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No. 328

BAHA’I YEAR 1115

JUNE, 1958

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Hands of Cause Inaugurate Memorial Fund for Erection of Monument for Guardian’s Resting Place in London

The following cablegram was received on April 20, 1958, from the Hands of the Faith in the Holy Land: EVE BLESSED RIDVAN INVITE BELIEVERS CONTRIBUTE SPECIAL MEMORIAL FUND BELOVED GUARDIAN PURPOSE ERECTION MONUMENT HIS SACRED THOUGH WE TRUST NOT ULTIMATE RESTING—PLACE STOP ALL SURPLUS FUNDS CONTRIBUTED WILL BE EXPENDED AID COMPLETION THREE MOTHER TEMPLES IN FULFILMENT HIS OWN PLEDGE CONTRIBUTE ONE THIRD TOTAL AMOUNT ALSO ATTAINMENT OTHER OBJECTIVES CRUSADE SO DEAR HIS HEART FOR WHICH HE UTTERLY SACRIFICED TIME STRENGTH IAIFEA

(SIGNED) HANDSFAITH.

Commentary on Cable Dated April 19 Concerning the Special Memorial Fund

Beloved Friends: The cable received from the Hands of the Faith in

the Holy Land offers every Bahá’í a sacred privilege to contribute to the cost of a befitting monument for the resting place of the beloved Guardian in London. By contributing we express our reverence and abiding gratitude to the noble leader through whose sacrifice the Bahá’í community has been transformed since the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and many of the goals established in the Tablets of the Divine Plan have been achieved.

The National Spiritual Assembly shares this message with the American Bahá’ís in perfect confidence that they will be grateful for this unique opportunity to cooperate with the Bahá’ís of all countries in manifesting their devotion to the Faith and exalting the memcry of the revered Guardian in the eyes of the public,

Contributions made to the Memorial Fund are to be over and above all customary contributions to local and national funds. The National Treasurer will transmit to Haifa all sums earmarked for the Memorial Fund.

—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Message From the Custodians of the Faith in the Holy Land to the Intercontinental Conference in Sydney

ALTHOUGH but five months have elapsed since the passing of our beloved Guardian shook the Bahá’í world and caused turmoil in the hearts of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh, the power of this supreme Faith to survive so grievous a blow is now clearly manifest. A new spirit of determination, dedication, and resolve can be seen throughout the entire World Bahá’í Community. Deprived of him who was our Guardian, our guide, and our true brother, we nevertheless feel his presence constantly in the smooth workings of the mighty Order he erected, according to the designs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and in the writings, messages, and letters he left us, and above all, in the unfoldment of the Ten-Year Crusade he so carefully planned, so untiringly promulgated, and so energetically prosecuted through the intermediary of not only the Hands of the Cause and the regional and national assemblies, as well as the auxiliary boards and local assemblies, but above all, through the vast and consecrated army of believers the world over. Our grief at the passing of the beloved Guardian remains fresh in our hearts, but with it is mixed a joy for his sake that he no longer has to[Page 2] suffer the travails and sorrows inseparable from the promulgation of the Word of God to a humanity that is rapidly losing touch with spiritual reality and being drained of the vital force of faith, and that he no longer must bear the weight of work which rested so crushingly on him for over a third of a century.

Strong Evidence of a New Maturity

As we now survey the vast field of his accomplishments in the light of our great loss, we begin to realize what this one being, inspired by God, driven by forces beyond our understanding, accomplished in so brief a time. A staggering task now faces us. The Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land, however, have been amazed at the strong evidence of a new maturity amongst the believers and their firm and irrevocable determination to carry on to complete fulfillment the work of their dearly-loved Shoghi Effendi. There is no doubt in our minds or in the minds of any of the Chief Stewards of the Embryonic World Commonwealth of Bahá’u’lláh, that this can be done as long as we all work together in a closely-coordinated pattern following the design he set for us, keeping the life-blood flowing into Haifa, the great Heart and permanent Spiritual and Administrative Center of the Faith as he designated it, and out of it again on a world scale in the form of news, statistics, and advice.

In the great work that lies before us, the Bahá’ís in the Antipodes have a very important part to play. The significance of this role has been strongly emphasized by the fact that, whereas at the opening of the World Crusade in 1953, the beloved Guardian called for four Intercontinental Conferences to be held in Africa, America, Europe, and Asia, this time at the Crusade‘s half-way point, he has added a fifth Intercontinental Conference to serve the rapidly growing needs of Australasia. The progress which has been achieved in this region has been truly phenomenal, and has kept pace with Shoghi Effendi’s own thirty-six years of ministry of the Faith. From the days after the beloved Master’s ascension, when the first Center was firmly established in Sydney, until last April, when the Guardian called for the election of the first historic National Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand, the unfoldment has been steady; the loyalty, devotion, obedience, and enthusiasm of the Australian and New Zealand believers were a constant source of pride to him, and attracted an ever-increasing measure of encouragement and attention on his part. His love and good-pleasure were poured upon them in many ways, the most impressive evidence being his plan to erect one of the three Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs to be constructed during the World Crusade, in Sydney. This project was particularly dear to his heart, knowing as he did that it will constitute a mighty, silent teacher of the Faith, and be a haven of refuge spiritually to all the believers in that area. This Mother Temple, not only of the Antipodes, but of the entire Pacific region, will, by his express instructions, be specially and eternally blessed through having in its foundations some of the sacred dust from the innermost Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, and a fragment of plaster from the room of the Báb in the fortress of Mah-kú where He was imprisoned. The Guardian, in his last message to the Bahá’í world, particularly encouraged the believers attending these five historic Conferences to rally to the support of the temples now being erected and thus ensure their speedy completion.

A Mighty Spiritual Axis

In Shoghi Effendi’s last message to the Australian National Spiritual Assembly he unfolded before their eyes, in his own inimitable way, a vast panorama of future development in the entire Pacific area: he pointed out that Australia and Japan constitute the northern and southern poles of a mighty spiritual axis running through the Pacific region and that through this axis the current of a close collaboration in the execution of the Divine Plan throughout the entire region must flow. He emphasized that within this area embraced by New Zealand and Australia in the south and Japan in the north, “an area endowed” as he wrote “with unimaginable potentialities, and which, owing to its strategic position, is bound to feel the impact of world-shaking forces, and to shape to a marked degree through the experience gained by its peoples in the school of adversity, the destinies of mankind.” A tremendous responsibility inevitably rested on the two oldest and strongest communities represented by the Australian National Spiritual Assembly and the Regional National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia, to not only carry forward the teaching work in the islands scattered over the face of the sea, but in their homelands as well. We cannot do better than recall his own weighty words on this subject: “A responsibility, at once weighty and inescapable, must rest on the communities which occupy so privileged a position in so vast and turbulent an area of the globe. However great the distance that separates them; however much they differ in race, language, custom, and religion; however active the political forces which tend to keep them apart and foster racial and political antagonisms, the close and continued association of these communities in their common, their peculiar and paramount task of raising up and of consolidating the embryonic World Order of Bahá’u’lláh in those regions of the globe is a matter of vital and urgent importance, which should receive on the part of the elected representatives of these communities, a most earnest and prayerful consideration.”

He reminded the Australian believers that theirs was a two-fold task: on the one hand, to consolidate, multiply, and expand the institutions of the Faith at home and in the many islands beyond its confines, and on the other, to forge fresh links with its sister communities, particularly those in the North Pacific, in anticipation of the mission these communities are destined to collectively discharge.

New Zealand’s Six-Year Plan

He reminded both the Australian and New Zealand communities of their immediate duties, affectionately naming New Zealand—whose recently elected National Spiritual Assembly will constitute a pillar of the future International House of Justice—that “far-away and promising dominion”; he called upon its National Assembly to formulate a Six-Year Plan aimed at multiplying the spiritual assemblies, groups, and isolated centers, at incorporating both the national and local spiritual assemblies, at obtaining recognition of both Bahá’í Holy Days and the Bahá’í Marriage Certificate, and at purchasing a site for a future House of Worship.

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He also strongly emphasized the need to concentrate on teaching the Maoris, to whom he attached great importance, and to increase the centers in the South Island. To the Australian National Spiritual Assembly he particularly recommended the needs of the far-flung teaching work in the Islands. He was immensely pleased and proud of the work accomplished and being carried on by the pioneers, and urged that at all costs their labours be fully supported and reinforced, that more literature in island tongues he added to the translations already so successfully undertaken, that the native believers be strengthened and increased, and that particular attention be given to the Bahá’í School in the New Hebrides, a school of which he was immensely proud and to which he attached great importance.

There can be no doubt that the Australian and New Zealand friends gathered here, as well as those who have come in from the islands for this historic occasion, see before them a glowing vista of future achievements painted in the words of our beloved Guardian. They must, however, bear in mind that the road will not be a smooth one. How repeatedly he warned us all that before the first mighty fruits of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh would appear must come a period of unparalleled trial and struggle for mankind; that tests and dangers would beset the believers from both within and without. We see now the heaviest blow, his own passing, having already struck us, how difficult may be our path, how heavy our burdens. In his Convention Message last April he wrote: “Parallel with this process of progressive deterioration in human affairs, now visibly gathering momentum outside the pale of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, and recalling the convulsions which, on a far more restricted scale, seized a de clining empire in the opening centuries of the Christian era, far less spectacular in its manifestation, has been the process of integration, as demonstrated by the increasing cohesion, the multiplication, and the reinforcement of the foundations, of the institutions of the embryonic Bahá’í World Order, which now, under the impact of the forces released by a World Spiritual Crusade, deriving its authority from the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and launched for the express purpose of executing the Divine Plan bequeathed by Him to His followers in the evening of His life, is contributing, unnoticed by a generation forgetful of its God, and already in the shadow of His Visitation, to the building up, slowly but irresistibly, of that Ark of human salvation, ordained as the ultimate haven of a society destined, for the most part, to be submerged by the tidal wave of the abuses and evils which its own perversity has engendered.”

