Bahá’í News/Issue 350/Text

From Bahaiworks

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No. 350 BAHA’I YEAR 117 APRIL, 1960

Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land Outline Latest Developments in World-Wide Spread of Faith[edit]

Dearly beloved Friends:

The Hands of the Faith in the Holy Land have received many requests for news direct from the World Center, and it has been our hope for some time to share with the believers selections from the glad-tidings which reach us here.

The two years which have elapsed since the passing of our dearly-beloved Guardian have imposed such heavy burdens that it has been impossible hitherto for us to undertake this informal news letter to the friends, which we hope to be able to send out from time to time in the future.

Through the grace of Bahá’u’lláh, the day-to-day work of the World Center has continued very much as it did in the time of our beloved Guardian, but of course without the divine inspiration, the wondrous wisdom and love which it then received through the Sign of God on earth.

As the friends have no doubt noticed from the correspondence coming from the Hands in the Holy Land, we have been blessed with the assistance on different occasions of many of our fellow Hands. That is why the signatures on the letters are not the same at different times. Some of us are occasionally absent for necessary reasons, and then one or more of the Hands from another place has come to our assistance and acted as a substitute. This has greatly enriched our meetings by bringing us the viewpoints of our fellow Hands, and enabling them to acquire an intimate experience with the problems facing the Bahá’í world in the course of the prosecution of the Ten-Year Crusade.

In view of the vast territories of the Western Hemisphere, and the fact that two of the Hands of the Faith of that area have moved to the Holy Land for service at the World Center, it was decided at the recent Conclave of the Hands that in addition to William Sears, Hermann Grossmann should serve as a Hand of the Western Hemisphere for the remainder of the Crusade. He is now in South America, actively assisting the two South American regional assemblies in the attainment of their Crusade goals.

Many of the Hands, realizing how little time is left to us to achieve the World Crusade goals of our beloved Guardian, are now engaged in extensive travels. Ugo Giachery is making a tour of Central America. John Robarts has left Africa for an extended visit to Canada to assist the friends in attaining their homefront goals. Adelbert Mühlschlegel is spending some months in Scandinavia and Finland, assisting the regional assembly of these countries in the all-important work of teaching and consolidation. ‘Ali Akbar Furútan, one of the Hands serving in the Holy Land, is at present making a lengthy visit to Írán, encouraging the believers to arise as pioneers for centers abroad, as well as in Iran itself. Shu’á’u‘lláh ‘Alá‘í is visiting centers in the Indian sub—continent, the Northern Pacific region, and Japan. The other continental Hands are carrying on their activities at a heightened pace. At the present time the Hand of the Cause Taráẓu’lláh Samandarí is working in Haifa on the identification of the handwriting of the innumerable Tablets collected in the International Bahá’í Archives. His long association with the Faith, dating from the days of the Blessed Beauty Himself, has made him familiar to a unique degree with the penmanship of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and their various amanuenses, and ideally fits him for this important service.

The prominence of the edifices associated with the World Center of the Faith is steadily increasing in Israel, like a constellation that mounts the heavens as the hours advance, The peace and beauty which streams from the inner Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh and the splendor of the Ḥaram-i-Aqdas which surrounds it; the Shrine of the Báb, the International Archives Building, and the extensive surrounding gardens of both buildings, are becoming recognized more and more as outstanding sites in this country. Indeed, it can be truly said that nothing comparable to these buildings and gardens exists anywhere in Israel, or for that matter on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Innumerable postcards, greeting cards, photographs, and books publicize the Holy Shrines and their environs in Haifa and ‘Akká. A ceaseless stream of tourists from abroad and from different towns in Israel flows into the Shrine gardens daily; tour busses and school busses pour hundreds of sightseers into the Bahá’í Holy Places; and there can be no doubt that just as the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in America is a great silent teacher, as the Master said it would be, so the Shrines here have likewise become mighty teachers of the Faith. We feel[Page 2] sure that in the future a rich harvest will be reaped from the many souls who have visited their sacred precincts. It is surprising how many of the visitors inform the friends who show them around that they have Bahá’í friends or relatives in other countries. Ten years ago this was a remark rarely heard, but it is now becoming commonplace, and testifies to the extraordinary progress the Faith has made all over the world—a progress directly attributable to the unremitting labors, the determination, and the self-sacrifice of our beloved Guardian.

