bahá’í making the reservation to remain the entire time contracted for, or pay for the complete reservation.

Delegates and visitors wishing accommodations in private homes should send their request for reservations to:

Mrs. Priscilla Hassan

1244 Maple Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

or to

Mrs. Edna Coleman

1227 Leon Place

Evanston, Illinois

Child care will be provided only during daytime sessions, but the arrangements do not include care for infants or very young children requiring individual attention.

The believers are again requested not to bring to the Convention any non-Bahá’ís, for they cannot be admitted to the sessions no matter how close to the Faith they may be. The Feast of Riḍván is the only occassion when non-Bahá’ís will be admitted.

The Riḍván Feast, always held during the Convention, will be scheduled for Saturday evening, April 27, with the program in the Auditorium followed by the social hour and reception downstairs.

Believers who are planning to arrive a few days early, or to leave a few days after the Convention, and who will be able to help with various details are requested to notify the Convention Arrangements Committee as soon as possible: Mrs. Dorothy Redson, 681 Garland, Winnetka, Illinois.

INQUIRIES PROVE TEMPLE THE GREATEST TEACHER

The following letter from an inquirer is quoted here to illustrate the truth of the statement that the Bahá’í House of Worship is “the greatest teacher” and the fact that there are receptive souls everywhere waiting for the Bahá’ís to find them. The letter comes from a town where there are no Bahá’ís, and is typical of many similar inquiries that have been received in recent months. The writer says:

“My husband and I visited your Temple in the early 1940’s and were so much impressed. Then we visited in Colorado the next summer and met some followers of your Faith. Now we would like any pamphlets or information that you could send us about your beliefs, your Temple and anything else that would help us to understand. We are a class trying to study all faiths so that there can be greater understanding between people.

“Again may I say that your Temple was one of the outstanding parts of our trip to Illinois. If you have pictures of it, we would love to have them.”

INDIAN RESERVATIONS OFFER OPPORTUNITIES

“God will assist all those who arise . . .”

Macy, Nebraska

This is a direct appeal to Bahá is in the teaching profession to consider applying for a position for next year in the public school at Macy, Neb., on the Omaha Indian reservation. A new domestic science and shop facility, as well as more elementary classrooms, are being added to the present school.

There is a high school in nearby Winnebago which Macy children of that age attend, so that there now are employment opportunities for teachers of all grades in the Macy area. There is no greater need for loving Bahá’í service than that which exists in the little reservation town of Macy.

Crow Agency, Montana

At Crow Agency, Mont., there are positions open for a registered and a practical nurse at the hospital, which is run by the Public Health Service. Many friends for the Faith have been won by Dr. Fazly Melany, who has just concluded a year's contract as Medical Officer among the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indians.

Dr. Melany adds his appeal to the Committee’s for a pioneer to carry. on the work among the Indians in this spot where, as he says, the weather is ideal and the people very friendly.

Just before leaving the reservation, Dr. Melany was told by one of his good Indian friends, “I dreamed the Northern Cheyenne tribe are building a Bahá’í Temple and I had[Page 15] to get there to be in the Temple the first woman from Crow”.

To qualified teachers and nurses who cherish the hope of serving the Faith among a needy people at this critical hour, this appeal is earnestly directed. For those who respond, the first step is to write to the American Indian Service Committee for important additional information, rather than to make employment application direct: Nancy Phillips, Secretary, 736 Encanto Drive, S.E., Phoenix, Ariz.

WOMEN’S CLUBS STRESS STUDY OF RELIGIONS

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs in its current two-year program is encouraging local women’s clubs to undertake the comparative study of the history and basic teachings of the religions of the world as one of its efforts to increase understanding among peoples at home and in other lands.

One of the books recommended by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs for use in this study program is Truth is One, by Henry James Forman and Roland Gammon, in which there is an illustrated account of the Bahá’í Faith.

