Bahá’í News/Issue 321/Text
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| No. 321 | BAHA’I YEAR 114 | NOVEMBER, 1957 |
Guardian Announces Series of Five Intercontinental Conferences and Appointment of Eight Additional Hands of the Cause[edit]
With this Issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS each believer will receive a copy of an epochal document from the beloved Guardian bearing the foregoing title and addressed to the Hands of the Cause of God and to the National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world.
The announcement of five Intercontinental Conferences to be held during 1958 in five continents of East and West marks another great historic turning-point in the annals of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, summoning the entire Bahá’í World to a new and higher spiritual potency. The Guardian’s enumeration of the tasks performed discloses the vast realm of victorious achievement that the believers have already attained since the inception of the Ten-Year Plan. His appointment of eight new Hands of the Cause effectively strengthens this institution created by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His Will and Testament.
The conduct of an Intercontinental Conference in Chicago calls for the formulation of plans which the National Spiritual Assembly will announce to the believers at the earliest possible date.
It is for us now, and continuously, to enter into the Guardian’s creative, triumphant vision and prepare ourselves spiritually and mentally for the conquests required for the consummation of the next phase of the World Crusade, conquests calling for the aid of an infinitely larger number of believers than presently comprise the community of the Greatest Name.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Second Series of Regional Conferences Attended by Over 2000 Baha’is[edit]
The second series of 15 conferences called by the National Spiritual Assembly and held during the third and fourth weekends of September, drew a remarkable attendance of believers numbering more than 2,000.
The purpose of this series was: (1) to discuss the forms of service detained in the letter written by the Hands of the Cause on June 19 to every American believer, (2) to bring to fulfillment the responsibility of the individual American Bahá’í presented in that letter, and (3) to discuss the role of the various institutions of the Faith concerned with pioneer settlement and teaching work under the Ten-Year Plan. The agenda consisted of five topics: This Critical Period in Bahá’í History; Four Forms of Service; The Supreme Goal; Pioneering Opportunities, and What Can I Do?
Consciously in the minds of all believers present was this sentence in the letter from the Hands of the Cause: “The most important moment in our entire life is surely that in which, at last realizing the real measure and purpose of the Guardian’s successive messages, each American Bahá’í, acting for himself in love of Bahá’u’lláh, makes his final decision to consecrate himself in service to a God-given Faith.”
Pioneer pledges were distributed to all present at the conference who could immediately set in motion plans to pioneer either abroad or at home. While not many pledges have yet been returned to the National Spiritual Assembly, a number of assemblies have reported that there is a decided acceleration among the members of their communities in planning toward dispersal.
More than 150 Bahá’í communities were represented at the 15 conferences, as well as several hundred groups and isolated centers. Thirteen of the conferences were conducted by members of the National Spiritual Assembly, and two by well-qualified representatives, Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin and Mrs. Jesma Herbert.
An important by-product of these gatherings was the gratification and benefit derived by the believers as well as by the members of the National Spiritual Assembly .themselves from the frank, heart-to-heart consultation on the major tasks and problems facing the American Bahá’í community and its National Assembly.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
World Religion Day A National Bahá’í Event[edit]
World Religion Day was instituted ‘by the National Bahá’í Assembly in 1950. Its celebration on January 19, 1953, marks the ninth annual of this significant public event.
The purpose of World Religion Day is to elevate the minds of sincere seekers above the confusion and conflict of historic creeds, and inspire them with the vision of the oneness of all revealed faiths proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh, Founder of the Bahá’í World Religion a hundred years ago.
That the teachings of all the Prophetic Founders of religion emanate from the same God, exalt the same ideals and principles, and are nothing else than successive expressions of the same sublime truths — this is the great Message which World Religion Day proclaims. Apart from spiritual unity in worship of the one God, humanity can find no justice nor peace, Bahá’ís affirm.
Since 1950, local Assemblies and groups have publicized World Religion Day so successfully that this public event is now listed in the Calendar of Special Months and Days sponsored by the United states Chamber of Commerce.
For 1958 a threefold service is available to Bahá’ís: a press release and suggested newspaper advertisement, distributed by Bahá’í Press Service to all local press representatives; a very attractive World
Reproduction of the World Religion Day poster, designed for use by
Bahá’í communities in announcing their observance of this Bahá’í
public relations event.
Religion Day display poster; and a World Religion Day 8½ X 11 sheet
for free local distribution, setting
forth the purposes at the event and
quoting relevant passages from public addresses made by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
in America.
The poster, a photograph of which appears on this page, measures 14x17 inches and comes in two tones of blue. It is printed on paper only and can be obtained at 25 cents each or five for $1.00, mailed in a tube by third class mail. The place and time of the local meeting and the name of the local Spiritual Assembly or Bahá’í group can be lettered in the space below the sketch provided for the purpose. A hard-backed poster can be made by mounting it on cardboard with rubber cement and an easel can be attached for a standup poster.