The plans made by him are continually bearing fruit. Since his passing, with the exception of a few remaining territories in the Soviet zone of influence, every single virgin country specified by him in the Ten-Year Crusade has been opened to the Faith. Paul Adams succeeded, as the friends know, in opening Spitzbergen in 1958, and this devoted young Knight of Bahá’u’lláh, after overcoming many difficulties, was able to return this winter to that far northern outpost. During the last few months Jeanne Frankel and her mother, Elizabeth Bates, were able to enter the Cocos Islands. This goal of the Ten-Year Plan had been previously opened to the Faith by Frank Wyss, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh from Australia. Unfortunately he was refused permission to remain, but Jeanne has been more fortunate, and the wonderful news has recently reached us that she now has a group of Bahá’ís in that far-off tropical island. Great indeed is the power of Bahá’u’lláh!

It is not possible to go into details of the progress being made all over the world; however some of the highlights are indeed thrilling. Recently in Swaziland the Faith has been listed as a fourth religion by the Government. Last year it was possible for Collis Featherstone to visit, at the invitation of some of the Maori chiefs in New Zealand, a center of Maori culture and to present the Faith to the leaders of the people. As all religious teaching has been forbidden in that area because of the conflicts the different Christian sects aroused amongst the people, this was indeed a unique honor conferred by the Maori leaders upon a representative of our Faith. The chiefs were deeply impressed and requested that literature be left for their people to study. The third all-American Indian Bahá’í assembly was formed last April in Bolivia, and since then many hundreds of Indians have entered the Faith, outstanding steps toward fulfilment of one of the dearest hopes of the beloved Guardian, who urged the friends on many occasions to remember the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Divine Plan, that if the original inhabitants of America accepted the Faith they would become as enkindled as the original inhabitants of Arabia who accepted the Prophet Muḥammad.

Among the many outstanding advances in Africa may be cited the extraordinary number of enrollments in Uganda and Kenya, which are now on such a scale as to present a serious problem to the administrative bodies responsible. There are just not enough Bahá’ís to keep up with the work of checking the declaration cards that come in! The mass conversion desired and foretold by the beloved Guardian is now taking place in this area, as well as in the Malayan Archipelago and other areas of the Pacific. It presents a great challenge and a wonderful hope for the future. Schools run by Bahá’ís for the Africans are perforce increasing throughout the continent as the Faith spreads and the Bahá’í membership increases so rapidly.

In view of the urgent need for pioneers to fill the goals in Latin America and Europe, it is encouraging to note that there is a strong internal movement of pioneers. At least ten German Bahá’ís have arisen and volunteered to go to the aid of their sister communities in neighboring countries. This is a great step forward, as the German Bahá’í community has had special responsibilities and honors conferred upon it by both ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian. In Latin America also, many pioneers are leaving the established communities, to settle in the goal cities where local assemblies must be formed this coming Riḍván.

Plans for the construction of the Mother Temple of Europe in Frankfurt are at last beginning to take concrete form. The German National Spiritual Assembly, in view of past frustrating experiences, had refused to purchase outright the Temple property until such time as permission to build was assured from the authorities. This now having at last been obtained, the deeds to the property have been transferred to the name of the assembly. The architect’s working drawings are well underway, and as soon as weather permits, actual work on the site will be commenced. As the friends are aware, the Mother Temple of Africa, situated in Kampala, will be dedicated at the beginning of next summer. The Mother Temple of Australia is advancing at a rapid pace, and although the exterior of the building may be completed by the coming Riḍván, plans for its dedication are being made for the following year, in other words, 1961. The funds for these two Temples, thanks to the munificence of the beloved Guardian himself, and the generosity of the believers, have been assured; but the greater part of the funds needed to construct the German Temple has still to be raised. and this presents a serious challenge to the Bahá’ís throughout the world in completing this vital goal of the Fourth Phase of the Crusade before 1963.

The many prilgrims who visited the Holy Land will remember how often the beloved Guardian mentioned his heavy burdens, and that he was over-worked and concerned over the multitudinous problems which faced him. This Work and these problems have fallen to the lot of the Hands of the Faith, who have been obliged and privileged to assume the burden at the World Center, We ask the believers to remember us in their prayers as we remember them in ours in the Holy Shrines. We realize that only the grace of Bahá’u’lláh can assist us all, His followers all over the world, to bring to a successful conclusion the mighty plan of our beloved Guardian. We also realize, however, that the grace of God must be attracted by a magnet in this world. The magnet, we know, is purity of heart, dedication in service, obedience to the Divine commands, and willingness to sacrifice. We urge all of the friends, whoever they are and wherever they are serving, whatever their station in life, their age, their education or abilities, to remember their individual and collective responsibility for executing the Plan of God. Let them study the Guardian’s World Crusade, and determine in what manner locally, nationally, on the homefront, or in the international arena they can most effectively assist in laying the foundation of that supreme edifice, the Universal House of Justice.