In her speech of acceptance of the office of president of this organization last May, Mrs. Robert I. C. Prout, in referring to this particular activity in the Federation’s program said:

“An avenue of approach to understanding the cultures and history of mankind is through the comparative study of the religions of the world. . . Today, the most literate and educated nation in the world (the United States) is suffering from a tragic and pathetic illiteracy. . . an ignorance of the historical foundations of its own religion . . . God is the God of all mankind, and humanity is made up of many peoples and nations—precious in His sight, sharing a com-

Hawaii-Wide Teaching Conference and some Convention, the first attended by Bahá’ís from all the major Islands of the Territory, held at Honolulu on December 1-2, 1956.

mon humanity answerable to abiding values of truth, justice and love . . . There is a Divine pattern for humanity and within this pattern there is a variation, which individualizes each one of us . . . The individual—as an individual—may be powerless to shape events. The sum of the individuals — organized in high endeavor — may be potent enough through knowledge to lead the world out of the shadow of war into a lasting peace. . .”

As a result of this emphasis, opportunities have already been provided for a number of Bahá’ís in various states to provide literature and even speakers on the Faith for local women’s clubs. Thus, another fine avenue of teaching has been opened to the believers by the Hand of God.

“CHILD’S WAY” PLANS NEW FORMAT

Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings embody a new standard of education with emphasis on spiritual values which will ultimately free mankind from the bonds of ignorance and animalism. Bahá’í children, though scattered and few, are being versed in this standard through the efforts of parents and teachers dedicated to the highest calling—the education of children, who are the potential new creation envisioned by Bahá’u’lláh.

Child’s Way, the only Bahá’í publication in this country prepared especially for teachers and children, draws together from all corners of the world the small, distant groups united in the great goal of unifying all mankind.

The National Child Education Committee has devoted its efforts and talents to the task of making all communities, groups, and isolated believers aware of the vital importance of child education. One of the Committee’s goals, the publication of an eight-page bulletin, has been reached. The new eight-page format will appear with the April issue of Child’s Way.

Present subscribers who appreciate the privilege of receiving Child’s Way can make the committee’s second goal of 1200 subscriptions possible by promoting this publication at Feasts and conferences, and through gift subscriptions to friends. The attainment of this goal will help the National Fund by making Child’s Way self-sustaining.

To new subscribers the Editors offer all past issues for this year, including the new eight page April issue, for $1.00. A further announcement about the 1957-1958 series beginning with June issue will be carried in the April bulletin. Mail requests for subscriptions to Miss Banu Hassan, 1244 Maple Ave., Wilmette, Ill.

—NATIONAL CHILD EDUCATION COMMITTEE

[Page 16]

LIBRARY CONTACTS, DONATIONS EXPLAINED

When the World Crusade pioneers first went to their far assignments, the Guardian advised them not to publicize their presence, but rather to build a firm foundation of friendship and trust in those whom they were to serve.

This service is also available to workers on the Home Front who wish to establish a workable contact with libraries. Bahá’ís should be patrons of the libraries in their own cities or districts, become acquainted with their book collections, the librarian and staff, and wholeheartedly make use of the varied facilities offered.

Although it may appear slow, it lays a firmer foundation for future cooperation than does the more or less propagandist approach when a stranger appears out of nowhere to about which the librarian frequently knows nothing.

This year the following book donation record form was sent to all believers who indicated that they wished to contribute books to libraries:

“The Bahá’í book(s) was (were) placed in (name of library) (address of library) by (individual, group, Assembly) on (date).

With this definite detailing of information, it is hoped that many of the uncertainties and errors formerly accompanying records of book donations will be prevented in the future.

You will note that the statement reads “books were PLACED.” This does not mean that the donor INTENDED to place, but that the books were ACCEPTED by the library.

The name and location of the library should be accurately given, as there is frequently more than one library or library system in a city or county. The name of the donor and the date of donation are also important, as at times the same donations have apparently been reported by more than one person in a place, or the same titles were sent in at different times in the same year, or in the ensuing year.

In some cities the believers have begun a check-up of Bahá’í books in the libraries, with the object of replacing old and inadequate titles with new and more attractive and accurate editions.