The single sheet statement, entitled, “World Religion Day” can be ordered in lots of so for $1.00 post paid.
Orders for the poster and for the statement are to be sent with accompanying remittance to: Bahá’í Press Service, 434 Thomas Avenue, Rochester 17, New York. Orders sent to any other office will delay delivery.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
ARTHUR L. DAHL ELECTED TO NATIONAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
Robert W. McLaughlin has resigned train the National Spiritual Assembly because repeated absences from the country would make it impossible for him to perform his duties as a member this year.
This action necessitated a by-election by the delegates to the last National Convention to fill the vacancy.
The voting, held on September 28, resulted in the election of Arthur L. Dahl of Pebble Beach, Calif., to replace Mr. McLaughlin.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBER APPOINTED[edit]
The Hands of the Cause in Europe announce that Dr. Aziz Navidí of Monte Carlo, Monaco, has been appointed a member of the Auxiliary Board in Europe. He replaces Mrs. Tove Deleuran, who has moved to Pákistán.
Two Chicago Newspapers Publish Photographs of Baha’i House of Worship[edit]
This aerial view of the Bahá’í House of Worship and landscaped gardens in Wilmette, at the right, was taken by the Metro News Photos Company, Chicago, and appeared in the Chicago American on August 12, 1957, along with an article about a visit to the Temple written by Mervin Block.
The photograph below, taken by a Chicago Tribune photographer and published in that newspaper on August 6, 1957, looks northward along the shore of Lake Michigan. The Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, 14 miles away, can be seen on the horizon to the left of center.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
Central and East Africa
GUARDIAN HERALDS OPENING OF NEW PHASE OF RICH PROMISE[edit]
A message from the Guardian, added to a letter from his Secretary to the National Spiritual Assembly of Central and East Africa in reply to its communications, contains passages of interest to all Bahá’ís. BAHÁ’Í NEWS has extracted these paragraphs for reprint.
“The year that has just elapsed, marking the opening phase in the progressive unfoldment of the destiny of the Bahá’í communities, labouring singly and collectively for the expansion and consolidation of the institutions of the embryonic World Order of Bahá’u’lláh in both Central and East Africa, has witnessed a series of achievements, in both the teaching and administrative fields, that are truly heartening, and may well be regarded as worthy of emulation by their sister communities, now embarked on similar enterprises in the Northern, the Western, and Southern territories of the far-flung African continent.
“Particularly in Uganda and Kenya—among the first of the Negro-inhabited territories to be warmed and illuminated by the rays of the Revelation of Bahá’u’llá—now leading the field numerically, and exhibiting a vitality and a spiritual receptivity second to none among the communities spread over that continent, has this progress been noticeable. In the steady increase in the number of believers— though not as spectacular as in the early days when the Faith was introduced in these territories— in the multiplication of centres, testifying to the widespread diffusion of the light of this Revelation over such extensive areas within their confines; in the diligence, the loyalty, the courage, and dogged perseverance displayed consistently by the elected representatives responsible for the conduct of Bahá’í affairs in these areas; in the enthusiasm and organizing ability which these representatives, aided by me rank and file of the faithful, so whole-heartedly collaborating with them in the pursuit of a common and glorious task, have demonstrated
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Portsmouth, England, formed on April 21, 1957.
since the announcement of the project of the construction of the Mother
Temple of Africa; in their recent
success in incorporating the first of
the three newly emerged Regional
African Assemblies,— in these, as
well as in less conspicious fields,
the standard-bearers of an all-conquering Faith, in these highly promising contiguous territories, a number of whom have distinguished
themselves through their superb exploits far away from their homes,
have set an example which posterity
will not fail to extol, and which the
organized followers of the Faith, not
only in Africa but in other continents
of the globe, would do well to follow.
“. . . A new phase, pregnant with rich promise and undrempt-of possibilities, is undoubtedly opening with the founding and rise of the first
Mashrigu’l-Adkhár in the African continent, following upon the three successive milestones of the Faith in that area on the eve of the launching of the Ten-Year Plan, by the inception of the World Spiritual Crusade and, more recently, by the emergence of the Bahá’í Regional Spiritual Assembly of Central and East Africa.
“This latest stage in the unfoldment of the Mission entrusted to the stalwart promoters of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in so promising and privileged an area, must be distinguished, and excel the previous period during which it was born, and the machinery of its Administrative Order set up, by acts so brilliant as to throw into shadow the magnificent feats they have already achieved in its service. . . .”
North East Africa
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY INCORPORATED[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of North East Africa was granted official incorporation under its present title on April 10, 1957, by the Egyptian government.
The original incorporation was effected on December 26, 1934, under the name of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Egypt.
Subsequently the document was amended to include the Sudan on November 17, 1949, and in April 1956 the National Assembly jurisdiction was enlarged to include North East Africa.
