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No. 315

BAHA’I YEAR 114

MAY, 1957

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Cable from the Guardian to Hands of the Cause and National Assemblies

“Inform Hands (and) National Assemblies (of the) Bahá’í world, (of the) passing (into) Abhá Kingdom (of) Hand (of) Cause George Townshend, indefatigable, highly talented, fearless defender (Of the) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh. Agnes Alexander, distinguished pioneer (of the) Faith, elevated (to) rank (of) Hand (of) Cause. Confident (her) appointment will spiritually reinforce teaching campaign simultaneously conducted (in) North, South (and) Heart (of) Pacific Ocean.”

—SHOGHI

Haifa, March 27, 1957

Beloved Friends:

As directed by Shoghi Effendi, our Assembly has dispatched copies of this message to Hands of the Cause in Asia, Europe, Africa, and America, and also to all National Spiritual Assemblies now in existence.

The brilliant Bahá’í career of Dr. Townshend, so praised by the beloved Guardian, does not terminate with his departure from this world. His books and pamphlets will long continue to deepen the understanding of Bahá’ís and offer them a highly effective contact with the public. Indeed, his latest work, Christ and Bahá’u’lláh, is now on the press in England and copies will soon be available through the United States Publishing Trust and Publishing Trusts or Committees in other countries.

The elevation of Agnes Alexander to the rank of a Hand of the Cause, simultaneously announced by the beloved Guardian, establishes a valued representative of the Guardian in an important, rapidly growing Bahá’í area of the Far East. By the time this issue of Bahá’í News appears, two new National Spiritual Assemblies will have been elected in that area—the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of North East Pacific, and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South East Pacific. Their services will be blessed and enriched by the appointment of one long associated with pioneer teaching in that area.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

The Guardian’s Tribute to George Townshend, Hand of the Cause

The following cablegram was received by the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles after the Guardian was informed of the passing of George Townshend, Hand of the Cause, on March 25.

“Deeply mourn passing dearly loved, much admired, greatly gifted, outstanding Hand Cause George Townshend. His death morrow publication his crowning achievement robs British followers Bahá’u’lláh their most distinguished collaborator and Faith itself one of its stoutest defenders. His sterling qualities, his scholarship, his challenging writings, his high ecclesiastical position unrivalled any Bahá’í Western world, entitle him rank with Thomas Breakwell, Dr. Esslemont, one of three luminaries shedding brilliant lustre annals Irish, English, Scottish Bahá’í communities. His fearless championship Cause he loved so dearly, served so valiantly, constitutes significant landmark British Bahá’í history. So enviable position calls for National tribute his memory by assembled delegates, visitors, forthcoming British Bahá’í Convention. Assure relatives deepest loving sympathy grievous loss. Confident his reward inestimable Abhá Kingdom.” —SHOGHI

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

====RACE AMITY DAYA New Annual Event

With the Guardian’s approval, the National Spiritual Assembly has instituted an important new annual event to be observed with public meetings and publicity by local Assemblies and groups throughout the United States. This event, comparable in importance with World Religion Day, will be known as Race Amity Day and observed on the second Sunday of June beginning June 9, 1957.

Race Amity Day is exclusively sponsored by Bahá’ís, and unlike Brotherhood Week or Negro History Week, not merely Bahá’í participation in an event sponsored by another organization. Its purpose is to celebrate the Bahá’í teaching of the Oneness of Mankind, the distinguishing feature of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

Press releases and other materials will be provided as they are for the other special events composing the annual Bahá’í teaching program. Meanwhile the Assemblies and groups are urged not merely to note the date and the theme, but also to begin planning their public meeting on as large a scale as possible, including non-Bahá’í as well as Bahá’í speakers and the cooperation of local racial groups. Negro History Week will in future not be listed as a soecial Bahá’í event, though Assemblies are perfectly free to cooperate with the various local organizations which endorse and sponsor it.

The complete list of Bahá’í Special Events for 1957-1958 will be published iii the June issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

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Declaration of the Bab

May 23, 1944, signalizes the commencement of the most turbulent period of the Heroic Age of the Bahá’í Era, an age which marks the opening of the most glorious epoch in the greatest cycle which the spiritual history of mankind has yet witnessed‘ No more than a span of nine short years marks the duration of this most spectacular, this most tragic, this most eventful period of the first Bahá’í century.

It was ushered in by the birth of a Revelation whose Bearer posterity will acclaim as the “point round Whom the realities of the Prophets and Messengers revolve,” and terminated with the first stirrings of a still more potent Revelation. “whose day,” Bahá’u’lláh Himself affirms, "every Prophet hath announced,” for which “the soul of every Divine Messenger hath thirsted,” and through which “God hath proved the hearts of the entire company of His Messengers and Prophets.”

He Who Communicated the original impulse to so incalculable a Movement was none other than the promised Qá’im (He who ariseth), the Ṣáḥibu’z-Zamán (the Lord of the Age), Who assumed the exclusive right of annulling the whole Qur’ánic Dispensation, Who styled Himself “the Primal Point from which have been generated all created things . . . the Countenance of God Whose splendor can never be obscured, the Light of God Whose radiance can never fade.”

The opening scene of the initial act of this great drama was laid in the upper chamber of the modest residence of the son of a mercer of Shíráz, in an obscure corner of that city. The time was the hour before sunset, on the 22nd day of May, 1844. The participants were the Báb, a twenty-five year old siyyid, of pure and holy lineage, and the young Mullá Ḥusayn, the first to believe in Him.

Their meeting immediately before that interview seemed to be purely fortuitous. The interview itself was protracted till the hour of dawn. The Host remained closeted alone with His guest, nor was the sleeping city remotely aware of the import of the conversation they held with each other. No record has passed to posterity of that unique night save the fragmentary but highly illuminating account that fell from the lips of Mullá Ḥusayn.

“I sat spellbound by His utterance, oblivious of time and of those who awaited me,” he himself has testified, after describing the nature of the questions he had put to his Host and the conclusive replies he had received from Him, replies which had established beyond the shadow of a doubt the validity of His claim to be the promised Qá’im.