All such work should be done only by those duly appointed for the task, and with the full understanding and cooperation of the library authorities.

Replacements and new donations should be made a little at a time, rather than in quantity, as it is professionally easier and more agreeable to catalog and prepare one or two books and get them on the shelves than to tackle a sizeable collection. Librarians are busy people.

The National Library Service Committee thanks all those who have aided this quiet and inconspicuous but basic branch of the teaching service on the Home Front, and it hopes that another year will see an upsurge of renewed activity on the part of both field workers and committee members whoever and wherever they may be.

—NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE COMMITTEE

HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM FOLLOWED BY TEACHING

The February BAHÁ’Í NEWS reported briefly the program for the observance of Human Rights Day in which the Bahá’í women of Long Island, N.Y., were active participants. This further report is given here as an illustration of good follow-up for a public teaching event.

Having found that the contributions of the Bahá’ís to the Human Rights Day program had aroused great interest in the Faith, several of the Long island believers consulted on how to capitalize on this development by providing an opportunity for those wishing it to receive further information. Therefore, a tea was arranged at the home of Mrs. Hubert H. Cowan in Garden City on January 13 for all who wished to come. Approximately 25 people attended—all non-Bahá’ís.

Mr. O. Z. Whitehead, chairman of the New York local Spiritual Assembly, gave a direct talk on the Faith. Three days later there was further follow-up in the form of a ten-minute radio discussion of the coming World Religion Day observance, with Mrs. Cowan and Mr. Whitehead as the participants.

Plans for any public presentation of the Faith, whether by the Bahá’ís themselves or in cooperation with other local groups, should include arrangements for prompt follow-up, thus providing for some carry-over of whatever interest in further contact with the Faith may have been aroused.

SERVICE FOR BLIND APPEALS FOR HELP

At one time the records of the Bahá’í Service for the Blind, listing the Bahá’ís who must read the Teachings in Braille were up to date. However, since there has been much change, and many changes have not been reported, the Service for the Blind appeals for help from groups. Assemblies, and isolated believers in correcting these records.

Please send them the correct names and addresses of Bahá’ís who make use of Braille. Address the Bahá’í Service for the Blind, Mrs. Amedee Gibson, Chairman; 842 N. Hayworth Ave., Los Angeles 46, Calif.

The Bahá’í Service for the Blind wishes to emphasize that they have the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh in Braille, to be used in preparing contacts for enrollment in the Faith. They invite correspondence on other available Braille books, since there are many titles which may be borrowed by those who find this medium necessary, or by those who are preparing them for enrollment.

BAHÁ’Í ESPERANTO ACTIVITIES REPORTED

From Miss Roan U. Orloff, Newton Center, Mass., has come an interesting report of how the Bahá’í Faith is being promulgated throughout the world through Esperanto.

Some months ago, Miss Orloff, who is a member of the Universal Esperanto Association, translated and printed the Guardian’s statement, “The Bahá’í Faith, a World Religion,” which he prepared in 1947 for the United Nations. Miss Orloff sent copies to all Bahá’ís who are delegates to this Association for distribution among the Esperantists at their meetings.

Copies were sent also to all im[Page 17] portant Esperanto publications for review, of which there are approximately thirty-five. The reviews are now beginning to appear. The first one was in La Norda Prismo in Sweden, and the second one appeared in Heroldo de Esperanto, the only Esperanto newspaper in the world.

The reviews state that a copy of the pamphlet would be sent to anyone interested in having it. Requests have already been received from Belgium, The Netherlands, and Sweden.

In the November issue of Esperanto Revue lnternacia, the official organ of the Universal Esperanto Association, which has a subscription-membership all over the world, even in the Iron Curtain countries, Dr. Tibor Sekelj of Hungary, who is traveling in the Orient in the interests of the Association, mentions two long interviews with Mr. Leroy Ioas regarding Esperanto.