Whatever may befall us, before this Ark of human salvation is safely launched as the only refuge mankind can know, we are assured that the ultimate victory will be ours, ours the glory of having served and sacrificed for this Most Holy Faith, ours the Crown of having remained steadfast in the path laid down: for us by our well-beloved Guardian, ours the reward of his radiant smile when we meet him face to face in a better world, ours the joy of hearing him say: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Signed: RUHÍYYIH

AMELIA COLLINS

SH. ‘ALÁ’Í

A. Q. FAIZÍ

A. FURUTAN

JALÁL KHÁZEH

UGO GIACHERY

PAUL HANEY

Five Hands of the Cause, Representatives of 19 Countries Attend Intercontinental Conference in Sydney, Australia

In accordance with the Beloved Guardian’s instructions in his cable of October 1957, the second of the 1958 series of Intercontinental Conferences was convened in Sydney, Australia, from March 2 to 24 by the Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia, Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone.

One hundred and ninety-two believers registered at the Conference.

It was fitting that on the eve of this historic conference, the first of its kind ever held in Australasia, the representatives of nineteen countries should assemble to observe the Feast of Splendour, the first observance of the New Year. This was indeed a blessed occasion for no less than five Hands of the Cause of God were present: Mrs. Clara Dunn, pioneer of the Australasian continent; Miss Agnes Alexander, pioneer of North East Asia; Mr. Charles Mason Remey, representing the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land; Mr. Dhikru’llah Khádem from Írán; and Mr. Collis Featherstone. Also present were five Auxiliary Board members.

The Conference proper opened at 9 a.m. on Friday March 21 when, following Devotions, Mr. Featherstone welcomed on behalf of the Australian National Assembly all those who had travelled from far and near to be present. In particular, he expressed the great joy of the Australian believers in having among them for the first time, Hand of the Cause Charles Mason Remey, the Beloved Guardian’s appointed representative to the Conference. After outlining the purposes and plans of the Conference, Mr. Featherstone called on the representatives from outside Australia to present their greetings:

Írán, Pákistán, Korea, Japan, South East Asia, Tonga, New Guinea, Papua, New Hebrides, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Formosa, and the United States.

Suggesting that he might be called the Bahá’í “Sputnik,” Mr. Sabet brought greetings from America, where he had been spending a few days on his way to the Conference.

Finally the Chairman called upon Hand of the Cause Mason Remey, who after expressing his personal de[Page 4] light in attending the historic Antipodean Conference, presented the stirring and heart-warming Message addressed to those attending the Conference from the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land. This message emphasized the “vast panorama of future developments in the entire Pacific Area” for which “tremendous responsibility inevitably rested on the two oldest and strongest communities, represented by the Australian National Spiritual Assembly and the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia.”

Recalling the beloved Guardian’s repeated warnings of the tests and dangers which would beset the believers ere “this Ark of human salvation is safely launched,” and reviewing the tremendous tasks which lay ahead of the Australian and New Zealand communities, the Custodians of the Faith concluded their message in these words: “We are assured that the ultimate victory will be ours, ours the glory of having served and sacrificed for this Most Holy Faith, ours the crown of having remained steadfast in the path laid down for us by our well-beloved Guardian, ours the reward of his radiant smile when we meet him face to face in a better world, ours the joy of hearing him say: ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’ ”

(Editor’s Note: This message is printed in its entirety in this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS on page 1.)

On Friday afternoon devotions were shaped to meet the first of the five purposes of the Conference. The Conference then despatched the following cable to the Hands in the Holy Land: “BELIEVERS REPRESENTING SEVENTEEN COUNTRIES ASSEMBLED OPENING HISTORIC CONFERENCE SEND LOVING GREETINGS. DEEPLY APPRECIATE PRESENCE BELOVED GUARDIAN’S REPRESENTATIVE. HEARTS STIRRED LOVING MESSAGE. FRIENDS DETERMINED CONSUMMATE CAMPAIGN. IMPLORE SUPPLICATION HOLY SHRINES ALL DELIBERATIONS.”

To Review and Celebrate the Series at Signal Victories

This session of the Conference was led by Mrs. Madge Featherstone, a member of the Australian Asia Teaching Committee, who reviewed the victories achieved so far in the Ten-Year Crusade with particular reference to the Pacific goals. Mrs. Featherstone also spoke briefly of the goals to be re-established, Cocos, Admiralty, and Loyalty Islands. A number of the Pacific pioneers present spoke of their work in the islands and the believers were particularly pleased to hear from Mrs. Bertha Dobbins, pioneer to the New Hebrides, whose school there had won the approbation of the Guardian.

The Guardian’s Gifts

On Friday evening at the Australian Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. a profoundly moving scene was witnessed when Hand of the Cause Mason Remey presented to the Conference the Guardian’: gifts: a portion of earth from the inmost Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, a lock of His Precious Hair, and a reproduction of His portrait. Mr. Remey annointed each of the believers with attar of roses as they approached the precious gifts.

“The Construction and Completion of the Three Mother Temples”

On Saturday morning after devotions, the Conference was addressed by Hand of the Cause Clara Dunn, so dear to all the believers and known affectionately as “Mother” Dunn, who recalled some of the memories of “Father” Dunn and herself as pioneers of a Continent.

Mr. S. W. Bolton, on behalf of the Temple Construction Committee, then spoke of the long search for a suitable site for the Temple and the drawing-up of the plans from Mr. Remey’s original design.

Mr. Habib Sabet then led an appeal for funds for the Temple, which in little more than an hour resulted in cash and pledges totalling a little more than £30,000.

Before lunch all assembled on the spacious lawns in front of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for the official photographs.

At the outset of the Conference Mr. Habib Sabet, with the concurrence of the National Spiritual Assembly, had obtained the services of a professional cameraman to record the proceedings of the Conference in a movie film which will in time be circulated throughout the Bahá’í World.

Temple Foundation Ceremony

At 1:00 o’clock, in three omnibuses and a fleet of cars, the believers set out for the Temple site at Mona Vale, some twenty-two miles from the city. Here on a hilltop 700 feet high, from which can be seen the city and its surroundings for some thirty miles in all directions, in an indescribable atmosphere of love and amity, more than 250 people including many members of the general public, watched the Foundation Ceremony.

With prayers of gratitude for the great blessing of having this Mother Temple of the Pacific constructed here in Australia, Mr. Mason Remey placed in a specially prepared position, the small silver casket containing a portion of the earth from the Most Holy Shrine, and dear Mother Dunn placed with it a similar casket containing a piece of plaster from the Báb’s cell

Aerial view of the Bahá’í Temple site near Sydney, Australia. It is the circular area between the airplane wing and the curving Mona Vale Road. A description of this site can be found in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for February 1958, Page 5.

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Bahá’í Temple site recently purchased on the outskirts of Djakarta, Indonesia.

in the fortress of Mah-kú. These were then sealed in with concrete and thus, in a position which will be directly under the center of the dome, the Australian House of Worship will forever contain these precious links with the two foremost Figures of the Faith.

On Saturday evening, the mid—way point of the Conference, the friends gathered in a more relaxed and informal session and were addressed by Hand of the Cause Mason Remey under the title “Armchair Chat—News of the World Center."=”

Following the screening of two films of the Shrines and the Holy Places, Mr. Mason Remey told the Conference of the tremendous work of the Beloved Guardian in connection with the beautification of the Bahá’í properties at Haifa and ‘Akká, and of the sadness which still pervades as a result of his passing. Nevertheless, Mr. Remey said the Hands were profoundly grateful that they had been enabled to complete much of the Guardian’s planning. He spoke of the initial difficulties of the World Center in its relations with the Israeli Government and of how with love and care these had been overcome, even to the point where the President of the country called on our beloved Guardian.

On Sunday morning the review of the Ten-Year Crusade victories was continued, discussion being led by Mr. Eric Bowes, Under this heading more of the Pacific pioneers and a number of the overseas visitors spoke of the ways in which the Faith is being spread.

At 2:00 p.m. the Conference paused for a period of solemn devotion to the memory of our late beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. Following this, the believers listened attentively to an address by Hand of the Cause Dhikru’lláh Khádem, on the achievements of our late Guardian in his thirty-six years of Guardianship.

To Deliberate on Ways and Means

Introducing this subject, which was to occupy the greater part of the Conference’s last day, Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone spoke of “The Road Ahead.” Under no less than twenty-five distinct headings, Mr. Fealherstone surveyed the tremendous tasks which must be completed in the next five years if the TenYear Crusade is to achieve the glorious purpose of which the beloved Guardian spoke.

“Above all,” said Mr. Featherstone, “is the need for individual deepening of the spiritual life. Regular reading of the sacred scripture, attendance at Feasts and Anniversaries, sustained regular support of the Funds, and a consciousness that whatever else befalls, the Faith must be and remain the prime purpose and object of our life.”

