Bahá’í News/Issue 324/Text
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| No. 324 | BAHA’I YEAR 114 | FEBRUARY, 1958 |
“Call Upon Bereaved Believers”[edit]
With hearts still torn (by) sorrow (for) irreparable loss (of) sacred Primal Branch whose mighty spirit guarded, inspired, (and) comforted (the) members (of the) world Bahá’í community (for) thirty-six years; whose all-encompassing vision (and) inflexible determination established (the) Administrative order; by (the) light (of) whose divine guidance (the) cause (of) God spread uninterruptedly over (the) entire planet; whose blessed shade (the) Master states “shadoweth all mankind“; (the) Hands (of the) Holy Land call upon bereaved believers suitably (to) express (the) longing (and) grief (in) their hearts by refraining (from) all manner (of) religious festivity (for) period (of) nine months from day (of) his ascension. Share message (with) all Hands (and) all national bodies.
—HANDS (OF) FAITH
Haifa, Israel
Cable received
January 2, 1953
Beloved Friends:
The Hands of the Holy Land call upon the members of the Bahá’í world community to unite in a reverent and befitting observance of the passing or the beloved Guardian. Their call is for a sincere expression of our grief and longing to relieve our hearts and raise a spiritual monument that will abide in the history of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
By “all manner of religious festivity” the National Spiritual Assembly understands that we are to obey the instruction given us by the Guardian as published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, October 1932, when he called for a period of mourning following the passing of the Greatest Holy leaf: Festive Anniversaries should be suspended. Administrative gatherings, including Nineteen Day Feasts, should be held with utmost simplicity.”
The nine month period began November 4, 1957, and ends August 4, 1958. The “festive anniversaries” falling within this period are the Intercalary Days, Naw-Rúz, the Feast of Riḍván, and the Declaration of the Báb. It would be appropriate, however, for the friends to assemble on these anniversaries for prayer and the reading of selections from the Sacred Writings.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
“Mysterious Divine Forces Animating Dearly-loved Faith”[edit]
Critical juncture deep mourning supreme challenge Hands (of) Holy Land call upon fellow believers, particularly Hands, (and) National Assemblies (of) all continents, exert utmost effort insure success five Intercontinental Conferences announced (in) Beloved Guardian’s last momentous message (to) Bahá’í world. Conferences provide unexampled opportunity (to) demonstrate (the) mysterious Divine Forces animating (our) dearly-loved Faith, vitality (of) institutions (of the) embryonic world order nourished (by the) lifeblood (of) Beloved Guardian, determination (of) Bahá’í community (to) diffuse uninterruptedly fragrance (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s mighty Revelation to fear-laden humanity, deprived (of) power (to) recognize Divine Light unaided. Urge greatest attendance (of) believers possible these historic gatherings designed (to) generate upsurge (of) enthusiasm (and) consecration unprecedented (in) annals (of) Faith, usher in fourth phase (of) Crusade destined (to) witness victories at which future generations (of) Bahá’ís will marvel, culminating world triumph Faith (at) centenary (of) Declaration (of) Blessed Beauty. Share message (with) all Hands (and) National Assemblies.
—HANDS (OF) FAITH
Haifa, Israel
Cable received
December 13, 1957
Beloved Bahá’í Friends:
The message cabled on December 13 by the nine Hands of the Holy Land challenges the Bahá’í world community to demonstrate the “mys-
terious divine forces animating our dearly loved Faith,” and the “vitality of institutions of the embryonic world order,” and calls upon the Hands of the Cause and the National Assemblies, as well as the body of believers, to evince “determination . . . to diffuse uninterruptedly the fragrance of Bahá’u’lláh’s mighty Revelation to fear-laden humanity, deprived of power to recognize Divine Light unaided.”
The Custodians concentrate upon the realization and fulfillment of the beloved Guardian’s essential purpose in announcing, through his last message, the convening of the International Conferences during 1958.
Thus any idle questioning of the direction of Bahá’í affairs proclaimed by the Hands assembled in the Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh is swept away in this fervent, eloquent appeal to respond to the Guardian’s expressed intention and hope. Those at the helm possess experience, the skill, and the devotion to steer the ship through whatever stormy seas arise until the world triumph of the Faith is demonstrated in 1963, the Centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Declaration.
The time is brief, the end is supremely glorious for every faithful Bahá’í.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
International Archives Building at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel.
Rúḥíyyih Khánum's Account of the Passing of the Beloved Guardian[edit]
The believers are informed that Rúḥíyyih Khánum has written an account of the passing of Shoghi Effendi which will be published as a pamphlet. No article on that sacred subject is to be published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
When copies of the pamphlet are available the friends will be informed.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Memorial Meetings Affirm Rededication and Devotion[edit]
“Request all believers hold memorial meetings eighteenth November commemorating Dayspring (of) Divine Guidance who has left us after thirty-six years (of) utter self-sacrifice, ceaseless labors (and) constant vigilance.”
This request, included in the message from Rúḥíyyih Khánum sent to the national and regional spiritual assemblies following the funeral for Shoghi Effendi in London, November 9, 1957, was immediately transmitted by these bodies to the members of their respective Bahá’í communities. Perhaps it will never be known in how many of the 4,500 Bahá’í centers throughout the world, the believers numbering from one lonely pioneer or isolated individual to possibly hundreds, united with their fellow believers around the world in a short, sacred period of prayers, readings, and chanting to assuage their grief over the loss of “the light of their lives” and to rededicate themselves to greater unity and steadfast devotion to the plans he longed to see completed for the establishment of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
All national and regional spiritual assemblies must have received innumerable letters and cables from local assemblies, Bahá’í groups, and individuals reporting the sacred spirit and nature of these gatherings, together with expressions of steadfastness and devotion.
Those received from centers throughout the United States, numbering approximately 200, were forwarded to Rúḥíyyih Khánum as evidence of the grief, the love, and re dedication of the believers, as well as their sympathy and their deep appreciation of her own words of comfort to them.
Typical of these messages are the following sentences gleaned from letters and cablegrams received by the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela: “Sacrifice will be more intensive.” “We'll have to Work harder than ever.” “In this joint sorrow over the loss of Shoghi Effendi on this plane of existence, we will all be bound closer together.” “There seems to be already a spiritual maturing . . . a courageous unity to face whatsoever the future presents.”
There were also many declarations of loyalty to all the institutions of the Faith and to the tasks of the World Crusade, as well as expressions of confidence that the beloved Guardian “will guide our steps from the Abhá Kingdom.”
The national and regional spiritual assemblies commenting on the spirit of these memorial gatherings, as well as on the response generated in the hearts of the believers, have expressed assurances similar to that of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela that “such dedication will bear fruit and the completion of our goals be fully realized.”
Urge Early Reservations for Convention Accommodations[edit]
Delegates and visitors wishing accommodations for the Fiftieth Annual National Convention, April 29, 30, and May 1, 1958, in private homes should send their request for reservations to: Mrs. Priscilla Hassan, 1244 Maple Avenue, Wilmette, Ill., chairman of the Housing Committee, or to the Co-Chairman, Mrs. Edna Coleman, 1227 Leon Place, Evanston, Ill.
A list of nearby hotels, together with rates, will be published in the next issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, The friends wishing this latter type of accommodation must make their own reservations directly with the hotel of their choice.