In the service of the beloved Guardian,

—HANDS OF THE CAUSE IN THE HOLY LAND

February 11, 1960

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Hand of the Cause ‘Ala’i Visits Macao and South Vietnam

Hand of the Cause Shu’á’u’lláh ‘Alá’í, following his six-day visit to India, (reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for March) stopped off at Macao, where he visited with the Bahá’ís on December 9 (upper left). Later, he spent three days in South Vietnam, on January 16 to 18, 1960. At the Saigon Center (upper right) he met with the Bahá’ís of Saigon, Nha-Be, and Phuoc Lang. At Phuoc Long he met the students of the Bahá’í school (lower left), and in Nha-Be he was photographed before the Bahá’í Center with the Nha-Be Bahá’í community (lower right).

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National Day of Belgium, held in Antwerp, January 17, 1960


Fifty Bahá’ís and Friends Attend National Day of Belgium[edit]

On January 17, 1960, the Bahá’ís of Belgium and their friends again gathered together to consecrate one day to study and discussions, designed to deepen themselves in the fundamentals of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. These National Days, planned regularly by the National Teaching Committee, have gained more and more popularity among the friends as a remarkable stimulus to the life of the Belgian community and its teaching work under the World Crusade.

This time the conference site was the port city of Antwerp, where the second Belgian local spiritual assembly was formed during Riḍván 1959, and which was the first new assembly in Belgium since the beginning of the Ten-Year Plan. Approximately fifty people attended the meeting in this Flemish-speaking locality, eighteen being from the goal city of Liege. where a bus was hired especially to carry the attendees.

After devotions, Roger Swinnen, on behalf of the National Teaching Committee, warmly welcomed the friends. Following this, Ben Levy gave a short introduction on the three Central Figures of the Bahá’í Dispensation, which was to serve as a preliminary to further talks and open consultation. Stress was laid on the captivating personality of the Báb and the radiant character of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Subsequently, Louis Henuzet dedicated himself to the task of speaking on Shoghi Effendi. In connection with the station of the Guardian, principal ideas presented were: the Will and Testament from which his authority stemmed; connection of the Institution of the Guardianship with the Universal House of Justice, for the creation of which our Guardian dedicated thirty-six years of his life; the miracle of his services; and the miracle of history, in that after his passing, the unity of the Bahá’í world was intrinsically preserved.

After a pleasant reception at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Hasan-Ali Kamran, residents of Antwerp, and official photo-taking by Stanley Bagley, the afternoon session opened with a remarkable presentation of the life and spiritual stature of Bahá’u’lláh by Shoghi Ghadimi.

The greatest joy of the entire day was the acceptance of three new youth in the Belgian community, Badí Ghadimi, Jacques Colson, and Andre Blondeel of Liege.

Affirm Acquisition of Temple Land in Germany[edit]

The German Bahá’í Nachrichten, January 19, carries the following joyful announcement: “With deepest gratitude we can announce to you today that the Temple-ground in Langenhain has definitely become our property on December 18, 1959. With it, a nearly seven-year-long effort has found its victorious consummation, though we still must join together in prayer that the construction of our Temple may rapidly get under way and be pursued without interruption. The Hands in Haifa were notified about this happy achievement, . . . and on December 28th their reply was received: ‘0verjoyed (with) transfer (of) documents (of) Temple grounds. Praying (for) rapid progression (of) construction.’ ”

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Hand of the Cause, Dr. Ugo Giachery, Inspires Nicaragua[edit]

The revered Hand of the Cause of God, Dr. Ugo Giachery, visited the Bahá’í centers of Managua, Nandaime and Bluefields in the goal country of Nicaragua. His inspiring visit virtually lifted the believers to new heights. Although Dr. Giachery could only spend four days in Nicaragua, his itinerary fully utilized every precious moment of his time.

On January 26, the first day of his arrival, after being met by a delegation at Las Mercedes Airport, he was taken to the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Managua, the capital city, where the friends formally met him and shared lunch in his company. That evening Dr. Giachery motored to Nandaime where he proclaimed the Faith publicly and afterwards had a meeting with the believers.