A public meeting in the city on Sunday evening was attended by almost fifty members of the general public who listened attentively to three speakers who outlined the Christian and Muslim approach to their logical fulfillment in the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

Following devotions on Monday morning, Mr. Peter Bird, chairman of the Australian Bahá’í Public Relations Committee, spoke to the conference on “Reaching the Masses.” Recalling the Guardian’s last Convention message in which he stated that “teaching the Faith to the multitudes . . . must in this year be accorded priority over every other Bahá’í activity,” the speaker outlined the methods of publicity and public relations which are available and which must be understood and used with wisdom to the fullest extent if this purpose is to be achieved.

Auxiliary Board Member Miss Margaret Rowling then spoke of “Guiding the Seeker.” Reviewing briefly the methods of individual teaching, Miss Rowling emphasized the need to understand the individual seeker, his needs, and his desires—and to be able to present to him the answer to his personal problems as but part of the wider picture of world peace and unity which our Faith offers.

Finally, in the morning session the important task of “Nurturing the New Believer” was outlined by Mr. Hugh Blundell, Auxiliary Board member and member of the New Zealand National Spiritual Assembly, who spoke of the vital need to assist the new believer to identify himself with the Bahá’í community, and to deepen his knowledge and understanding of the many facets of the Faith.

In the course of an Open Forum on Monday afternoon, many ideas and suggestions for use, both on the homefront and in the Pacific goals, were brought forward by the friends, methods of using publicity and of establishing public relations, the need to establish contact with governments, and the importance of becoming known among social and ethical movements in ones civic community.

As this session drew to a close, the friends thrilled to some words from Mr. Qudralu‘llah Huseyn, likening the Guardian to the candle which burns itself out in order to give light to the world. Mr. Huseyn proposed that had there been more to say, the Guardian would not have been taken from us. “Remember the sacrifices and the martyrdom of the early believers,” he concluded. “Let us have no more talk; let us have action.”

Mr. Mason Remey then outlined “The Guardian’s Plans for Action.” The Faith is now established over the faces of the earth, except in countries behind the Iron Curtain. Soon our pioneers will reach there too, and can expect great harvest. Bahá’ís are the only people who understand the religions of the past and we must go forth and explain these religions to their followers for their meaning has been lost. The Guardian has laid the plans for the Crusade and has shown the ways in which individually and collectively we can play[Page 6] our part. We have only to look to history to see what individuals can accomplish; each of us can do the same. Our blessings are greater than We can ever conceive, the blessing of living in this day, the day which all the saints prayed they might witness.

Bahá’í Temple site at Quito, Ecuador, 16,000 square meters in area, purchased on March 17, 1958.

To Prosecute Uninterruptedly The Ten-Year Plan

Closing the Conference at 4:00 p.m. on Monday afternoon, the Convenor, Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone, reviewed what the Conference had accomplished. It had brought together the Bahá’ís of nineteen countries in an atmosphere which no other body, religious or secular, in any part of the globe, could ever hope to equal. More than thirty thousand pounds had been poured into the construction funds of the Mother Temple of the Pacific. More than six thousand pounds had been contributed to the establishment of endowments in the Pacific Islands, with particular emphasis on building and maintenance of the Nur School in the New Hebrides. Three believers had come forward during the Conference to pioneer in the Pacific; it was hoped that they would be in their goals before the end of the year.

The Australian National Assembly had been enabled to consult with representatives of its sister bodies in the Pacific, and National and Regional Assemblies of New Zealand, South East Asia, and North East Asia, on ways and means of assisting one another. In particular, initial plans had been formulated with the North East Asian Assembly for the close cooperation between these two poles of the Pacific spiritual axis for which the Guardian had called.

These were the outward and visible results of the Conference, but the unseen effects were perhaps the more important, the power of love and faith generated in the hearts of each and every one, power to be put into service by each attendant as he returned to his home. In a virgin goal or in our own street or suburb, God has endowed each and every one of us with the power to live and teach His Faith, and whatever our circumstances He can use each one.

Mr. Featherstone closed the Conference with the Báb’s prayer for assistance:

“In the Name of God, the Victor of the most victorious proclaim: God will assist all those who arise to serve Him. No one is able to deprive Him of His majesty, His dominion, His sovereignty, for in the heaven and the earth and in all the realms of God, He is the Victorians and the Conqueror.”

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF AUSTRALIA

PUBLICITY AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

In the few weeks prior to the Conference four fulllength articles concerning the Australian House of WorShip appeared in leading Australian newspapers. Two of these included references to the Conference. Short paragraphs announcing the Conference appeared in three papers during the week immediately preceeding the Conference.

A press reception on Thursday was attended by reporters and photographers from the two Sydney morning papers, both of which carried excellent reports on Friday morning.

Large advertisements carrying pictures of the Temple and notices of the public meeting appeared in the two major Sydney papers on Saturday morning, and smaller ones carrying the Temple picture only appeared in the major newspaper of each other capital city.

Press representatives covered both the Temple Foundation Ceremony and the Public Meeting, but regrettably no further articles were published.

A number of specially printed envelopes and envelope seals carrying the Temple illustration were issued to all those attending the Conference. Used in the mails, these will spread considerable incidental publicity.

U. S. National Assembly Commentary on Convention Message

Beloved Friends:

For years the believers have anticipated the beloved Guardian’s annual Convention Message, setting forth the year’s achievements on Crusade tasks and stressing those to be carried out in the next phase of the Ten-Year Plan.

The message transmitted to this year’s Conventions held throughout the Bahá’í World was prepared by the Hands of the Faith in the Holy Land as an expression of the Guardian’s intention and using data Shoghi Effendi had assembled before his passing. In addition we find their heartfelt sorrow at the loss of our peerless leader and a feeling that perhaps that tragic event represented the intervention of the Plan of God in the events of the Divine Plan revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “Every single believer must, during the past six months, have been aware of how mighty is the stronghold of the Faith, how impregnable the walls our Guardian raised about it . . . ”

Ours is now the unique and blessed opportunity to[Page 7] concentrate attention on the objectives of the Ten-Year Plan in our own area and to contemplate the goals still unfulfilled.

As the Custodians point out, the Guardian in his last message left an instrument and gave instructions by which his work could be carried on, “The Crusade safely prosecuted to the end, the Cause of God protected and the design of Bahá’u’lláh, as embodied in His Most Holy Book, executed.”

The Hands recount their grief and sudden feeling of “immense moral responsibility” and what a burden rests upon the nine Hands serving at the World Center, and rejoice at the “clear evidences of the unfailing protection of Bahá’u’lláh vouchsafed to His brokenhearted servants.”

The State of Israel poured forth its sympathy. The necessary legal documents were approved by which the interests of the Faith are protected.

Among the great achievements of the World Crusade at the Bahá’í World Center are listed the purging of the Ḥaram-i—Aqdas of the remnant of the Covenant-breakers, the razing of their properties, the Gardens extended, and the completion of the interior of the International Archives building.

Throughout the continents, the achievements include the holding of two of the five Intercontinental Conferences, the formation of the first National Spiritual Assembly of France, the increase in the number of territories within the Bahá’í community to 254. With the settlement of the Chagos Archipelago and Nicobar Island only twelve territories remain unopened of the 131 new territories listed in the Ten-Year Plan, and of these eleven lie within the Soviet orbit‘ The number of local centers has been raised to over 4500, an increase of 1300 in the last 3 years.

The message also lists the number of local spiritual assemblies, the translation and publication of Bahá’í literature, the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and Endowments purchased, the recognition of Bahá’í Holy Days, the right to conduct legal Bahá’í marriage, and the acquirement of Temple sites.

Statistics for Africa, the Pacific area, and the Western Hemisphere are dramatically presented, and the numerous teaching conferences and congresses reported.

We now enter the fourth phase of the Ten-Year Plan which, as the Guardian stated in October 1957, “must be immortalized by an unprecedented increase in the number of believers, of local centers and by swift progress in erection of the Temples in Africa and Australia and the construction of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of Europe.”

Four new national assemblies are to be established in 1959: Burma, Turkey, Austria, and the South Pacific.

The message concludes with the “solemn charge laid upon us by our beloved when he was preparing us to shoulder the tasks of the Holy Crusade: ‘I adjure them, by the precious blood that flowed in such great profusion . . . to resolve never to flinch, never to hesitate, never to relax, until each and every obligation . . . has been fully consummated.’ ”

The National Assembly appeals in all love to the American believers to extend every possible assistance throughout the fourth phase of the World Crusade, by contributing to the National Fund, by pioneering abroad or on the homefront, or by consecrated teaching work in their own communities.

—U. S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

All-India Bahá’í Winter School in Poona, December 24-31, 1957.

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Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela

This year the hearts of the Bahá’í’s of the five countries in the northern zone of South America were turned toward Guayaquil, Ecuador, because there, in that fast-growing, commercial coastal city was held the annual convention of the Bahá’ís of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.

The friends arrived several days before the convention to attend the two-day school which has grown out of a need to have more time to get better acquainted. This year our study classes covered parts of the book Christ and Bahá’u’lláh. Our Persian friends lent much to the study of the contributions of Muhammad. There were two other classes on Teaching Needs, and Loyalty and Protection of the Cause.

On April 22, the morning of the opening of the convention, we received the letter from the Hands in the Holy Land which both comforted and assured our hearts that although “ . . . the Designer has altered the design . . . the pattern remains in its strength and glory.” Our convention continued in a spirit of seriousness of purpose with always the forward look toward a possibility that one of the five countries in our territory may soon be granted the great honor of having its own National Spiritual Assembly, and others following in the coming years. From our secretary’s report we realized that we had made strides, not only in numbers but in contributions to our National Fund.