All delegates and visitors are requested to bring their Bahá’í identification cards, which must be presented when registering at the Convention. They will be needed also for registering for the Intercontinental Conference as announced in the bulletin sent to all the believers as an insert in the January Bahá’í News.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
NSA Calls 38 Conferences Throughout Nation in February[edit]
In consultation with the American Hands of the Cause, the National Spiritual Assembly has issued a call for a nation-wide series of conferences to be held in 38 centers of Bahá’í population during February 1958, each conference to be conducted by a Hand of the Cause, a member of the Auxiliary Boards, or a member of the National Assembly.
This is the third series of conferences to be conducted on a nationwide scale in the current Bahá’í year, representing the effort of the National Spiritual Assembly to reinvigorate the American Bahá’í community and to produce a maximum response to the beloved Guardian’s appeal for pioneer settlement and the multiplication of the number of Bahá’ís in the United States.
The February conferences, however, have special importance in that they are planned also as opportunities for individual Bahá’ís to consult on the new and unprecedented situation created by the passing of the beloved Guardian. Each conference leader will present a statement prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly which deals with this situation and enables the believers to attain the complete understanding they need in order to meet this spiritual challenge with conviction, courage, and action to assure the “triumphant termination of the initial epoch in the unfoldment of the Divine Plan” called for in the Guardian’s letter to the Bahá’ís of the United States of September 21, 1957, and to “rise to heights never before attained in the course of . . . American Bahá’í history.”
In calling these conferences, the National Spiritual Assembly has requested everyone to bring with him the last two letters from the Guardian entitled: “Heights Never Before Attained” (September 21, 1957), and “The Guardian Announces Series of Five Intercontinental Conferences and Appointment of Eight Additional Hands of the Cause” (October, 1957), both of which were distributed with the November 1957 BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
Following is the list of places where the conferences are to he held, together with the date and the conference leader for each one. Details as to meeting places and exact hours are being announced by the Various area teaching committees.
Western States
Seattle, Wash,
Feb. l5 — Florence V. Mayberry Spokane, Wash,
Feb. 16 — Florence V. Mayberry Helena, Montana,
Feb. l9 — Florence V. Mayberry Boise, Idaho,
Feb. 23 — Florence V. Mayberry Portland, Ore.,
Feb. 8 — Arthur L. Dahl
American Hands Announce Appointment of Auxiliary Board for Protection[edit]
In accordance with directives issued to the Hands of the Cause by the beloved Guardian, the American Hands have appointed an Auxiliary Board of nine members to be concerned with the protection of the Faith from Covenant-breakers. Two members of the original Auxiliary Board for Teaching have been transferred to the new Board.
The membership of the two Boards is as follows:
Auxiliary Board for Teaching: Esteban Canales, William deForge, Florence V. Mayberry, Margery McCormick, Katherine McLaughlin, Peggy Ross, Thelma Sherrill, Gayle Woolson, Margot Worley.
Auxiliary Board for Protection: Elsa Cazcarra, Elisabeth Cheney, Rowland Estall, Jesma Herbert, Hushang Javid, Curtis Kelsey, Edmund Miessler, Mildred Mottahedeh, Sarah Martin Pereira.
The membership is thus representative of the Western Hemisphere, the area assigned to the American Hands.
National committees and local assemblies are requested to extend all possible cooperation to Board Members in their valued services to the Hands and to the National Assembly.
—CORRNNE TRUE
PAUL E. HANEY
HORACE HOLLEY
San Francisco, Calif.,
Feb. 9 — Arthur L. Dahl Riverside, Calif.,
Feb. 8 — Charles Woleott Los Angeles, Calif.,
Feb. 9 — Charles Wolcott Fresno, Calif.,
Feb. 8 — Jesma Herbert Sacramento, Calif.,
Feb. 9 — Jesma Herbert Albuquerque, N.M.,
Feb. 15 — Jesma Herbert Denver, Colorado,
Feb. 16 — Jesma Herbert Phoenix, Arizona,
Feb. 9 — Dr. Katherine K. True
Central States
Cincinnati, Ohio,
Feb. 22 — Margery McCormick Urbana, Illinois
Feb. 22 — Margery McCormick Wilmette, Illinois,
Feb. 15 — Paul E. Haney Milwaukee, Wis.,
Feb. 9 — Horace Holley Ann Arbor, Mich.,
Feb. 9- Dr. Hushang Javid Kansas City, Mo.,
Feb. 8 — Velma Sherrill St. Louis, Mo.,
Feb. 9 — Velma Sherill Des Moines, Iowa,
Feb. 9 — Charlotte Linfoot Minneapolis, Minn.,
Feb. 9 — Edna M. True
Northeastern States
Boston, Mass.,
Feb. 8 — H. Borrah Kavelin Stamford, Conn.,
Feb. 9 — H. Borrah Kavelin West Englewood. N.J.,
Feb. 8 — Paul E. Haney Philadelphia, Pa.,
Feb. 9 — Curtis D. Kelsey Rochester, N.Y.,
Feb. 9 — William deForge Pittsburgh, Pa.,
Feb. 9 — William deForge
Southern States
Washington, D.C.,
Feb. 8 — Curtis D. Kelsey Charlotte, N.C.,
Feb. 8 — Katherine McLaughlin Atlanta, Ga.,
Feb. 9 — Katherine McLaughlin New Orleans, La.,
Feb. 12 — Katherine McLaughlin St. Petersburg, Fla.,
Feb. 15 — Katherine McLaughlin Miami Beach, Fla.,
Feb. 16 — Katherine McLaughlin Nashville, Tenn.,
Feb. 9 — Dr. Sarah Periera Tulsa, Okla.,
Feb. 15 — Velma Sherrill Dallas, Texas,
Feb. 16 — Velma Sherrill Jacksonville, Fla.,
Feb. 16 — William deForge
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
“Bahá’ís Must Take a Very Firm Small”
The following excerpts are taken from a letter dated October 27, 1957, written to Miss Lydia Martin on behalf of the Guardian by the Assistant Secretary. They are published in order to give further emphasis to the beloved Guardian’s repeated statements on the Bahá’í principle of the Oneness of Mankind:
“The Guardian feels that the Bahá’ís must take a very firm stand in maintaining the Bahá’í position with regard to the oneness of mankind. He feels that newspaper publicity is satisfactory, but the local assembly in each instance must approve it.
“The oneness oi mankind is the fundamental basis upon which the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh is built. Therefore the Bahá’ís must carry into their lives and into their activities the ideals which Bahá’u’lláh has taught of the unity of the human race.
“At such a time as this the believers must take a very firm and strong stand on the racial issue so that there may be no misunderstanding on anyone’s part as to just how the Bahá’ís view this all-important subject.
“This does not mean that the Bahá’ís should enter into specific controversies which may rage; but it does mean that we should take our stand in behalf of the unity of the human family and the oneness of mankind; and there is no reason why we should not let the people know. This of course requires great consideration and consultation amongst the believers and particularly the local Assemblies in the areas involved.
“The Guardian is praying that this serious problem may find solution in the hearts of the people because its ultimate solution rests with the individual who has become imbued with the ideal of unity and in that field there is no place for segregation.”
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Pledges of Loyalty and Devotion Appreciated by National Assembly[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to express its deep appreciation of the messages received from a number of the state conventions conveying pledges of loyalty, steadfastness, devotion, and renewed dedication u) the promotion of the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and to the specific tasks of the World Crusade bequeated to the Bahá’í World Community by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith.
