Bahá’í News/Issue 314/Text

←Previous

Bahá’í News Issue 314

Next→

Proofread onceReturn to PDF view

[Page 1]

---

No. 314

BAHA’I YEAR 114

APRIL, 1957

---

Our Annual Convention

Forty-nine years ago the first Bahá’í Convention was held in the city of Chicago.

That Convention was called because ‘Abdul-Bahá informed the Chicago Assembly that the Temple building project was national, and that all the Assemblies and friends should be associated together in this important undertaking. The Chicago Assembly then invited its sister-Assemblies to send representatives to the Convention.

This first Convention did not elect a National Spiritual Assembly, because such a Bahá’í body was yet unknown. Out of it came Bahá’í Temple Unity to function primarily on Temple matters, though it also appointed a Teaching Committee, a Reviewing Committee, and others.

The first American National Spiritual Assembly, as we understand the term, was formed in 1923 under direction of the Guardian. Bahá’í Temple Unity continued to hold title to Temple property and the Temple funds until its trustees executed an Indenture of Trust (recorded November 13, 1928) for the Benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly. Under its terms those persons elected annually to the National Spiritual Assembly constitute the Bahá’í Temple Trustees.

Attorneys and a title company consulted in the matter recommended this type of trust deed, and the same form was followed in the case of Green Acre, Geyserville, Davison, and Temerity Schools, and the Wilson and Wilhelm properties. Since the members of the National Spiritual Assembly are under all these trusteeships the trustees, national Bahá’í matters are coordinated without confusion, with the further advantage that any liability laid against one property Could not involve any other property nor the National Spiritual Assembly itself.

Aside from such legal considerations, the great distinction between the National Spiritual Assembly and Bahá’í Temple Unity is that the National Spiritual Assembly has final power of decision, while the Temple Unity had authority only to carry out the plans adopted by the Annual Convention.

The Temple Unity Constitution reflected American political practice while the National Spiritual Assembly represents the Guardian’s interpretation of Bahá’í law and principle. That is why, in all basic particulars, the constitutions of all National Spiritual Assemblies are identical throughout the world, and will continue in their present form until, as the Guardian has written, the House of Justice will review the whole situation. At that time the constitutional basis of a National Spiritual Assembly will no doubt derive from the organic powers of the House of Justice and sustain a secondary relationship to that world body.

When delegates and visitors arrive for the Forty-Ninth Annual Bahá’í Convention, they will give consideration to projects beyond the conception of those attending the first Convention.

On account of the fact that all nine members of the present National Spiritual Assembly will attend the nine Conventions sponsored by our body, the Convention dates here had to be placed at the very end of the Riḍván period. Our Convention, therefore, opens on Sunday morning, April 28, and continues until four o’clock Wednesday afternoon, May 1.

The Convention theme is: “The American Bahá’í Community in the World Crusade.” After the Convention officers have been elected, the first and all-important item will be the reading of the Guardian’s message to the Convention. Discussion of this message Will take place during the same morning session. The Convention photograph will be taken at noon on April 28.

This year the Riḍván Feast will be held Saturday evening, April 27, preceding the Convention. The customary public congress will not he held.

Other Convention items involve our most important responsibilities: The Crusade on the Home Front; reports on the formation of the nine new National Spiritual Assemblies sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States; World Crusade financial requirements; progress report on the First Dependency: remaining tasks of the Intercontinental Teaching Committees; tasks of the American Indian Service Committee and the Bahá’í Interracial Teaching Committee; Child Education, Bahá’í Youth, Summer Schools, reports of the various service committees, and special topics suggested by delegates.

The annual election of the National Spiritual Assembly will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Monday, April 29.

Bahá’ís unable to attend the Convention are urged to pray for its spiritual success. For it is the Annual Convention which releases the forces of the entire American Bahá’í community and generates inspiring power for the incoming National Spiritual Assembly. Those planning to attend are urged to prepare themselves by prayer and meditation to receive the confirmation of the Holy Spirit.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

[Page 2]

GUARDIAN APPROVES SUMMER SCHOOL IN SOUTHERN AREA

The National Spiritual Assembly shares with the friends the following passage from a letter written on behalf of the Guardian by his secretary, dated January 29, 1957:

“As regards the suggestion that a Summer School be established in the South, the Guardian feels that there is no objection, as the southern friends are so far from the three existing Bahá’í Summer Schools, to a southern region Summer School being held similar to what they do in Europe, where the friends meet in some particular place and hold a Summer School, which is not on Bahá’í property. To purchase property for this purpose and try and set up a fourth Summer School would naturally be very unwise at the present time, but he feels that the activities which are conducted under the auspices of a Summer School would be a great stimulation to the Faith in the South, and further the teaching work there.”

This permission, it will be noted, is for a School consisting of sessions planned for only a week to ten days, and not involving the purchase and maintenance of a Bahá’í School property.

The National Spiritual Assembly is requesting the Area Teaching Committees and local Assemblies throughout the Southern States area (as defined by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His Tablets of the Divine Plan) to consult and report recommendations as to a suitable site where interracial gatherings can be held. The matter will also be discussed at the National Convention.

Since advance planning is required, the new school cannot be launched until the summer of 1958.

Meanwhile, the Blue Ridge Conference will be held as usual in the summer of 1957, since arrangements have already been made and its duration is too limited for the program of a Summer School session.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

BAHÁ’Í CENTERS RESTORED IN ÍRÁN

The National Spiritual Assembly is happy to inform the believers that all but a few Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Írán have been returned to their Bahá’í custodians.

The believers throughout Írán are especially grateful and joyous over the restoration of the House of the Báb in Shíráz and of His shop in Búshihr.

