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No. 338

BAHA’I YEAR 116

APRIL, 1959

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The Festival of the All - Mercyful

ARISE, and proclaim unto the entire creation the tidings that He Who is the All-Merciful hath directed His steps towards the Riḍván and entered it. Guide, then, the people unto the garden of delight which God hath made the Throne of His Paradise. We have chosen thee to be our most mighty Trumpet, whose blast is to signalize the resurrection of all mankind.

Say: This is the Paradise on whose foliage the wine of utterance hath imprinted the testimony: “He that was hidden from the eyes of men is revealed, girded with sovereignty and power!” This is the Paradise, the rustling of whose leaves proclaims: “O ye that inhabit the heavens and the earth! There hath appeared what hath never previously appeared. He Who, from everlasting, had concealed His Face from the sight of creation is now come.” From the whispering breeze that wafteth amidst its branches there cometh the cry: “He Who is the sovereign Lord of all is made manifest. The Kingdom is God’s,” while from its streaming waters can be heard the murmur: “All eyes are gladdened, for He Whom none hath beheld, Whose secret no one hath discovered, hath lifted the veil of glory, and uncovered the countenance of Beauty.”

Within this paradise, and from the heights of its loftiest chambers, the Maids of Heaven have cried out and shouted: “Rejoice, ye dwellers of the realms above, for the fingers of Him Who is the Ancient of Days are ringing, in the name of the All-Glorious, the Most Great Bell, in the midmost heart of the heavens. The hands of bounty have home round the cup of everlasting life. Approach, and quad your fill, Drink with healthy relish, O ye that are the very incarnations of longing, ye who are the embodiments of vehement desire.”

This is the Day whereon He Who is the Revealer of the names of God hath stepped out of the Tabernacle of glory, and proclaimed unto all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth: “Put away the cups of Paradise and all the life-giving waters they contain, for lo, the people of Bahá have entered the blissful abode of the Divine Presence, and quaffed the wine of reunion, from the chalice of the beauty of their Lord, the All-Possessing, the Most High.”

—Gleanings, p. 31-32

The garden and house of Ridá Big in Adrianople, where Bahá’u’lláh lived for about one year. During Bahá’u’lláh’s stay in Adrianople, from December 12, 1863, to August 12, 1868, many of His Letters to the King: were revealed, and it was during this period that He suffered most cruelly from the open rebellion of Mirzá Yaḥyá.

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Distinguished Foreign Officials Visit Bahá’í House of Worship

By special appointment made by the United States Department of State, a group of ten members of the Senate and House of Deputies of Argentina, with three of our own government officials, visited the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette on February 28. Great interest was shown both in the Temple and the exhibits, and many questions were asked about all aspects of the Faith.

Another special visitor, on March 4, was The Honorable Dwarka Nath Chatterjee, Political Minister of India, recently arrived at the Indian Embassy in Washington. Mr. Chatterjee also asked many questions, and was particularly interested to hear about the strength and activities of the Faith in India.

He was accompanied by James P. Ince, organizing chairman of the third annual session of Evanston, Ill., Inside UN, in which the Bahá’ís of Evanston and neighboring commimities are participating both as one of the sponsoring organizations and members of one of the delegations in the general assembly. Mr. Chatterjee was the principal speaker at the first plenary session of the organization.

Hand of the Cause Dr. Giachery Visits Greater Antilles

Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery, who has been on a tour of Latin America and the Greater Antilles, arrived in Ciudad Trujillo, Dominican Republic, on January 30, 1959, from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

He was met on his arrival by the chairman and acting secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Greater Antilles, W. A. W. Mitchell; by Mrs. Sheila Rice-Wray, the national treasurer; and by Rafael Benzan, chairman of the Local Spiritual Assembly of

National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of the Bahá’ís of the United States, facing the House of Worship across Sheridan Road in Wilmette, Ill.

Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery (center), with Randolph Fitz-Henley and W. A. W. Mitchell, recording secretary and secretary, respectively, of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Greater Antilles, at the public meeting held in Lecture Hall of the Institute of Jamaica at Kingston on February 7.

Ciudad Trujillo.

On his first night there, Dr. Giachery showed his slides of the Bahá’í Shrines and other buildings on Mt. Carmel and of ‘Akká, and then addressed the believers.

A visit to the editorial offices of the newspaper El Caribe by Dr. Giachery and Mr. Mitchell resulted in an excellent article and photograph on the purpose of Dr. Giachery’s tour of the Greater Antilles, and of the spread of the Faith throughout the world.

February 1 he visited Santiago, about 140 miles away. Two meetings were held, one with the entire community and the other for the showing of the slides of the Holy Land, and then returned to Ciudad Trujillo for another meeting with that community.

Dr. Giachery, accompanied by the national assembly chairman and treasurer, left by airplane on February 2 for Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where a meeting of the assembly was held for two days. He addressed a public meeting on the first night, and showed the Holy Land slides on the second night. Both meetings were well attended by believers and their friends.

On February 5 Dr. Giachery and Mr. Mitchell left for Jamaica, and that evening he spoke to the Bahá’í children of Kingston, and afterward the adult believers.