Let the delegates and visitors themselves speak of their impressions of the convention:

“It was the intense longing and need on the part of the delegates and visitors to be here that impressed me,” said one friend, referring to the long distances that had been covered by plane, bus, and boat, which involved days and nights of tiring travel.

Delegates and visitors attending the Second Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Brazil, Perú, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela at Guayaquil, Ecuador, in April 1958.

Another said, “It was the continued feeling of remembrance of our Guardian and our indebtedness to him, and,” she added, “the calm assurance of continued guidance.”

Another spoke of the growing sense of maturity in consultation.

Several commented on the contributions made by the young people to the spirit of the convention. One said, “It is in them that we have hope for the future.”

Others spoke of sacrifice. A young man had saved a thousand dollars in order to visit Haifa when the crushing news came of the passing of our Beloved, preventing him from realizing his dream. He offered this amount, in the name of himself and his wife, toward a goal that is in urgent need of being fulfilled. The following day a young doctor gave 500 soles for the same purpose. All at the convention were given an opportunity to share in contributions for the erecting of a memorial for our Guardian.

One delegate commented on the diversity of languages and accents. There was a continuous flow of Portuguese and Spanish with an intermingling of Portuguese with Persian accent, and Spanish with North-American accent.

The following persons were elected to serve on the National Spiritual Assembly: Margot Worley, Dorothy Campbell, Djalal Eghrari, Edmund Miessler, Cyrus Monadjem, Mercedes Sanchez, Rangvald Taetz, Eve Nicklin, Gayle Woolson. Five of the members live in Brazil, four in Peru and one in Ecuador.

Then came the last day on April 25 when members of the National Spiritual Assembly, delegates, and visitors had to say goodbye to Guayaquil and the friends there that had so lovingly given of their time and their love to make everyone happy and comfortable in their city.

—EVE NICKLIN Convention Reporter

Central America, Mexico, and Panama

The city of Guatemala has been the scene for what surely will be written in future years as a moment of first importance in the awakening of Middle America to the dawn of the New Age.

The Convention of the Bahá’ís of Central America, Mexico, and Panama, coming only six months after the earthquake of our beloved[Page 9] Guardian’s passing, witnessed to a truly stirring degree those qualities which all the believers in their grief knew must be evidenced at such a crucial time.

It took place in an atmosphere of dedication, determination, and unwavering loyalty to the Covenant and to its custodians, the Hands of the Cause of God. Its deliberations showed a degree of concentration and maturity unknown in the seven previous conventions of the territory. As for unity, one believer remarked that the unity and happiness among the friends is of a completely new quality, and another said on parting, “I have left this convention with nothing but love for everyone I encountered.”

It was truly as if the Convention were dedicated not only officially, but in the deeds and resolves of each individual heart present, to Shoghi Effendi, Indeed, this, plus the glorious assurance of Bahá’u’lláh’s protection so evident in that vivifying letter from the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land, plus the prayers of all, plus seven years of experience, plus the work of those responsible for the various activities of the Convention, gave to all the sessions this very evident sense of maturity and unity.

Approximately 50 delegates and believers from Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Canal Zone began the three-day session with a cordial and animated reception in the Continental Hotel. From this evening event it was evident that there was to be no reserve in the friendliness of believer to believer.

After the election of Artemus Lamb as Chairman and Louis Bouche as Secretary of the Convention and the other preliminaries, came that stirring and strengthening message of the Hands of God in the Holy Land. It was read in Spanish and in English, Spanish being the language of the Convention proceedings. This reading was followed by a cable which tried to carry so much of the love and gratitude of those present:

BELOVED HANDS,

HEARTS UPLIFTED GLORIOUS MESSAGE HOPES RAISED FRIENDS ASSURED FAITH STRENGTHENED MEMORIAL MONUMENT FUND ESTABLISHED.

Bahá’ís attending the National Convention of Central America, Mexico, and Panama, held in Guatemala in April 1958.

It was obvious from the annual reports of the outgoing National Assembly and the various committees that much ground has been gained in the past year, but that much more could have been gained with more funds and more pioneers. Among the most notable advances are: The stepped-up Indian work, including the formation of a new Indian assembly in Sacapulas, Guatemala, in the days immediately preceeding the Convention. Also, very encouraging contacts have been made with Indian groups in Mexico and El Salvador; the outstanding progress of the Faith in Guanacaste, Costa Rica; the new and dynamic spirit of the Faith in Mexico, and the formation of a new assembly in Guadalajara; the great increase in summer school sessions, notably in Karbila, Honduras, in Panama, and in El Salvador; the increasing activity of the Latin believers in the teaching and administrative work; the steady addition to the number of assemblies with incorporation; the presentation of portfolios containing the Tablet of Bahá’u’lláh to the leaders of the American Republics to local spiritual assemblies of each capital city; and the arrival of more pioneers to the territory, and numerous others. The strengthening of the Faith in Mexico and Panama, planned with the possible addition of Costa Rica[Page 10] to be the earliest of these republics to form their own National Spiritual Assemblies, was one of the most encouraging signs that this Six-Year Plan will, with much prayer and effort, stay on schedule.

The newly elected National Spiritual Assembly for the territory, consisting of James Facey, Artemus Lamb, Esteban Canales, Louis Bouche, Elai Kalantar, Amy McAllister, Alfred Osborn, Dr. Edris Rice Wray, and Valeria Nichols, met immediately to begin their year of work.

Three memorable events were realized in the evenings during the Convention. The first of these, and in many ways the heart of the convention, was an inspiring memorial to Shoghi Effendi held at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Guatemala, and included a musical recording of the “Sweet-Scented Streams,” a touching devotional period, followed by the telling of stories and experiences of those present who have made pilgrimages and have seen that blessed face. Then came a wellprepared talk on the Guardian and the Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God.

Saturday evening was dedicated to the Indian work. It was a public meeting with two non-Bahá’í speakers, one affiliated with UNESCO and the other with the Government and the University of San Carlos, a trusted friend of the Indians and a scholar of their ways. Both paid high tribute to the ideals and the deeds of the Bahá’ís. Artemis Lamb then gave a very uplifting and challenging talk, boldly proclaiming that the goal of Bahá’u’lláh’s Faith was to unite organically and spiritually the entire human race, and that these neglected races will, by divine promise, arise to a great and surprising destiny when they understand that Bahá’u’lláh is the Manifestation of God for them. The evening was then concluded with a delightful presentation by the Quiché Indians from the Bahá’í Indian Institute at Chichicastenango with their director, Jennie Taylor.

On Sunday evening the friends gathered again at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for the Riḍván Feast, a high spiritual experience, fitting perfectly as the climax of this very encouraging and fruitful Convention. As the friends parted or made plans to visit the Institute in Chichicastenango after the

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Central America, Mexico, and Panama for 1958-1959.

Convention, there were unmistakable signs, even without words, that they were resolved to attach themselves to the completing of the goals that this convention so clearly engraved in their minds.

—QUENTIN FARRAND Convention Reporter

United States

Convening on April 29 for the fiftieth time, at the mid-point of the World Crusade, Bahá’ís of the United States declared with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “Now is the time for very great things!” as they set their sights on the theme, “A New Bahá’í Era.”

In Foundation Hall of “the holiest House of Worship in the world”—from whence would “go forth influence”—delegates of the American Bahá’í community gave forth and received a current of searching thoughts and ideas focused on the work already laid out for the next five years by the beloved Guardian, he who had said, “If they would only follow my instructions, be my agents, be reeds through which the spirit could flow to the people of the world, they would be amazed at the victories I would win. . .”—he who had warned “not to allow . . . this one remaining opportunity to be irretrievably lost!”

They reminded themselves, and were admonished by their distinguished speakers, that “with his spirit watching over the world now” they truly must “become the reed through which his spirit can flow, the media for the source of salvation to a dying society”; that this very day is “fraught with spiritual power because of the passing of Shoghi Effendi to the Abhá Kingdom”: that he had begged “this community—the spiritual descendants of the Dawn-Breakers . . . champion-builders . . standard-bearers . . .torch-bearers of a future divinely inspired world civilization(to) arise . . . to secure the lion’s share in the prosecution of a Global Crusade designed to diffuse the Light of God’s Revelation over the surface of the entire planet.”

They remembered that in 1923 this beloved person had written to the Persians a message of consolation: “The passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has spread affliction, but His sacred spirit at last has attained the joy of freedom in Paradise. From that lofty peak, He watches and addresses us: ‘O ye, my beloved ones, grieve not nor be hopeless and confused. I am with you. Every moment I aid you with renewed confirmation. Sacrifice your lives! Be not dejected, rise in unison and harmony! If ye were to fail, ye will never see me, nor meet in the Kingdom. Arise with fortitude!’ ”They were also told that he had said to Enoch Olinga, called by him the Father of Victories, when asked what to teach, “Teach them to be saints! We have enough administrators.”

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First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Salem, Ore., a goal city, formed on April 21, 1958.

Of the rare and beautiful memories of the busy Convention were the silences before prayer, into which was poured the haunting music of the chanting of our beloved Persian friends. It was a wonderful privilege and memorial, to listen to the prayers given to them by Shoghi Effendi himself, and not yet translated into any other language. The collection of chants were like pages of beautiful Persian script translated into music. One also was given in Arabic by a friend from the Baghdad community—and the lovely sounds differed even as do the Persian and Arabic characters delicately penned on the page.