As for the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Ṭihrán, orders were issued by the Royal Court and the Prime Minister to evacuate and restore this property. However, since the Military Headquarters was renewed for three months, there is every reason to expect its return early in 1957.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

“Child’s Way” Magazine Enlarged in Size, Features

Beginning with the April issue, Child’s Way will be enlarged to an 8-page bi-monthly publication, including a complete section for children and for junior youth, thus making it a more valuable teaching aid for Bahá’í parents and teachers.

The enlarged format and increased printing costs, plus the desire to make Child’s Way self-supporting, necessitate an increase in the subscription price to $2.00 a year (for six issues). The National Spiritual Assembly urges all local Assemblies, Bahá’í groups, and individuals to subscribe to and support this publication, which is valuable to all believers interested in Bahá’í child education and the training of the future generations on whom will depend the establishment of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

Mail requests for subscriptions to Miss Banu Hassan, 1244 Maple Ave., Wilmette, Ill.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

YUMA SCHOOLS RECOGNIZE BAHÁ’Í HOLY DAYS

The Spiritual Assembly of Yuma, Ariz., has reported that Bahá’í students in the public schools are granted excused absence on Bahá’í Holy Days.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Voting Rights Removed

The National Spiritual Assembly has taken action to remove Mr. C. G. Nordquist and Miss Elsa Nordquist of Seattle, Wash., from the Bahá’í membership list.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

INTERCONTINENTAL COMMITTEES

Western Hemisphere

ALASKA ACHIEVES MATURITY THIS MONTH

On April 21 the Bahá’ís of Alaska will elect its long and eagerly awaited first National Spiritual Assembly. It will thereby have achieved its coming of age, and will no longer be under the guidance of the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee.

Nine delegates from the five local Assemblies were elected on January 6 at local conventions. The National Convention is to be held in Anchorage, and Paul E. Haney, Hand of the Cause and chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, will be in attendance.

The achievements leading up to this prize goal have been spectacular in the Bahá’í world, and Alaska has been a shining star of energy and activity since the beginning of the Crusade in 1953.

At that time there were two Assemblies. The third Assembly was formed in April 1955, and last year Ketchikan and Tanana Valley reached Assembly status, completing the present five.

This year Juneau will undoubtedly become the sixth Alaskan Assembly. In addition, the cities of Barrow, Nome, and Valdez have been opened to the Faith: Indian and Eskimo believers have entered the Faith; and translations have been started in Eskimo and Aleut.

[Page 3]

About 14 pioneers have gone to Alaska from the States. The total number of believers in Alaska at the present time is about 100, with 32 new enrollments during the past year.

The election of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, however, is only a beginning, rather than an end, and the future of Alaska appears to be very great. Economically it is a frontier, and we receive continual reports concerning opportunities for employment.

Labor Shortage

There is at the present time a great shortage of labor in nearly all fields. presenting the Bahá’ís living in the United States a challenge to pioneer in Alaska, and an opportunity to assist in the building up of the newly formed institution of the Faith.

The Alaska Teaching Bulletin for January reports that “in Nome, lab or X-ray technicians or nurses could easily obtain employment with the ANS, and would be working with the natives. This is a wonderful opportunity for persons in these professions, and we hope that anyone having Bahá’í friends trained in them will write them of these openings. A hospital under construction in Kotzbue will also create job openings.”

A Bahá’í has written: “Here at the Sitka Community Hospital where I am working we have urgent need for a laboratory technician or medical technologist. . . . This is a new hospital just opened last April. . . . The place was started with a skeleton crew and a big question mark as to how much business the two could afford to give us. People have been coming from all over southeastern Alaska for care by our orthopedic surgeon, and we have been trying to increase the staff. . . . We need a bacteriologist. , . . We could help with living arrangements.”

For further information about these openings, please write to the committee: Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, secretary; 73 College Road West, Princeton, N.J.

Growth of Faith

In September the Guardian wrote urging the members of the Alaska Teaching Committee and all the friends to “leave no stone unturned to gain new believers, and also to do all in their power to assist in the further consolidation of the Faith throughout the important lands.”

Hazíratu’l-Quds at Managua, Nicaragua, purchased on March 21, 1956, and dedicated on July 9, 1956.

Hazíratu’l-Quds at Port-au-Prince, Haiti, acquired In February 1956 and dedicated on May 1, 1956.

As an example of the rapidity with which the Faith seems to be growing in Alaska, Ketchikan started in April with 10 believers, set a goal of 20 before the end of the year, and by January already had 22. As with Anchorage Recording District and Fairbanks Recording District (Tanana Valley), the nucleus for an Assembly outside Ketchikan has already been formed with three adults and one youth.

Cooperation Appreciated

Space does not permit a complete survey of the outstanding things that have been achieved in Alaska, but as the retiring “parent” or “guardian” of the Alaska community, this Committee is taking its last opportunity to express its appreciation of the fine cooperation that has existed between the WHTC and the Alaska Teaching Committee, the Alaskan Assemblies, and the pioneers—all of whom will now be under the leadership of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska.

We will miss our responsibility, but it will be outweighed by our pleasure at having watched our “child” grow swiftly and move successfully into its own sphere of activity and responsibility.

—WESTERN HEMISPHERE TEACHING COMMITTEE

[Page 4]

Asia

WIDE VARIETY OF JOBS IN KOREA OPEN TO U.S. CITIZENS

There is need for qualified U.S. citizens to fill administrative, clerical, and professional jobs with the U.S. Army in Korea. These openings are supervisory positions in such fields as general maintenance, carpentry, plumbing, electricity, sheet metal, etc.