May the current year witness unsurpassed victories by the Bahá’í Community of the United States.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Reply to Editorial in “Time” Magazine[edit]
Many believers have noted the editorial reference to the Faith published in the December 9 issue of Time Magazine, entitled “In the Hands of the Hands.”
A reply has been sent to the editor of Time by the American Hands who attended the conference held by the 26 Hands of the Cause in the Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh. As participants they were qualified to assert that the statement concerning a contest for the Guardianship was wholly incorrect.
It is not known at this date whether the letter written by the American Hands has been or will be scheduled for publication in Time Magazine.
Northbrook, Ill., Schools Recognize Baha’i Holy Days[edit]
The Bahá’í children in Northbrook, Ill., now have permission to remain away from school on Bahá’í Holy Days. The superintendent of the elementary schools of that community, as well as the superintendent of the Glenbrook High School, have informed the parents that it is their policy to excuse pupils from classes on holy days, regardless of the Faith or denomination of the children, provided the parents request such absence in writing in advance.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Baha’i Temple Design for Sydney, Australia[edit]
ANOTHER “precursor of a future world civilization,” symbolizing the age of the unity of mankind, will soon be erected near Sydney, Australia. This new Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will rise 700 feet above sea level about 19 miles from the heart of Sydney. It commands an extensive view of the coastline from Palm Beach to Sydney Harbour Heads, and across the wooded hills of Kuring-gai Chase National Reserve. The area is seven acres, 5% perches, and was purchased at a cost of £5,500.
To Be Faced With White Quartz
It is to be built of steel-reinforced concrete with a special facing of white opaque quartz aggregate of approximately one-half to three-fourths inches on the major portions of the building. The castings for the doors and windows will be made up of a smaller aggregate and white cement. A nine-pointed star will be incorporated into the grillwork of the windows. this to be the only ornamentation used, It is anticipated that the floor of the Temple will be a cement resembling Terazzo, but at only one quarter of the cost.
The ribs of the dome, of prestressed concrete, will be cast on the ground and lifted into place, as will the major portions of the dome. It is proposed to use a Fine aggregate for the interior to be shot onto the wall with a cement gun. The building will have nine sides and will be approached by two sets of nine steps. The main hall and gallery, seating 500, will each be surrounded by an ambulatory section, and five staircases to connect the basement, hall, and gallery will be situated in the turrets at the angles of the sides.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia states that the cost of the building is to be not more than £120,000 Sterling (£150,000 Australian). The overall dimensions of the Temple are a 100 foot width at the base, rising to a height of 126 feet.
Each step forward in accomplishing the goals of the World Crusade brings the faithful followers of Bahá’u’lláh nearer to their hearts’ desire — complete victory in all that their beloved Guardian so clearly outlined and delineated for them. In God Passes By Shoghi Effendi refers to the construction of the Bahá’í Temple in America as the combined effort of the believers of Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Hindu, and Buddhist backgrounds. Here is another opportunity unfolded for Bahá’ís of East and West to join hands and hearts, and materially and spiritually demonstrate to the world the unity of purpose that underlies all of their endeavors no matter where that endeavor may be revealed in the world. Consecrated to the worship of the one God, open to all humanity oi every religion or race, the building of this new “Dawning Place of the Remembrances of God” will be a visible sign to throngs of people that the Kingdom of God has come, however little they may yet realize it.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, speaking of the Divine Edifice to be constructed in America said: “Out of this Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, without doubt, thousands of Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will be born.” Thus does one victory in the Cause of God give birth to another.
Again the Master stated: “The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is the most important matter and the greatest divine institute. Consider how the first institute of His Holiness Moses, after His exodus from Egypt, was the ‘Tent of Martyrdom’ which He raised and which was the traveling Temple.” “Likewise, after His Holiness Christ — the first institute by the disciples was a Temple. They planned a church in every country Consider the Gospel and the importance of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will become evident.”
Dates Set For European Intercontinental Conference[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria has announced that the Intercontinental Conference for Europe will be held in Frankfurt, Germany, on July 25-28, 1958.
Further information as to the exact meeting place and other details will be reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS as soon as it is received.
Monument Erected In Sofia to Immortal Baha’i Heroine[edit]
A monument has been erected at the grave of Marion Jack by the Bahá’ís of Canada and the United States, at the Guardian’s request, in memory of this courageous pioneer. Loved by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Marion Jack won also the deep gratitude and admiration of the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, for her steadfastness at her goal in Sofia, Bulgaria, where she now lies buried.
During World Was II, in her elderly years, she suffered great privation. She was without heat, lacked clothing, food, and adequate shelter. She was bombed, lost all of her possessions, and was evacuated to the country, later returning, still valiant and on foot, to carry on her teaching work in Sofia.
The Guardian himself urged Marion Jack to go to Switzerland at the time war first threatened to cut her off in Bulgaria. She begged him to permit her to remain with her spiritual children, which she did with the Guardian’s consent, until her death on March 25, 1954. How deeply her heroic action must have stirred the heart of Shoghi Effendi is evident in his statement that “every Bahá’í, and most particularly those who have left their homes and gone to serve in foreign fields, should know of, and turn their gaze to, Marian Jack.” “Young or old could never find a more inspiring pioneer in whose footsteps to walk, than this wonderful soul,” he also wrote on May 24, 1954, in a letter to the European Teaching Committee, and stated that her tomb would become a national shrine, immensely revered, as the Faith rises in stature in Bulgaria.
Her monument itself is inscribed with words of Shoghi Effendi from his cable of March 29, 1954, shared with all national spiritual assemblies at the time of her passing: “Immortal heroine A greatly loved and deeply admired by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a shining example to pioneers . . . Her unremitting, high meritorious activities . . . shed imperishable luster on contemporary Bahá’í history.”
Monument erected at the grave of Marion Jack in
the British Cemetery in Sofia, Bulgaria.
First Bahá’í visitor to Mahkong, Penghu, Pescadores Islands,
in the China Sea off Formosa, Philip Marangella (right), the
American pioneer from Tokyo, with Mrs. Ruthy Tu of Tainan,
presents the Bahá’í Faith to Mr. Fan, principal of the government school at Mahkong on September 30, 1957.
More Pacific Islands Opened to Faith[edit]
December 8, 1957, was an historical day for the Bahá’ís of Macau, for this was the occasion of the first public proclamation of the Faith in that city. Although the attendance consisted of only fifteen non-Bahá’ís and seven Bahá’ís, this was a remarkable achievement, especially in view of the fact that the required government permission to hold such a meeting had been cancelled twice, the second time on the very day before the event was to take place.
Quick work on the part of the Bahá’ís in explaining the nature of the meeting to government authorities, and to the officials of the school where the meeting finally was held, and in obtaining last minute publicity, aided by the prayers of the Bahá’í group, brought the Faith to the attention of a number of important individuals besides those who comprised the audience.
The speaker was Carl A. Scherer, member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause in Asia; his subject was “Progressive Revelation.”
The First Korean Pioneer
To Kim Chang Zin of Seoul, Korea, goes the honor of being the first Korean to arise as a Bahá’í pioneer. He has settled in the virgin island of Chaeju, in the Yellow Sea south of the Korean peninsula.