MOGADISCIO LSA REPORTS TEACHING IN SOMALIA[edit]
Teaching activities in Mogadiscio, Somalia, since Riḍván 1957 have included two new translations, two teaching conferences, many firesides, and extension teaching work, the Mogadiscio Local Spiritual Assembly has reported.
The translations of a pamphlet into Somali and Bravanese were completed in time for Riḍván. Two cables and a letter from the Guardian were received, expressing appreciation for this accomplishment.
The Teaching Committee arranged two inspiring Teaching Conferences the first two weekends of June. The program was varied and lively, and included a survey of the Guardian’s Riḍván message, talks on the responsibility of the individual to
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Palma de
Mallorca, Spain, formed 041 April 21, 1957.
teach, and a spirited consultation by
all.
Regular teaching meetings for the friends and their contacts are held every Friday evening, and many firesides are held each week. From Riḍván to the middle of August, 142 fireside meetings have been held.
Extension teaching is carried on in Hafun and Afgoi by Mohamed Musa and Mohamed Salehi Cyrus Samandari has made a number of teaching trips, sometimes accompanied by one of the Somali friends, and considerable teaching work has been done.
Alaska
CONFERENCE STRESSES TEACHING METHODS[edit]
A Bahá’í Summer Teaching Conference emphasizing methods of presenting the Bahá’í teachings on God’s Eternal Covenant, Progressive Revelation, Prophecy, and the Return of Christ was held at Fairbanks, Alaska, on August 10-11, 1957.
Each subject was given a halfday’s time on the program, and each was presented jointly by two Bahá’ís.
In addition to the daytime conference, a fireside was held each of the two evenings, to which contacts were invited.
Australia
QUEENSLAND SCHOOLS RECOGNIZE HOLY DAYS[edit]
A further step in the recognition of the Bahá’í Faith in the state of Queensland was achieved in July, when the Department of Public Instruction granted official recognition of the Bahá’í Holy Days, the Australian Bahá’í Bulletin reports.
All schools and educational institutes have been instructed in the Queensland Educational Gazette that children of Bahá’í parents are to be considered absent with adequate reason on these days, and that teachers who are members of the Bahá’í Faith are to be granted unpaid leave on request.
FIRST WOMAN BELIEVER IN SOLOMONS ENROLLED[edit]
Four more believers, including the first woman Solomon Islander to embrace the Bahá’í Faith, have been enrolled by the Local Spiritual Assembly of Honiara, the Koala News, newsletter of the Australian Asia Teaching Committee, has announced.
Translation in Bogotu
Also reported in Koala News is another translation oi Basic Facts of the Bahá’í Faith into the Bogotu language. This language is in addition to the assigned World Crusade goals.
Canada
GRAND MANAN ISLAND ENROLLS FIRST BELIEVER[edit]
The enrollment of the first native believer on Grand Manan Island, a goal of the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly, has been reported by the Canadian New Territories Committee Bulletin.
Doris Richardson, the Bahá’í pioneer on Grand Manan Island, wrote:
“How wonderful to be able to share with you my supreme joy years . . . to have someone say they wanted to be a Bahá’í, and begin to read and Search is Perhaps an experience that is indescribable. It has been my feeling for some time that Edward Somers was a believer, and recognized Bahá’u’lláh; nevertheless he had not really done any studying for himself until this summer.
“Then, when Amo Chesley was here recently on her vacation, he declared his belief in the Bahá’í Faith to her. . . Bless him, for he little realizes what it means to be the first believer on Grand Marian.”
NEW BAHÁ’Í GROUP FORMED IN SAMOAN ISLANDS[edit]
.—.._._.
The Canadian New Territories Committee Bulletin has published the news of the formation of a new Bahá’í group in Page Pago, Samoan Islands. This brings the total in the Samoan Islands to one Assembly and five groups.
Greater Antilles
JAMAICA RECOGNIZES BAHÁ’Í MARRIAGES[edit]
Jamaica has extended legal recognition to Bahá’í marriages, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Greater Antilles has reported.
This is the first country under the jurisdiction of the Greater Antilles National Assembly to take this step, marking another achievement of flie Ten-Year World Crusade.
New Zealand
BEGIN SEARCH FOR TEMPLE SITE[edit]
A Temple Site Committee has been appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand to acquire a suitable location for the Mother Temple of New Zealand.
Instructions from Haifa have been received by the National Assembly that the site is to be located on the outskirts of Auckland, easy of access, and of three or four acres in extent, the New Zealand Bahá’í Newsletter states. No publicity is to be given to any site under consideration.
North East Asia
NINETEEN CITIES REPRESENTED AT JAPAN’S FIRST SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
Another of the goals of the Six-Year Plan was achieved on August 24, when a Hand of the Cause, a member of the Auxiliary Board, and friends from 19 cities in Japan gathered in Takarazuka to inaugurate Japan’s First Summer School.