There are provisions open also in stenography and typing, budget and accounting, education advisors, engineering of various types, engineering drafting, special services (crafts, libraries, entertainment, etc.), supply (stock control, storage, storekeeping, etc.), and others.

Favorable Pay Differential

The pay is very good and a 25% differential is payable to eligible U.S. citizens.

Any US. citizen interested should submit Form 57, which can be secured at any post office, to: Civilian Personnel Officer, HQ. AFFE/8th Army, APO 301, San Francisco, Calif.

—ASIA TEACHING COMMITTEE

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Australia, New Zealand

ASSEMBLY INCORPORATION WIDELY PUBLICIZED

On January 10, 1957, the letters patent, which formally incorporated the Brisbane, Australia, Local Spiritual Assembly, was signed by the State Governor of Queensland, the Australian Bahá’í Bulletin reports.

The Brisbane Assembly issued a press release announcing this achievement. A section of this was used by the ABC News Service in the State News Bulletin and the Brisbane Telegraph on the following day. It was used in its entirety by the Queensland Times at Ipswich on January 12.

Radio publicity was also obtained A member of the community was given a four minute interview on “Radio News Reel” over Stations 4BC, 4SB, and 4GR. A 2 minute explanation of the Faith was broadcast over the ABC State network in “Queensland Magazine” on January 19.

Clara Dunn, Hand of the Cause, surrounded by youth attending the Australian Bahá’í Summer School at Yerrinbool, New South Wales. The school, held from December 26 to January 7, was reported in “Bahá’í News” for March, page 7.

Central and East Africa

ASSEMBLY REVIEWS SEVEN-YEAR GOALS

Progress in the work toward goals of the Guardian’s Seven Year Plan for the new National Spiritual Assembly of Central and East Africa is reported in the latest issue of their Newsletter, published in December:

1. To do as much as the Guardian will permit for the establishment of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, which he called the “supreme objective.” This is going on very well.

2. To obtain national incorporation, which means that the National Assembly must become a legally recognized body. The application for incorporation is now being considered by the government.

3. To obtain incorporation for some local Assemblies. Those of Dar-es-Salaam, Kampala, Mombasa, Nairobi, and Port Victoria were chosen as being ready and strong enough for such incorporation. The necessary documents are now being studied by the local Assemblies and their lawyers.

4. To establish 15 new Assemblies. The National Assembly has allocated these projected Assemblies as follows: Uganda, 10; Kenya, 3; Tanganyika, 1; and Camera Islands, 1. At the time of writing, only one of these goals has been won, but the situation is favorable, as new declarations are being accepted and there is a great deal of teaching in progress.

5. To strengthen the Fund. The teaching work has suffered because of a lack of funds, and the National Assembly has the task of making the believers aware of the importance of the Fund and of contributing to it.

Assembly Consolidation

6. To consolidate local Assemblies, The National Assembly has attempted to help local Assemblies become strong by producing literature in Ateso, French, Luganda, Swahili, Runyoro-rutoro, Acholi, Lugbaram Luo, and Lumasaba; by sending pioneers; by forming District and Territorial Committees; and by holding 11 weekend schools to encourage and strengthen the local Assemblies and to deepen the believers.

7. To make the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds a national institution. The National Assembly has taken over the running[Page 5] of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, all Assembly meetings are held there, and the important documents and precious relics are stored there. When the National Assembly receives incorporation papers, the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds will be registered in the name of the Assembly.

Teaching Stimulation

8. To stimulate the spirit of teaching. This work was detailed in point No. 6 above, and the Assembly reports that the teaching work throughout the region is generally good.

The Newsletter also reports that a total of 61 local Assemblies have now been formed and recognized by the National Assembly.

Bahá’ís at the dedication of the Hazíratu’l-Quds of Oslo, Norway, on February 6, 1957. Guests of honor were Mr. Habib Sabet, standing left; and Mrs. Sabet and Mrs. Amelia Bowman, American pioneer, who are both holding inscription of the Greatest Name.

Germany, Austria

FAITH PARTICIPATES IN RADIO DISCUSSION

Der 19-Tap Brief, a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria distributed among the Bahá’ís of those countries at Nineteen-Day Feasts, carries in the issue of January 19, 1957, a report of a radio program of interest to the believers.

The Hesse Radio invited the National Spiritual Assembly to have a representative participate in a panel discussion, “Frankfurt Conversation,” on the subject of tolerance in connection with the building of the Bahá’í Temple in Germany.

Dr. Eugen Schmidt, who was the chosen representative, was asked to explain what the Bahá’í Faith is, and its aims and objects‘ Most of the questions following the several presentations were addressed to Dr. Schmidt.

Since there appears to be no possibility now of securing property on which to erect the Temple in the vicinity of Frankfurt as orginally intended, consideration is being given to a site in Offenbach.

The letter expresses the belief that this radio talk will do much to forward the Temple building project.

Annual Teaching Conference held on January 5-6 at Birmingham, England, under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles.

[Page 6]

In Observance of Negro History Week

Race Amity Meetings in 35 States Proclaim

American Bahá’ís’ newest national public relations event, race amity meetings held this year in conjunction with the observance of Negro History Week from February 10 to 17, proved to be highly successful throughout the nation.

The Bahá’í Interracial Teaching Committee, which made extensive plans for this event, reports that 83 Bahá’í communities in 35 states presented some form of public meetings to carry out the Guardian’s injunction that we must attract more Negroes to the Faith.

Of these meetings, 48 presented both non-Bahá’í and Bahá’í speakers. 7 featured a Bahá’í speaker alone, and 4 heard a non-Bahá’í as the speaker. Eight communities gave a banquet or similar form of dinner, while 16 communities presented panel discussions or symposiums. Others held firesides, or informal programs of readings or discussions.