Highlighting the opening of the convention was the Message from the Hands of the Faith in the Holy Land to all of the Annual Conventions of the Bahá’í World read by Horace Holley, revered Hand of the Cause and Secretary of the Convention. He counseled that although now we have no Guardian in the flesh, that although, as written by the Hands of the Faith in the Holy Land, the Plan of God has crossed the Divine Plan, seeming to divert it, in the long run it will reinforce it, in a mystery that cannot be explained.

He said that appraising what Shoghi Effendi has given us in world order, interpretation of the messages of Bahá’u’lláh, work so meticulously planned for five more years, we realize that the Guardian is still our guidance and our blessing. “In the formative years of the Faith of God on earth, we had an incomparable Guardian. The victory he won for Bahá’u’lláh will go down through the Bahá’í Era. There is divine guidance for the future House of Justice. We cannot fill in all the gaps. Perhaps we will see the pattern more clearly, but we have enough now. A faithful Bahá’í in action has all the insight he needs from day to day to accomplish his mission. The words of Shoghi Effendi are treasured ones. A gardener must protect a young tree, but when the tree becomes mature, it can take care of itself. We are the tree, roots deeply emplanted, branches encircling the world.”

These words of Rúḥíyyih Khánum were quoted to inspire: “We thought war might interrupt the Divine Plan. We never dreamed the interruption would be the ascension of the Guardian. Our monument to him must be the carrying out of his plans. In the memory of Shoghi Effendi, I implore you to carry on his work as one soul in many bodies!”

Again, from his own last message: “I would . . . entreat every one of them to immortalize this approaching, fateful hour . . . by a fresh consecration . A . instantaneous plan of action . . . dynamic and decisive.” “They cannot be the chosen people of God and do nothing about it.” To do the Guardian’s bidding will be a true memorial to our beloved Shoghi Effendi.

And so the delegates acknowledged their shortcomings. They said, “Let us go back to significant passages, not to read them once or twice, but go back to them until they become a part of us, until we reflect intensity of spirit, resignation to the Will of God, utmost humility.” “We must create a climate for maturity, in order to realize it. Take advantage of the divine art of consultation with prayer and meditation, then seek answers together.” They were reminded that when the Blessed Báb declared His Mission, there was only one true believer in the world! All he had was intense joy, passion to share.

“Why is Africa blessed with so many new assemblies in one year? Those who served arose in a spirit of great sacrifice! The poverty of the Africans is overwhelming. Yet at a Feast, they serve bread and water, in order to send ten shillings to Shoghi Effendi to help those less fortunate! We have been given the spiritual primacy, and we must find out how to capture the spirit of dedication that has brought such tremendous victories in other parts of the world, so that the work will go forward, here on the Homefront.”

Home Front Teaching

Attention turned to the Homefront, which must gain 125 new local assemblies before 1963, remembering with our revered Hand, Leroy Ioas, that even in the exciting days when the pioneers were going out, Shoghi Effendi continued to talk about the Homefront. Convention Chairman and National Spiritual Assembly member Charles Wolcott warned that the discussion must be creative and constructive. “We are blessed with the principle of community action, and we must use it well. The hardest objectives are yet ahead, and invigoration of the Homefront must be the basis of our approach.”

They counseled one another that if from this Temple “would go forth influence,” it is effort that releases influence, that the Gaurdian had said, “Disperse, disperse, disperse!”

From Alaska came the challenge, “Don’t say I’ll go pioneering when the door opens—kick( the door open!” The last pilgrim from America to visit the Guardian told of his admonition: “The fire must be fanned and flamed—go back to God Passes By, reread Chapter VI, page 93, ‘He Who in such dramatic circumstances . . .’ to the bottom of pages 96, ‘When the earth shall shine with the light of her Lord . . .’ Some [Page 12] thing will happen when you stand in your room and read who He is! The world is dying for 1eadership—here is the Leader!”

First Bahá’í group of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, a goal of the Ten-Year Crusade.

Administration

On the subject of strengthening administrative institutions of the Faith, Horace Holley warned, “A group of eight evolves. The whole mystery of Bahá’u’lláh’s Order is contained in that group. If we do not employ rightly that interval of time before becoming nine, we are not qualified to grow into an assembly and exercise authority? How does it come into authority? It is a divine creation. That which is a blessing to pure souls, becomes a torment to persons of divided minds. The spiritual world is here—not at some mysterious distant place. The dominant must learn their lesson—the clinging must learn to walk alone. The institution of the local spiritual assembly is given us by Bahá’u’lláh to establish justice and peace upon the earth—not to split hairs over the problems of an enrolled but not confirmed community!”

Borrah Kavelin, who was later to become Chairman of the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly advised: “The administrative order is the channel for the release of the spirit. Keep everybody busy! The local assembly has authority, but must be the servant, not the dictator.”

Financial

The National Assembly Treasurer for the past year, Borrah Kavelin, prefaced his report of and appeal for the National Fund—“the life blood of all Bahá’í institutions,” by reminding the delegates that they are heirs to great responsibility, that at the base of all victories won during the last five years is sacrifice made by each, according to his own measure and understanding.

“How much more precious and meaningful now, are the words of Shoghi Effendi. Let us bring joy to him in the Abhá Kingdom by fulfilling our responsibilities.” He said that the Convention might View with pride the thirty-five Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds opened around the world at a total expenditure of about a quarter million dollars. Only one is yet to be opened, in Caracas, Venezuela, to fulfill the Crusade goal. Inflation there has set a high price, but $15,000 is at present set aside toward the total.

American Bahá’ís are investing $15,000 in the Temple site in Stockholm, and this, together with the $12,000 raised in Stockholm itself, resulted in the acquisition, while the Convention was yet in progress, of the land on which another stately Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will rise.

Mr. Kavelin reported excellent progress on the first dependency, the Home for the Aged, to house twenty guests, being erected in the environs of the House of Worship in Wilmette. At a total investment of about one-fourth million dollars, it should be complete in September of this year.

But lest the American Bahá’ís become complacent, they were reminded of no small current budgetary problems: that the National office is growing. that in the Guardian’s last message he made five specific references to finances and insisted that the Homefront be “spiritually invigorated, administratively expanded, and materially replenished,” that material resources must not be neglected nor underestimated in a gifiwing Bahá’í order. All were urged to participate in the effort to erect a noble memorial to the beloved Guardian in London.

Intercontinental Goals

All hearts were warmed by the report by National Assembly member Edna True of the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of France, the flowering of the seed planted by the Master Himself. This . . . the first independent National Spiritual Assembly on the continent of Europe, numbers the twenty-seventh pillar of the House of Justice, and has been attained in the year designated by our Beloved Guardian.

The European Teaching Committee stated that there must be seven more national spiritual assemblies in Europe by 1963, besides those in Austria and Turkey, by Riḍván 1959;—that there is an imperative need for sustained pioneers in all these twelve countries.

The Africa Teaching Committee asked, “Have we rested on our oars?” There are now only sixty-eight pioneers in Africa against seventy last year, and the sixty-eight are not distributed according to need. Three countries, Portuguese Guinea, Spanish Guinea, and St. Thomas, must have pioneers. It must be remembered, too, that newly-won goals can he lost by pioneers abandoning them too soon.

The Secretary of the Asia Teaching Committee appealed, “Do read the Annual Report.” This Committee was delighted to report new native Bahá’ís going out from newly won goals to pioneer in other areas—settled so far with forty-nine American Bahá’ís. Prayers are requested for the non-American who is working on the difficult resettlement of Tibet. He has re-entered with determination, and is enduring great hardships.

The need in the Caroline Islands is hampered by the government code which prevents its employees supporting any particular religion. Yet the natives say, “When Will you send us pioneers?” Single male pioneers should go there and live among the natives in patience. Guam is the center of education for natives in the entire area. If taught there, they will return to their homes with the Message. A regional national spiritual assembly is to be formed next Riḍván[Page 13] in Suva in the Fiji Islands to serve all the South Pacific islands.

The Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee came before the delegates with the affirmation, “The harvest is ripe A . ‘Now is the time for very great things.’ ” Latin America must have twenty national assemblies in the next five years—one in every republic. The 170 pioneers scattered throughout are far short of the need. Brazil is as large a country as the United States with another Texas thrown in! The necessity is for immediate settlement by three times that number. The native believers are wonderful but lack the self-reliance to build institutions. Mostly they are from the underprivileged, so that they cannot move about.

A native Indian Bahá’í Community in Bolivia is pleading for a teacher to instruct their wives and their hundred children in the Faith, and in Spanish reading and writing. This Committee says “Learn Spanish!”

Special Tasks

For those who cannot go into the foreign fields, the American Indian Service Committee holds out a rich and rewarding work for those who would dedicate themselves to our very own aborigines, these oppressed natives of North America. There are thirty large tribal groupings from which thirty-two leading members in sixteen tribes have become Bahá’ís. There are twenty-one pioneers in the field. The Omaha Reservation on the Great Plains, one of the most culturally disintegrated and socially ill, characterized only by its will to survive, has few believers—but if one dedicated pioneer had not gone there last fall, there may have been none.

The needs are always for doctors, dentists, nurses, social workers, teachers, and a variety of possibilities of employment in towns near the Reservations.

There was further discussion of the relocation program by the government, resettling Indians from the overcrowded reservations into certain large cities, where they are lost and lonely, urging that we find them and simply be neighborly at first.

In Los Angeles alone, there are 10,000 American Indians—and there are relocation centers in 12 other cities in the U.S. It they return home to the reservation because the world outside is too unfriendly, it is to return to abject poverty without government help.