In response to a message sent on August 25 by the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, the beloved Guardian cabled: “Congratulate attendants historic summer school fervently praying expansion vauled activities. Love. SHOGHI.”
The Takarazuka Hotel was an ideal selection by the committee for its convenience to a majority of the Bahá’í communities in the Kansai area.
The program prepared by the Committee ordinarily would have required a week to complete, especially as all talks had to be translated into two other languages; the official languages being Japanese, Íránian and English. However, with an able chairman and translators, speakers and attendants all entered with enthusiasm into the program and realized its fulfillment in three days, with no time for recreational activities.
Thirteen topics were presented, dealing with the history, teachings, and administration of the Faith. There was a public lecture in the evening of August 24, with two talks, “Need for World Religion,” and “Bahá’í World Faith.”
A feature of the final day’s session was a Panel Discussion on “Goals of the Six-Year Plan, with a chairman and six participants.
Each morning, afternoon, and evening session was preceded by devotions in the three languages. At the opening session Mr. M. Zenimoto, on behalf of the School Committee, welcomed the friends and outlined the purposes of the School.
The attendance statistics were: 75 Bahá’í adults, 7 non-Bahá’í adults, 3 non-Bahá’í youth, 1 Bahá’í youth, 23 Bahá’í children, and 2 non-Bahá’í children, a total of 111.
A ‘spur of the moment’ suggestion for a special Children’s Class at the School was put into action and 19 participated. The teachers were Miss Y. Inatsuka, Miss M. Morita and Miss M. Naderi. This class gave great joy to all present.
Mention should also be made of a surprise feature at the public lecture meeting on August 24, when Miss Yoshiko Morita of Kyoto sang Mr. Wolcott’s composition of Bahá’u’lláh’s prayer “From the Sweet Scented Streams,” accompanied on the piano by Mr. Koji Akizawa of Yokohama.
Mr. M. Odani of Kyoto, who completed a tour in August to western Honshu and Kyushu, attended the closing day of the Summer School on August 26. Mr. Odani spoke with such fervor and inspiration as to captivate the hearts of all present. His eloquent testimony to the power of the spirit and the invisible assistance when one arises to teach, will belong remembered as the most outstanding contribution at this summer School. Mr. Odani is the first Japanese believer to arise under the Six-Year Plan and make a teaching tour unaccompanied by any other believer.
The spirit of fellowship which prevailed, no less than the instruction given, was of lasting value to all who participated in this first Summer School. The Committee deserves sincere congratulations for a task so well performed on such short notice from the National Spiritual Assembly. As indicated by the Guardian’s cable this school was ‘historic’ in the annals of the Faith in Japan.
—PHILIP M. MARANGELLA
HOKKAIDO ISLAND OPENED TO FAITH[edit]
The Bahá’í Bulletin of North East Asia has published an account of the opening to the Bahá’í Faith of Hokkaido Island, Japan, as follows:
The report furnished by Mr. Rouhollah Momtazi of the teaching trip to Hokkaido Island by him and Mr. Gekie Nakajima is still another evidence of the power of the spirit when one arises in the name of Bahá’u’lláh to bring to fulfillment any goal or wish expressed by our beloved Guardian.
They left Osaka on the evening of June 8, arrived in Aomori the following night, and crossed by ferry to Hakodate, the southern port of Hokkaido, where they arrived on the morning of June 10.
First Japan Summer School, held at Takarazuka on August 24-25, 1957.
A family of the Ainu tribe of native peoples of Hokkaido
Island, Japan, who are being informed of the Bahá’í Faith
by the two pioneers there, shown at the left.
As Mr. Nakajima’s friend, Mr.
Muneto, is a former mayor of
Hakodate, this afforded an introduction to the people of that city. He
arranged for a newspaper interview
and a public meeting through the
Chamber of Commerce.
Another public meeting in the city library was arranged by Mr. T. Seki, Chief of the General Affairs Department. Over 30 persons heard the message in that meeting, including the Chief of Education and the Chief Librarian. Several hours of private discussions were spent with these men later.
On June 11 a visit was made to the city of Otaru, where another friend of Mr. Nakajima, Mr. Yamazaki, arranged for a meeting there on June 14. Mr. Yamazaki also went with them to Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, where he introduced them to the Chairman of the Foreign Trade Association, Mr. Koshiyama, on June 12.
In Sapporo they called on the Chamber of Commerce and the Industry Club, and a joint meeting was arranged for June 17. Through an introduction from a business friend in Osaka, a television coverage was arranged with the Hokkaido Broadcasting Center for the luncheon meeting on June 17. After discussing the business and economic conditions in Írán, a brief history of the Faith was given, followed by many questions. The telecast was given the same evening.