An outgrowth of the Interracial Teaching Committee’s planning for these race amity meetings on a national scale was close cooperation with the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, a 32 year-old non-profit, scientific organization. It works through the schools for the adoption of textbooks which include Negro history and literature, and seeks revision of those textbooks which continue to promote the belief in the inherent inferiority of the Negro.

The Association voluntarily distributed a large quantity of Bahá’í literature to its special mailing list of eminent American Negroes. The Interracial Teaching Committee also provided the Association with 500 copies of Race and Man, which they mailed out from their Washington, D. C., headquarters. Each book contained a small card stating “Compliments of the Bahá’í Interracial Teaching Committee.”

A feature story of these nationwide observances has been requested by this Association for publication in the May issue of their magazine The Negro History Bulletin, circulated throughout the United States, and in South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa

Highlights of Meetings

BAHÁ’Í NEWS has selected highlights of the Interracial Teaching Committee’s report on these race amity meetings to illustrate the content and diversity of some of the programs. Comments from the communities themselves are quoted to emphasize the reactions to these presentations:

Banquet and symposium held at Memphis, Tenn., race amity meeting.

Fairbanks, Alaska, held a Race Amity Banquet attended by 61 guests and 17 Bahá’ís. Two non-Bahá’í speakers talked on “Race and Biology,” and “The Negro and World History”; the Bahá’í speaker spoke on “Race Amity and the Bahá’í Faith.”

Fairbanks reported the meeting was “most successful . . . (with) largest crowd of people ever attending Bahá’í sponsored program to date.”

Phoenix, Ariz., held a public meeting at the Park Recreation Hall in the Negro and Mexican district with Bahá’í speakers. Sixteen non-Bahá’ís and ten Bahá’ís were present.

They reported: “We wanted to go to these people, not expect them to come to a home or predominately ‘white’ meeting place . . . your program awakened us to this field of teaching which has been neglected in this area. . . . With the integration in the schools taking place with such success here, we must not lag behind in sharing . . . the spark that has made this possible.”

A public meeting in the public library of Monrovia, Calif., was attended by 46 non-Bahá’ís and 14 Bahá’ís. A Bahá’í spoke on “The Meaning of Race Unity.”

Monrovia reported: “ . . . feeling of non-Bahá’ís was one of great joy at the complete harmony here . . . several Bahá’ís from other communities said ‘never witnessed such warmth and appreciation on the part of an audience.’ ”

Colorado Springs and El Paso county, Colo., jointly sponsored a public meeting at the Negro City-Recreation Center, attended by 35 non-Bahá’ís and 11 Bahá’ís. A non-Bahá’í and a Bahá’í speaker shared the speaker’s platform.

The El Paso county Assembly stated: “There was a very friendly relationship . . . all Negroes present were so happy to find the fellowship between us.”

The St. Petersburg, Fla., Bahá’ís participated in the Negro History

[Page 7]

Bahá’í Teaching of the Oneness of Mankind

Week observance with the Negro Baptist Church at their invitation. In addition to the church program, a Bahá’í spoke on “The Oneness of Mankind.”

The African Methodist Church of Ada County, Idaho, invited the neighboring Bahá’ís to attend services at the church in fellowship with Negro friends. Mrs. Mildred Cossey gave comments on the Oneness of God, the Oneness of His Prophets, and the Oneness of Mankind.

“These are the Negro friends,” Ada County reported, “who attended the observance of the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh at the Art Gallery in November 1956.”

Lafayette, Ind., held a public meeting in a private home with two Bahá’í speakers, Negro and white. Fourteen non-Bahá’ís were present, in what Lafayette reported “apparently was the first fruitful interracial meeting in Lafayette in years.”

“The Quakers tried in December and got none to show up. Civic groups had met with disappointment.” Beside two Negro ministers, the Vice-President of the NAACP, and a teacher, two Asian Buddhists also attended. “We can now work with Negroes on a more spiritual level, which (we) think is the best way. Other ways had failed here,” Lafayette’s report stated.

A Race Amity Conference was sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Niles Township, Mich., with three speakers, two non-Bahá’í and one Bahá’í. Topics were: “Amity Through Legislation,” “Amity Through Education, and “Amity Through Religion.” There were 14 non-Bahá’ís and 22 Bahá’ís present.

Niles Township reported this meeting the “most successful yet, Publicity given, comparatively speaking, was excellent. . . . Activity of community organizations stimulated by project. It appears that two firesides will develop as a result of project.”

A fireside at the Bahá’í Center in Jackson, Miss., featured a non-Bahá’í speaker, Dr. John E. Eubanks, Negro, Head of the Sociology Department, Jackson State College. The Jackson Bahá’ís, in reporting on Dr. Eubank’s talk, stated: “The knowledge he has of the Bahá’í Faith and other world religions makes him a channel for our committee to work at Jackson College, which has a student body of 1500. He is using Race and Man as required reading in his anthropology classes.”

Waterloo, Iowa, Bahá’ís participated in three events. On February 10 the chairman of the local Bahá’í Assembly was present on the platform at the Antioch Baptist Church for the opening observance of Negro History Week. Bahá’ís in the audience were publicly recognized. On February 16 George Amerson of Maywood, Ill., spoke at a panel discussion at Union Hall on “A Heavely Gem,” bringing out the brotherhood of all mankind.

That same evening, at a recital by Mahalia Jackson, well-known Negro singer, at one of the Junior High Schools, she was presented with a copy of Race and Man. Three Bahá’ís were present on the platform at this recital, and the “Prayer for All Mankind” was read. The Bahá’ís report that many contacts and friends were made through their participation

Bahá’í Teaching of The Oneness of Mankind with the Negroes of the city during this observance.