The next day he spoke at a public meeting in the Lecture Hall at the Institute of Jamaica, and on February 7 he joined the Kingston Bahá’ís in celebrating the Feast of Dominion. He later showed them his colored slides.

Cuba was the next stop on his tour, where he visited the communities of Havana and Marianao from February 8 to 11.

Dr. Giachery returned to Kingston on February 11, and continued on his trip to Latin America.

Endowment in Vientiane Purchased

A piece of land measuring 1000 square meters in area has been purchased in Vientiane, Laos, by the pioneer there, Dr. H. Taeed, and donated to the Local Spiritual Assembly.

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Baha’i United Nations Observers Attend Economic Commission in Ethiopia

The three Bahá’í observers at the UN Economic Commission for Africa: Ali Nakjavani, Gila M. Bahta, and Charles B. Hussan.

Hall of the Parliament Building in Addis Abba, Ethiopia, where the UN Economic Commission for Africa, was held.

Thanks to the unremitting efforts of the United Nations Committee of the American National Assembly, the International Bahá’í Community was granted permission to send three official observers to the first session of the Economic Commission for Africa held from December 29, 1958, to January 6, 1959, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Gila Bahta and Charles Hassan of Addis Ababa, and Ali Nakhjavani (substituting for Philip Hainsworth, appointed observer unable to attend) of Kampala, were the accredited Bahá’í representatives at this important Commission called by the United National Economic and Social Council for the purpose of consulting upon effective means of extending economic aid to the countries and territories of Africa.

Although the Bahá’í observers had no consultative capacity at the Commission, the fact that they had been granted official status as observers provided them with the invaluable opportunity of meeting and discussing the affairs of the commission and of introducing the Faith to the representatives of many governments and non-governmental organizations present in this way, it has been possible for the first time in Africa to reinforce the ties of the binding of the Bahá’í World Community to the United Nations, one of the goals of the Ten-Year Plan.

Not only was the United Nations Economic and Social Council contacted by the American Bahá’í United Nations Committee, but the Bahá’í observers in Addis Abaha succeeded in meeting and discussing the Faith with representatives to the Commission from Belgium, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Morocco, Sudan, Britain, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Kenya, Zanzibar, Tanganyika, Uganda, China, Israel, Japan, Holland. and the United States. In a number of cases they found that the members of the Commission already knew of the Faith, had met[Page 4] Bahá’ís, and that the representatives from America and Britain had actually helped personally when their governments had protested to the Persian Government about the recent persecution of the Persian Bahá’ís. A short message of good wishes in writing was sent by the Bahá’í observers to all the delegates. Many verbal acknowledgments and expressions of acknowlegment were received. The Bahá’í representatives attended two official functions held in honor of the Commission. One was at the Palace of His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie I, where Ali Nakhjavání was presented to the Emperor. The second was a party given by the Lord Mayor of Adis Ababa. The next session of the Economic Conference for Africa will be held in 1960 in Tangier, Morocco, to which it is hoped Bahá’í observers will also be sent.

—BAHÁ’Í Gazette OF CENTRAL EAST AFRICA

Thirteen Language Translation Goals, Eight Others Achieved by Australia

One of the remaining two language translation goals of the Ten—Year Crusade for Australia has been achieved with a translation of Bahá’í literature into Aneityum, the Australian National Spiritual Assembly has announced.

or the fourteen language translations assigned to Australia, only Bentuni remains unachieved. Assistance from pioneers west of the area of Steenkool, in the far western Netherlands New Guinea, where this language is spoken, has been sought, but a translator has not been found.

However, there have been eight extra language translations attained beside the goal assignments. The Bogotu translation, achieved by the Solomon Island community this year, was placed on the Guardian’s map of crusade achievements just before his passing.

Two items of literature have been published in Tongan, an introductory pamphlet and a small prayer book. In the process of publication is a book of selections from Some Answered Questions, and almost ready for printing is a pamphlet on the Bahá’í teachings on immortality.

Regional Teaching Conference held at Lyons, France, in November 1958.

Group of Bahá’í's attending the nineteenth New Zealand Summer School held at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Auckland on January 1-9, 1959.

In view of the fact that Tongans are all literate, and the Bible is the only book that has been translated into Tongan, the publication and distribution of Bahá’í literature in the Tongan language becomes a most important means for spreading the Faith there.

Following is a complete list of Australian goal language translations:

Goal Translations

Aneityum — New Hebrides Is. — Translated.

Bentuni — Dutch New Guinea — Unable to locate translator.

Binandere — New Guinea — Translated and printed.

Houailou _ New Caledonia — Translated.

Lifu _ — Loyalty Is. — Translated and Printed.

Kusaie — Caroline Is. —Translated and Printed.

Manus — Admiralty is. — Translated and Printed.

Marquesas — Marquesas Is. — Translated and awaiting correction of errors.

Mwala — Solomon Is. — Translated and Printed.

Petats — Solomon Is. — Translated and Printed.

Nuie — Nuie Is. Cook Is. — Translated and Printed.

Mentawai — Mentawai Is. — Translated and Printed.