Are these neglected souls, our own aborigines, these beloved of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the very impetus needed to revitalize the Homefront? Only the pure of heart will be able to reach these simple souls, who will sense his sincerity.

The Interracial Teaching Committee will send on request the script for a Pageant to be used on Race Amity Day, but which is suitable for any time. The Committee says to be on the watch for opportunities to demonstrate Bahá’í unity: attend concerts open to the public, Negro affairs, church dinners, tea at the YWCA, make friends, give book reviews, show colored slides. If we look, there will be many open doors.

The Committee described as of very special merit a film on housing, “All the Way Home,” available through social agencies, public libraries, etc., and “Boundary Lines,” a beautifully done film with “unbeatable impact” by B’nai B’rith. Most film libraries will have it. A delegate from Mississippi described how Bahá’í: there are called on the carpet to defend the Faith . . . their answer: “We are an organization to change hearts, not to change lives.” They are critically watched there in the deep south, and must demonstrate the teachings in their own lives. Negroes are urgently needed to teach their own; those oppressed for decades will not readily accept the Faith from white people.

College, Youth, and Child Education

These Committees demonstrated amazing vitality and fire and left with the delegates a whole new realm of fresh ideas, many applicable to the adult teaching areas, “The colleges are great untapped fields We shall reach the faculty members so that they may include the Faith in and relate it to their overall teaching pictures." Students are witnessing the fulfillment of the prophecy of God, the disintegration of the old order. When a student asks what happens next, he is spiritually hooked!” “It is most vital that an effort be made to preserve the continuity of the campus clubs—in the face of constant turnover.”

Second Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Alaska, held in Anchorage on April 26-27, 1958.

[Page 14]

With the College Bureau functioning separately, the Youth Committee was able to apply itself to the increase of its local committees from 15 last year to 100 at present! They reminded the American community that a youth committee is often made up to begin with, of no youth at all, only adults who will work to reach the youth, and that the Guardian had said, “Concentrate on youth of great capacity—one soul can set the continent ablaze!”

They said, “Students are idealistic, are looking for a cause in which they can lose themselves—but we must let them know that this is a real Crusade! ” “Be enthusiastic, not fanatical, audacious, not agressive!”

The Committee on Child Education appealed for hundreds of subscriptions to Child’s Way, or it may have to suspend publication. This is not a bulletin for children to read, but a guide for Bahá’í parents and teachers. They cited the growing interest in “The Philosophy of Education” as a discussion springboard. It revolves around independent investigation.

A delegate warned that Shoghi Effendi answered concerning children’s attendance at any and all sectarian Sunday Schools: “This is not investigation of truth, it is investigation of error. They cannot find truth in division. Parents are answerable to God for not teaching Bahá’í principles.”

Bahá’í Teaching Conference in Malacca, Malaya, in December 1957.

Honored Guests

Our revered Hand of the Cause Mason Remey brought a personal message of love and prayers from the Hands in the Holy Land, and greetings from the friends in Sydney, gathered for their Intercontinental Conference.

Our own dear Hand of the Cause Corinne True shared the rostrum for a brief period, and dear little Jessie Revel], whom Shoghi Effendi sent for to be his helper and who is now Treasurer of the International Bahá’í Council, brought deep love from Rúḥíyyih Khánum and the Hands at Haifa. Her mother had been at the Temple site when the land was blessed. Only ten days before his passing the Guardian said she and her sister should each attend an Intercontinental Conference since they had not attended any in 1953.

A great bounty of the Convention was the loving message of Adelaide Sharp, representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of Írán, in charge of Bahá’í schools in Ṭihrán. Her message to the American community was: “Take advantage of the freedom you have—freedom of speech, freedom from fear!”

The lovely gift of a precious box containing dust from every room in the Adrianople home of Bahá’u’lláh was brought from the friends in Turkey and presented to the American archives by Torab-Menevi, a Persian pioneer in Istanbul, grand daughter of Hand of the Cause Ṭaráẓu’lláh Samandarí.

National Spiritual Assembly, 1958-59

Out of 171 delegates, 166 ballots were cast (six of these being void) for the new National Spiritual Assembly, who met shortly thereafter to elect their officers. The results were as follows: Chairman, Borrah Kavelin; Vice-Chairman, Charles Wolcott; Secretary, Horace Holley; Assistant Secretary, Charlotte Linfoot; Recording Secretary, Edna True; Treasurer, Arthur Dahl; and Katherine True, Margery McCormick, and Ellsworth Blackwell.

Message to Hands of Holy Land

The following cable was composed and sent to the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land:

FIFTIETH ANNUAL CONVENTION SENDS WARMEST APPRECIATION MESSAGE REVERED HANDS HOLY LAND. RECOGNIZING OVERWHELMING BURDEN RESPONSIBILITY NOW BORNE BY BELOVED CUSTODIANS, DELEGATES, NEWLY AWARE OF FORCES RELEASED ASCENSION BELOVED GUARDIAN, ARE ENGAGED SERIOUS SELF-SCRUTINY, SEEKING UNDERSTANDING PAST FAILURES, HOW MEET FOREMOST CHALLENGE REVITALIZATION AMERICAN BAHAI COMMUNITY, ACHIEVE MATURITY, ASSUME PROPER SHARE PROSECUTION REMAINING TASKS TEN-YEAR ORUSADE. DEEPEST LOVE.

After three intensive days the Fiftieth Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. adjourned, with a total registration of 1,102 Bahá’ís, including perhaps fifty visitors from other countries, and having received and sent loving messages from and to the Hands of the Faith in the Holy Land, the beloved Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, the National Assemblies of Canada, of Pákistán, the Regional Assemblies of South America, and the American Hands of the Cause.

The bright carnation lei from friends in Hawaii was faded, but the hardy antherium they brought was still perfectly fresh and beautiful—a symbol of the fresh start taken for the remaining five years of the Crusade—“the time for very great things.”

—ELEANOR K. METZ Convention Reporter

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The Indian Agency at Window Rock, Ariz., with the “window rock” formation in the mountain visible in the background.

Baha’is Sponsor Conference at Navajo Reservartion

Red rock country interspersed with the twists of snow-capped juniper on the Navajo Reservation in northern Arizona was the inspirational setting of a two-day Bahá’í Conference, April 12 and 13, under the famous Window Rock.

Rays of understanding emanated from the discussion of “Reaching Minority Groups” and from the weekend fellowship which drew members of various Indian tribes and their Bahá’í friends. The Conference, inspired and planned by the Window Rock Group, began Saturday noon as participants arrived from the four corners—as far south as Phoenix, as far north as Farmington, as far west as Tuba City, and as far east as Albuquerque.

Evening dinner, preceded by a delightful afternoon of mountain climbing, sightseeing, and forming new friendships, was served in the Ginnett’s small apartment, which must have had elastic walls as everyone was so comfortable among the large numbers present; however, perhaps this was due to our realization that the gathering was enhanced by the presence of twelve Indians representing Navajo, Delaware, Cochiti, Pueblo, Sioux, Chippewa, and Hopi tribes.

The next morning the group gathered for prayers, followed by a breakfast of bacon and eggs served in the Window Rock Lodge, which is a Navajo tribe enterprise. The Conference convened in the library of the Administration building with an opening of three prayers in various tongues—Hopi, Delaware, and English—and the reading of “The Source of Unity” from Bahá’í World Faith pp. 257 to 258.

The ensuing discussion covered two aspects of Indian teaching: (1) how to overcome a barrier such as language, and (2) the need for understanding. Such thoughts as these were expressed:

“To overcome any barrier one must first drop everything and seek to reach others. We can sit on the floor and eat with our fingers with them; we can simplify our lives.” This will enable us to demonstrate genuine interest and prove the purity of our motives.

“We must understand what communication is; language is only one form. We must not rely on the crutch of language; we must learn to use other forms of communication which are intangible; it can be only realized, not taught.”

“Build up your friendships as this may be the only language you and your Indian friend can speak with understanding.”

“In greeting others take time to first greet the heart; this is done only through silence.”

“Love your native friend because he is an individual and not just because he is Navajo, Hopi, etc.”

“In trying to understand the Indian it is not enough to read books about them; we must read their hearts as well.”

Views on life after death and evil forces were shared by Hopi, Dela-

Miss Sadie Joe of Pinon, Ariz., the first Navajo Bahá’í, attending the Window Rock Conference.

ware, and Navajo Indians with a result that their expressed views were quite similar. It was with this realization of the many similarities among the thoughts of the various Indian backgrounds that the Conference closed with a Navajo chanting his prayer; however, the doors of our hearts opened to receive the spirit of this significant conference.

—MARILYN HEATON

Discussion group at the two-day conference in Window Rack, Ariz. This meeting was held in the library of the Navajo Agency office, which was made available to the Bahá’ís.

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Dedicate Canadian Temple Site At North York, Ontario

John Robarts, Hand of the Cause, in the presence of Canadian Bahá’ís from coast to coast, dedicated the site of the second Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in the North American continent.

The time of this historic event was four o’clock in the afternoon of Saturday, April 26, loss. There were more than seventy Bahá’í’s and their friends present.

The short, impressive ceremony was opened with a welcome to the Bahá’ís by Claus Liedtke of North York, on behalf of the Bahá’ís of that community where the temple land is located. He then repeated Bahá’u’lláh’s blessing: “Blessed is the spot . . .” He was followed by Lloyd Gardner of Oshawa, chairman of the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly, reading ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prayer for a House oi Worship: “O Lord, make these holy souls, who have arisen to build this temple . . .”