Widespread publicity through press and radio attended the panel discussion held at Flint, Mich. Two non-Bahá’í and one Bahá’í speakers, and a Bahá’í moderator took part in this meeting at International Institute, with 30 non-Bahá’ís and 15 Bahá’ís present.

Twelve newspaper articles totaling 81 column-inches, and 20 free radio announcements publicized this meetmg.

A panel discussion was also presented at the Douglass Interracial Community Center in Kalamazoo, Mich., with a non-Bahá’í speaker and moderator, and two Bahá’í speakers.

“There isn’t any doubt that this was the best meeting ever held in Kalamazoo,” their report stated. “ . . . the spirit displayed was beyond description, there seemed to be complete unity and harmony. The question period, limited to ten minutes, went to 40 minutes.”

In Trenton, N.J., a public meeting in a Baptist Church featured a non-Bahá’í Negro teacher of Latin and social studies in Trenton Junior High School, and a Bahá’í speaker. Of 100 persons attending, 90 were non-Bahá’ís.

Discussion group at Marysville, Mich., race amity meeting, representing five religious faiths.

[Page 8]

“A complete success!,” Trenton reported.

Mount Vernon and Yonkers, NY., sponsored jointly a symposium in a Bahá’í home. Four prominent non-Bahá’í Negroes spoke, in addition to a Bahá’í speaker. The Bahá’í subject was “The Contribution of the Bahá’í Faith to Racial Understanding.”

The report of the Mount Vernon Assembly said: “The meeting was on a high level. . . . A closeness was felt during the entire meeting with no reservations. . . . We feel a greater understanding exists between those who attended and participated in the meeting, both Negro and white. This was the finest thing we have ever done. ”

Rochester, N.Y., Bahá’ís’ public meeting attracted “the largest number of Negro guests ever had. Unusually quiet during the meeting, and people stayed long after it was over, discussing it.” The program included a non-Bahá’í and a Bahá’í speaker, a vocalist and accompanist.

In Greensboro, NC., a large audience of 82 non-Bahá’ís and 16 Bahá’ís heard a panel discussion featuring a white and a Negro college professor, and a Bahá’í representative. Subjects of the talks were “Anthropology Versus Myths,” “Contributions to Society,” and “Man: His Reality and Goal. ” The Bahá’í community sent out 240 invitations for the meeting, and placed posters in store windows, libraries, and college halls.

A similar type of panel discussion in Eugene, Ore., brought together a college professor, a Christian minister, and a Bahá’í speaker on the University of Oregon campus. The program was co-sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Eugene and the local chapter of the NAACP.

The Eugene report stated: “A fine meeting with a good, relaxed, and gay spirit. . . . There was a good representation of Negroes present, mostly from the university, and also a number of foreign students. Most of the audience heard of the Bahá’í Faith for the first time.”

“Toward True Integration” was the topic of the public meeting at Providence, R.I., held at Brown University. A Negro feature writer for a Providence newspaper and Mrs. Robert McLaughlin. Bahá’í, member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause, shared the platform.

Memphis, Tenn., Bahá’ís presented a banquet and symposium at the Negro YMCA, with two non-Bahá’í speakers and one Bahá’í representative. Seventy non-Bahá’ís and 15 Bahá’ís attended this meeting, which elicited the comment, “We had the best response ever achieved here. . . . Among our guests were two educators from LeMoyne College, a Chinese and a Nigerian. There was also a young Chinese women from Hawaii. Other guests included businessmen, two newspaper women, several ministers, professional men, young people, and old people.”

In Yakima, Wash., the Bahá’í community invited 52 non-Bahá’í guests to a banquet at the Elks’ Hall. Two Negro ministers, representing the African Methodist-Episcopal Church and the Baptist Church, a Negro college student active in youth work, and a local Bahá’í were the speakers. The guest list was limited, as the Bahá’í community financed the banquet.

At a public meeting in Tacoma, Wash., the president of the NAACP local chapter spoke on “The Meaning of Race Unity,” and a Thlinget Indian Bahá’í spoke on “The Progress of Religion.”

The Tacoma Assembly commented: “At the meeting we had Eskimo, Indian. colored and white. We had a man from Jerusalem, one from Frankfurt, Germany, and one from South Africa.”

The Governor of Wisconsin, invited to the Amity Day Dinner sponsored by the Madison community and the Monona Group, sent a telegram of commendation when he was unable to attend: “Sorry that I cannot be with you for the Amity Day observance. You are all to be commended for your efforts in behalf of tolerance and world brotherhood. I hope you will continue with great success this worthy and important endeavor. With good wishes, Vernon W. Thompson, Governor. ”

The non-Bahá’í speaker at this Madison observance was William T. Evjue, nationally known newspaperman, and editor of the Capital Times. At one point in his talk, Mr. Evjue, in speaking directly to the Bahá’ís present, said, “When I learned that the fundamental doctrine of your faith is the oneness of the entire human race, I began to have a feeling on oneness with you. I am at one with you in other principles which you support: the condemnation of prejudice—religious, racial, class, or national; equality of men and women; compulsory education; abolition of extremes of wealth and poverty; a world tribunal for adjudicating disputes between nations; and belief in justice as the ruling principle in human society.”

The above quotation, as well as other comments on the dinner, were published in Mr. Evjue’s newspaper the next day. The Madison Assembly reported that 11 nations and 5 religions were represented at this affair. Attendance included 83 non-Bahá’ís and 38 Bahá’ís.

Milwaukee, Wisc., gave a buffet supper and public meeting that was

Group gathered following the race amity program in a Bahá’í home at Alhambra, Calif.