This same magazine carried an advertisement paid for by one of the Bahá’ís of Portugal, offering information about the Faith to interested seekers. This is to run for three months. At the end of the first month 22 requests had come from 12 countries, including a request for an article about the Faith from the American Branch of the Protestant Esperanto League.

Children’s study group of Compton Judicial District and South Bay Judicial District, Calif., conducted each Sunday morning.

BAHA’I IN THE NEWS

The World’s Great Religions, which appeared serially in Life Magazine, has been published in book form. While the Bahá’í Faith was not included, there are two references to it.

On page 5: “One illustration is the recent brutal persecution of the Bahá’ís in Írán. It is true, of course, that the Bahá’í faith emerged in the last century as a reform movement within Persian Islám, and that it thus — insofar as it occurs within Persia — represents a refusal to submit to compressing the Persian populace into one united body of Islámic doctrine. But that would not justify or explain the ruthless treatment of the little Persian portion of what has by now become the Bahá’í world brotherhood seeking peace among all races, peoples, nations and sects.”

Page 118: “One offshoot (from Shí’ah Islám) the pacifist faith called Bahá’í, founded in Persia in the midNineteenth Century, is now an independent religion intermittently persecuted in the land of its birth.”

Teacher’s Letter, a bi-monthly bulletin issued September through May by Arthur C. Croft Publications, referred to the Faith in its Christmas 1956 number‘ “Good guidance is said to be based on affection for the child. Says a Bahá’í dictum: ‘All beside love is but words.’ ”

Altars of the East, by Lew Ayers, Doubleday, 1956, contains the following passage on pp. 258-259: “As a contributing factor in any movement for world peace, the importance of such an organization cannot be overestimated. The aims and principles as set forth, are to me, above reproach. They present a beautiful and mature ideal of world fellowship in the broadest possible aspect.” This passage ends a description of the author's visit to the Shrine and Gardens on Mt. Carmel, with some of the Bahá’í principles stated.

Chicago Daily Tribune, December 18, 1956, featured a story on its front page about the “Boom In Religion.” The Bahá’í Temple was illustrated.

Columbus, Ohio, Despatch, December 12, 1956, presented a two-column illustration of the International Archives Building on Mt. Carmel with caption: “Bahá’í Museum In Israel.” The picture was credited to Wide World Photo, and therefore might have been syndicated.

Herald Statesman, Yonkers, N. Y., carried a story about H. B. Kavelin in connection with the sale of Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, and indicated not only his business position but also referred to him as a leader in the Bahá’í World Faith who was to speak at the First Unitarian Church in Yonkers.

Memo, a newsletter published by the American Institute of Architects, announced in its January 25, 1957, issue that “The Fine Arts Medal, the highest honor the Institute can bestow in the fine arts other than architecture, is to be awarded to Mark Tobey of Seattle, Wash., for distinguished achievement in painting.”

“Missionary Zeal Today in Upswing,” an article in the Gazette, Indiana, Pa., distributed by United Press, announces the date of the Bahá’í annual State Convention.

A moving picture film, produced and distributed by Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, Inc., on the subject, “Man and His Culture” contains a short of the Bahá’í House of Worship.

Good Housekeeping Magazine, January, 1957, has a crossword puzzle using the word “Bahá’í.”

[Page 18]

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

Four tape-recorded programs were broadcast over radio station WACE, Springfield, Mass., during January. The programs were composed of direct quotations from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

A weekly children’s class patterned after the Nineteen Day Feast is held on Saturday afternoons at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Anchorage, Alaska. The first part of the program is for study of the lesson, memory verse, and prayers; the second part is for consultation on future plans, the Fund, and other business; the third part is the social, devoted to arts, crafts, and refreshments.

A representative of the San Francisco, Calif., community was invited to speak on the Faith to the Evening Alliance, Branch of the National Unitarian Alliance, on January 9. The members are mostly business and professional Women.

The Los Angeles, Calif., Spiritual Assembly sponsored an institute on January 12 at the Bahá’í Center on The Power of the Covenant, Spiritual Perspectives, and Charter of Divine Civilization.