Mr. Robarts, during a short talk, briefly reviewed the history of the various Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in the world and of the acquisition of this site in northern Toronto. He also told how funds willed to the Canadian Bahá’í community by the late Hand of the Cause of God Siegfried Schopflocher had paid for the site.

He was followed with the reading, by National Spiritual Assembly member Allan F. Raynor, of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prayer for Canada: “Praise be to Thee, O God! Verily, these are Thy servants . . . ”

The dedication was made even more historic by the presence of several pioneer teachers from Canada and from Africa.

Court Rules Maxwell Home Entitled to Tax Exemption

On February 24, 1958, another important victory for the Faith in Canada was achieved, when judgment was rendered by the Superior Court in Montreal in favour of the National Spiritual Assembly against the City of Montreal. This was the result of an action commenced in 1955, to require the City of Montreal to recognize the Bahá’í Faith as an independent religious body and grant exemption to it from municipal taxes for the Bahá’í Shrine, as a place primarily devoted to religious worship and therefore eligible under the city's own charter and by-laws.

This house was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland Maxwell and their daughter, Rúḥíyyih Khánum, and was given to the National Spiritual Assembly in 1954. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was a visitor to this home when he came to America and Canada in 1912.

Riḍván commemoration in the Madeira Islands, 1958.

Baha’i Teaching on Abstinance From Alcoholic Beverages Restated

The Guardian’s instructions to assemblies on the matter of Bahá’ís who use alcoholic beverages were published in the Canadian Bahá’í News for February 1958, and are reprinted below:

Mr. Allen Raynor reported to the (Canadian) National Spiritual Assembly that during his pilgrimage the Guardian had told him that in connection with the Bahá’ís who use alcoholic beverages, the assemblies, although acting in a patient, kindly and loving manner toward such persons, could not tolerate a continued disregard of this law of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

The Guardian then outlined the procedure indicated below, to be followed by the Assemblies in this connection:

First—Inform such persons of the law.

Second—Exhort them to follow it.

Third—Warn them of the consequences of disobedience.

Fourth — Remove their voting rights if they continue to disobey.

Since this information did not come directly from the Guardian but rather in the form of a pilgrim’s note, the National Spiritual Assembly asked the Guardian for confirmation. The Guardian replied through his secretary:

“As regards the question of alcohol, the Guardian explained this to Mr. Raynor, and he feels that his understanding of it is quite correct. The assemblies must be wise and gentle in dealing with such cases, but at the same time must not tolerate a prolonged and flagrant disregard of the Bahá’í Teachings as regards alcohol.”

Deprived of Voting Rights

The believers are informed that Norman Powers has been deprived of his voting rights by action of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly and his name has been removed from the membership list.

Mr. Powers, whether or not he carries an identification card, is no longer to be accepted as a member of the Bahá’í community.

—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

[Page 17]

Our Summer Schools

QUEEN MARIE of Rumania described the Bahá’í Faith as “a wide embrace.” Perhaps nowhere else is this as true as in the Bahá’í summer schools. While providing ample time for pleasure and genuine recreation, the main object of the Bahá’í summer schools is serious—to afford an opportunity to draw near to God through study and through association with others, in an atmosphere of devotion.

There is much to study. The Bahá’í Writings are voluminous. Bahá’u’lláh has said that the purpose of religion in general and of His own revelation in particular is “the establishment of order in the world and of tranquillity amongst its peoples.” The Bahá’í Writings show us the means to the attainment of such order and tranquillity, today so vital to our very existence. To promote serious study is one of the primary functions of the schools.

Another function, contingent upon this but no less important, is the creation of an environment in which one can live as fully as possible the Bahá’í life, a place where one can find relief from the tensions and from the national, racial, and religious animosities with which the world afflicts us. Here we can be trained in the practice of those virtues needed for a civilization where all men can live harmoniously together and each individual can develop his highest spiritual powers.

A World-Embracing Vision

What are these virtues and how can they be demonstrated at the summer schools?

The first is a world-embracing vision, in which all prejudices, be they those of color, of nationality, or of religious background, will disappear. Students at a Bahá’í school will notice such differences in their companions only because they lend interest and variety to the whole.

A world-embracing vision is not conducive to the formation of cliques and small exclusive groups. Naturally we all make friends according to our individual tastes and we like to be with them as much as possible, but let us devote part of our time at the schools to discovering the special qualities oi those whom we do not know so well and to making all our fellow guests feel that they too are included in this wide embrace.

The Bahá’í Faith also demands in us certain other standards of individual conduct. It forbids the use of alcoholic beverages and stresses moderation, modesty, and propriety in our daily lives. The reaction in this country against a rigid and bigoted puritanism, which seemed to frown on all pleasures, brought with it an inordinate emphasis on freedom. Since the first world war, modesty in behavior and dress has been, decade by decade, redefined until it has almost been cast aside entirely as prudish and old-fashioned. But there are many people in the United States who have a feeling for modesty and good taste, and in numerous other countries some of our American customs are offensive. The Bahá’í Faith is for all the world, and in the summer schools visitors from foreign countries are frequent. They should not go away with a false idea of Bahá’í' standards of conduct.

Some of the participants at the El Salvador Summer School at Apaneca in April 1958.

The Guardian’s Standards

These standards have been clearly defined by Shoghi Effendi in The Advent of Divine Justice and are familiar to all of us. While the “chaste and holy life” we are called upon to live “can tolerate no compromise with the theories, the standards, the habits, and the excesses of a decadent age,” this does not mean that we should not have fun. Perhaps no people are gayer than a group of Bahá’ís gathered together. It means that our pleasures should have a different basis. “It must be remembered,” the Guardian says, “that the maintenance of such a high standard of moral conduct is not to be associated or confused with any form of asceticism, or of excessive and bigoted puritanism. The standard inculcated by Bahá’u’lláh seeks, under no circumstances, to deny anyone of the legitimate right and privilege to derive the fullest advantage and benefit from the manifold joys, beauties, and pleasures with which the world has been so plentifully enriched by an All-Loving Creator.”

This New Faith

This is a new faith, and some people suppose it to be very strange. The behavior of Bahá’ís is being closely observed. Outsiders look curiously at the summer schools to see what our teachings are and whether or not we live up to them. Some may even suspect us of practicing nudism and free love. To protect the Faith from misrepresentation and to enable the schools to run smoothly and in an orderly fashion, certain rules have been set up. These are not arbitrary nor unreasonable. They are aids in establishing order in the school so that the Bahá’í ideals can be put into practice.

We look forward to a new world civilization, based on a world order. Order presupposes law and the willingness of the people to obey it. Obedience to law for love of Him was the first lesson Bahá’u’lláh taught to the people when He began His mission.

[Page 18]

The rules of the summer schools have been made as few as possible. They derive their authority from the National Spiritual Assembly and compliance with them by Bahá’ís is a duty as well as an act of courtesy.

Here we are offered opportunity to attain, in an approximation of the ideal Bahá’í environment, that learning which illuminates all learning. “The Word which is uttered by God,” says Bahá’u’lláh, “shineth and flasheth as the sun amidst the books of men.” As Bahá’ís, we have the privilege of helping to create that environment and on each of us rests the responsibility of representing our faith before the world, for are we not each one of “the bearers of the name of God in this Day?”

Pioneer Devotes Sell-Sacrificing Service to Costa Rita Farmers

Guanacaste is a very primitive region in the heart of the cattle country of Costa Rica. Most of the people who live here are farmers with little plots of land or who work as farmhands on the fincas (ranches). They are sincere and simple people, but extremely poor. Nevertheless, through the deep love and great selfsacrifice on the part of a Bahá’í, many of these people are turning toward the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and are trying to adjust their lives to Bahá’í concepts.

Mrs. Esmarilda Thompson de Vega, former member of the Part Lima Bahá’í Assembly, went to Guanacaste because she wished to work among people unspoiled by civilization. Here in the town of Caflas she began her work, winning friendship of many people including an elderly man who became the first believer of that community. Then, because of some opposition from the clergy which prevented her from teaching as actively as she wished, she went out into the farm district.

It was necessary for her to walk many miles over hills, mountains, and across rivers, but through her kindness and friendliness she won the affection and active support of about thirty-six Bahá’ís, adults, and children. She has taught the children to read and write, and is presently trying to promote the establishment of a school.

Mrs. Esmarilda Thompson (right) with a group of her friends at Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Her work has been accomplished only through self-sacrifice. It is often hard and unpleasant. Sometimes her path among the distant farms is beset with venomous serpents, but she treads it fearlessly. Her reward has been the trusting response on the part of the people. This has made her heart happy, her task bearable.

Esmarilda is a member of the Negro race, and her warmhearted kindness and hospitality have attracted all people to her. She inspires confidence in them. In addition to the many practical things she has taught them, she has gladdened their hearts by singing for them and teaching them to sing English songs. Bahá’í teachers who have helped her in her work are Mr. Dhikrullah Khádem, revered Hand of the Cause; William de Forge, Auxiliary Board Member; Salomón Escalante, Jose Basquero, and Rosy Vodanovíc, Chilean pioneer.

The Costa Rican Teaching Committee writes: “Would to God that more people like this pioneer would be found to carry on with devotion the banner of Bahá’u’lláh to these thirsty and spiritually needy people.”