[Page 9]BAHA’I NEWS

Speakers at the Race Amity Banquet in Fairbanks, Alaska.

attended by a total of 179 people; of these, 35 were Negro non-Bahá’ís, 25 were white non-Bahá’ís, and the rest were Bahá’ís. A Negro professor of philosophy at the University of Wisconsin spoke on “The High Cost of Desegregation.” The chairman was an Oneida Indian Bahá’í.

“It was one of the largest meetings held at the Center,” the Milwaukee Assembly reported. “The Interracial Committee of Milwaukee finds this type of informal meeting most gratifying, and hopes to elaborate on it for other interracial meetings in the future.”

A fireside at the home of a Bahá’í in Laramie, Wyo., was the first of its kind ever held in that city. “It deepened our friendship with some of the finest Negroes in town,” the Laramie Bahá’ís stated.

The Bahá’í community of Des Moines, Iowa, initiated plans for a race amity meeting during Negro History Week, and gained the cooperation of the Des Moines Interracial Commission and the local chapter of the NAACP, with all three organizations jointly sponsoring the program. A panel discussion, exhibit, and tea attracted 210 non-Bahá’ís, as well as 14 Bahá’ís.

Comments from Des Moines Bahá’ís stated: “Great success. ‘Best ever,’ according to our Negro friends. We had our new City Manager and our new Governor’s wife . . . good talks, beautiful music, lovely tea table, handsome exhibit, friendly folks, and people learning to say, properly, the new words ‘Bahá’í’ and ‘Bahá’u’lláh' . . . it’s a beginning!”

Albuquerque, N. Mex., sponsored a panel discussion that listed as speakers a white Presbyterian minister, a Negro African Methodist-Episcopal minister, a Catholic layman, a Jewish layman, and a Bahá’í. The theme was “Race and Democracy,” and 25 non-Bahá’ís and 15 Bahá’ís attended.

“Stimulating, excellent panel,” Albuquerque Bahá’ís reported. “We discussed racial relations in the United States, both from a social and a religious angle. . . . We agree that a Racial Amity Conference . . . should become an annual Bahá’í event.”

Seattle, Richmond Highlands, and Kirkland, Wash., Bahá’ís joined to present a banquet and musical program, with a presentation on the theme “Spiritual Mission of the American People.”

The report on this observance stated: “The program was actually one in which the Negro community felt it was working with the Bahá’ís in giving a suitable program. The script was so written that it carried the audience along with it completely. Artistically it was splendid; moreover it was a tremendous spiritual experience for participants and audience alike.”

BAHÁÍ NEWS could quote from many more of these reports if space permitted, but those published above should convey the warm acceptance and enthusiasm with which these programs were received.

NATIONAL NEWS

PLANNING TO ATTEND NATIONAL CONVENTION?

If you are planning to attend the National Convention in Wilmette on April 28 through May 1, you should make your housing reservations at once.

Refer to the March issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS for a complete listing of Evanston hotels where all Bahá’ís are welcome.

Accommodations in private homes may be arranged by writing to Mrs. Priscilla Hassan, 1244 Maple Ave. Wilmette, Ill.; or to Mrs. Edna Coleman, 1227 Leon Place, Evanston, Ill.

Identity Card Required

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

Non-Bahá’ís cannot be admitted to the convention sessions, but will be welcome at the Riḍván Feast, to be held in the Auditorium of the House of Worship on Saturday evening, April 27, at 8:00 p.m. Following the Feast observance, a social hour and reception will be held in Foundation Hall.

NEW BRAILLE PAMPHLET AVAILABLE

One Universal Faith, which has proven so popular in English and in foreign translations, is now available in Braille, Grade Two.

It is 6 1/8 by 9 1/8 in. in size, with an attractive green cover and an envelope suitable for mailing, The price is 70c per copy, or three copies for $1.90.

Orders should be sent to the Bahá’í Service for the Blind; Mrs. Amedee Gibson, chairman; 842 N. Hayworth Ave., Los Angeles 46, Calif.

WORLD RELIGION DAY PUBLICITY TOTALED

Bahá’í Press Service has released statistics on the publicity received for World Religion Day, Jan. 20, 1957.

One hundred fifty-nine newspapers in 118 cities published 1084 column-inches of publicity and advertising, with a total circulation of over 13,000,000 copies.

[Page 10]

Bahá’í Children’s Class of Puunene, Maui, T.H., conducted by Mrs. Lillian Chou and Mrs. Mabel Van Valkenburg. Racial back grounds represented include Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Hawaian, and Puerto Rican.

GREEN ACRE PLANS 8-WEEK SESSION

Green Acre will have an eight week session this summer extending from June 30 through August 25. Regular classes throughout the school season will be open to both youth and adults, but courses of special interest to youth are being planned for the first two weeks and the last week of the session. The curriculum is based on a unit of one week so that those attending the school should plan to come for at least one full week.

A Children’s School for children ages 5 through 13, divided into three age groups, will be in session throughout the summer with classes in the mornings and organized recreation for part of the afternoon.

As in the past there will be varied weekend programs in which students will have the opportunity to hear from and meet members of various National Committees, Hands of the Cause, visiting pioneers, and others. A mid-summer Teaching Conference under Area Teaching Committee auspices will take place July 27 and 28.

The basic Green Acre program design this summer includes one course each week given by an outstanding Bahá’í teacher to which the entire school will be invited. Following this course there will be two periods each day during which the students will break up into small seminar or workshop groups for more intensive and collaborative study of various aspects of the Faith with the assistance of selected discussion leaders.