On January 27 Dr. Giachery journeyed to Masaya where he met with the Nicaraguan National Teaching Committee to discuss and plan teaching activities for the remainder of this Bahá’í year as well as for the next one. This elevating meeting was terminated by the acceptance of a new believer, Lt. Jorge Aguilar L., followed by the marriage of Armando Fonseca Duval and his wile Lastenia, whose services to the Cause have been meritorious, with Dr. Giachery reading the opening prayers. This confirmation was followed by the wedding ceremony of Alejandro Jarquin and his bride Miss Anny Guatemala, in which Dr. Giachery also participated.

The next morning Dr. Giachery left by airplane for Bluefields where he spent two days of incessant teaching activity in “the Bible Belt of Nicaragua.” This visit was highlighted by the acceptance of a new believer. It was indeed a sad day, (Saturday, January 30) when the friends in Managua met Dr. Giachery at the airport returning from Bluefields only to see him leave for Honduras. We are deeply grateful to the Hand of the Cause in the Holy Land for this wonderful blessing and only hope and pray that in deeds we may express our gratitude during this holy Crusade.

—DONALD ROSS WITZEL

Teaching Momentum Increases in British Isles[edit]

Proclamation of the Bahá’í Faith is going forward in the British Isles with an increased tempo in recent weeks, utilizing press, television, public meetings and guest speakers for clubs and fraternal organizations. On January 13, the British Independent Television Service featured an account of developments in Haifa on its “Roving Report.” program. Magnificent views were shown of Mount Carmel, with closeups of the Shrine of the Báb and the gardens. This was accompanied by a commentary on the life of Bahá’u’lláh. Some Views of ‘Akká and the cell where Bahá’u’lláh was incarcerated were included.

The Portsmouth community gave assistance to the International Friendship League during “People to People Week.” As a result of this they were represented at the Lord Mayor’s reception and took part in the Service for all Faiths where the Prayer for All Nations was read. Portsmouth also observed World Religion Day with a public meeting, as did the English communities in Birmingham, Reading and Norwich.


Hand of the Cause William Sears with the North American members of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause, at their meeting in Wilmette, Ill., on January 9 and 10, 1950. Front row: Mrs. Velma Sherrill, Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, William Sears, Rowland Estall, and Curtis Kelsey. Back row: Dr. Hushang Javid, Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, Anoz Gibson, Mrs. Margery McCormick, William deForge, Dr. Sarah M. Pereira, and Mrs. Florence Mayberry.


Bahá’ís of Eccles made themselves better known in their community by presenting a panel of speakers for their World Religion Day program. They have recently been asked to help form a branch of the United Nations Association, and two Bahá’ís are serving on the committee of seven.

Manchester, England, attracted seventy people to the Town Hall where a program for World Religion Day was opened by the Lord Mayor. Fifty corporation buses carried large posters announcing the meeting. Many of the same people attended a followup meeting a week later.

Weekend School Held in Eire[edit]

A weekend school was held at Dun Laoghaire in Eire, with Bahá’ís attending from both northern and southern Ireland. The largest public room was filled and the press report stated: “Judging by the questions and comments of the visitors it was evident that the Bahá’í Faith was making its progress felt in the south of Ireland.” Belfast and Bangor have held public meetings recently with excellent press reports.

Edinburgh Firesides Bring Results[edit]

Bahá’ís of Edinburgh, Scotland, consider firesides to be their most successful teaching medium and have had four recent declarations as a result. They also observed World Religion Day at the Grosvenor Hotel. They have complete their incorporation and in spite of many home activities have now turned their attention to the goal towns of Aberdeen and Inverness. Sixteen guests attended the first Aberdeen meeting, many of them responding to a local newspaper announcement.

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NSA-Sponsored Conferences Draw Attendance of 1500 Baha’is[edit]

The third and most recent series of conferences which the National Spiritual Assembly is sponsoring as part of the home front consolidation teaching campaign was held in 28 localities throughout the country on January 30 and 31 and February 7, 1960. These conferences, like the previous ones, were aimed at stimulating the “spiritual reinvigoration, administrative expansion and material replenishment” which the Guardian stated in one of his last communications were essential to the success of the spiritual World Crusade.

The attendance ranged from 15 to 160, or a total of approximately 1500 believers. The conference leaders were nine of the ten members of the Auxiliary Boards of the Hands of the Cause residing in the United States, seven of the nine members of the National Assembly and the chairman of the American National Teaching Committee.