Mr. Kim first heard of the Faith many years ago. The limited knowledge he was able to acquire before Korea was cut off from the rest of the world came largely through correspondence with Esperantist Bahá’ís in the United States. Hearing of it again when the United States Army of Occupation took Bahá’ís into South Korea, Mr. Kim was immediately reawakened, although none of the Americans in Korea at the time were able to converse with him in a language he could understand.
He attended the Bahá’í National Convention in Tokyo last April, an experience which itself was a victory over great political obstacles; here he became imbued with the determination to teach. This determination has now expressed itself in his response to the Guardians message to the first Convention of the Bahá’ís of North East Asia, calling for the planting of the banner of Bahá’u’lláh in new island areas.
In other parts of Korea the Faith continues to expand and to require almost superhuman effort on the part of the American pioneers and native Bahá’ís alike. For example, John McHenry III travels three hours by bus and train weekly to conduct firesides and study classes in Mokpo, in addition to carrying on at least three classes in Kwangju where he teaches in Chosen University.
There is at present only one Bahá’í in Mokpo, but 20 other persons who are vitally interested have formed committees to see that publicity and other local arrangements are made in order to insure maximum use of the time Mr. McHenry can give to that city.
With the help of an interested professor at the college, plans are under way to open the virgin city of Chunju to the Faith this year.
Penghu Island Opened by Tainan Bahá’í
The Bahá’ís of Taiwan, also, are extending their teaching work to surrounding islands. Following the first Bahá’í summer school (see page 8), Mrs. Ruthy Tu of Tainan and Mr. Philip Marangella, chairman of the National Teaching Committee for North East Asia, visited Mahkong on Penghu, one of the Pescadores Islands in the China Sea, 70 miles off the coast of Formosa, where they were able to introduce the Faith to the principal of the government school.
New Islands of Japan Opened
The opening of several of the hundreds of islands comprising Japan is receiving the special attention of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia. Until a few months ago, the Bahá’ís in Japan were concentrated on the main island of Honshu. A year ago the beloved Guardian called for the opening of “the northern island of Hokkaido,” and in his message to the first Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís in North East Asia last April, he called also for the propagation of the Faith “throughout the smaller islands of Japan.”
Since Hokkaido was especially singled out by the Guardian for attention, the settlement of that area was an item of special consultation at the convention, with the result that a month later Mr. G. Nakajima and Mr. R. Momtazi undertook the first teaching trip to Hokkaido. (See pp 6 and 7 BAHÁ’Í NEWS, November 1957.) The two residents of the major city oi sapporo who accepted the Faith immediately have now been joined by Quarat’ulláh Vahid Ṭihráni, a pioneer to Japan from Írán, and together they will follow up the contacts made by Mr. Nakajima and Mr. Momtazi with members of the Ainu tribe.
Mr. H. Labib, also a pioneer to Japan from Írán, is now settled in[Page 8]
Nagasaki on the large island of Kyushu. Takumatsu, a city on Shikoku, the fourth and last of the “main islands,” has been opened by the believers of Kobe. This same Bahá’í community has been doing teaching work also on the small island of Awaji as part of the extension work in the city of Akashi, south of Kobe, and in Hemeji, north of Kobe, as well as on Shodo Shima Island.
Nagoya, the only Bahá’í community in Japan composed entirely of Japanese believers, is carrying on a very active teaching program with only occasional assistance from the outside. Its extension assignment consists of opening the nearby cities of Hamamatsu and Toyahashi.
A special tribute should be paid to Mr. M. Odani, who is the first Japanese Bahá’í to undertake a teaching circuit alone. His first circuit included visits to Kyushu and Shikoku Islands, and making approximately 50 new contacts for the Faith.
The early purchase of a Temple site and of property for burial grounds is a goal of the Six-Year Plan on which the Regional Spiritual Assembly is concentrating special attention in addition to the attainment of its incorporation, all of which the Assembly aims to complete before the end of the current Bahá’í year.
These are but a few of the achievements of the first year of “the second chapter in the history of the evolution of His Faith in the North Pacific area,” the Six-Year Plan for North East Asia, the opening of which began with the beloved Guardian’s message to the first Convention in Tokyo in April 1957.
—ASIA TEACHING COMMITEE
First Bahá’í Summer School Publicizes Faith in Taiwan[edit]
The first Bahá’í Summer School to be held in Taiwan was conducted from September 28-30, 1957, at the Eastern Garden Hotel in Tainan. In view of the fact that an official government permit was required to hold such a gathering, the procedure for securing such permission was itself a means of introducing the Faith to the officials of a number of city government sections both in Tainan and Taichung.
The event received additional publicity in the daily newspapers in the cities where Bahá’ís reside, namely, Taipei, Tainan, Chia-Yi and Tsoying.
The presence of two distinguished overseas Bahá’ís—Mr. Philip Marangella, representing the Regional Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia, and Mr. Carl Scherer, the esteemed member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause in Asia,—was a great inspiration to all.
The program of this first Bahá’í School covered important subjects such as: “Need for a World Faith,” “Evolution of the Institutions of the Faith,” “The Covenant,” “History of the Central Figures of the Faith,” “The Story of Táhirih,” “Proofs of the Existence of God,” and “Progressive Revelation.”
Panel discussions during the daytime session discussed methods of introducing the Bahá’í Faith and the Bahá’í pattern for future society, while the evening sessions were open to the general public, Each session opened with prayers in the three languages represented at the school —Chinese, English, and Persian.
The tone of the school was struck at the opening session when the chairman of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Tainan, Jerome Chu, explained the purpose of Bahá’í summer schools and introduced the two visitors, Mr. Scherer and Mr. Marangella.
Mr. Marangella explained in detail the importance of Bahá’í summer schools that “bid fair to evolve into the Bahá’í universities of the future.” He related how his own guidance into the Cause began with his attendance at a Bahá’í school in the United States 36 years ago.
Mr. Scberer conveyed Bahá’í greetings from different Pacific regions which he visits as avmember of the Auxiliary Board. He referred to the progress of the Faith during the Crusade years of the beloved Guardian’s Ten-Year Plan, especially in the African continent and the whole Pacific region.
The importance of this first Taiwan Bahá’í Summer School will be known in the future as assured by the beloved Guardian who, in response to a cablegram from the 25 attendants at the school, replied that he was offering “fervent prayers (for) success (in their) deliberations.”
—HO CHENG-TZU
First Bahá’í Summer School of Taiwan, held in Tainan on September 28-30, 1957. Mrs. S. A. Suleimani, holding the Greatest Name, a Persian pioneer there; Philip Marangella of Tokyo, to her left, representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia; Carl Scherer, in from of Mr. Marangella, member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause of Asia; and pioneer s. A. Suleimani, extreme right, were among those present.
Canton Huanuni Indian Assembly Formed in Bolivia[edit]
THIS is the story of the formation of the first all Indian Local Spiritual Assembly in the village of Vilacollo, Bolivia, April 21, 1957. It was at the memorable National Convention held in Buenos Aires that the Bahá’ís first heard the mountain-clear voice and sensed the deep devotion and humility of Andres Jachacollo, chairman of that Local Assembly. They saw the true nobility of the Indian. How had the Way been paved for Andrés and his family to enter into the Faith?