Samoan — Samoa Is. — Translated and Printed.

Tongan — Tones Is. — Translated and Printed.

Extra Translations

Roviana — Solomon Is. — Translated and Printed.

Tahitian — Society Is. — Translated and Printed.

Tetum — Portuguese Timor — Translated and Printed.

Fijian — Fiji Is. — Translated and Printed.

Pidgin

English — Bismarck

Archipelago — Translated and Printed.

Bogotu — Soolomon Is. — Translated only.

Mare — Loyalty Is. _ Translated only.

Torau — Solomon Is. — Translated and Printed.

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Nineteenth New Zealand Summer School Attended by Many Bahá’ís and Friends

The nineteenth Bahá’í Summer School of New Zealand was held at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Auckland on January 1-9, 1959.

There were two morning sessions, at which a variety of Bahá’í subjects were discussed. On two occasions outside speakers gave talks during the evening sessions. Mr. Blakely, a Bahá’í pioneer from Tonga Island, showed slides of Tonga, and others of interest were also shown. The Youth Group entertained the friends on the last evening.

Altogether sixty-five Bahá’ís and their friends attended the school.

Unity Day was held on January 3, when all were guests at lunch and an afternoon tea. After luncheon the friends assembled to hear a talk on some aspects of unity by Mrs. Blakely.

Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone was in New Zealand during the sessions and spent some time at the school, although he was engaged consulting with the Maori Teaching Committee.

Alaska Assembly Sponsors Four Conferences to Consult on Message from Hands of Cause

The Alaskan National Spiritual Assembly sponsored four conferences in January to consult on the November 30 message from the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land. The essential purpose of the meetings was to consult on the unaccomplished goals of the Ten-Year Crusade and the position of the individual believer in relation to them.

The conference in the Fairbanks-Tanana Valley area, with Mrs. Kathryn Alio in charge, stressed the meaning of sacrifice and the true meaning of the privilege of giving. It was pointed out that sacrifice is not made up of surplus funds and energy, but rather needed funds and energy.

The Anchorage-Spenard conference, with Richard Mereness as chairman, attracted Bahá’ís from Bethel, Seward, and the Matanuska Valley. Earnest consultation was held on the “staggering responsibilities and blessed privileges" facing each individual believer as pointed out in the Hands’ message. Reference was made to the Guardian’s words in Bahá’í Administration, p. 57, wherein he states that only to the extent “to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth” the eternal principles of Bahá’u’lláh will the Cause be triumphant.

Robert Moul represented the National Assembly at conferences at Ketchikan and Juneau. The Ketchikan conference traced the progress of the Faith during the past five and a half years, emphasizing this year as the crucial turning point. The needs of the National Fund were also stressed.

In Juneau, the entire membership of the Juneau, Auke Bay, and Douglas communities convened. The discussion was spirited, each person present taking part.

Increasing Number of U. S. Communities Hold Human Rights Day Observances====

A complete report on American Bahá’í observances of the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1958, has been received from the U.S. United Nations Committee, supplementing the reports published in the February issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

Twenty-six communities reported their observances to this committee. Most meetings were well-attended. and excellent publicity was received. It is apparent that an increasing number of Bahá’í communities are finding cooperation with the United Nations in observing this and other special occasions not only demonstrates our sympathy with their efforts, but also provides excellent opportunities to make contacts and to exemplify the Bahá’í principles.

New Zealand Temple site, comprising 41/4 acres, on Redoubt Rood ten miles southeast of Auckland. The area is elevated, and opens out from a frontage of 100 feet, dominating the scene for many miles.

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Ezeiza and Mogadiscio Hold Annual Summer Schools

Bahá’ís of Ezeiza, Argentina, and Mogadiscio, Somaliland, again held their annual Bahá’í Summer Schools, and have reported good attendance in a spiritual atmosphere of study and deepening in the Faith.

The Ezeiza International Summer School was held on February 7-15, 1959, with Bahá’ís attending from Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay; there were also interested contacts present. Among the courses were God Passes By, Christ and Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, and Bahá’í Administrations.

There were many hours of study and consultation on related topics, including the messages from the Hands of the Cause. All classes were held outdoors under the spreading trees, and there was apparent a sense of deepening together in the realities of the Faith.

On February 9 a group of nineteen students went to the grave of May Maxwell in Quilmés Cemetery, where a commemorative service was held, recalling “the first martyr to rest in the Western Hemisphere, the starservant of Bahá’u’lláh, and beloved handmaiden of the Center of the Covenant.” An article on this event was later submitted to the British newspaper in Buenos Aires, the Standard, to call attention to this historic site in Argentina.

The theme of the fourth annual Mogadiscio Summer School was a quotation from Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet to the Sháh of Persia referring to the unconquerable power of the Faith of God, and man’s duty to become an instrument of God’s Will. The talks on history, Bahá’í teachings, and administration were given from this viewpoint.

It was a united, happy school, and showed signs of greater maturity. Everyone was happy to have Iraj Yeganeh present, not only for himself, but Because it seemed that in some ways he filled the absence of Cyrus Samandari, who had attended all previous schools.