The Schedule of Courses, subject to revision, is as follows:

July 1-5: The Guardian—On Teaching

July 8-12: The Covenant and You

July 15-19: Bahá’ís By The Hundreds

July 22-26: Our Place in History

July 29-Aug. 2: Spiritual Verities and the Individual

Aug. 5-9: Toward World Order

Aug. 12-16: Powers and Attributes of the Manifestations

Aug. 19-23: Spiritual Laws

Workshops and seminars will each focus attention on a subject included under one of the following headings:

(1) Study of the Writings and His tory of the Faith.

(2) How To—give a Bahá’í talk, conduct a fireside, consult, raise children in the Faith, serve on an Assembly or committee, etc.

(3) Action Projects—work on a concordance project, talk at a local fireside, etc.

(4) Fundamentals of the Faith—primarily for non-Bahá’ís.

Watch subsequent issues of BAHA’I NEWS and your Area Teaching Bulletins for further details of the Green Acre School program for 1957 as they are developed.

What is Youth?

(The following is from a keynote talk on “Action for Youth,” given at a Central States A1ea Teaching Conference at Kenosha, Wisc., on Oct. 21, 1956, by 11 member of the National Bahá’í Youth Committee.)

“Youth is not a time of life, it is a state of mind. Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years. People grow old by deserting their ideals. Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear and despair, these are the long, long years that how the head, and turn the growing spirit back to dust. You are as young as your self-confidence. as old as your doubt, as young as your faith, as old as your fear. As long as your heart receives messages of beauty, cheer, courage, grandeur, and power, from the earth, from man and from the infinite, so long you are young.”

Let us remain “as young as our Faith” to keep alive its beauty, grandeur, and cheer in these days of world crises, lack of faith, and darkness. To protect our beloved Faith from the ailments of “old age” which are apathy, bias, and fear, we must live in the present by living for the future. To do this let us constantly strive to develop the youth within us, among us and surrounding us.

The youth within us is in our enthusiasm, awareness, steadfastness, and courage to be different in an age of conformity, indoctrination, and compromise. Being “different” requires courage, strength of will, and firmness in our principles, yet retaining an open mind receptive to the needs, interests, and questions of those around us. hi this way we are vanguards rather than followers in the creation of the future world order.

Helping the youth who surround us means increasing our youth contacts to connect them with the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh. This may be done by surveying the existing organizations of your community where there is youth activity and participating with them.

Such organizations include youth recreational centers; Junior Chambers of Commerce, and interracial organizations. Colleges also sponsor inter-faith, interracial and international clubs which welcome and often[Page 11] need outside interest and assistance. Other sources for youth contacts can be found through YWCA’s, YMCA’s, YMHA’s, 4-H clubs, and court cases such as juvenile delinquents. Your own relatives, friends, and neighborhood may provide other untapped resources.

Wherever they may be, you will certainly find that youth are only too eager to be considered as adults and included in the serious discussions and concerns related to our teachings. With vitality, elasticity, and independence, they are ready and waiting to investigate the divine teachings revealed for this age and to bring them into their lives. Just as society is influenced by our concern with its problems, so can youth contacts be reached for Bahá’u’lláh by working through their needs and interests.

There is also much which can be done for the youth already with us in the Faith. Their participation can he enlisted in youth panels, talks, and circuit teaching. Such activities provide the impetus for deepening as well as the stimulus to apply our writings to present day questions and concerns. They also offer practice in speaking before the vast non-Bahá’í public soon to be at our door, as well as familiarity with Bahá’í communities and areas.

By establishing, supporting, and maintaining youth committees, youth can become familiar with administration while acquiring the practical experience needed to establish future and distant assemblies.

Deepening classes can be planned for youth with an eye to their present and future concerns. Among the immediate needs for those who have been brought up within the Faith, is a thorough knowledge of Christian writings and the Bible, so that we may introduce our contacts to our Faith from the background with which they are most familiar.

Another need, especially in view of present difficulties between the Muslim East and the Western world, is a more thorough understanding of Islam and recognition of its place as a step beyond the Gospel in the direction of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

Finances for youth activities and transportation to and from conferences, meetings, and schools are two more ways to help youth. Hospitality also plays an important part for

WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET

Fourth Year — 1956-1757

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

Total Requirements May 1 to March 15 . . . . . . . . 436,800.00

Total Contributions May 1 to March 15 . . . . . . . . 293,670.00

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Bahá’í youth and their contacts. This is especially true for the youth scattered in colleges and universities who do not have the facilities of a home to which they can introduce their friends and contacts.

Since very few colleges or universities have Bahá’í representation on campus, communities and groups can help by working with campus activities providing teachers, speakers, and literature for such events as those sponsored by interracial, international, and religious organizations. Notices of Bahá’í activities when placed in school papers are another way of reaching seekers.

By keeping in touch with the youth and assisting their growth and development, our Faith is ascertained of future triumphs from an increased legacy of strength, vigor and vitality.

—CAROL VARO

UNIVERSALIST CHURCH HEARS BAHÁ’Í SPEAKER

The Universalist Church of Hollywood, Calif., and its pastor, Rev. Leland P. Stewart, were hosts to a speaker on the Bahá’í Faith, Mrs. F. Joseph McCormack of Sierra Madre, on January 20.

Mrs. McCormack delivered the sermon for the worship service. In addition, the Meditation for the Day, the prayer, the responsive and the Scripture readings were all taken from the Bahá’í Writings.

Despite a heavy rainstorm, the main hall of the church was filled for the sermon. After the service, Mr. and Mrs. McCormack were invited to join some of the group for luncheon, and many questions were asked about the Faith.

The speaking engagement was made as the outgrowth of a contact made with Rev. Stewart during a Unitarian Fellowship group’s study of comparative religions at Claremont, Calif., last Spring,

BAHA’I IN THE NEWS

“Travel Sl(etchbook,” by George Neuzil, a feature presented in The Milwaukee Turner for December 1956, carries a large display photo of the Temple which it describes as “One of the most beautiful sights to be seen anywhere along the shores of Lake Michigan.”