Let us try to visualize that bleak forbidding region of Vilacollo, situated on the arid Altiplano, the western tableland, of Bolivia, high above La Paz at 12,000 feet above sea-level. As far as the eye can see there is no green relief, only clumps of a straw-like forage called Paja Brava, to nurture the hardy llamas, Small flocks of sheep, at very few cattle, and the ever present burro used for transportation.
The only wild creatures are occasional jackrabbits or fox-like animals which have little or no utility, There seems to be little or nothing to offer for survival. The climate is always chilly, ranging from zero to 12 degrees Centigrade, With virtually no rainfall, nothing will grow except a wild grain plant which is wasted and ground to give slight nourishment to the ever-hungry Indians.
Mrs. Margery McCormick, representing the U. S. National Spiritual Assembly, and Dr. ‘Ali Muḥammad Varqá, Hand of the Cause (right), pictured with Andres Jachacollo, chairman of the first all-Indian Local Spiritual Assembly of Vilacollo, Bolivia, at the first National Convention of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay during Riḍván 1957.
From La Paz, one travels 260 kms.; from Oruro, 60 kms.; from Huanuni, 20 kms. by foot to the village of Vilacollo to find an Indian population all descended from the family Jachacollo. This is the family chosen by Bahá’u’lláh to spread the Glad Tidings. These are the “Red Mountain” people living on the red-ridged slopes of a sierra which has given the village its name.
“Since 1950,” said Andrés, “all our customs have changed because of the constant fees demanded by the church for baptisms, marriages, and even funerals, and we asked if God gave nothing gratis. But our prayerbooks inspired us on to higher thoughts and we tried to Live a life in accordance with God’s commandments.”
With a longing for a spiritual life ever within him, Andres Jachacollo often visited a wise old man around a hundred years old who belonged to a very ancient race of men called the Urus, who lived on the shores of Lake Popoo. It was he, Toribio Miranda, whom the Indians revered and considered as their spiritual father, who counselled them on their daily living habits, to be pure and clean, and to give up drinking, smoking, and the chewing of the narcotic coca leaves which seemed to give them a temporary sense of well-being and caused them to forget their constant hunger.
Through him they organized their communities, choosing zealous spiritual men to act as their Mayors in guiding them to obey God’s purpose for them. This authority was exercised through signed and sealed papers given each Mayor by Sr. Miranda.
In the village of Vilacollo, Andrés Jachacollo was elected the Mayor and he took the responsibility seriously both in the material and spiritual sense. He always fell: a sense of spiritual destiny while searching for a better way of life for his people.
It was in April 1956 that Andrés visited La Paz, and while wandering about happened to read the poster outside the Bahá’í Center which told about Universal Teachings for this Day. He thought it over, and returned with his brother, Carmelo, so they could study these Teachings which gave such assurance of “The Oneness of Humanity.” He had to make sure that he had really found his goal. After several intensive months of study and questions Andrés and his brother Carmelo accepted Bahá’u’lláh unreservedly, and became the first two members of their race to be believers in Bolivia. (Sept. 8, 1956)
They invited their friends, Elton Smith and Estanislao Alvarez, members of the Regional Teaching Committee, to go back to their little Village to talk to the entire Jachacollo settlement. By April 1957 ten members had accepted the Faith whole-heartedly, and held their first local spiritual assembly election. The members elected were Andrés, Carmelo, Nasario, Martin, Julian, Juán, Pedro, Seferino, and Isidro, all with the surname of Jachacollo. Urbano Limachi was the tenth member.
In their village of Vilacollo the Children’s Schoolhouse serves as the Bahá’í Center, where the Teachings
Indian village of Vilacollo, Bolivia. The large thatched building at the right is used as the local Bahá’í Center.
are given in the Aimará tongue. They unanimously desire that their children be trained to show Bahá’í qualities and grow up to become Bahá’í teachers.
However, in spite of the spiritual riches given gratis by Bahá’u’lláh, they still live in great poverty and are now searching eastward for new lands which can be used for grazing and cultivation. They are considering Santa Cruz, where they hope to form another Bahá’í group.
Several volunteers are now preparing themselves to be pioneers in order to bring the Glad Tidings to Indians in other parts. The first session of a month’s duration of an Indian Pioneer Bahá’í School will soon be carried out in La Paz (1958) under the guidance of the Bahá’í National Indian Committee.
Members of the Canton Huanuni Local Spiritual Assembly, all-Indian Assembly in village of Vilacollo, Bolivia, elected April 21, 1957.
They feel that they owe a great debt to the one who prepared them spiritually to recognize Bahá’u’lláh. In the memory of Toribio Miranda they hope to reach all the Indians who were his spiritual family and were imbued with his high ideals. Undoubtedly, we shall learn before long that the first Bahá’ís will have entered the Faith on the shores of Lake Popoo.
Shoghi Effendi sent word to the National Spiritual Assembly of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay on August 28, 1957, that he felt particularly happy to see that some Indian believers had attended the Convention in Buenos Aires and that he conceded the greatest importance to the teaching of the Faith to the aborigines of the Americas; that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself had spoken of their great potentialities and it was their right to receive the Message of God tor this Day . . . that they should receive special attention, love, and consideration to compensate them for what others considered an inferior position. Finally, the Guardian gave these instructions: “One of the most meritorious objectives of your Assembly should be the establishment of All-Indian Spiritual Assemblies.”
Group of Indians in Villacollo, Bolivia, who attended a Bahá’í meeting on October 5, 1957.
Correction
The story on the first Summer School in Korea, published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for December 1957, was written by William W. Smits.
Prominent Lecturer Reviews Baha’i Book[edit]
Acting on the request of the Guardian to give wide-spread publicity to Dr. George Townshend’s book. Christ and Bahá’u’lláh, the West Hollywood, Calif., Local Spiritual Assembly arranged with Mrs. J’Nevelyn Terrill, a prominent club woman and lecturer, to include a public review of this book in the list of books and authors she planned to present during the fall months in her very popular program called “The Mental Shop.” Accordingly, Mrs. Terrill’s brochure, mailed to more than 14,000 people, announced Christ and Bahá’u’lláh as her choice for the month of September as the most outstanding book along religious lines.
Since it is customary for Mrs. Terrill to present the author who gives the review of his book to the audience, and since Dr. Townshend had passed away, she invited Charles Wolcott, member of the National spiritual Assembly, to be the guest speaker on this occasion. As a feature of the program a well-known Los Angeles tenor sang the prayer by Bahá’u’lláh, “O Thou By Whose Name,” which Mr. Wolcott had set to music.
At this meeting, held on September 21, Mrs. Terrill spoke about the book, Christ and Bahá’u’lláh, and about Dr. Townshend, and then announced that she had invited a member of the Bahá’í Faith to explain the Bahá’í Faith and the relation of this book to it, which was done briefly by Mr. Wolcott.
Following the meeting all available Copies of Christ and Bahá’u’lláh were sold and a vast amount of free Bahá’í literature was picked up, including copies of The Christian Century reprint of Marcus Bach’s article, “The Bahá’í Faith: a Second Look,” and the pamphlet, Lord of the New Age.
It is estimated that 1,100 were present at this meeting, most of Whom heard of the Faith for the first time. Thousands who could not be present, but who are interested in Mrs. Terrill’s lecture program, undoubtedly were impressed by the fact that she included in her list of 18 books to be reviewed during the Fall this particular book as “J’Nevelyn’s choice for the most interesting book,” in the religious field.