International Bahá’í Summer School held at Ezeiza, Argentina, on February 7-15, 1959.

Gratitude to the beloved Guardian was expressed and felt by all, as it was through his wonderful letter of encouragement after the first summer school that the Mogadiscio Bahá’ís found the stimulus to hold the school annually, even when the chances for success had not seemed bright.

British NSA Invites London Visitors to Assist in Teaching Work

The National Spiritual Assembly of the British isles extends an invitation to believers who go to London in order to visit the Guardian’s last resting place, to arrange if possible to spend a few additional days in London assisting in the teaching work. Believers able to do so are requested to notify the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles the dates they can devote to teaching so that meetings can be arranged.

The address of the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles is: Mr. John Ferraby, 27 Rutland Gate, London S. W. 7, England.

Brotherhood Theme Presented to the White House

Through the Bahá’í Group of Athens, Ohio, the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. received a copy of the material prepared by the Campus Religious Council of Ohio State University during Brotherhood Week, including the agreement to use the phrase:—“Say: All are created by God,” as making for the lessening of racial, religious and national tensions. This phrase was chosen after consideration of the University President’s challenge to find a moral equivalent of the atomic bomb.

The Athens Bahá’ís proposed to submit this phrase to President Eisenhower for use as a message to be beamed to the world by the satellite launched during the Christmas season.

The National Assembly approved this plan, but since contacts with heads of governments can only be made by the National Assembly itself, a covering letter was written and the material presented at the White House.

Through Frederick Fox, special assistant in the White House, a letter was written to the National Assembly on February 6 expressing thanks for the Ohio State University material on Brotherhood Week, enclosing copy of letter written by Mr. Fox to the President of Ohio State University Campus Religious Council, and also a copy of President Eisenhower’s message prepared for National Brotherhood Week.

Kenya Holds Teacher Training School

The first seven-day school in Kenya was held under the auspices of the Regional Teacher Training Committee at Namwela Market near Kimilili in western Kenya, from December 28 to January 4. Regular classes were conducted by Irene Bennett of Nairobi on administration; Mary Collison on Bahá’í History; and Rex Collison on Bahá’í laws and social teachings. Many written tests were given and prizes awarded for exemplary work.

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Visit to Pipil Indian Village in El Salvador Highlights Central American International Summer School Sessions

Central America Summer School held at Lake Coatepeque, El Salvador.

FOURTEEN Central American pioneers from Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, British Honduras, and El Salvador united during their vacations in a most inspiring four-day International Summer School. sponsored by the Central American Teaching Committee, held at the Hotel del Lago at Lake Coatepeque, El Salvador.

The school was divided into classes on two themes: “Teaching in the World Crusade,” with eight separate subjects discussed, and “Standards of Bahá’í Life,” with three topics.

An invitation was extended to anyone who wished to share in the early devotions on the lakefront at six o’clock in the cold dawn. Everyone participated, every morning! The spiritual power was tremendous, forming a beautiful base for each day’s work in the study classes and consultation.

The closing session brought deeply inspiring anecdotes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and accounts by Edith McLaren and Louise Caswell of their trips to visit the Guardian in Haifa.

The school was an experience rich in all its aspects; the spiritual sustenance was profound, and the great joy of sharing in study preparation for forming the national assemblies cannot be overstated.

Visit to Pipil Indian Village

One of the Outstanding activities of the school was a visit to the Pipil Indian village of Izalco, about two hours travel from Lake Coatepeque.

After the arrival or the visiting Bahá’ís by chartered bus, the Indian friends gathered at the Bahá’í Center. They recognized instantly the sincerity in the love extended to them, and gave. in return, unstintingly of their friendliness. All of the visiting Bahá’ís were presented, and each said a few loving words while the cacique (chief) responded with a warm welcome.

A happy note was furnished by one of the most promising Bahá contacts in Santa Ana, Ramon Turush, who is a nephew of the cacique, Don Félix. He has been educated as a teacher and musician, and has the Indian gift of spiritual perception.

He had made several trips to Izalco with the Bahá’ís, and gladly accepted when asked to say a few words to his own people in this humble village. To the compete surprise and great delight of the Bahá’ís present, he not only extended loving words, but launched immediately into a most enthusiastic and deeply sincere statement of his admiration for the Bahá’í teachings and for the Bahá’ís themselves. His words had a powerful simplicity.

Then the Teachings were mentioned directly to the Indian friends for the first time by Artemus Lamb. His few words were simple. sincere, and powerful, terminating with brief quotations from the Guardian on the place the Indian has in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. His words were received with an intent interest.

Don Félix had brought his Indian marimba band, and they added gaiety with their lovely music. The musical prog am also included songs by some of the visiting Bahá’ís. All the while many other Izalceños were outside, looking through the windows and doors, charmed by the gaiety and loving companionship expressed.

It was a tremendous experience for everyone, and it was difficult not to weep for joy. All hearts were very full, and all were reluctant to say goodbye. The waiting friends who could not come in were promised that the Bahá’ís would return soon, and would arrange a program for everyone.