“This Revelation,” Mullá Ḥusayn has further testified, “so suddenly and impetuously thrust upon me, came as a thunderbolt which, for a time, seemed to have benumbed my faculties. I was blinded by its dazzling splendor and overwhelmed by its crushing force. Excitement, joy, awe, and wonder stirred the depths of my soul. Predominant among these emotions was a sense of gladness and strength which seemed to have transfigured me. How feeble and impotent, how dejected and timid, I had felt previously! Then I could neither write nor walk, so tremulous were my hands and feet. Now, however, the knowledge of His Revelation had galvanized my being. I felt possessed of such courage and power that were all the world, all its peoples and potentates, to rise against me, I would, alone and undaunted, withstand their onslaught. The universe seemed but a handful of dust in my grasp. I seemed to be the voice of Gabriel personified, calling unto all mankind: ‘Awake, for lo! the morning Light has broken. Arise, for His Cause is made manifest. The portal of His grace is open wide; enter therein, O peoples of the world! For He Who is your promised One is come!’ ”

A more significant light, however, is shed on this episode, marking the Declaration of the Mission of the Báb, by the perusal of the “first, greatest and mightiest” of all books in the Bábi Dispensation, the celebrated commentary on the Súrih of Joseph, the first chapter of which, we are assured. proceeded, in its entirety, in the course of that night of nights from the pen of its divine Revealer.

The description of this episode by Mullá Ḥusayn, as well as the opening pages of that Book attest the magnitude and force of that weighty Declaration. A claim to be no less than the mouthpiece of God Himself, promised by the Prophets of bygone ages; the assertion that He was, at the same time, the Herald of One immeasurably greater than Himself; the summons which He trumpeted forth to the kings and princes of the earth; the dire warnings directed to the Chief Magistrate of the realm, Muḥammad Sháh; the counsel imparted to Hájí Mírzá Áqásí to fear God, and the peremptory command to abdicate his authority as grand vizir of the Sháh and submit to the One Who is the “Inheritor of the earth and all that is therein”; the challenge issued to the rulers of the world proclaiming the self-sufficiency of His Cause, denouncing the vanity of their ephemeral power, and calling upon them to “lay aside, one and all, their dominion,” and deliver His Message to “lands in both the East and the West”—these constitute the dominant features of that initial contact that marked the birth, and fixed the date, of the inception of the most glorious era in the spiritual life of mankind,

(Excerpts from God Passes By, pages 3-7)

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INTERCONTINENTAL COMMITTEES

Europe

NORWAY HAZIRATU’L-QUDS DEDICATION REPORTED

“Blessed is the spot, and the house, . . . where mention of God hath been made, and His praise glorified.”

The white cement bungalow, nestled among the pines on a hilltop near Oslo, became indeed a “blessed” spot, when on the occasion of the Feast of Dominion, February 6, 1957, a “mere handful of His loved ones” gathered to dedicate the house as the seat of the Institution of the future National Spiritual Assembly and the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Norway. The house, made of white cement blocks, stands as an achievement of the Crusade bestowed on Norway through the inspired leadership of our beloved Guardian, and the agency of Mrs. Amelia Collins, Hand of the Cause of God, and Vicepresident of the International Bahá’í Council.

A Persian brother and sister arrived unexpectedly, just before the meeting, and East and West met and embraced each other in joyous exultation! Mr. and Mrs. Habib Sabet, fresh from the presence of the Guardian who had requested them to visit Norway, brought the wonderful news that our Guardian was well and very happy. Happy for two reasons: first, over the lifting of the persecutions in Persia; and second, over the rapid progress of the Global Crusade.

Therefore, it was in an atmosphere of the greatest joy and happiness as well as deepest reverence, evoked by the occasion, that the chairman of the Oslo Spiritual Assembly, Mrs, Signy Sörlle, opened the dedication program. There were readings from the Sacred Writings given by Winnie Ringstad, Asta Barnholdt, Bodil Skodstrup, Ciss Hannevig, and Gerd Strand.

In the dedication address given by Amelia Bowman, the growth of the Faith was reviewed as a continuity of teaching activity from the first known mention of the Faith in 1911 at the Theological Seminary at Elverum; the translations provided by Johanne Schubarth, “mother of the

Hazíratu’l--Quds of Sweden at Stockholm, purchased on March 1, 1957. The first convention of the Bahá’ís of the Scandinavian countries and Finland was held here on April 22-24, 1951.

Faith in Norway.” under the direction of Shoghi Effendi; the long list of itinerant teachers, which included Martha Root, “archetype of Bahá’í itinerant teachers,” who had visited Norway; the arrival of the pioneers, Solveig Corbit, Mildred Clark, Elinor Gregory, and others, followed by the establishment of the first Spiritual Assembly of Oslo in 1948; each had contributed something to the achievement of this spiritual victory for the Faith, when we shall begin the next stage of our development on a higher plane of co-operation through the establishment of a Regional National Assembly, a prelude to the National Spiritual Assembly of Norway.

The gift from the Guardian, a hanging from the Shrine of the Báb, was opened; and the friends, annointed with attar of rose from the Holy Land, inhaled the fragrance and were brought close in spirit to the heart of the Faith, our beloved Guardian.

Greetings were read from Edna True, chairman of the European Teaching Committee in America; Mrs. Dorothy Ferraby, member of the Auxiliary Board in London; the Bergen Spiritual Assembly; the groups in Lofoten and Stavanger; and other friends. The many gifts and furnishings which had been received, made the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds festive with, candle light and flowers, and colorful with stunning coral draperies, a blue green corner divan, a yellow banquet cloth on the table: the chairs and lamps; the Bahá’í books in the white bookcases which flanked a cozy redbrick fireplace; and with pictures of the Temple in America and the symbol of the Greatest Name which hung on the white plastered walls.