Beginning with the reading of the Third Annual Message from the Hands of the Cause to the Bahá’ís of East and West (published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS December 1959) there was spirited consultation on how the American Bahá’í community could bring to a triumphant conclusion our tasks in the World Crusade according to the time table designated by the Hands. Everyone present seemed fully conscious of the fact that “the sands of time are running out,” that only a few days and weeks remain in which to participate in a spiritual undertaking that will never be repeated in all eternity, that only the present day Bahá’ís have the glorious privilege of laying the foundation for the Universal House of Justice through which divine guidance will again return to this earth.


Hand of the Cause Dr. Herrmann Grossmann and Mrs. Grossmann on the Ship “Conte Granite” en route to Latin America, with a group of Persian pioneers to that area. They met for the first time an shipboard, not knowing that they would be t. velling together.


The number of pioneers needed to insure the immediate establishment of the remaining number of local assemblies in Latin America necessary to form their 21 independent national assemblies a year hence, pioneers to accomplish similar goals in Europe a year later, and the urgent necessity for increasing the deputization funds, were presented by each leader, and when requested there was clarification of the various aspects of the Ten-Year Plan, including the various funds.

At most of the conferences the morning session closed with the reading of the last appeal by the beloved Guardian to each individual American believer “to concentrate our resources, both material and spirititual, on the tasks immediately ahead, to insure that no time is wasted, that no opportunity is evaded,” and that “all, without exception . . . participate and labor, assiduously and continually” until “our promised harvest is brought in, and our pledge to our Beloved fully redeemed.”

The afternoon sessions were devoted to discussion on teaching on the home front, strengthening our local and national institutions through the proper functioning of local spiritual assemblies, and ways of becoming better informed on the Teachings as well as the basic principles of Bahá’í administration. The chief functions of the local assemblies were described as teaching and protection of the Faith, including proper consultation and keeping the members of the community informed, active and united. It was pointed out by the conference leaders that one of the great weaknesses in our proper functioning as a Bahá’í community is the breakdown in communication—that the friends do not read BAHÁ’Í NEWS of the U.S. Supplement to Bahá’í News through which the National Spiritual Assembly endeavors to disseminate important information and advice to the American believers, that the area bulletins are not shared with the friends, and that as a result there is general lack of knowledge as to state, area, national and world-wide progress of the Faith and personal responsibility for its success.

The importance of Bahá’í credentials was also discussed, particularly in their relation to preserving the spiritual health of the Bahá’í community and protecting it against enemies of the Faith.

During the discussions on teaching, emphasis was given to the importance of every believer making a thorough study of the study outlines sent out by the National Spiritual Assembly at intervals of about three months. The progressive nature of the outlines was pointed out with the explanation that they were specifically designed to provide the spiritual reinvigoration and better understanding of the essential verities of the Faith which the Guardian considered necessary to the strengthening and growth of the American Bahá’í community.

The place and power of individual and group prayer in deepening and teaching was brought out in discussion of the home front campaign which calls for action and perseverance on the part of every member of the community. In this connection attention was[Page 7] called to the special prayers revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the various states in His Tablets of the Divine Plan.

The friends were informed by the leaders that as of February first there were promising prospects for as new local spiritual assemblies by Riḍván 1960, and that greater intensification by every group and extension teaching committee was essential to increase these to the 50 new assemblies adopted as the home front goal for this year. An influx of new believers is essential in every community in order to reach the final goal of 300 assemblies within the remaining years of the Ten-Year Plan, as well as to continue the flow of settlers to Latin America and Europe.

One item which was of special interest to the friends was the brief description by the leader of how the National Spiritual Assembly conducts its own meetings and consultation, and the overwhelming burdens it carries in connection with the World Crusade. It was pointed out that if local assemblies will assume their own proper responsibilities in keeping their communities informed and in solving problems through proper consultation before they become acute, the volume of correspondence coming to the National Spiritual Assembly would be materially reduced and the members would then have more time to devote to better planning and direction of many important activities in which the American Bahá’í community should be engaged.

Throughout all the conferences the participation of the Bahá’ís was lively, mature and constructive. Many questions were asked and clarified, good ideas were exchanged on the subject of teaching, and a good foundation was laid for closer rapprochement between the believers and the National Spiritual Assembly. The general consensus among both the believers and the conference leaders was that this was the most interesting and worthwhile of any of the series yet sponsored by the National Assembly.