A street scene in the Pipil Indian village of Izalco, El Sulvadm, which was visited by Bahá’ís from the Inter7ultimtalS1tmme'’r School at Lake Coatepeque.

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First Bahá’í Winter School of Egypt Held in Cairo

The Bahá’ís of Egypt had the privilege of holding their first Bahá’í Winter School at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Cairo on January 29 to February 4, 1959.

Morning sessions were assigned for study of the following subjects: “History of the Bahá’í Faith,” “Bahá’í Laws,” “Teaching the Faith,” “The Unfoldment of Divine Civilization,” “The Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh,“ and “The Bahá’í Community.”

Evenings were spent in a period of general discussion of Bahá’í subjects, and in social entertainment.

A farewell party was given on the last evening, when the importance of the Bahá’í school was emphasized. It was reiterated that the Guardian attached great importance to these Bahá’í institutions, and that with the establishment of the first Bahá’í winter school in Egypt the confirmations of the Blessed Beauty would assist the Bahá’í community to render greater service to the goals prescribed by the Guardian under the Ten-Year Crusade.

With a new consecration to the love of the beloved Guardian, the Tablet of Ahmad was chanted at this meeting, praying for the members of the community to arise with a new determination in the service of the Faith.

Nine German and Austrian Cities Observe World Religion Day

Eight cities in Germany and one in Austria celebrated World Religion Day this year, with all reporting that the meetings were especially successful and well-attended by the public.

Speakers at all of the German meetings spoke on a theme taken from the Book of Isaiah: “The Fruit of Justice Will Be Peace.” Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Hannover, Karlsruhe, Nurnberg, Cologne, Freiburg, and Munich participated in this observance.

The Vienna, Austria, meeting presented Jewish, Buddhist, Protestant, Old-Catholic, Liberal-Catholic, Moslem, and Bahá’í speakers, all stressing the belief that love and justice must be the cornerstone of all religious effort.

Native Chief is Host to First Bahá’í Summer School in Samoa

The first Bahá’í Summer School in the Samoan Islands was held at Siumu, Upolu, on December 25-28, 1958. Arrangements were made by the Local Spiritual Assembly of Apia. Mrs. Lilian Ala’i, the assembly secretary, has submitted the following report on this historic school:

On the morning of December 25 the truck which had been hired for transportation went from village to village picking up friends and equipment until at last, overflowing, it turned down the cross-island road to Siumu, to the accompaniment of songs, laughter, and the music of ukuleles. Siumu was reached around mid

First Bahá’í Winter School held at Cairo, Egypt, on January 29 to February 4, 1959.

day after three flat tires, and there we were greeted by Chief Atanoa, who had kindly placed his two-story home and two additional fales at our disposal. His home was beautifully decorated in our honor, and the assistance and kindness he showered upon us during our stay at Siumu greatly added to the success of the school.

Before the opening of the school the Bahá’í men attended a welcome kava ceremony given by Chief Atanoa and other chiefs of the village, while the ladies prepared food to be shared by all. The remainder of the afternoon was given over to settling in and making arrangements for cooking and bathing, etc. The school was opened by devotions in the evening, which was followed by an explanation of the purpose of the summer school, the outlining of the program and the setting up of rosters for devotions, cooking, etc., for the next day.

Adult classes discussed the formation, duties, and powers of an assembly, brief discussions on national assemblies and the Universal House of Justice, the Suva Convention in Riḍván 1959, and the method of the election of delegates and their duties. This also led on to the Samoan Two-Year Plan and the determination of the accomplishment of additional assemblies in the Samoan Islands. All sessions were followed by question and answer periods. Chief Atanoa attended several of the sessions and asked leading questions about the Faith and its principles. Although the program provided for leisure hours, these seemed to become discussion periods with contacts who asked questions on the Bible and received the Bahá’í answers thereto.

As twelve Bahá’í children attended the School, special morning and afternoon classes were arranged for them covering God and His Messengers, Bahá’í prayers and songs, and the Bahá’í Child’s A.B.C.

On the day of our departure Chief Atanoa presented the school with a roast pig, and we in turn gave a feast for him and his family and some other village chiefs, during which we thanked Chief Atanoa for all that he had done for us.

This was our first Summer School. Thirty-four people, including twelve children, had attended, and it was unanimously agreed that it had been a joyous and instructive occasion. Its success was due to the wholehearted cooperation and unity of the friends. From it we have gained much experience and closer bonds with one another.

[Page 9]

Brotherhood Week public meeting held at Baton Rouge, La.,, with Mrs. Florence Mayberry, member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause as the speaker.

Many Groups Hear Auxiliary Board Member During Brotherhood Week at Baton Rouge

The scheduled visit of Mrs. Florence V. Mayberry, member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause, to Baton Rouge, La., coincided with Brotherhood Week, and the Bahá’ís made a special effort to publicize the Bahá’í teachings on the oneness of mankind.