Baha’is of Four Nations Attend Dedication of Luxembourg Center[edit]
The dedication of the Luxembourg Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, located at 8 rue Maréchal Foch, took place on November 1, 1957. As it was followed by a Benelux Conference, many Bahá’ís from Belgium, Holland, France, and Germany joined in the joyous celebration.
After beautiful prayers and readings in French, Dutch, and English the Chairman of the Luxembourg Local Spiritual Assembly expressed heartfelt thanks to the beloved Guardian, to Mrs. Amelia Collins, and to the whole body of the American friends who through their generous gifts enabled the acquisition of this lovely Bahá’í home.
For many years the Luxembourg friends tried to find a suitable house, but only at the very last moment did they succeed. on April 20, 1957, the contract for the apartment was signed, which however could not be occupied until October 1st.
Mr. Levy took us all, sitting comfortably in the sunny and cheerful room, back to that bleak and cold January evening in 1947 when the first pioneer, Miss Honor Kempton, arrived in Luxembourg. Who could have dreamt then that ten years later over 40 Bahá’ís would witness the dedication of such a beautiful Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds! He reminded us of the deep gratitude we owe her, the other pioneers, and the traveling teachers for their contributions to the growth of the Faith in Luxembourg.
To our great joy Honor Kempton, now pioneering in nearby Nancy, took part in the dedication. Only as a “pioneer,” she stressed, but to us she will always remain the represenative of the European Teaching Committee for whose loving guidance and assistance we will be for ever deeply grateful.
Dr. Hermann Grossmann, Hand of the Cause, spoke of his first visit to Luxembourg in 1952, on which he found the friends painting the furniture and arranging their first Center in the house of the regretted late Lily Kraus. Now the friends have not a rented room but their own beautiful Bahá’í home. Dr. Grossmmann wished them further victories, trusting that they could keep in mind the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which they had chosen for the dedication: “The best way to thank God is to love one another”.
Dhikru’lláh Khádem, Hand of the Cause, expressed his happiness and gratitude to be able to witness this historic occasion. He only regretted that not all the Persian friends could be here and to see with their own eyes what the beloved Guardian had written to them: that instead of their
Window display in Punta Arenas, Chile, arranged by believers in this southernmost Bahá’í commmunity in the world.
one Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds taken by the enemies, there were now 48.”
Mr. Khádem explained how the Temple was an institution of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, but that the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds was a creation of our beloved Guardian. He urged the friends “to pray and see what victories will follow.”
Then the congratulatory messages were read: from Dr. Adelbert Muhlschlegel; from the American, the Benelux, the Italo-Swiss the German, and the Scandinavian National Spiritual Assemblies; and various local spiritual assemblies and friends in far-off countries. This made us realize with joy, as so often before at such gatherings, that we were a link in the chain of Bahá’í love and unity encircling the world.
Finally, as the tangible expression of this love and unity some lovely gifts — a book to keep treasured pictures, the Greatest Name in gold on brown leather, a beautiful Delft plate, a guestbook, framed pictures, table coverings and beautiful vases with flowers — were received.
—RITA VAN SOMBEEK
“New Era” Edition in Braille Widely Distributed to Libraries[edit]
The revised Braille edition of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, Grade Two, has been distributed to 22 libraries in the United States, the Bahá’í Service to the Blind Committee has reported.
Bahá’ís may direct their contacts to the Library of Congress, Division for the Blind, Washington, D.C., and to the following of its distributing libraries which now possess copies of this new edition:
Albany and New York City, N.Y.; Atlanta, Ga.; Austin, Texas; Chicago and Jacksonville, Ill.; Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio; Denver, Colo.; Detroit and Saginaw, Mich.; Honolulu, T.H.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Watertown, Mass.; Los Angeles and Sacramento, Calif.; New Orleans, La.; Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pa.; Seattle, Wash.; and St. Louis, Mo.
This important Bahá’í text has also been placed in the national libraries for the blind in many foreign countries. The Committee has received many warm expressions of appreciation, and assurances of the need for this authoritative work in its corrected form.
Encourage Participation in UNESCO Activities[edit]
This issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS (page 13) carries a brief report of the participation of official delegates of the American Bahá’í community in the recent Sixth Annual Conference of the United States Commission for UNESCO.
While representation at such events must be left to the decision and discretion of the National Spiritual Assembly, the participation of members of the Bahá’í community in local activities of UNESCO need not be limited to national delegates. Indeed, the believers are encouraged to take part in local workshops which follow the annual conferences. These group workshops or “Citizen Consultations” are generally sponsored by universities and colleges, but include representatives from local organizations, agencies, and institutions interested in educational and cultural activities related to the queston of international understanding and cooperation.
One such workshop was sponsored last year in Sacramento, Calif., by the Sacramento State College. Among the 56 persons who participated were members of the local Bahá’í Community who did so as part of the community’s UN activities. The particular topic chosen for this workshop, which met five times between mid-October and mid-November, was: “The American as International Traveler and Host.”
While the report gives no details as to direct Bahá’í contributions to the consultation, it is interesting to note that a number of the recommendations are completely in line with the approach and aims of the Bahá’í Faith in finding points of contact with people among whom the Bahá’ís live and work, whether at home or in foreign lands. For example, the report emphasized that: “The American abroad should learn to work with the villager, find out what he needs and help him to a solution of his own problems . . . train the native teacher.”
In contacts with th student and visitor from abroad, “Americans must prepare themselves to provide meaningful experience for him while he is here as well as a satisfactory memory of his stay afterward, . They must listen and make the most of the opportunity to see ourselves through the eyes of the visitor . . . The responsibility of the American host does not terminate with a single gesture of hospitality. . . . One-time meeting or entertainment is not enough.”
In the opinion of the Sacramento group, preparation for becoming a good traveler is a long-range matter. “The child should be prepared all along the way for his role as an understanding person who accepts
Bahá’ís attending the Second Regional Teaching Conference in Asuncion, Paraguay, on October 10, 1957.
people for what they are, rather than to evaluate them in terms of a parochial nationalism.” And among the positive proposals for improving the effect that the American community can have upon other peoples, it was recommended that “our citizens may feel compelled to reacquaint themselves with their own American heritage of cultural progress, with less emphasis on material things, so that foreign visitors or temporary residents . . . will feel a greater warmth of friendship when they return to their native lands.”
As we read the conclusions of this and the six other workshops, some of which were also held in localities where there are Bahá’í communities, we call to mind the letter of the Guardian dated July 19, 1956, quoted in the November 1956 BAHÁ’Í NEWS (page 2), in which he states that “a great impetus could be lent to the work (Bahá’í) in the European countries, and certain far-eastern areas, and in Latin America, if the Bahá’ís residing in the big cities and university towns would make a determined and sufficient effort to extend friendship and hospitality to students and nationals from countries where the Bahá’ís are struggling so hard to establish the Faith.”
In this same letter he urged the National Spiritual Assembly to survey the possibilities of this work, “then instruct the local assemblies accordingly, and in the meantime encourage the Bahá’ís to be active in this field, which is open to everybody, as the minorities are invariably lonely and often respond to kindness much more quickly than the well-established majority of the population.”