During the refreshment period of the celebration, Mr. and Mrs. Sabet spoke of their recent visit with the Guardian, and made a contribution to help with the teaching activity in Oslo. So it was with heartfelt gratitude that the following cable was sent to the beloved Guardian: “Deeply appreciate gift from Guardian and visit Sabets at dedication Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Requesting prayers progress success,” A reply came shortly afterward “Assure loving prayers success activities. SHOGHI”

—AMELIA BOWMAN

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Western Hemisphere

PIONEERS NEEDED IN LATIN AMERICA, MEXICO

With the establishment of the four new National Spiritual Assemblies in Central and South America, another victory has been won. However, this is but a step in the objectives of the World Crusade, since these are interim Assemblies, out of which 20 National Assemblies are to be built during the Ten Year Plan. The door of opportunity is still open to any who may yet wish to face the challenge of poineering. In all three of the following National Assembly goals the Faith has been established so far only in the capital cities. All are Spanish-speaking.

Latin America

Uruguay is the most socially advanced country in the entire Western Hemisphere. It has a beautiful climate, and its capital, Montevideo, is a modern, cosmopolitan city.

Paraguay, on the other hand, is perhaps the least “advanced” country, but a very fascinating one. It has an unusually interesting Indian history, as the Indians were protected by the government and not exploited as in other countries.

Nicaragua, located in the heart of Central America, is very Latin, though it has interesting Indian archeological remains and there are still some Indians. On the East coast there are English-speaking settlements, their population descended in part from former African slaves.

The cost of living varies from country to country, and the problem of support will always be an individual one, depending on what one is able to do. If anyone would like to consider Latin American pioneering, please contact this Committee, giving as much information about yourself as you can.

Hazíratu’l-Quds of Madrid, Spain, purchased April 23, 1956, the site of the first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of the Iberian Peninsula during Ridván 1957.

Mexico

Dr. Edris Rice-Wray is now in Mexico with the World Health Organization, and has sent us some valuable information on possible job opportunities with WHO. We quote from her letter of March 18, 1957:

“The World Health is a terrific organization for a Bahá’í. We are told we are world citizens; we must accept all peoples of whatever race, religion, or nationality. We are not permitted to engage in politics or take sides in any controversial issue.

“The staff is composed of many nationals all working together to serve people everywhere—not special groups but people. The secretarial staff, janitors, etc., are recruited from the local country, but the technical staff can be from anywhere. There are positions for doctors, nurses, and veterinarians, who have public health training, health educators, administrators with training in personnel, also nurses trained in nursing education, and sanitary engineers and sanitarians.

“The Bahá’ís should know about this possibility. There are many scholarships available to get a master’s degree in public health for doctors, nurses, veterinarians, and health educators; anyone interested can write to the US. Public Health Service, Washington, D.C., for information about scholarships.

“For information about jobs with WHO, write Pan American Sanitary Bureau, 1501 New Hampshire N.W., Washington, D.C.

“For U.S. citizens there are also similar jobs with the ICA (International Cooperation Administration) of the U.S. Government. They have projects everywhere also, and cooperate with us in this field.

“The World Health Organization has projects all over the world. This is one way Bahá’ís can get around. I am delighted to be here. I love Mexico and love my job.”

Further information about opportunities in Latin America or Mexico, as well as in Alaska, described in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for April, is available.

Write in care of Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, secretary, 73 College Road West, Princeton, N.J.

—WESTERN HEMISPHERE TEACHING COMMITTEE

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Local Spiritual Assembly of Mansourah, Egypt, for 1956-1957.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Australia, New Zealand

AUCKLAND HOLDS 17th ANNUAL SUMMER SCHOOL

The 17th Annual Summer School of the Bahá’ís of New Zealand was held in almost perfect weather at Camp Wesley, Henderson Valley, Auckland, from December 28 to January 7, 1957.

God Passes By was the main study course for this year. With this, the second session morning talks and study on “A New Way of Life,” the interpretation of the Tablet of the Holy Mariner, a review of the Kitáb-í-Iqán, letters from pioneers, personal experiences, and the history of the early Bahá’í days in Auckland, all seemed to combine to provide a striking theme for the school: how the Cause moves steadily on despite all opposition, and how tremendously we ourselves can help it on if we live this new way of life according to the laws of Bahá’u’lláh, steadfastly, determinedly, in deeds, not words.

Round table discussions also strengthened this theme, the subjects being “Freedom and Discipline,” “Personal and Social Prejudice,” “Psychology as an Aid to Spiritual Matters,” and “Fear, a Barrier to Truth—How to Conquer It.”

The children were not neglected in Morning Study. Mrs. G. Milne planned and conducted Bahá’í readings for children, in which much interest was shown by the young ones.

A Regional Teaching Conference was called during the school, with representatives from the local Spiritual Assemblies of Auckland, New Plymouth, and Wellington, and groups of Whangarei and Mangawhai attending.

All who attended summer school this year go out again fortified and rededicated. more steadfast in the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, to meet and solve the problems before us and the World around us.

(From the New Zealand Newsletter, published by the Regional Teaching Committee for New Zealand.)

Northwest Africa

ASSEMBLY REPORTS PROGRESS IN LIBERIA

The Northwest Africa Bahá’í News, published by the National Spiritual Assembly of Northwest Africa, lists three new achievements in Liberia in their February issue.

Incorporation of the Monrovia Local Spiritual Assembly has been granted, and Bahá’í marriages recognized by the government of Liberia.

An endowment has been established in Bomi Hills in the form of a plot of land, given by a Chief there, to establish a school. This came as a result of the successful Literacy School held by the Bahá’ís there.

There are now two believers in Sierra Leone, which was formerly a virgin territory.

Successful teaching work in this region by the pioneers has been crowned with the enrollment of 16 new believers, the establishment of four new localities where Bahá’ís reside, and by the possibility of a new Assembly being formed during Riḍván this year.