The Teaching Committee is working to instruct these new friends in the Bahá’í way of life and in Administration. One local spiritual assembly is being formed this Riḍván, although it will be very difficult for the various members to meet regularly, as many are hard-working people and there is no means of communication or transportation between the farms.

In the heart of this pioneer there must echo these words of the Master: “Oh, how I long that it could be made possible for me to travel through these parts, even if necessary on foot, and with the utmost poverty, and while passing through the cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, cry at the top of my voice ‘Ya’-Bahá’ul-Abhá’ and promote the divine teachings. But now this is not feasible for me; . . . perchance, God willing, ye may become assisted therein.”

Baha’i Youth Activities Attract Students in Three Cities

Bahá’í youth in Nashville, Tenn.; Phoenix, Ariz., and Albuquerque, N. Mex., have interested university students in these cities in the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith through public meetings and campus activities in recent months. Reports on their activities follow.

Tennessee Valley Area Bahá’í Youth Conference

The first Tennessee Valley Area Bahá’í Youth conference was held on March 8 and 9, 1958, in Nashville, Tenn., and was convened by the Nashville Bahá’í Youth Committee.

When the National Bahá’í Youth Committee first suggested this youth conference there was much uncertainty on the part of the local committee as to the feasibility and desirability of such a conference. There were few youth in the area. and there was no clear idea as to what should be the subjects of consultation or how the various aspects of the planning should be carried out, but once the decision was made to hold it, the plans began to crystallize.

The National Bahá’í Youth Committee furnished the local committee with a list of names and addresses of all youth in the area. They also furnished the Nashville committee with an agenda complete enough to serve as a definite basis for the conference and flexible enough to allow for creativity on the part of the local committee. It became the working basis for the local plans.

Through the efforts of the local committee, Dr. Lambert Case of St. Louis, Mo., an outstanding Bahá’í teacher, was secured as a speaker for a fireside to be held Saturday night, March 8, as part of the conference. Dr. Case agreed also to deliver a public lecture on “World Faith” on March 9, at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Arrange[Page 19] ments for this meeting were made by one of the members of the Nashville Youth Committee who is a student at Vanderbilt.

Informal discussion group at the first Tennessee Valley Area Bahá’í Youth Conference in Nashville on March 8-9, 1958.

Letters announcing the conference were sent to all Bahá’í youth in the area, Negro and white, enclosing a mimeographed copy of the planned program. Though intended for Bahá’ís only, several contacts from Birmingham, Ala., accompanied several of the Bahá’í youth to the conference to attend the Saturday fireside.

As the plans gathered momentum, it seemed as if definite spiritual forces were released, Publicity on Dr. Case’s Sunday public lecture was the most extensive ever received on the Vanderbilt University campus. Many posters and mimeographed handbills were displayed at Vanderbilt University, A & I State College (Negro) and Fisk University (Negro).

The conference itself was convened at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday with prayer and meditation, followed by the reading of a letter from Horace Holley, Hand of the Cause, written especially to the youth at this conference. Mr. Holley’s provocative letter triggered a discussion on the interpretation of the role of the Bahá’í youth in this momentous period in the world’s history. Later discussions centered on teaching work among youth in college and high school with emphasis on the spiritual prerequisites for teaching. Dr. Case’s contributions on prayer and meditation wete most valuable.

As the conference was held dur ing the period of the Fast, the time normally taken for lunch was spent in a “guided” tour of the Nashville area.

In connection with the discussion of teaching work, two non-Bahá’í books, especially valuable for teaching work, were reviewed for those present at the conference. Bill Hatcher reviewed Arnold Toynbee’s Christianity Among the Religions of the World and Tom Thompson reviewed Nels Ferre’s The Sun and the Umbrella. These reviews stressed both the utility and the shortcomings of these books.

The high point of the conference was the fireside meeting on Saturday evening attended by about twenty youth contacts, Negro and white. The total number present was about forty-five, and this was the first contact with the Faith for many of them. The value of having a group of Bahá’í youth to teach a gathering of non-Bahá’ís was fully demonstrated, and the spirit which pervaded the meeting was one of unity and love.

The public lecture by Dr. Case the following morning attracted about seventy-five people, mostly youth. So far as could be determined, it is the first interracial meeting ever held on the Vanderbilt University campus.

The Sunday afternoon session of the conference was highlighted by a report on teaching activities in the Cape Verde Islands by Bahá’í pioneer Howard Menking.

The Nashville community, as well as the youth who attended, are still reaping spiritual benefits from the conference. The joy of Bahá’í fellowship, which cannot fail to awaken new levels of experience in the individual soul, the illumination of the mind through consultation and study, and the invaluable witness to contacts of the spirit of the Bahá’í youth—all of these things make a Bahá’í youth conference a unique joy whose deeper meaning can be understood only as the glorious foreshadowing of that Golden Age of Bahá’u’lláh which the fruits of our labors must inevitably bring.

Arizona State University Conference

The Bahá’í Faith was represented by several participants at a recent Youth Conference on Human Relations held on the campus of Arizona State University. Alton Thomas and Mrs. Nancy Phillips of Phoenix served as resource persons for discussion groups and Mr. Thomas was keynote speaker for the conference which attracted 250 students from nineteen Arizona high schools. Bob Phillips and Donna Baumann, Phoenix Bahá’í youth, served as chairmen for two planning committees. The day-long conference under the sponsorship of the National Conference of Christians and Jews was opened with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s “Prayer for All Nations” read by Donna.

Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Phillips will serve as advisors at “Anytown, U.S.A.,” a week-long human relations workshop for youth to be held in a mountain camp near Prescott, Ariz., in early June. Donna Baumann and Bob Phillips were among the young people selected to attend last year. Donna will attend this year as a counsellor. “Anytown” is sponsored by the YMCA, YWCA, Phoenix Urban League, National Conference of Christians and Jews, and other civic organizations. It strives to provide an ideal setting for youth selected for their leadership qualities to develop greater understanding of family, religious, and racial relationships.

Student Bahá’í Association at University of New Mexico

At the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, the University Student Bahá’í Association has been established and in operation since the beginning of the present semester. For some time it had been unable to be established due to the lack of any student on the campus; however, this year several new enrollments[Page 20] in the Faith of university level students have made the association possible. One interesting fact is that of the club’s approximate membership of twelve or thirteen, more than half are non-Bahá’ís; the Bahá’í group being made up of three students and three non-students. Since its inception it has been quite active, meeting every Friday evening and attracting non-Bahá’í members with practically every meeting.

As far as activities are concerned, several specific things have been carried out or are in the process of being carried out. Besides the regular meetings and discussions, a program was voted into being in which the various religions of the world will be discussed by members and by guest speakers when necessary or desirable. Then, it is possible that the club will end the series with a public symposium on the same subject.

Frank Evans, a newly enrolled Bahá’í, gave a very fine talk at the Methodist College group in answer to an invitation of theirs to speak on the Faith. The Methodist students became so interested in the discussion of the Faith that they remained long after the meeting was scheduled to end and invited Frank to return another night the same week. Again he spoke on the Faith and again they were enthusiastic.

In another activity, the Student Association sponsored the Winston Evans public meeting held on the campus. With the growing enrollment, a non-Bahá’í member was elected to represent the Bahá’í Student Association on the Student Senate.

Also, in spite of some social pressure which forced one member to resign, and such acts as the defacing and removing of the Bahá’í posters, a liaison was appointed to accept the invitation to participate in the Student Religious Association's activities. All in all, the work has proceeded with unusual success and a promise of better things to come.

Ontario Summer Conference To Be Held in August

An Ontario Bahá’í Summer Conference will be held from August 2-9, 1958, at the Geneva Park YMCA Camp on Lake Couchiching. Courses will include “The Ten-Year Crusade,” “Bahá’í in a ChristianWorld.” and “Sources of Hidden Power.”

For reservations and further information please write to: Miss Jean Smith, 213 Geneva Street, St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada.

Study Guide for Membership Prepared by Youth Committee

The National Bahá’í Youth Committee has prepared a study guide for youth or adults wishing to have a firm basis of study in preparation for membership in the Bahá’í Community.

The youth study guide covers all of the essential aspects of the Faith, and will also be of great assistance

National Bahá’í Addresses

Please Address Mail Correctly!

National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters:

536 Sheridan Road, Wilniette, Illinois.

National Treasurer:

112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.

Make Checks Payable to: National Bahá’í Fund

Bahá’í Publishing Trust:

110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.

Bahá’í News:

Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois

Subscription and change of address: 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois

for declared believers, youth or adult, who wish to deepen their understanding of the Teachings and Administrative Order. It can guide the serious student to proper references to understand his responsibilities to the Faith.

The outline consists of four pages divided into five main topics; 1. History of the Faith. II. Stations of the Three Key Figures in the Faith. Ill. Bahá’í Administration. IV. Basic Teachings. V. Obligations and Privileges of Bahá’í Membership.

The Bahá’í Youth Study Guide is available on request from the secretary of the National Bahá’í Youth Committee, Mrs. Helen Hauck, 716 S. 5th Avenue, St. Charles, Illinois. Please send your requests to the National Bahá’í Youth Committee only.

FEASTS

June 5 — Núr (Light)

June 24 — Raḥmat (Mercy)

HOLY DAY

July 9 — Martyrdom of the Báb

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS

June 13, 14, 15

Visting Hours

Weekdays

10:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. (Entire building)

7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. (Auditorium only)

Sundays and Holidays

10:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Entire building)

5:00 P.M. to 9 P.M. (Auditorium only)

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 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