On June 16 a visit was made to Shiroi with the Moritake family of the Ainu tribe, The Faith was explained during their one and one-half hour visit.
On June 19 at the Rotary Club in Sapporo an opportunity was afforded to speak of the Faith to 200 members.
A regular weekly fireside meeting was definitely arranged in the home of Mr. Giro Sasaki, who was given the Greatest Name, and pictures of the Shrine of the Báb, the International Archives, and the Bahá’í Temple for display in his home for these fireside meetings. A quantity of literature was also left with him.
They returned to Osaka on June 21, confident that real results were achieved.
Trip to Inland Sea
A second report from Mr. Momtazi tells of a two week trip in July to Takamatsu on Shikoku Island, and to nearby Shodo Island in the Inland Sea. Many new contacts were made, literature was distributed, and a fireside group started.
Teaching on Awaji
Extension teaching has been progressing for the past few months on the inland of Awaji, under the guidance of Mr. A. Katirai. A regular fireside group meets weekly, and several students are studying with the full intention of becoming enrolled believers.
Awaji Island is located between the main island of Honshu and Shikoku Island, at the entrance to the Inland Sea.
Mr. Katirai recently entertained as guests in his home several university students from Takamatsu on Shikoku Island. They remained a full week, studying the Faith during three sessions each day.
Pakistan
NSA PUBLISHES SOUVENIR BOOKLET[edit]
A souvenir booklet, giving a brief history of the development of the Bahá’í Faith in Pákistán, has been published by the National Spiritual Assembly of Pákistán.
Attractively printed and bound, the booklet encompasses 48 pages, and is divided into three sections, including a statement on the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh by Shoghi Effendi, a Short History of the Bahá’í Faith in Pákistán, and an account of the first National Convention and the formation of the first National Spiritual Assembly there.
There are 38 photographs illustrating the growth of the Faith, with pictures of some of the early believers, ceremonies connected with the dedication of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, various Bahá’í properties in Pákistán, conventions, teaching conferences, local Spiritual Assemblies, and the first National Spiritual Assembly.
Of especial interest are pictures of Miss Martha Root with members of the Karáchi Spiritual Assembly, and of Mrs. Dorothy Baker addressing a meeting in Karáchi during the Intercontinental Conference in 1953.
Scandinavia, Finland
TOUR SEEKS CONTACT WITH LAPPS IN SWEDEN[edit]
Among the special teaching plans reported by the National Spiritual Assembly of Scandanavia and Finland for this fall is a tour by the Hand of the Cause in Europe, Dr. Muhlschlegel, and a small group of Scandanavian Bahá’ís into the Lapp country of North Central Sweden in an effort “to make contacts with the
Lapps, conduct firesides, seek receptive souls, distribute literature, and pave the way for additional teaching and a possible Lapp summer school next summer.”
Commemoration of United Nations Day is one of the special public teaching events to be observed throughout Scandanavia and Finland. An attractive pamphlet for the event has been prepared to explain the relationship of the Bahá’í Faith to the United Nations, and giving the principles of the Faith. It is to be printed in all four languages spoken in these countries.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, elected cm April 21, 1957. This is a virgin territory, an additional victory of the World Crusade not
listed in the goals set by the Guardian.
Central America and Mexico
NICARAGUA BAHÁ’ÍS HOLD FIRST SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
The first annual Bahá’í Summer School of Nicaragua opened a threeday session in Nandaime on September 14, 1957.
Two visiting teachers, Margo Miessler and Allen Pringle of Honduras, assisted Donald Witzel and Pablo Perez of Managua with the teaching activities, which covered 20 subjects under two main themes, “The Individual and Collective Aspects of Bahá’í Life,” and “The Administrative Order.”
Special programs were given each evening after the classes. The agenda for September 14 was “The Life of Bahá’u’lláh” by Margo Miessler, “General Highlights of the Bahá’í Faith" by Allen Pringle, and 50 pages of stories translated from Portals to Freedom of “The Life Picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá” by Pablo Perez. Following these topics, slides of the Holy Land were shown.
On September 15 the subject was “The Presentation of the Bahá’í Cause” by the Bahá’ís of Nandaime.
Mrs. Mignon Witzel was responsible for the planning and practical aspects of this new institution in Nicaragua. It was a great success and, needless to say, we can hardly wait for the next one.
—MARY ANN HOWARD
Bahá’ís attending the first Bahá’í Summer School of Nicaragua, held in
Nandaime on September 14-16, 1957.
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
11,6l7 VISIT TEMPLEDURING SEPTEMBER[edit]
September Visitors to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette totalled 11,617 persons, bringing the number of registered visitors since the first of the year to 74,590.
Countries represented among the September visitors included: Austria, Brazil, Canada, Canal Zone, Cuba, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Írán, ‘Iráq, Israel, Japan, Malaya, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Pákistán, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Turkey, and Venezuela.