George B. Galink.in, correspondent of the group, reported that on the very day the public meeting was announced in the local press as a “Brotherhood Day Program” sponsored by the Bahá’ís, the same newspapers carried a statement by the District Attorney that “racially integrated gatherings such as meetings held recently by the American Friends Service Committee do not violate Louisiana law because they qualify as ‘religious functions.’ ” This article concerned a religious institute sponsored by the American Friends, and gave the address which was also the address of the meeting announced by the Bahá’ís. After defining the segregation laws, the District Attorney quoted the following from the applicable statute: “None of the provisions of this apply to religious gatherings, services or functions.”

As a result of this unexpected publicity, the Bahá’í meeting was the largest ever held in Baton Rouge, with twenty-eight persons attending, sixteen of whom were not Bahá’ís, nine of them being Negroes. Of these nine five came from the newspaper announcemerit.

The day following the public meeting, Mrs. Mayberry addressed two classes of students at Southern University (Negro), one of seventy-one students and the other thirty-two. This was the first time a Bahá’í had ever spoken at this university. A Negro contact had obtained the invitation for Mrs. Mayberry to speak through the Dean of the School of Sociology, who later expressed his desire to study the Bahá’í Faith.

On the preceding Friday Mrs. Mayberry spoke to the Hillel (Jewish) Foundation at Louisiana State University. This was the first time that a Bahá’í had spoken on this campus also. Fifteen Jewish students were present. The program was scheduled to last one hour, but the students asked questions for an additional hour and a half.

Following this meeting a student from Pan-American House (South American students) asked if they could have a Bahá’í speaker during Religious Emphasis Week; one student of journalism offered his services to the Bahá’ís regarding future publicity, and three non-Bahá’í students and two Negro contacts attended a follow-up fireside.

Besides meetings with Bahá s and with contacts, Mrs. Mayberry also spoke on the Negro radio station and made a tape recording which was played a few days later on another station.

Since Baton Rouge is a goal city, this eventful week has done much to encourage and aid the local Bahá’ís towards the early achievement of their aims.

Mauritius Island Forms Eight Assemblies in Four Years, Expects More This Ridván

When she responded to the Guardian’s appeal at the outside of the Ten-Year Crusade, set forth at the Chicago Intercontinental Conference in 1953, Ottilie Rhein knew that she was destined for the far-off island of Mauritius. Searching in vain for information about her goal, she had to fall back on the encyclopedia, which gave her only a summary sketch. Although she was German by birth, and had lived in America for many years, the Bahá’í Faith called her to the tropics!

East of Madagascar, in the blue waters of the southern sea, the island of Mauritius, called “the star and key of the Indian Ocean,” was the place where this miracle was to be performed.

Ottilie Rhein arrived there in December 1954, lived first at the Park Hotel, and then at the Residence Club of Phoenix. A month later she settled at Belle Rose, which would be, henceforth, a center of attraction for interested friends that would soon become the first adherents to the Cause.

At this crossroad of races, where mingle streams of people from China, India, Africa, and Europe, and where each guards jealously its traditions, customs, and manners, Mauritius lends itself with difficulty to a religion that would fuse, into a homogeneous whole, the qualities that two centuries of everyday intermingling had not succeeded in uniting. The task proved to be arduous, but the faith and indomitable courage of a woman were about to triumph over the obstacles erected by the ignorance and selfishness of mankind.

A Persian, Mr. Shayani, who was passing through Mauritius, was fluent in French, a language better understood by the Mauritians, and gave her great assistance.

Pioneers who were neighbors on Réunion Island, Leland and Opal Jensen, finding themselves refused an extension of their permit to remain there, came to lend a helping hand The ways of God are mysterious! After the trials they had suffered on this sister island, they expended themselves with additional ardor.

The results were not long in coining. Riḍván 1956 saw the formation of three Bahá’í assemblies: Port Louis, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, and Belle Rose. No one can measure at this time what their precious cooperation had brought. Let us say simply that their names will ever be associated with the history of the Faith on[Page 10] Mauritius, for their counsel, their solicitude, and all they have endured for us are to this day a source of inexhaustible inspiration.

Naw-Rúz of 1956 was the first great Feast, and brought together more than fifty believers. We had the pleasure of having with us Jalál Nakhjavani, who was making his second visit to Mauritius, and who would return in April 1958.

In order to help us resolve our problems at the beginning, John Robarts came to pay us a visit in 1956. A year later two doves stopped on our island, Robert Quigley and William Sears. They gave us precious help for the registration of the Port Louis Assembly. Registration of the assemblies of Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, Belle Rose, and Vacoas had to come the following year with the warm—hearted cooperation of Jalál.

Delegated by the National Teaching Committee of South and West Africa, Gilbert Robert spent a full year with us at the beginning of the year. His brilliant talks stirred enthusiasm among the Mauritians.

At Riḍván 1958 two new assemblies were formed: Riche-en-Eau and Stanley. Our hopes for the coming year are Goodlands, Palma. and Castel. Will we raise the number of assemblies to nine? Will we reach this symbolic number? We ask our friends to help us reach it with their prayers.