New York World,-Telegram and Sun, December 8, 1956, presents under “Religious News” a story on the Meditation Room at United Nations, emphasizing the fact that the guest book has been signed by Bahá’í's as well as members of other religions.

Horoscope, January 1957, contains an article by Dane Rudhyar which states: “We also find Queen Marie of Romania, a great person, first of the European royalty to accept the Bahá’í faith.”

The name of the Bahá’í’ Observer at UN appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly as national nongovernmental organization, is listed by the United States Mission to United Nations in its “list of Observers and Alternate Observers from Non-Govermental Organizations,” dated January 10, 1957.

Wayne State University, Detroit, issued an attractive booklet program of its Campus Conference on Religion conducted December 3-6, 1956, “A Bahá’í View” was presented by Lois Nochman at 1:30 P.M., December 6. Mrs. Etta J. Catlin, A. B., was listed as one of the Conference leaders.

Wayne State University also published a program of Religious Activities which lists the Bahá’í Club, Mrs. Etta Catlin, Advisor, among the campus religious organizations.

Orangeville (Calif.) News, December 13, 1956, published an interview with Else Norden on December 13, 1956. The reporter described her as artist-nurse, world traveler, and member of the Bahá’í Faith. The interview was illustrated with a press photo of Miss Norden.

From far-off South Australia comes a copy of Northern Argus of Clare, a country town some 80 miles distant from Adelaide. It contains, under date of September 19, 1956, an illustrated article on The Bahá’í House of Worship, contributed by the Unley, South Australia Assembly. The article is an accurate and appealing description of the architecture and meaning of the Temple.

Also from Australia arrives a copy of Parade, 1956, a monthly magazine[Page 12] published by Invincible Press, presenting “intimate life-stories of famous men and women who shaped history.” Under the title “Persian Prophet” the life and martyrdom of the Báb is depicted. The author evidently had access to Bahá’í sources for his information.

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

Augusta, Ga., was host to its first Youth and Young Adult Conference on January 13. There were 24 present, representing Orangehurg, Greenville, and Sumter, S.C., and Atlanta, Ga.

Newark, N.J., holds a public meeting every Sunday at the Bahá’í Center.

Bahá’ís of Greensboro, N.C., held an Institute for the state of North Carolina on February 23-24, with three sessions of two hours each. The pamphlets The Power of the Covenant, The Charter of a Divine Civilization, and Spiritual Perspective were discussed, with two teachers at each session conducting the class. Attendance totaled 24 persons.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, television station WMT-TV, on the program “This They Live By,” as seen through the eyes of Marcus Bach, the author of The Circle of Faith, gave an account of the Bahá’í Faith, with photographs of the House of Worship and the Shrine of the Báb.

AREA NEWS BULLETINS

The Fourth Blue Ridge Conference will be held on August 24-28, 1957. The location is near Asheville, N.C.

The Chicago, Ill., community was host for an Area Teaching Conference at the Bahá’í Center on February 3. The pamphlets The Power of the Covenant and Charter of a Divine Civilization were discussed, and the consultation period brought out many fine ideas with a wide participation.

Area Teaching Conferences were held on January 2 in Hollywood, St. Petersburg, and Gainesville, Fla., Augusta, Ga., and Greenville, S.C.

The discussions that developed from the reading of Charter of a Divine Civilization were termed “excellent and pertinent.”

Kansas City, Mo., held a teaching conference on March 2-3, with Mrs. Margery McCormick, member of the National Spiritual Assembly and of the Auxiliary Board, speaking on “A New Approach to Teaching” and “The Fulfillment of Prophecies.” A public dinner meeting was held on the evening of March 2, when Mrs. McCormick also spoke.

Excerpts from Area Teaching Committee reports

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

Man One Family. Excerpts from Race and Man. This is a completely revised and re-designed edition, now available in small pamphlet size for easy distribution. There is an introductory statement to the excerpts that follow. An unusually attractive cover design has been created by Wm. Musler in soft yellow, grey, and black, with seed, branch, and tree motif to illustrate cover quotation, “Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.”

Ten copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$.75

50 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.00

Available from

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

Baha’i 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

April 9—Ja1ál (Glory)

April 28—Jamál (Beauty)

HOLY DAYS

April 21-May 2—Feast of Riḍván (Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh)

April 21 — First day of Riḍván (about 3:00 p.m.)

April 29—Ninth day of Riḍván

May 2—Twelfth day of Riḍván

ANNUAL CONVENTION

April 28, 29, 30, May 1

Riḍván Feast, April 27 at 8:00 p.m. in Temple Auditorium.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

April 27

MARRIAGES

New York, New York; Miss Ella Jean Eshback to Mr. Keith E. DeFolo on February 10, 1957.

Los Angeles, California: Miss June Hope to Mr. Anthony F. Lease on February 17, 1957.

San Francisco, California: Miss Gerone McDonald to Mr. Ord R. Dangerfield on February 17, 1957.

IN MEMORIAM

Mrs. Emma Margaret Allen

Santa Monica, California

January 13, 1957

Mrs. Edna Churchill

East Lynn, Massachusetts

February 10, 1957

Mrs. Vera W. Foutch

Great Falls, Montana

February 10, 1957

Mr. Milton Chapin

Flint, Michigan

February 23, 1957

Mrs. Ella M. Davis

Portland, Maine

February 25, 1957

Miss Ruth Bradley

Kansas City, Kansas

February 27, 1957

Mr. William Rustay

Hackensack, New Jersey

February 27, 1957

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 1955-57: 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.