In addition to the thousands of individual visitors, 77 groups from various parts of Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin made special tours.
These groups included church groups of various denominations, groups from national conventions meeting in the Chicago area, women’s clubs, teacher groups, university and college groups, foreign students, garden clubs, home demonstration and homemaker clubs, business groups, representatives of the Portland Cement Company, one hundred members of the “Friends of American Writer’s,” and youth and children’s groups.
Included also have been groups of visitors from abroad, such as Boy Scouts from Korea and the Philippine Islands making a tour of the United States after attending the International Scout Jamboree, and most recently ten members of Parliament and representatives of the House of Councillors of Japan.
LOVE, UNITY KEYNOTE BLUE RIDGE CONFERENCE[edit]
The fourth Blue Ridge Conference was again held at the Blue Ridge Assembly, in North Carolina, from August 24 to 28, 1957.
As one of the teachers commented, “The spirit at Blue Ridge has run high. The love has been great; the unity evident.” Each of us left with
Gathering of Bahá’í friends on the grounds at 126 Evetgreen Place, West Englewood, NJ. where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá a renewed sense of dedication, a clarity of purpose, our lives once again re-channelled and redirected. From the talks came inspiration; from the reports and discussions, practical techniques by which that inspiration can be put into effect. One hundred and thirty-seven people came; one hundred stayed for the whole conference.
We have been, each year, especially blessed by the presence of Paul E. Haney, Hand of the Cause; by the active participation of both the youth and the children; by the bounty of loving fellowship, growing out of worshipping, studying and living together. Next year, the first Southern Summer School will be held—one to be at Blue Ridge, to last at least five days, and longer if we are able to obtain the Blue Ridge facilities for a longer period.
The over-all theme of the conference was “The Road to Mount Carmel,” and among the friends present were several who have made their pilgrimage. They evoked much of that spirit which has been brought back to us from the World Center of the Faith with ever-increasing intensity.
For the first time at Blue Ridge a seminar was held, in which everyone took an active part, based on the compilation of excerpts on The Convenant and Administration. For this study, the friends were divided into nine groups, each studying its own set of four questions each day, with references from the compilation to guide the discussion. At. the end, the secretary from each group presented his group’s answers in a three-minute résumé. We were all thrilled with the wealth of ideas coming out of the consultation, and amazed at the amount of information that can be packed into a three-minute résumé.
Through the discussion on the work of the Area Teaching Committees, much practical information was brought out, on how the isolated Bahá’í or a group can get more assistance, and just what the Area Teaching Committees’ work should be.
The non-Bahá’í youth had two special discussion sessions with an adult Bahá’í, covering everything from stories of the experiences of outstanding Bahá’í teachers, to many phases of the Administrative Order, and how to answer questions they are often asked by their friends.
In the report from the National Bahá’í Youth Committee, it was stressed that every community should have a Youth Committee, even if they have no youth, which could provide a speaker or activities for other youth organizations.
It is also most important that children in Bahá’í families be prepared for enrollment. The youth must catch the vision of what we are building. The talk on how youth are travelling the road to Mount Carmel was based on the “Tablet to the True
Gathering of Bahá’í friends on the grounds at 126 Evergreen Palace, West Englewood, N.J. where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave the Unity Feast to the friends in 1912. This occasion, September 8, 1957, was to hear Zikru’lláh Khádem,
Hand of the Cause, center, speaking on the station of the Guardian, and on the Covenant.
Believer.” We should study this Tablet, use it, and become magnets to attract pure souls.
The Interracial Teaching Committee report showed us what they are trying to do, and how they are going about it. In addition to their primary goal, on which the Guardian is currently placing such great emphasis, we should devote more time to all minority groups; show hospitality, for instance, to foreign students, who may go back to other places on the earth, and be of inestimable help to the newly born communities.
Here are some notes, taken from the talks and discussions:
For 7000 years, mankind has been travelling toward the day when God’s promises would be fulfilled. Where we stand today depends greatly on the vision and actions of individuals in the past who, through their vision and efforts, have made the path a little broader and more apparent for us today. What we do will come to that place where neither praise nor condemnation can touch us. This is the spiritual road to Mount Carmel.
We are building the Kingdom of God on earth. These insitutions could not be created until this Day. The Kingdom of God has come, and to it we must adjust. It is the fulfillment of the promise of all ages.
Why the Ten-Year Plan? These years before 1963 are crucial. We could not have conceived this Crusade; only the Guardian could do so. He plans and directs the successive stages of the Divine Plan, channeling to us the Divine guidance. Bahá’u’lláh “put into our hands the lamp of His teachings. By its light the world will be illumined,” said ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
The Guardian is dispersing the assets of the Faith (the Bahá’ís). Dispersal is not new. Dispersal among the people of God has been gong on since the beginning of time. When ever we arise to do something which the Guardian wants done, it must be with purity of heart, and a sense of sacrifice. If we do it for personal reasons, the spiritual potency of our action is jeopardized, if not doomed.