Suggestions as to how to carry out this instruction from Shoghi Effendi, growing out of a careful survey by a special committee appointed for the purpose, were published in the June 1957 BAHÁ’Í NEWS under the title. “Contacts with Visitors from Other Countries,” Bahá’í communities and groups who are engaged in the suggested activities should be alert to opportunities to participate in such conferences as the one reported in this article, and through such participation let other organizations and agencies in the community know that the Bahá’í Faith is a faith of action and that to the Bahá’ís the world is indeed one fatherland.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
UNESCO Conference Stresses Asian-American Understanding[edit]
On invitation from the United States Commission for UNESCO, the National Spiritual Assembly appointed Mrs. Mamie Seto, temporarily in San Francisco, and Mr. Dwight W. Allen of Menlo Park, Calif., to serve as its representatives in the Sixth National Conference of this Commission in San Francisco, November 6-9, 1957.
This particular conference was called “to stimulate additional American interest in the peoples of Asia and in their cultural values and achievement; to consider the extensive American efforts relating to Asia which are now in progress; and to discuss ways in which Americans can contribute to better Asian-American understanding and cooperation.”
The theme as announced in the invitations was: “Asia and the United States: What the American Citizen Can Do to Promote Mutual Understanding and Cooperation.”
The report from our two representatives indicated that more than 1,500 delegates attended. Besides the presence of peoples from many countries, a colorful atmosphere was created by exhibits of art from the different countries in Asia, Indonesian and Japanese music by the orchestra of the University of California in Los Angeles, and films showing the religions of Asia; the latter was produced by Lew Ayres, screen actor and member of the United States National Committee for UNESCO.
Stimulating Teaching Conference Held in Malacca[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Malacca, Malaya, are actively engaged in spreading the Bahá’í message in their area. Malaya, originally a consolidation goal under the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pákistán, and Burma, became a part of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South East Asia when that body was formed in April, 1957.
Many firesides are being held, public meetings have been sponsored by the Local Assembly of Malacca, a Youth Group has been organized consisting of a number of boys from Hindu and Buddhist backgrounds, and a Library is being built up with additions of new books each month. The Assembly hopes that it may soon have its own Bahá’í school.
In July 1957 a Teaching Conference was held in Malacca. The Bahá’í's here are grateful for the aid extended to them at this Conference, and at a number of public and informal meetings by such traveling teachers as Mr. Alá’í, Mr. Carl Scherer, Mr. Mehdi Samimi, Dr. and Mrs. Fozdar, Mr. W. Huxtable, and John Fozdar.
The four plenary sessions and the section meetings were addressed by foreign and American leaders and scholars. Three luncheon meetings were addressed by Walter P. Reuther, president of the United Automobile, Aircraft, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; U. Thant, representative to the UN from Burma; and Dr. Ismail bin Dato Abdul Rahman, ambassador from Malaya.
A call for American leadership was the theme of many of the prominent speakers and recurred throughout all the session. Mrs. Seto stated that the first who dealt with this subject was the Honorable Ahmed Bokhari, Under-Secretary and Director of the Department of Public Information of the United Nations, who said: “If the American nation cannot take the challenge of the hour, what nation can? It is America’s destiny to come forward now.”
“The whole Asia continent is thirsting for a religious renaissance, the rebirth of cultural values, and the improvement of moral standards. America can certainly help fill the need.”
Mrs. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit of India stated: “The question of racial prejudice undoubtedly remains one of the chief barriers between our world and yours. . . . For this reason the smallest item of news from America or Africa which relates to discrimination often makes a disproportionate impact on the Asian mind. . . . Nevertheless, the separation of East and West is ending. The history of the new world, the One world, has begun.”
Mr. Reuther in his address said: “The H-bomb has reduced all of mankind to the simple common denominator of human survival. Until we understand that basic historic fact and begin to act in the knowledge of that understanding, the world, you and I, and the human family, are in great peril. . . . We (in America) must begin to work more effectively to provide leadership, economic, political and, perhaps most of all in terms of importance, we need to provide greater moral leadership in this struggle. . . .
“We need to learn that peace, freedom, and social justice are inseparably bound together and that neither can be made secure until all are made universal. . . . We need to work together as a free people to demonstrate that the small minority who are symbolized by the problems in Little Rock do not represent the overwhelming point of view of the American people, and that we are going to not only fight against the master race theory with courage and
conviction in Berlin, but to meet that problem at home with the same sense of courage and dedication, and until we do our symbols will be lost to the world. . . .
“I happen to believe it is about time the free world begins to shape its basic policies in the image of its hopes and aspiration, its common faith and the common dreams of a better tomorrow.”
For attendance at section meetings, Mrs. Seto chose the one devoted to “The Mind and Spirit of Asia; Achieving Understanding through Philosophies and Religions,” while Mr. Allen chose the one on “Educational Problems of Asia, and the Study of Asia in American Education.” In all section meetings there were long presentations by panel members with little opportunity for genuine interchange of ideas during the brief discussion periods which followed. In this respect, the delegates felt that the conference fell short of its avowed purpose “to achieve greater understanding.”
There was no opportunity to speak of the Faith in the section which Mrs. Seto attended, but in the section on education Mr. Allen, who identified himself to those in his group as a Bahá’í, was able to speak several times and to propose a resolution (which was adopted by the group but omitted by the section rapporteur) calling for an emphasis on the similarities of ideals, beliefs, and spiritual values in constructing a curriculum of study on Asia in the American schools.
Both of the Bahá’í delegates were able to speak of the Faith to several new contacts, but whether or not there will be tangible results is unknown. Nevertheless both felt that it was valuable to have Bahá’í representatives at such conferences if for no other reason than to have the Faith represented on the rolls, to keep the American Bahá’í community informed of what the molders of opinion throughout the world are thinking, and to take advantage of whatever chance opportunities might arise to Speak of the Faith to some other delegates in an informal manner.
Temple Site for South East Asia Purchased Near Djakarta[edit]
Purchase of a site for the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of South East Asia has been joyfully announced by the South East Asia Regional Spiritual Assembly. The land is located near Djakarta, Indonesia, and is over 14 acres in area
This acquisition, carried out at the wish and instruction of the beloved Guardian, was concluded despite financial difficulties.
Burial Ground Acquired
In other news from this area, the Regional Assembly reports it has acquired a plot of land about 900 square meters in area within the city of Djakarta for a Bahá’í Burial Ground. The land was transferred to the Bahá’ís from government ownership without charge.
Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Established
A piece of land in the village of Trung Giang, Vietnam, has been offered by one of the local Bahá’ís to the Local Spiritual Assembly, and it is planned to erect a small building on the property that will serve as a Bahá’í Center.
In Saigon, the capital of Vietnam, a house suitable for a Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds will soon be purchased with the savings of the friends there.
Bahá’í group of Belize, British Honduras, and friends assembled to celebrate
the Birthday of the Bath on October 20, 1957. The group includes Mrs. Shirley
Warde and Miss Cora Oliver (front row center); two part-Mayan Indian
guests; and several friends who are studying to make their declaration of
membership in the Bahá’í Faith.
Hold First Regional Meeting in S. Bavaria[edit]
The first regional teaching conference of southern Bavaria was held in Munich on the weekend of November 16-17, 1957. Through the efforts of the National Teaching Committee, many of the isolated believers of the area were able to be present, in addition to Bahá’ís from the various communities.
On the evening of November 16 Dr. Schmidt of Stuttgart spoke on the subject “Is Humanity Going Into Uncertainty?” at the German Museum hall before an audience of about 60 friends and visitors. The strongly-stressed theme of the need for the unity of all mankind under the banner of one religion embracing all previous revelations made a deep impression on the listeners. Several interested persons left their addresses for information about future meetings, and purchased Bahá’í literature.