The Northwest Africa Bahá’í News is published at present in four languages to meet the requirements of the Bahá’ís of the region: Arabic, English, French, and Persian. It is hoped that in the near future it will be necessary to also publish in Portuguese and Spanish.

First Local Spiritual Assembly of Abou-Qir, Egypt, formed during Riḍván 1956.

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Local Spiritual Assembly of Tanta, Egypt, for 1956-1957.

Germany, Austria

CONTINUE SEARCH FOR TEMPLE SITE

Negotiations for a site for the proposed Bahá’í House of Worship in Germany are being conducted in a hostile atmosphere of confusion and rumor on the part of elements of the populace, according to Bahá’í’-Nachrichten, published by the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria.

“From week to week, yes, from day to day, the situation changes in this unbelievably and indescribably difficult struggle.” Bahá’í-Nachrichten states.

“Propositions, offers, purchase negotiations, protests, rebuffs, acceptances, again refusals, enthusiastic agreement, bitter abuse, succeed one another like the pictures of an exciting newsreel.

“The press is eager for the latest news, and often a decision is reported in the newspapers before it has been made.

Five Sites Considered

“At present five sites are in process of negotiation. Three are west of Frankfurt, and two lie to the east of the city. The decision rests with three rural boards and one civil board.

“The watchfulness of the Evangelical Church, which has now officially and repeatedly protested, is grotesque, but so effective that our every step must be made with the greatest care and wariness.

“Everything possible is being done to conclude this matter in the shortest possible time,” the publication states. “We need the prayers of the friends.”

Canada

EXPROPRIATE CANADA HAZÍRATU’L-QUDS

The national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of the Bahá’ís of Canada, located at 274 Huron street. Toronto, has been expropriated by the University of Toronto.

This property was included in the 26 acres taken over for expansion of the university campus.

University authorities advised the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly that they will not require the property for some time, and that the Bahá’ís may rent the building from them, possibly for several years.

This proposal is not satisfactory, as the Guardian wishes all National Spiritual Assemblies to own their Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

Consequently the Assembly has appointed a Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Location Committee to find a place as soon as possible that will meet the minimum requirements at the lowest possible price. As soon as this is done, the expropriated property will be sold.

LAURENTIAN SCHOOL LISTS SUMMER PLANS

A preliminary announcement listing the summer school sessions at Laurentian Bahá’í School, Beaulac, P.Q., gives the dates as July 20 to August 3, 1957.

Three topics, “The Covenant,” “Spiritual Verities,” and “History of the Faith” will be given each of the two weeks. The sessions have been designed as a teacher-training project, so that those attending may teach the courses at regional seminars on weekends and evenings.

Further information may be obtained from R. Thomson, 845 Willibrord Ave., Verdun. Quebec.

SUMMER CONFERENCE PLANNED AT BANFF

A Western Canada Bahá’í Summer Conference will be held on August 25-31, inclusive, at the Banff School of Fine Arts, Banff, Alberta.

Mrs. Edna J. Montfort, 3119 Barnard Avenue. Vernon, B.C., Canada, will send further information upon request.

Local Spiritual Assembly of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, incorporated in May 1956.

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NATIONAL NEWS

GEYSERVILLE SCHOOL ANNOUNCES PROGRAMS

For the 29th summer, Bahá’ís and their friends are offered the opportunity at the Geyserville Bahá’í School to have time to deepen their knowledge of the Bahá’í World Faith.

Again, the opportunity is offered to experience, during their visit, living in a society which foreshadows the New Age. Here the principles of the Bahá’í Faith can be put into practice, and here one may have some time away from the tensions and strife of a confused and bewildering world.

The 1957 schedule lists six weekly sessions, beginning with the week of June 30, and ending with the week of August 4. The annual Unity Feast will be held on Sunday, July 14.

Topics will include “The WordSacred Writings of Bahá’u’lláh,” “The Plan—America’s God Given Mission,” “The Individual—Being a Bahá’í,” and “Mankind~Foundations of World Order.”

Daily Workshops Planned

During the conference period workshops, seminars, and conferences will be held to consider the problems which confront the Bahá’í as he attempts to promulgate the Faith. A workshop will be offered daily throughout the six sessions dealing with specific teaching problems.

Classes will be held six days each week. Different Bahá’ís who are giving their time to this program will conduct the courses during the six different sessions. Special programs will be held on Sundays.

Special Class for Youth

For young people, ages 15 to 21, a special class will be held each morning from 10:00 to 10:50. This special hour will be devoted to those interests and problems of the Bahá’í youth and their friends.

Special classes for children, ages 2 to 15, will be held during the mornings.

Further information may be obtained by writing to Mrs. Viviana Lisota, secretary, 910 Sierra Vista, Redding, Calif.

Panel of speakers for a race unity meeting at New Rochelle, N.Y., held on February 10, 1951, during observance of Negro History Week, arranged by the Bahá’í: of Yonkers, Mt. Vernon, Mamaroneck, Hastings-on-Hudson, and New Rochelle.

DAVISON SCHOOL TO STRESS INDIVIDUAL DEEPENING

Courses at the summer session of the Davison Bahá’í School will emphasize the deepening of the individual to participate in the World Crusade: in administration, in the Creative Word, and in practical methods. There will be children’s classes at all family sessions. The family sessions will be scheduled by the week beginning Monday July 15 through Friday August 16.

There will be a Junior Youth Session (ages 10-14) July 1-July 12, and a Senior Youth Session (ages 15-21) August 19-August 30. Adults should plan to attend the Family sessions.

Special weekend sessions are being planned for those believers who cannot attend a week session. These will begin July 13-15 and will culminate in the Homecoming Weekend August 31-Sept. 2.

Rates for the sessions vary from $4.00 to $3.50, depending on the length of stay and the type of accommodation. The Junior Youth rates are about $3.00 a day. The friends are asked to make reservations with the Registrar, Miss Judy Long, Box 213, R.R. No. 3, Coldwater, Mich.

If you do not normally receive a program, write to Mrs. Lois Nachman, secretary, 532 Western, Inkster, Mich.

YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS GIVE PANEL DISCUSSIONS

During the year the Los Angeles, Calif., Youth and Young Adult Committee, through the Southwestern States Area Teaching Committee, has been doing circuit teaching with panel discussion programs. An adult moderator always accompanies the panel and gives a brief introduction to the Faith.

Panels have spoken in Las Vegas, Nev., and in Fresno, Escondido, and Altadena, Calif.

To prepare the youth and young adults for circuit teaching, a two-hour study class has been held every Tuesday night. The attendance has averaged 15 to 20 each week.

These study classes covered three phases:

(1) The Advent of Divine Justice was studied during the first hour. During the second hour, five minute talks on the Faith were given by those present. The talks were recorded on tape, and played back for constructive criticism.

(2) A two-hour deepening class on The Promulgation of Universal Peace was conducted.

(3) A two-hour study class on the Covenant and Administration was given. The last class was devoted to a workshop with a mock Spiritual Assembly, with elections and the handling of various problems.

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NAW-RUZ PUBLICITY PROCLAIMS THE RENEWAL OF RELIGION

The Bahá’í Press Service Committee welcomes the opportunity to report on the publicity for the observance of Naw-Rúz on March 21, 1957, received through the first week of April.

Fifty-six communities in 23 states are represented in this report, which may be only one-third of the total number of localities gaining recognition from the press for this celebration.

It is interesting to find that many of the communities received publicity on the Fast and the Intercalary Days as well.

Following is the list of communities reporting:

Alabama: Mobile received publicity in the Beacon, a Negro newspaper.

Arkansas: Little Rock and North Little Rock gave a dinner at the Hotel Lafayette, at which Rev. and Mrs. R. D. Adams of the First Presbyterian Church showed slides of their five-week tour of the Middle East, and the chairman of the local Bahá’í Assembly gave a brief talk on Naw-Rúz.

California: Anaheim held a public meeting in a Bahá’í home. Beverly Hills received newspaper publicity, and ran an advertisement in the local newspaper. Escondido held a potluck supper at a Bahá’í Home. Each guest was met at the door by a flower girl, who presented a rose boutonniere as a Naw-Rúz greeting. The 12 Bahá’í principles were illustrated on a huge poster over the fireplace, showing a rising sun with 12 different colored rays, each ray a principle. The names of the nine revealed religions were below the horizon, indicating that the Bahá’í Faith is the culmination of all previous revealed religions. Music was provided during the evening. There were 55 adults and children attending this festivity. Fresno held a dinner at the El Rancho Hotel, followed by a public meeting at which Rhoderick W. Delaney, president of the Market Research Foundation, Inc., was the principal speaker. His topic was “Thoughts to Live By.” Long Beach held a dish supper at Morgan Hall, followed by a talk on the Bahá’í Peace Program by Mrs. Virginia Foster. Forty adults were present, of which 18 were non-Bahá’ís. Monterey Peninsula Herald carried publicity on a tea given at a Bahá’í home in Carmel. This was followed on the next evening with a meeting for worship. Redding bad publicity in the Record Searchlight, and also carried an advertisement on Naw-Rúz. Riverside held an open house at a Bahá’í home. Sacramento and surrounding Bahá’í communities held a meeting at a Bahá’í home.

Colorado: Colorado Springs and El Paso county celebrated Naw-Rúz with a covered dish supper at Carpenter’s Hall. This was followed by a public meeting on the significance of the spiritual springtime.

Connecticut: Norwich featured a reading of the Bahá’í Peace Program at a Bahá’í home.

Florida: Miami and the surrounding communities served a supper to 91 guests, about half being non-Bahá’ís, in a Bahá’í home, followed by a talk on “What Does the Future Hold For Us?” Publicity appeared in the Miami Herald.

Hawaii: Honolulu, Maui, and Kahului held a public meeting in a Bahá’í home.

Idaho: Ada County held a dinner meeting for Bahá’ís and their guests, with discussion and music.

Illinois: Belleville held a celebration at the Melbourne Hotel in St. Louis. Decatur carried an advertisement in the Advertiser. Peoria observed Naw-Rúz at sundown at the Bahá’í Center with special services.

Massachusetts: Attleboro held a meeting at a Bahá’í home, with eight non-Bahá’ís and six Bahá’ís attending. Colored slides of Haifa and the House of Worship were shown. The Attleboro Sun ran a 22-inch story on Naw-Rúz and the Bahá’í principles, with a picture of the Temple. Beverly held a meeting at the Beverly Cove Community Center, with a talk on “Guidance for Today.” A buffet luncheon was served at the close of the meeting. Palmer received publicity in the Journal-Register. Waltham ran an advertisement in the News Tribune. Boston held a meeting at their Bahá’í Center.

Michigan: Ann Arbor and the Ypsilanti area celebrated the occasion at a Bahá’í home in Dexter Township. A Persian dinner was served, followed by a film “Haifa, A Name to Remember,"” and a talk on the meaning of Naw-Rúz. Inkster held a community dinner at a Bahá’í home. Niles, with the Bahá’ís of South Bend, Ind., held a meeting at the YWCA in South Bend.

Minnesota: Minneapolis held a public meeting at their Bahá’í Center. St. Cloud ran a Naw-Rúz advertisement. Rochester celebrated their first Naw-Rúz observance with 15 attending.

Montana: Butte held a public meeting in a Bahá’í home.

Nevada: Las Vegas celebrated the Fast with a “Kick-Off” breakfast at a Bahá’í home.

New Jersey: Montclair held a special observance for Bahá’ís and friends.

New York: Hamburg and Hamburg Township held a public meeting with the theme “The New Look on Life." There was also a buffet supper for Bahá’ís and guests. Rochester gave a dinner at a Bahá’í home. The previous Sunday there was a public meeting, with slides of the Temple and a talk on the meaning of Naw-Rúz. Each guest received a long-stemmed rose as a symbol of the New Year.

North Carolina: Raleigh held a meeting in a Bahá’í home.