If we act with courage and pure hearts, the confirmations will flow. Teach the pure souls, wherever you
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Auburn
Judicial District, Calif., formed on April 21, 1957.
find them. The more you teach, the
more avenues will open.
We must study the Faith for knowledge. Through the Teachings, we can become truly educated. Pray for assistance and guidance daily; listen for an answer. Martha Root once said, “Every breath, almost is a prayer to be a channel . . . be ready when opportunity come. . . .
When I do not pray, in two or three days I see the effect. The work is not so good.” We cannot be lukewarm. We must enraptured with the love of God. “Wear the mantle of Bahá’u’lláh proudly!”
Carmel will demand a great deal of spirituality. God gave us the maps, through Bahá’u’lláh, and the Guardian directs us. We have the Administrative Order, and outside the Faith there will be a federated world. When these two things come together, the Golden Age will come. Out of world order, will be born spiritual salvation.
—LOUISE B. MATTHIAS
MISSOULA, CASPER HOLD THREE-DAY SEMINARS[edit]
Mrs. Florence V. Mayberry, member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause, conducted three-day seminars on the Bahá’í Faith in Missoula, Mont., and Casper, Wyo., during September.
Her visit in both cities was well publicized in the press and on radio and television, contributing to the success of the meetings. Attendance in both cities exceeded 60 persons.
In Missoula a one-half hour interview was broadcast over KBTK, with the Station Manager, William Strothman, leading an extended discussion with Mrs. Mayberry on many facets of the Faith. There were two other radio interviews on KGVO, and announcements of the seminar on KXLL and KMSO-TV.
The two radio stations and the television station in Casper also allotted time for interviews with her, and she was allowed to speak freely about the Faith.
Subjects discussed in the seminars were “Progressive Revelation,” “Herald and Author of the New Era,” and “Regeneration of Mankind.”
AMERICAN INDIAN FILMS AVAILABLE ON LOAN[edit]
Educational films on the American Indians are now available from the American Indian Service Committee. Most of the films are devoted to the tribal life of the western Indians, including the Apache, Papago, Hopi, Navajo, Blackfeet, Pima, Supai, and Pueblos. One film describes life on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
These films are suitable for adults and senior high school age students, although in some cases junior high school and elementary age students are included. Most of the films are in color and sound, and they vary in length from 10 to 25 minutes.
Further information may be obtained from the Librarian of the American Indian Service Committee: Mrs. Janet N. Ward, 14 Palmcroft Drive, Tempe, Ariz.
POSITIONS OPEN NEAR INDIAN RESERVATIONS[edit]
The American Indian Service Committee announces that there are now a few positions open on or near several Indian reservations requiring little specialized training or experience.
Bahá’ís seriously interested in such important pioneering opportunities are urged to write to Mrs. Nancy Phillips, secretary; 736 Encanto Drive, S.E., Phoenix, Ariz.
NEW COLOR SLIDES, PHOTOS OF ARCHIVES BUILDING READY[edit]
The Audio-Visual Education Committee has announced new sets of color slides and color photographs of the Bahá’í international Archives Building and the Shrine of the Báb available for distribution.
The set of slides includes six different views, and costs $2.00. Color photographs some in two sizes, 5 x 7 inches, for $1.50; and 8 x 10 inches, for $3.00.
There is also a new set of 12 color slides of the Bahá’í House of Worship, showing landscaping details, the floral beds and fountains, selling for 3.60.
Orders and requests for information on other audio—visual aids
WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET[edit]
Fifth Year — 1957-1958
Annual Budget . . . . . . . .$425,000.00
Total Requirements: May 1 to September 30 . . . . 177,100.00
Total contributions: May 1 to September 30 . . . . 129,600.00
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
should be addressed to the Audio-Visual Education Committee, 126
Evergreen Place, West Englewood,
N.J.
BAHA'I IN THE NEWS[edit]
Believers resident in Eureka Springs, Ark., paid for a large advertisement in Eureka Springs Times-Echo, October 3, 1957, reprinting the National Spiritual Assembly statement on “The Oneness of Mankind.” This type or publicity, in view of the race integration problem in Little Rock, has great importance in expressing the Bahá’í position through non-political means.
The Memphis, Tenn., Commercial Appeal, September 15, 1957, reported a talk given to the local Bahá’í community by Dr. Ekanem A. Udoh of Nigeria, who taught two years at LeMoyne College. “He said the Bahá’í Faith may become the major religion of Africa. He said the aims of Bahá’í have strong appeal to Africans.” The same newspaper on September 22 published a brief notice of Christ and Bahá’u’lláh, by George Townshend, in its review column.