A member of the Minneapolis, Minn., community was contacted by a Methodist missionary to give the Bahá’í message to the Adult Bible Study Group of about 20 people at the Aldersgate Methodist Church there. Much interest was shown by this group, and the Bahá’í speaker was invited to return at a future date.

Fairbanks, Alaska, has been promoting the Faith with many newspaper articles publicizing their public meetings, with free television time on the occasion of visits from Bahá’ís from the States, with purchased radio time for the broadcast of Bahá’í tape recordings, and with activities as an auxiliary member of the Chamber of Commerce.

The Adult Sunday School class of the Methodist Church in Aurora, Colo., invited a local Bahá’í to present the principles of the Faith at a Sunday morning meeting. One member of the class borrowed a copy of Gleanings from the public library, and prepared an introductory statement about Bahá’u’lláh, on which the Bahá’í speaker enlarged.

A regular Sunday morning service of the First Unitarian Church in

First Bahá’í group or Retalhuleu, Guatemala, with are pioneer, Mrs. Louise Caswell.

Yonkers, N.Y., attended by over 150 persons, presented Borrah Kavelin speaking on “The Bahá’í Faith, Pathway to Religious Unity.” The pastor read a Bahá’í prayer and selections from Gleaninga.

The chairman of the Fort Wayne, Ind., local Spiritual Assembly spoke by invitation to an audience of 150 people at a Methodist Church. One of the members of the church later served as a member of the panel of speakers for the World Religion Day observance.

A Methodist class at Cape Vincent N.Y., asked for literature on the Faith, and later wrote a letter of appreciation.

A Persian Bahá’í student attending college in Edmond, Okla., spoke on the Faith before the Methodist Church there.

Friendships made by a Bahá’í in Grand Island, Neb., while teaching a public speaking class at the YWCA, led to the formation of a study group to discuss problems of world peace. Books on race and the unity of mankind were discussed, as well as the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Sources of statements on human rights from earlier religions, and from the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh were presented.

The Bahá’í group of Santa Monica Judicial District, Calif. reports that its four members have been conducting Bahá’í meetings in the Veterans’ Administration facility, attended by from twelve to twenty people. Three new contacts are ready to declare their faith. When a student has advanced far enough, the group arranges to have him join a study class in the Los Angeles Bahá’í community where he is prepared for membership. This is perhaps the only Government reservation of this kind on which Bahá’í activities are being carried on in a continuous fashion.

The local Spiritual Assembly of Bernalillo County, N. Mex., reports that since last July it has carried on what is called a “Practice Teaching Class” jointly with members from the Albuquerque community. This class meets weekly and the members state that they have gained much in poise and confidence in presenting the teachings to others.

AREA NEWS BULLETINS

The Youth and Young Adult Committee of Los Angeles, Calif, whose panel discussion programs were described in the January issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, conducted an outstanding public meeting in Los Vegas, Nev., in December. Topic for the meeting was “Human Life and Purpose,” and attendance was estimated near 50 persons, with several good contacts gained.

The Central Atlantic States Area Teaching Committee held a Teaching Conference at Inspiration House, Washington, D.C., on January 26. The theme of the meeting was “The Meaning of the Covenant Today.”

Area Teaching Conferences were held at Toledo, Ohio, on January 26-27, and at Fort Wayne, Ind., on February 9-10, sponsored by the East Central States Area Teaching Committee.

Two Bahá’ís spoke at the Wayne State University Campus Conference on Religion, Detroit, Mich., on December 4-6. Four classes were addressed on the principles of the Faith, and almost 100 contacts were made during the sessions.

A Unitarian Fellowship meeting in Waco, Texas, was given the Bahá’í message by two Bahá’ís of the Fort Worth community.

Mrs. Gladys Weeden addressed an assembly of 50 mothers of the Eastman School Mothers’ Club in Concord, N.H., last autumn, and spoke to 30 members at a dinner meeting of the Hadassah there.