—MAURITIUS ISLAND TEACHING COMMITTEE

Teaching, Welfare Activities Among Indians Conducted by Sioux Falls Bahá’ís

Bahá’ís of Sioux Falls, S. Dak., have been actively interested in working with the American Indians of the South Dakota reservations. One of their activities is cooperation with the Council of Seven Fires, a local group formed three years ago to promote the welfare and advancement of the Indians. The chairman of the Sioux Falls Bahá’í Assembly, Bill Myers, serves as president of this council.

On January 25, 1959, the Sioux Falls Bahá’ís, for the second time, made a teaching trip to Flandreau, S. Dak., and met with their Indian friends at the Indian church there. Mr. Myer spoke to them on “The Oneness of Mankind . The Bahá’ís have found the Indians very friendly, and experienced an encouraging closeness to them at this meeting.

New Groups, Conferences, UN Activities Mark Spread of Bahá’í Faith in Korea

The continuing expansion of the Bahá’í Faith in South Korea is revealed in a report listing progress over a ten-months period in four goal cities, where extension teaching work is being carried on by the three existing Local Spiritual Assemblies of Kwangju. Seoul, and Mokpo.

In Chunju, where there were no Bahá’ís a year ago, there are now the requisite number for a local spiritual assembly; in Pusan the group of three members has grown to five, with the possibility of an assembly there also this year; in Songjongni there are now two

Bill Myers, chairman of the Sioux Falls, S. Dak., Bahá’í Assembly, and Howard Kettle, elder of the Indian Church at Flandreau, S4 Dizk., where the Sioux Falls Bahá’ís visited on a teaching tour. They are leading the congregation in a hymn in the Sioux language in honor of the Bahá’í visitors.

believers and an Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds has been leased to provide a center for more intensive teaching activities. While there are as yet no Bahá’ís in the fourth goal city of Suwon, an Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds has been leased so that teaching work may be started.

Altogether, the number of Bahá’í centers has increased from five to seven, and the number of local spiritual assemblies is expected to increase from three to five this year.

Two teaching conferences, in addition to the summer school, were held under the auspices of the local spiritual assemblies, with Mrs. Mamie Seto, member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause of Asia, serving as guest teacher at the conference in Seoul, and Roy MacDonald of Seoul acting in this capacity in Kwangju.

The report also includes a summary of the activities of the Kwangju Bahá’ís in connection with UN Day and Human Rights Day in 1958. The former occasion provided the first opportunity for the proclamation of the Faith from a public platform.

The audience was composed of more than 1,000 high school students who were addressed by high ranking dignitaries of the province, including the president of the UN Association, the president of one of the universities, the president of the Women’s Association, the director of the United States Information Service, and others, besides the Bahá’í pioneer, John McHenry III, and his Bahá’í interpreter, J. D. Oh.

Although at first there had been some doubt whether the Bahá’ís should participate, it became clear that the Faith had every right to be represented in view of the unique laws, institutions, and divine economy[Page 11] which are the embodiments of the hopes of the United Nations. Other religions were invited to take part, but did not do so.

Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Chateauroux, France. This assembly was originally formed on April 21, 1958.

The result of this meeting was a great increase in the number of students coming to firesides, more than the local believers can possibly teach. Another apparent result has been a request from the United Nations Association of the city of Mokpo to hold an extended conference in their city for the purpose of explaining the role of the oneness of religion and other Bahá’í principles in reaching peace.

During Human Rights Week, a Bahá’í talk was given at the Buddhist High School in Songjongi, all of the arrangements having been made by one of the local teachers, Son Chong Tae. Again John McHenry Ill was the speaker. It was the third time talks had been given there, always with the warm invitation of the principal of the school.

On that day, less than two hours after the talk, the opportunity arrived to speak directly about Bahá’u’lláh and some of His teachings, This resulted in sincere inquirers, an offer of a meeting place (which has since become the Bahá’í Center), and in the early enrollment of Son Chong Tae as the first believer. Mr. Son soon became chairman of the Bahá’í group, and in December he was married at the first Bahá’í marriage ceremony in Korea.

During this same week, a public meeting was held for students of both of the city's universities. The Dean of Education of Chosun University, Professor Kwak Bong Soon, gave the main address. The talk on the Bahá’í Faith brought forth many questions, and a number of the students have become regular attendants at the fireside for university students.

College Bureau Schedules Institutes At Twelve Universities on May 2

The Bahá’í College Bureau is sponsoring, on May 2, a second series of one-day institutes for college youth at the following colleges: San Jose State College, San Jose, Calif.; Santa Ana Junior College, Santa Ana, Calif.; University of Oregon, Eugene, Ore.; Utah State Agricultural College, Logan, Utah, Colorado State College, Greeley, Colo.; Kansas State Teacher’s College, Emporia, Karis.; University of Illinois, Urbana,’ Ill.; University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.; Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La.; Duke University, Durham, N.C.: and Brown University, Providence R.I.

Many of our youth feel hesitant about serving as officers on a committee because they are concerned about their ability to carry out such an assignment. Hence we have chosen as the administrative topic for the morning session: “How to be a Chairman” This portion of the institute will be Conducted by a representative of the Bahá’í College Bureau, covering the subject in a detailed practical manner — chairman of public meetings, firesides, youth meetings, of consultation, panel moderator, etc

The afternoon session will cover two topics, “Praye” and “Fasting” with the hope of helping the students answer the many questions they are confronted with about these subjects.