Ohio: Ashland also used a Bahá’í home for a public meeting.

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia sponsored a meeting at the Bahá’í Center.

Utah: Logan gave a public meeting, featuring slides of the Temple, and the Shrines in Haifa, a speaker, and music.

Washington: Chelan received publicity in the Chelan Valley Mirror. Seattle planned a round robin dinner with each course served at a different home, and an exchange of gifts for the Intercalary Days observance. Tacoma gave a public meeting in a Bahá’í home. Eighteen were present, with six non-Bahá’ís.

Wisconsin: Wauwatosa gave a public meeting at the Bahá’í Center. Milwaukee also held a public meeting at their Bahá’í Center. Racine received publicity in the Journal Times.

—BAHÁ’Í PRESS SERVICE

[Page 9]

BALTIMORE FIRESIDE TECHNIQUE EXPLAINED

In response to a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly asking for a description of the fireside teaching technique that has resulted in several recent enrollments in Baltimore, Md., the following account has been received:

Several months ago you asked that we send the techniques we use at the fireside, since we had two enrollments last year. The two that I have just sent in really make seven declarations that have been made from the firesides. Four came into our community, but three lived just outside the city limits and therefore came in through the Area Teaching Committee.

The fireside is held at my apartment, but Bill Burgess of our community comes over and we have it together. We are the only Bahá’ís present and we work like a team. The techniques we use are those that were in the insert of BAHÁ’Í NEWS with a few additions which I am happy to pass on.

We hold them regularly, every Friday night. We keep them small, not more than three contacts. We take a positive and prayerful attitude, knowing that Bahá’u’lláh will send us someone. The few times no one came are so few and far between

I cannot remember. Sometimes I did not know the people who phoned and I invited; the chain of circumstances that they related of how they got my telephone number would sound fantastic to a non-believer, but we know it is Bahá’u’lláh’s work.

We prepare what points we want to cover but we make it conversation, seemingly spontaneous. We have worked out our team work so well that it goes like a breeze. We do not make it too serious. We put a little humor in the conversation whenever appropriate. We laugh together, we eat together (very simple refreshments). We talk with them of their hobbies, baseball, football etc., always coming back to the Faith.

They themselves bring it back, but by this time they are relaxed and are drawn closer and they speak of the Faith from their hearts.

While these are little techniques we use, we feel the real fundamental that has helped us is the fact that we love our contacts and let them feel the love and warmth.

We try to create a loving, happy and enthusiastic atmosphere and before long they say the cherished Words: “I want to be a Bahá’í.”

To close with a little statistical note, there have been 37 different people who have attended. Seven became Bahá’ís, or 20 per cent.

—ALMA L. HEISE

DALLAS SPONSORS STUDY OF RELIGIONS

The Bahá’ís of Dallas and the Park Cities, Texas, are jointly sponsoring a ten-week series on “The Study of the World’s Religions.” The first meeting, held on March 15 in the Theology Department of Southern Methodist University, was an introduction to the series and a general presentation of the Bahá’í concept of progressive revelation. There were 31 present; 17 of these were non-Bahá’ís who had not previously attended a Bahá’í meeting.

Due to an unforeseen problem, the meeting place was changed following the first meeting and the second week only 13 were present for the study of the Sabaean religion. The three non-Bahá’ís attending had also been to the previous meeting. On March 29 the Hindu religion was presented to an audience of 27: 17 of this number were non-Bahá’ís.

This type of meeting, to study the religions of the world, seems to be of particular interest to the public at this time. The audiences have been quite receptive and the discussion period following the various presentations very good. The remainder of the series will cover Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islám, the Bábí religion and the Bahá’í Faith.

Highly successful World Religion Day meeting presented by the Durham, N.C., Bahá’í group, attended by more than 60 Bahá’ís.

[Page 10]

GREENSBORO YOUTH DAY PUBLICIZES FAITH

The Youth Committee of the Bahá’ís of Greensboro, N. C., sponsored a World Youth Day meeting in the Civic Room of the O. Henry hotel on March 24. Twelve were present, with three races represented, Indian, Negro, and white.

To break the initial self-consciousness, games were played, establishing a spirit of friendship that gave added value to the group discussion following the talk.

The World Youth Day theme, “Divine Physician for an Afflicted World,” was discussed by Glenn Mitchell, a young Bahá’í from Kingston, Jamaica, who is pioneering in Raleigh and attending Shaw University.

The hotel was abuzz with talk about “those young people of different races meeting in the Civic Room.” Getting this room for a mixed meeting was a triumph for the Greensboro community.

If Bahá’ís of the North and West could imagine the stares that were evoked when the little group stepped out of the hotel when the meeting was over! People almost wrecked their cars upon seeing the attractive little Indian girl, dressed in her beautiful clothes, and the unimaginable thing of Negroes and whites acting like brothers, laughing and talking. It was a wonderful sight to see in this stronghold of the old South, already tempered by the progressively greater influence of the six colleges within its limits, for Greensboro is far better off than other cities where vicious prejudice is concerned.

It seems that there’s no better teaching medium than practicing Bahá’í brotherhood, quietly and unashamedly, under the eyes of others in this darkened land.

—F. KIMBALL KINNEY

YOUTH COMMITTEE ACTIVE IN DAKOTAS

The North Central States Area Youth Committee has been assisting the Area Teaching Committee with teaching activities in four areas of South Dakota and three areas of North Dakota.

In the Black Hills, S. Dak., pamphlets have been distributed and firesides are being held. The Youth Group of the Methodist Church in Piedmont has heard the Bahá’í Message through a contact made in this work.

At Brookings, S. Dak., there are weekly firesides. The first public meeting held here attracted 19 per} ple, representing every race,

The Bahá’í youth of Mitchell, S. Dak., have made contacts locally, and have distributed Bahá’í literature. They have presented a copy of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era to the head of the Religion Department of Dakota Wesleyan College.