“Spiritual Prerequisites for Teachings” was the theme of a Teaching Conference in Jersey City, N.J., on January 27. A similar conference was held in Elizabeth, N.J., a goal city, on February 24, and a third is sched[Page 19] uled for March 31 in another goal city, Trenton, N.J.

The Pittsburgh, Pa., local Spiritual Assembly sponsors weekly public meetings on Sunday afternoons at the YWCA.

“Translate Sentiment into Action,” was the keynote of a teaching conference held at East Providence, R.I., on December 16. Four future meetings are planned on the following topics: “Personal Contacts and How to Handle Them,” “Questions You are Asked and How to Answer Them,” “Firesides and How to Conduct Them,” and “Improve the Efficiency of All Our Bahá’í Meetings.”

The North and South Dakota Area Committee held a conference at Sioux Falls, S.D., on December 22. Subjects discussed included Firesides, Youth and Area Bulletins, Newspaper publicity, Pamphlets and books, and Local records.

Greeley, Colo., reports that it “started its public life as a group” with a meeting commemorating the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh at the Hotel Camfield there. Newspaper advertising and publicity was used to announce the meeting.

The busy teaching schedule followed by the Gallup, N. Mex., group includes: Mondays, attendance in a class in conversational Navajo at Window Rock, Ariz.; Tuesday, Bahá’í study class at Gamerco; Thursday, Bahá’í study class at Zuni, on the Zuni Reservation; and Saturday, class in English for Indians at Gallup. The community maintains an active Bahá’í Center in Gallup, and is finding increasing ways in which they may serve the Indians of the area.

Area Teaching Conferences were scheduled by the South Atlantic States Area Teaching Committee on January 27 at the following places: Greenville, S.C., Atlanta, Ga., and Gainesville and St. Petersburg, Fla. The theme was “The Charter of a Divine Civilization.”

The Area Bulletin of the Tennessee Valley States publishes regularly an educational feature. Each month a Bahá’í book is reviewed briefly, a work is analyzed for pronunciation and meaning, and a question of the type frequently asked by inquirers is answered with references. Although only a few minutes per month is required to absorb this information so clearly and compactly presented, a

WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET

Fourth Year — 1956-57

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

Total Requirements

May 1 to October 15 . . 395,200.00

Total Contributions May 1 to February 15 272,580.00

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

year of such study can add up to a considerable store of knowledge about the Faith.

Excerpts from Area Teaching Committee reports

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

The Role of American Bahá’ís

America’s God-Given Mission. A compilation for round table study. On page 1 of this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS the National Assembly points out the significance of this material concerning the particular mission of the American Bahá’í Community in this day, and suggests it for individual or group study.

Free Booklet Included

With each copy of this compilation, a free copy of the booklet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Center of the Covenant will be included. In this booklet, written by the late Juliet Thompson (revered by the Guardian in his recent message to BAHÁ’Í NEWS), we have one of the most warm and revealing pictures of the Master that we have in our literature by one who had close association with Him. It is a story that could have strong appeal to friends of the Faith, as well as to Bahá’ís. (Additional copies of this booklet are available at 8 copies for $1.00).

The price of America’s God-Given Mission is $.75 each.

The Books of God Are Open. By E. S. Campbell. Friends will be glad to know that this publication, which deals competently with the theme of Bible prophecy, is again available. This edition, which has certain revisions, has been reprinted in a format that is more attractive and easier to read. A thorough study of the material presented by Mr. Campbell (formerly a minister of the Baptist church and Head of a college Bible Department for many years) should make the sincere seeker ready to go into a broader study of the subject of Bible prophecy and its fulfilment in the Bahá’í teachings—works such as Some Answered Questions by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Heart of the Gospel, The Promise of all Ages (both by Townshend,) and the man)’ Works available that relate both Old and New Testament teachings to the Bahá’í Faith.

A larger printing has resulted in another decrease in the price to enable Bahá’ís to make a wide distribution of this booklet.