On the following day the friends met in the Munich Center for study purposes. Dr. Doktoroglu, a visitor from ‘Iráq, received special thanks for the warm message he brought. and for his report from London.
Legal Recognition Given Faith in Canal Zone[edit]
The first Bahá’í Local Spiritual Assembly of the Canal zone, formed in April 1957 with 11 members in the community, has announced with great joy the recognition of the Bahá’í Faith on July 15 as a registered religious organization by the Government and Civil Authorities of the Canal Zone. Registering with the Executive Secretary of the Canal Zone is the equivalent of incorporation since incorporation is impossible in the Zone.
On July 24 the Canal Zone Government recognized the right of authorized persons of the Bahá’í Faith to perform marriages, which we expect to put into action in the near future.
On September 3 the Superintendent of Schools assured the recognition of the Bahá’í Holy Days. Also the United States Army of the Canal Zone now recognizes the Bahá’í Holy Days, through the efforts of Gene Crans, serving in the Armed Forces, who is a member of the Bahá’í community.
In August an open-arm welcome was extended to two spiritually radiant young pioneers, the Misses Alda Rendina and Betty De Noma from Chicago, who immediately opened their homes every evening after work to any and all who are interested in Bahá’u’lláh’s Message and there is seldom an evening without at least one inquirer. From the very moment of the ascension Of our dearly beloved Guardian the true spirit of Bahá has become greatly pronounced throughout this entire area, and many people are voluntarily seeking information and greater understanding of the Bahá’í Faith.
—MARY ANN HOWARD
Southern Rhodesian Conference Plans “Most Historic Year of Teaching”[edit]
From a special letter and report by the Hand of the Cause in Africa, Musa Banání, dated September 1957, we learn of an August 1957 meeting held in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, to consult on the new phase of collaboration between the Hands of the Cause and the national spiritual assemblies, as outlined in the Guardian’s June 4, 1957, cable. Six Auxiliary Board members were in attendance. The purpose was threefold: (1) To make this the most historic year of teaching since the beginning of the Formative Age in 1921; (2) To concentrate upon completion of the unfinished main goals of the Ten-Year Crusade, as well as the supplementary goals: (3) To formulate methods of closer collaboration between the Hand of the Cause and the national spiritual assemblies so that actions of the enemies of the Faith on the Continent of Africa could be effectively anticipated and counteracted.
The two local communities of the Salisbury area participated indirectly in the week-long sessions by holding three large fireside meetings, with an average attendance of 50, mostly African contacts. When the deliberations of the Hand of the Cause, National Assembly, and the Auxiliary Board would end each night, they would join the teaching meetings. At one meeting the Revered Hand of the Cause, Musa Banání, members of the Auxiliary Board, and National Assembly members were introduced and spoke words of loving greeting.
In response to a message sent to the Guardian at the close of the conference, the beloved Guardian cabled his deepest, loving appreciation.
In summarizing the event, the report reads:
“Those who departed and those who remained were deeply couscous that next Riḍván must be a shining star of triumph, marking the halfway point in this Ten-Year Crusade, the like of which the history of religion had never before witnessed. It was the spiritual conquest of the entire planet. We were entering the battle arena for the crucial clash. Our Priceless Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, had given us His ‘Divine Plan’ of victory. Our Beloved Guardian has marshalled our resources and directed our steps. Now it was up to us. However limited our resources, however inadequate our budding knowledge, however surrounded by difficulties, however suppressed, opposed, persecuted, we must press on either to win the victory or lay down our lives in the battle. We had the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Himself, to guide us. When He was asked If His life-long labors and sacrifice had
The United Nations Day committee of Moulmein, Burma, for the program of
October 24, 1957, with Keith De Folo (back row), Bahá’í from the United
States.
not over—taxed and wearied Him, He replied that whenever He felt weary He could not lay down His burden because the voice of His Father, Bahá’u’lláh, called to Him, and said: ‘March! March!’
“ ‘Physical rest,’ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá once told the friends, ‘can rob you of spiritual rest.’
“This is what Salisbury meant to us all: It is the little accomplishments each day that bring the bigger achievements each week, and lead to the victories each month which make possible the triumph next Riḍván.”
Church Groups, Civic Organizations Show Growing Interest in Faith[edit]
Reports from various communities show a growing interest on the part of church groups, Sunday schools, civic organizations, and clubs to present a Bahá’í program to their members. Some welcome a direct talk on the Bahá’í Faith with an outline of its historical background and principles, while others not willing to utilize a Bahá’í speaker are glad to present a showing of colored slides on the Holy Land that includes the Bahá’í Shrines and Holy Places, or on the Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette.
Even one or two Bahá’ís, not gifted as public speakers, can, with a little effort, acquire and prepare an adequate program of this type that will enable them to tell the Bahá’í story to large numbers of people in their community. Not only does this help to give_ a better and broader understanding of the Bahá’í Faith to the general public, but often individuals are contacted who desire to investigate the Teachings personally.
Just being alert to community events opened a door to Bahá’í proclamation for Bahá’ís in Tanana Valley, Alaska. During a showing of Look Magazine slides on various religions at the Fairbanks Unitarian Fellowship, an attending Bahá’í, Mable Aznidon, made a comment during the discussion period that caused the chairman to say: “You sound as if you were a Bahá’í.”
As a result she was asked to present a program at the end of the current series. The program included passages from the scriptures of seven faiths and a talk on the basic fundamentals of the Bahá’í Faith. The discussion period which followed was so lively and lengthy that the speaker had no time to Show the Bahá’í slides, originally planned for the program. Forty persons attending the meeting took generously from the free literature on the Bahá’í Faith available to them.
During the past year Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Barham of Silver Spring, Maryland, were able to present 21 showings of colored slides entitled “Palestine, the Holy Land of Many Faiths,” including Jewish students of comparative religion, Negro students of the Bible, neighbors, relatives, and friends at firesides and public gatherings. Recently on January 5 they were presented to an all Negro Sunday School at the Meridian Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., to over 100 children and youth and twenty adult teachers and parents.
Dallas News, Radio Editors Attend Baha’í Press Conference[edit]
The Dallas and University Park, Texas, Bahá’í communities carried out an unusual and promising event in proclaiming the Faith by reaching the news agencies in the form of a Press Conference.
Representatives of the local newspapers, radio, and television stations were invited to a luncheon and a presentation on “The New Revelation and the Need for It Today” by a Bahá’í speaker. This was followed by an explanatory talk by the Chairman of the Dallas Local Spiritual Assembly, giving the reasons for the Conference and reviewing recent press coverage of the Faith.
Each guest was presented with a kit of reading material on the Faith which included a copy of chm: and Bahá’u’lláh. There was also a discussion period when questions on the Faith were answered.
This Conference was followed within a week with a public meeting, held on the anniversary or the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. Colored slides were shown on “Haifa, A Name to Remember.”
Calendar of Events[edit]
FEASTS[edit]
February 7 — Mulk (Dominion)
March 2 — ‘Alá’ (Loftiness)
INTERCALARY DAYS[edit]
Ayyám-i-Há, February 26 to March 1
DAYS OF FASTING[edit]
March 2-21
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS[edit]
February 14-16
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 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 tram 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 firs! 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.