Regular youth classes are held in Sioux Falls, S. Dak., each week, and the Bahá’í youth have given literature to other localities in the state. These youths have also made circuit teaching trips to Mitchell and Brookings.

In North Dakota, at Minot children’s classes are held each Sunday. At Devil’s Lake conditions for continuation of classes with the Indian children have been greatly improved. The Devil’s Lake Bahá’ís have placed literature locally, and in Leeds, Knox, Rugby, Towner, and Jamestown. Fargo held a World Youth Day program at the Bahá’í Center.

BAHÁ’Í SPEAK AT OHIO WESLEYAN UNIV.

The Religious Co-ordinator’s Committee of Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, sent an invitation to the National Spiritual Assembly for a Bahá’í representative to speak on “Brotherhood” at the University Chapel service on February 27.

The National Assembly informed the Columbus, Ohio, Local Spiritual Assembly, who contacted Richard Gay, the Religious Co-ordinator, for details of the program.

Miss Beverley Bennett, a teacher in the experimental school at Ohio State University, consented to be the speaker, and five Bahá’ís from Columbus were invited to accompany her to Ohio Wesleyan and sit with her on the stage. They included a Bahá’í youth, an Ohio State University student of Filipino and German parentage, a youth from Írán, and a Negro and a white woman.

The audience included 1600 students and many faculty members. After the meeting closed, many students came to the platform to ask questions and request literature. Copies of What is a Bahá’í? and One Universal Faith were distributed. .

PRESS SERVICE REQUESTS ADDRESSES OF PRESS REPS

To local Spiritual Assemblies, groups, and isolated believers:

Please appoint or re-appoint your Press Representatives for 1957-1958 immediately, in order to be assured of future Press Service mailings.

Isolated believers, upon request for our service, will be placed on the mailing list.

Address all communications to Mrs. Dorothea Reed, secretary, Bahá’í Press Service, 434 Thomas Avenue, Rochester 17, N. Y.

AMERICAN INDIAN NEWS

In a traditional Makah ceremony. the Indian name of Kleesi-oo-hocks was given to pioneer Mrs. Modelle Mudd by the chief of the Makah tribe at Neah Bay, Wash., on February 11. Only two other non-Indians have been so honored by the tribe.

At the ceremony, Mrs. Mudd was given a document signed by the chief bearing these words: “I, Chief Moquinna, Jongie Claplanhoo, do honor my good friend Mrs. Modelle Mudd, for her constant show of admiration, love, and friendship to my people, the members of the Makah Tribe, by giving her an Indian name. Since coming to live among us she has striven, by her actions, to teach what my people have always known, that all men are brothers! It is my wish that she will always cherish this greatest of honors, which I, by the authority of my heritage bestow upon her. You will receive your name in solemn trust. You must strive to live up to and honor this name always. Because the Sun is the Great Lightgiver, it is in my heart to give you the name Kleesi-oo-hocks, First Rays of the New Sun. To you, Kleesi-oo-hocks, I, Moquinna, give my blessing.”

Members of the Neah Bay Bahá’í Group are Mr. and Mrs. Foster Mudd, pioneers, Mrs. Klara Tyler, and Nelson Greene (youth). They would welcome assistance from other pioneers. A doctor is greatly needed on the Makah reservation.

Details about the unique pioneering opportunity at Neah Bay may be had by writing to the American Indian Service Committee, Mrs. Nancy Phillips, secretary, 736 Encanto Drive, S.E., Phoenix, Ariz.

—AMERICA INDIAN SERVICE COMMITTEE

[Page 11]

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES

A Bahá’í youth at the University of Illinois, Champaign, was asked to sneak about the Faith to a class on the Philosophy of World Religion. Although the presentation was scheduled to last for a half-hour, a whole hour was spent discussing the Faith because of the numerous questions of the students.

Moojan Khádem wrote of his experience: “I never saw such an audience in my life. They took notes of every word, and they were absorbing it like sponges, especially when the Bahá’í view on miracles, resurrection, and the Trinity were presented. The interest was fantastic. I guess they were ready, because one whole semester they were discussing religion, and so they were ready and confused.”

At Lincoln University, located in Lincoln University, Pa., Hormoz Sabet spoke to 52 ministerial students on the Bahá’í Faith. He was one of four speaking on religions in general, and he was asked the majority of questions afterward.

A symposium held at the International Center on the University of Michigan campus at Ann Arbor, jointly sponsored by the Bahá’í Student Group and the Ann Arbor Bahá’í Community, attracted a capacity crowd.

The theme, “Attitudes Toward World Peace,” was developed by representatives of six faiths: Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Bahá’í.

Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., are co-sponsors of a Bahá’í Club, established at the University of Minnesota after almost two years of effort. A young Bahá’í couple, John and Beverley Kolstoe, are students at the university this year, and through their efforts this club has become a reality. Mr. Kolstoe is the club’s president.

Cyrus Omidvaran and Farhang Roshan-Zamir were hosts at a Bahá’í meeting at the Union Building of South Dakota State College on February 28. Of 50 invitations sent out, 14 responded, representing five races. The room, decorated by Farhang, had cards lettered with the Bahá’í principles, artistically arranged with a large picture of the House of Worship. This meeting was reported by the college newspaper Collegian.

WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET

Fourth Year — 1956-1957

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

Total Requirements May 1 to April 15 . . . . . . . . 478,400.00

Total Contributions ay 1 to April l5 . . . . . . . . . . 311,820.00

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

The Naw-Rúz observance at Anchorage, Alaska, featured colored slides of scenes of the Bahá’í Shrines on Mt. Carmel and other places in the Holy Land, a short talk on the meaning of Naw-Rúz, and a display of rare Persian antiques by a non-Bahá’í, Mrs. Milan Elott of Fort Richardson. Mrs. Elott collected the antiques from 1951 to 1953 when she and her husband, a U. 5. Army officer, were stationed in Írán. Nearly 30 Bahá’ís and their guests enjoyed the program.