The institutes are for all students, Bahá’í faculty and staff, and adult Bahá’ís who are interested in working with youth.

The College Bureau hopes that these institutes will provide an added inspiration for the teaching efforts on college campuses, which are such an important part of the homefront, thereby helping to fulfill the goals of the Ten-Year Crusade.

• Conference at Urbana to be held May 9.

—BAHÁ’Í COLLEGE BUREAU

Eighty Youth Meet in Black Forest For Annual German Winter School

German Bahá’í youth gathered again for their annual Winter School during the holiday season at the Schauinsland in the Black Forest. More than eighty people from Italy, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, France, England, America, Korea, and Germany, came to spend ten days in the beautiful surroundings in order to deepen their knowledge of the Faith, Besides studying and discussing the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, there was time for skiing and other recreation.

One of the highlights of the school was the visit of Jean Sevin, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh and pioneer to Tuamoto, and later Tahiti, who showed his beautiful slides of Tahitian scenes. He skillfully combined historical events, social needs, and daily life on these islands with views of the Bahá’í Faith. The students were greatly impressed by his visit.

Mr. Sevin also spoke and showed his slides at eight other German towns during this period, and all the meetings were well attended.

Faith Well-Represented at Iowa College’s Observance of “Religion in Life” Week

“Religion in Life” Week, held on February 15-18, 1959, at Iowa State Teacher”s College in Cedar Falls, might best be described as a victory for the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

For this annual event Rev. Harold E. Bernhard, direc[Page 12] tor of religious activities on the campus, contacted the Bahá’í College Bureau for a speaker to participate. Mrs. Velma Sherrill, member of the Auxiliary Teaching Board, was invited to represent the Bahá’í Faith in a series of lectures, panel discussions, and small informal group discussions during the three-day period.

Lecturers on Confucianism, Hinduism, Shintoism, and Catholic Christianity were also invited. These faiths were very well represented by professors from other universities, but it can be truly said that the light of Bahá’u’lláh shone round Mrs. Sherrill. Her own confidence in the message she was giving, inspired much interest among the students and others who heard her.

Mrs. Sherrill’s activities began with an unscheduled talk at the College Hill Lutheran Church. Her campus teaching commenced the next day, February 16. Included in her heavy schedule was a recorded interview at the college radio station; one of her talks, “What’s New in Religion.” which was recorded, has since been broadcast.

On the last evening of Mrs. Sherrill’s visit to this area, the friends of Waterloo and Castle Hill communities held a dinner in her honor at a Bahá’í home. Two young people from the college attended the dinner as a result of Mrs. Sherrill‘s teaching.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust

The Creative Plan of God; A Comprehensive Study Guide for Teaching Children. This study material, originally compiled by the National Bahá’í Child Education Committee some years ago, was extensively revised this past year. Included in it is a bibliography prepared by Gretchen Westerveldt, college librarian at State University Teachers College, Pottsdam, N.Y., specialist in children’s books.

Part I deals with creation through the various kingdoms to man and his Link with his Creator. Part II covers progressive revelation from the Day of Adam to Bahá’u’lláh. Part III, the Bahá’í World, explores the structure of Bahá’í administration from the individual Bahá’í to the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

The lessons are planned to be adaptable by the teacher to all ages of children. They contain prayers, readings, and stories that can be read by older children themselves, as well as the lesson suggestions and projects. The book is 8½x 11, 72 pages, with a colorful cover that is attractive to both pupils and teacher.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.00

Bahá’í News Index, Vol. II. Issues No. 173 to 322; January 1945 through December 1957. Compiled by May Prentiss Stebbins. This new volume, covering twelve years of later issues of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, is carefully detailed, and is produced in the same format as Vol. I, but has red plastic spiral binding and the cover stamped in red ink to readily identify it from the first volume. 8½x11, 140 pages.

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

Bahá’í Pocket Calendar; 1959-1960. Designed to fit a billfold, the pocket calendar this year is especially attractive, having an interesting photo of the Shrine of the Báb with a view of the harbor on the reverse side. As in previous years, it runs from May 1, 1959 to May 1, 1960.

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

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

100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.00

(Note: isolated Bahá’ís wanting a single copy can order one for 5 cents, but should include enough items to fill out minimum order of $1.00)

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

Calendar of Events

FEASTS

April 9—Jalál (Glory)

April Z3-Jamál (Beauty)

HOLY DAYS

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

April 21—First Day of Riḍván (About 3:00 p.m.)

April 29—Ninth Day of Riḍván

May 2—Twelfth Day of Riḍván

U. S. NATIONAL CONVENTION

April 23-26—Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Ill.

U. S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

April 22

Bahá’í House of Worship

Visiting Hours

Weekdays

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Auditorium only)

Sundays and Holidays

10:30 am. to 5:00 p.m. (Entire building)

Service of Worship

Sundays

3:30 to 4:10 p.m.

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 1958-59: Mrs. Eunice Braun, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, 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.