Per Copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$.35

20 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.00

A Spiritual Assembly’s Growing Pains. A play by Rúḥíyyih Khánum. This is a new edition of a play written by the wife of the Guardian, published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust at New Delhi, India, and originally published in the United States. The title is indicative of the theme. The humor in the situations presented help to emphasize problems of immaturity that exist, and ways of solving them. 29 pp., 8½ x 5½, toast brown paper cover.

Per Copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$.35

Fireside Teaching BAHÁ’Í NEWS Insert. Additional copies of this statement on fireside teaching by the National Assembly are available.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$.05

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

Foreign Language Literature

Remembrance of God (Spanish). A small vest pocket edition of prayers, newly translated and published. (The larger Bahá’í Prayer Book in Spanish is not presently available).

Per Copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$.10

Out of Print

Oneness of Mankind. This one-page statement by the National Spiritual Assembly is no longer available. There is stock available on The Elimination of Prejudice, another National Assembly statement, which can be used in its place.

Minimum Mail Order, $1.00

Available from

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

[Page 20]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEASTS

March 2 —‘Alá’ (Loftiness)

March 21—Bal'lé (Splendor)

April 9 —Jalál (Glory)

DAYS OF FASTING

March 2-21

NAW-RUZ

(Bahá’í New Year)

March 21, To proclaim the renewal of religion and a new spiritual snringtime.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS

March 22, 23, 24

April 27

ANNUAL CONVENTION

Auril 28, 29, 30, May 1

Riḍván Feast, April 27 at 8:00 P.M. in Temple Auditorium.

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)

Surviu of Worship Sundays 3:30 A.M. lasting until 4:15

MARRIAGES

Chicago, Illinois: Miss Vivian E. Thierry to Mr. Joseph F. Peter on December 29, 1956.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Miss Vivian Taylor to Mr. Azotollah Farokhrooz on September 1, 1956.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Miss Mary Jane Mikuriya to Mr. Dana Hadley Bramel on November 3, 1955.

Los Angeles, California: Miss Jesse P. Perry to Mr. Charles M. Bryant on January 13, 1957.

Richmond Highlands, Washington: Mrs. Edith Danielson to Mr. John Keith Craig, on January 3, 1957.

Madison, Wisconsin: Miss Tanya Gedko to Mr. Dewey Price, September 15, 1956.

National Bahá’í Addresses

NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS:

536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.

NATIONAL TREASURER:

112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.

Make checks Payabale 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

Miss Mildred Varnum

Bangor, Maine

Date not reported

Miss Louise Siebenlist

West New York, New Jersey

October 22, 1956

Mr. J. Harold Steed

Orange, Connecticut

December, 1956

Mr. Charles Fisher

Brookfield, Wisconsin

December 3, 1956

Mrs. Marietta Wilson

Phoenix, Arizona

December 17, 1956

Mrs. Jessie Pease

Seattle, Washington

December 30, 1956

Mrs. Lulu Morris

Austin, Texas

January 4, 1957

Miss Bahiyyih Valentine

New York, New York

January 6, 1957

Mr. Marion T. Moore

Chicago, Illinois

January 13, 1957

Dr. Alfred Starr

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

January 21, 1957

Mrs. Mary Barton

Chicago, Illinois

January 23, 1957

Mr. Walter Papplebaum

San Jose, California

January 25, 1957

Mr. Roy Furbush

Salinas, California

December 19, 1956

BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY CHANGES

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

California (North)

Berkeley: Mrs. Esther B. Linebaugh, 839 Miramar St., z. 5

California (South)

South Bay Jud. Dist.: Mrs. Lila Parker, 114 42nd St., Manhattan Beach

Nevada

Reno: Mrs. Ethel McAllaster, 439 Washington

North Carolina

Greensboro: Mrs. Frances Pearce, 612 Guilford Ave.

Washington

Spokane: Mrs. Irene Nicholaison, 3112 . Crestline St., z 27

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

New York Bahá’í Center

Mrs. Lauretta N. Moore, Hotel Hargraves, 112 W. 72nd St., New York 23, N.Y.

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 or 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 or 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 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.