Flint, Mich., observed World Youth Day with a public meeting at the International Institute. John Nash spoke for the Bahá’í Faith, and a non-Bahá’í showed colored slides of France.

The 12 children enrolled in the Bahá’í Children’s Class on Maui, T. H., have completed a study of the lives of the Messengers of God, and will next study the teachings which Bahá’u’lláh has revealed for today.

A group of young people of the First Methodist Church of Riverside, Calif., who are studying Comparative Religion, invited a representative of the local Bahá’í community to explain the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith to them,

A panel discussion on “Death,” at the Unitarian Hall in San Francisco, Calif., attracted over 100 people, including 12 Bahá’ís. Arthur Dahl, Jr., offered the Bahá’í assurance of life after death, in contrast to speakers representing other faiths who made no point of eternal life.

The Unitarian Church of Santa Monica, Calif., jointly sponsored a public meeting in March in collaboration with the American Association for United Nations, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peoples. A Bahá’í presided, and short talks were given by representatives of all three groups. Thirty-five attended, including 20 non-Bahá’ís.

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

New Translation Published of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Work

The Secret of Divine Civilization. By ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Introduction by Horace Holley. This work, written in 1875, first published in English in London, 1910, and in Chicago in 1918 under the title Mysterious Forces of Civilization, is more accurately rendered in this new translation. Although this message was ignored by the rulers and people of Persia to whom it is addressed, it applies to the general state of modern civilization as a whole today. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has employed passages from the Qur’án on which to establish the spiritual significances of His theme. Since the Qur’án is little known in the West, these passages have an incidental importance in making the Western reader more familiar with the Holy Book of the Arabic and Persian peoples at a time when understanding of the Orient is direly needed in Europe and America.

The book, handsomely printed and bound, is set in Fairfield type with Civilité initial letters, and has a twopiece binding of natural linen and deep red, with gold stamping. The cloth is pyroxylin treated to resist moisture and soil.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . $2.50

Bahá’í Answers. This pamphlet answers many of the questions most frequently asked about the Bahá’í Faith, such as: What does the word “Bahá’í” mean? Is the Bahá’í Faith essentially an oriental religion? What new teachings are found in the Bahá’í Faith? Do the Bahá’ís believe in a life after death? In reincarnation?

There are nineteen questions in all, briefly but clearly answered.

This booklet, prepared in convenient pocket size for easy carrying or mailing, with an attractive cover design showing a portion of the Bahá’í Temple designed by Wm. Musler, should prove to be an excellent teaching and contact pamphlet for all Bahá’ís.

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

100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6.00

Pocket Calendar. This calendar, running from May 1957 through April[Page 12] 1958, indicates all Feast and Holy Days, and is small enough to be inserted in a billfold.

Ten copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .50

25 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.00

New Printing

The Covenant and Adminstration. A Compilation of excerpts for use in Conference Institutes. A few changes and corrections have been made in this new printing. For those who may wish to correct old editions, please refer to pages 20 and 68. Covers are stamped in royal blue on grey granite, 8½ x ll.

Per Copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.00

Suggestions for the Conduct of Institutes on the Covenant and Administration. Originally prepared by the Projects Development Committee some years ago in mimeographed form, this four-page leaflet offers excellent ideas for conducting effective institutes on this subject. Printed on colored stock, 8½ x ll. A copy is included free of charge with each edition of The Covenant and Administration, or can be purchased separately.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .10

Foreign Language Literature

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era (Japanese). A new translation imported from Japan, bound in cloth.

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

Bahá’í Prayers (Japanese). A new translation, so pages, bound in blue paper.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .35

Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh (Italian). A small supply of this new attractive edition is available, and more will be imported if there is sufficient demand.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.00

Out of Print

The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh. By Horace Holley. Reprint of the aims and purposes of the Faith which has appeared in successive volumes of The Bahá’í World.

Minimum Mail Order, $1.00

Available from

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEASTS

May 17—‘Aẓamat (Grandeur)

June 5—Núr (Light)

HOLY DAYS

May 2—Twelfth day of Riḍván

May 23—Declaration of the Báb

May 29—Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh

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

MARRIAGES

Fresno, California: Miss Joyce Helen Wilder to Mr. Robert L. Evans on March 13, 1957.

Madison, Wisconsin: Miss Judith Gale Lukeman to Mr. Freydoun Javid on February 27, 1957.

Seattle, Washington: Miss Marjorie O. Wheeler to Mr. Kenneth M. Bovee on March 20, 1957.

IN MEMORIAM

Mr. Lester C. Ramsdell

Marysville, Washington

February, 1957

Miss Alyce Palmer

Union City, New Jersey

February 3, 1957

Miss A, Zella Smull

Davenport, Iowa

March 7, 1957

Mrs. Edith Chapman

Kansas city, Missouri

March 10, 1957

Mr. George S. Frain

Northport Alabama

March 16, 1957

Mrs. Corinne Erickson

LaCresenta, California

March 16, 1957

Mr. Alfred Taylor

Wilmington, Delaware

March 16, 1957

Dr. Mary E. Ketcham

Holly Hill, Florida

March l8, 1957

Mrs. Beatrice McLin

Chicago, Illinois

March l8, 1957

Mrs. E. Grace Cunningham

Los Angeles, California

March 19, 1957

Mrs. Emma Cummings

Indianapolis, Indiana

March 23, 1957

BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY CHANGES

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Alaska

Tanana Valley: Mrs. Mable Amidon, Secy/pro tem, 219 5th Ave., Hamilton Acres, Fairbanks

Florida

Dade County: Mrs. Zilpha Sawyer, 2400 Golden Glade Drive Opa Locka

Michigan

Detroit: Mr. Samuel H. Clark, 12951 Stahelin, z.23

New Jersey

Teaneck: Mrs. Pearl Hafez, c/o Evergreen Cabin, 126 Evergreen Place, West Englewood

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 or the United States as well as from National Assemblies of other lands. Material is due in Wilmette on the first day of the month preceding the date of issue for which it is intended.

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