An impressive full page devoted to the Faith appeared in the Charleston Gazette on July 20. Featuring a very large photo at the Bahá’í House of Worship, the statement represented one in a series of local church histories sponsored by leading business firms “who realize the importance of the church in this community.” The text was supplied by the Local Assembly.
The Sarasota (Fla.) News of August 3, 1957, and the Sarasota Herald Tribune of the same date, both featured a Coast Guard honor paid to Charles R. Gilman (Bahá’í), member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, for using his motor yacht for outstanding emergency missions and also his radio transmitter for the same purpose.
A greeting card designed for use on the Jewish New Year carries a color photo of the Bay of Haifa showing the Shrine of the Báb, and also a color photo of Haifa Town Hall.
The Milwaukee Sentinel, September 7, 1957, carried a three—column photo or Mrs. Bertha Piepenburg showing Mrs. Anna Hanel some souvenirs brought back from South Africa, illustrating a feature story about Mrs. Piepenburg’s visit to her Bahá’í daughter and son—in—law in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia. This human-interest story was written by James M. Johnston, start reporter, as a personal interview.
The Sarasota (Fla.) Herald-Tribune, September 1, 1957, presented a three-column story by Stan Windham, staff writer, on “Another Faith Explained,” a summary of the history, teachings, and administrative order of the Faith The text was based upon Bahá’í literature presented by the local Bahá’ís, and also a brief oral exposition made by one of the believers.
The Christian century, July 24, 1957, reported that in Germany a call had been issued to Christian churches to ward off the “offensive” launched in Germany by non-chrisLian religions. Reference was made to plans for a Bahá’í Temple as one of the “non-Christian” invasions of the Christian claim to Germany.
BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST[edit]
New Items[edit]
Blessed is the Spot; O Thou by Whose Name. Two prayers of Bahá’u’lláh with music by Charles Wolcott, published as one edition of sheet music for solo voice with piano accompaniment. The cover is beautifully illustrated with a drawing of the Shrine of the Báb, Haifa, the harbor, ‘Akká, and the hills of Lebanon, viewed from the slopes of Mt. Carmel, printed in Cedar green.
Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .75
10 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6.00
A Pattern for Future Society. By Shoghi Effendi. This statement of the Guardian’s, taken from The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, now carries an appropriate introductory statement and has been produced in the Frenchfold format similar to One Universal Faith for easy carrying or mailing. Printed in dark green on white with east and west hemisphere motif on cover. Priced for mass distribution.
20 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .50
100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.00
1000 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.50
Going Out of Print[edit]
The following titles are low in stock and will not appear in new catalog now in preparation. If copies are desired they should be ordered quickly.
Bahá’í Writings. Prayers and excerpts from Bahá’í writings. Red paper cover stamped in gold, attractively printed.
Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .50
5 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.00
Faith In Action. Compilation for group study on Bahá’í approach to human relations. 8½ x 11.
Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .60
10 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.00
Out of Print
Bahá’í: The Coming of World Religion. 8½xl l book with spiral binding and envelope. (Not to be reprinted.)
The Drama of Salvation. Compilation for group study. 8½ x 11. (Not to be reprinted.)
Minimum Mail Order, $1.00
Available from
BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST
110 Linden Avenue
Wilmette, Illinois
NOVEMIEI "57
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
FEASTS[edit]
November 4—Qudrat (Power)
November 23—Qawl (Speech)
HOLY DAYS[edit]
November 12—Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
November 26-Day of the Covenant
November 28—Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1:00 a.m.)
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS[edit]
November 28—December 1
STATE CONVENTIONS
December 8
Bahá’í House of Worship[edit]
Visiting Hours
Weekdays
1:00 pm. to 4:00 p.m.
(Auditorium only)
Sundays and Holidays
10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Entire building)
Service of Worship
Sundays 3:30 p.m., lasting until 4:15.
BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY CHANGES[edit]
ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES
Northern California[edit]
San Francisco: Mrs. Mildred L. Sayles. 160 Lundy’s Lane, Z 10
Northern Illinois[edit]
Oak Park: Mrs. Virginia Conner, P.O. Box 1074
Ohio[edit]
Cleveland Heights: Mrs. Ken Allen, 2753 Euclid Heights Blvd.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Assembly Secretaries
Southern California[edit]
Long Beach: Mrs. Pearl L. Wilson, 2525 E. Broadway, Apt. 3, Z 3
Missouri[edit]
St. Louis: Mrs. Marnie Voracek
Eastern New York[edit]
New York: Mi-s. Lauretta N. Moore, Bahá’í Center, 112 W. 72nd St., Z 23
Western New York[edit]
Syracuse: Miss Audrey Hurst, P.O. Box 976
Committees
Area Teaching Committee Northwestern States[edit]
Mrs. Helen Wilks, secretary, 935 N. 185th. Seattle 33, Wash.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of ihe Bah’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 1957-58: Mrs. Eunice Braun, chairman; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, secretary: 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.