—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

United States Pioneers Abroad Total 406[edit]

The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States has announced that the following number of American Bahá’ís are pioneering in World Crusade areas as of March 1, 1960:

Western Hemishere 203

Europe 64

Africa 60

Asia 48

American Indian 31

Total 406

It is impossible to determine how many have arisen as pioneers or settlers on the home front since the beginning of the Ten-Year Plan. Many have moved, sometimes several times, to help build and preserve local spiritual assemblies, but many have also moved without informing either the American National Teaching Committee or the National Spiritual Assembly.

Any believers planning to move to any locality in the United States between now and 1963 should keep in mind the preferred goals and inform the American National Teaching Committee or the National Spiritual Assembly in advance.

—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY


The Bahá’í group of Liege, Belgium, and their contacts. In two years this group has glo1rm from two members; there have been six declarations in the past year, all youth. The Message of Bahá’u’lláh has aroused the youth of Liege, and is spreading into the scholastic circles.


45 American, 24 Native Pioneers Settle in Latin American Goals Since May First[edit]

With 188 United States pioneers already in Latin America on May 1 and six others leaving soon, plus 24 native pioneers placed and twelve more enroute, the minimum number of local spiritual assemblies required to form the 21 independent national spiritual assemblies under the Guardian’s Ten-Year Plan is now assured.

Of this number 45 are American pioneers who have gone to Latin America goal Cities since May 1, 1959 and 33 are American pioneers who have been transferred since May first from their original posts to new goal cities. Thus with the 24 native pioneers now in goal cities a total of 102 pioneers have been placed since May first. Settlement plans are in process for 14 more Americans and 12 more native believers. In addition to the settlement of pioneers, local and national teaching activities have already won many new members in goal cities who are also making their vital contributions toward the victories now in sight.

Not the least of this magnificent success is due to the inspiring, intensive and tireless efforts of the Hands of the Cause in the Western Hemisphere, their Auxiliary Board members resident in Latin America, the encouragement and cooperation of the four Regional Spiritual Assemblies and their national teaching committees, as well as the Bahá’ís in the goal cities themselves. Each and all have earned our undying gratitude. To this must be added our continuing prayers that nothing whatsoever will be permitted to delay or hamper the expansion and consolidation that must now prepare all these young communities in Latin America for the election of their 21 national assemblies in Riḍván 1961.

—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

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Italo-Swiss Winter School for Youth Stresses Teaching Training[edit]

The fifth annual Bahá’í youth winter school of Italy and Switzerland opened December 26, 1959, in the charming mountain village of Evolene, Switzerland‘ It was in this picturesque spot in the Swiss Alps, far from the cares of a chaotic world, surrounded by fields of snow with the mountain peaks in the distance raising breathtakingly into the clear, blue sky, that we were inspired and uplifted in our study and contemplation of the Teachings of our beloved Faith, and filled with joy in our association and fellowship with so many friends.

Abundant snow and a warm fire greeted the friends and contacts upon their arrival. About fifty-five youth. children and “the young-at-heart” gathered together, representing six countries, assuring the usual international character of this school. For the first time, a large delegation from several Italian communities participated. This is a result of recent declarations and of the new wave of pioneers settling in that country, mainly from Írán.

The ten-day session was dedicated to the study of the teachings and to informal discussions and winter sports activities. The theme of the winter school was the training of Bahá’í teachers, through the deepening in the verities of the Faith, and through the gaining of practical experience in speaking before a group. Mr. Joel Marangella, member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause, led a daily class on the Promised Day is Come by Shoghi Effendi. The point: by-point study of this important letter proved rewarding and enlightening to the friends. A second daily study class was presented by various youth. This is a unique opportunity for young people to develop their speaking ability in a cordial atmosphere, and to encourage them to do preparatory research. Several subjects were treated including “The Covenant”; “ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: His travels in the West”; and “A historical review of the world during the time of Christ.” The official languages of the school for all the courses, were English and French. Volunteers taught an impromptu class for the younger children.

The winter school offered another proof of the transcendent power of the Cause of God through the bringing together of so many people of diverse backgrounds, knitting them into a harmonious community. The celebration of the Feast of Honor was a touching reminder of this unity, and its spirit was evident in the cooperative sharing of the tasks of running a school in a rustic chalet.

—JERRY BAGLEY

Flagstaff, Ariz., Assembly Launches Community Interracial Program[edit]

After almost a year of prayerful effort the Flagstaff, Ariz., Bahá’í community has succeeded in launching a sound program for attracting Negroes to the Faith. Their publicity committee writes: “We have had three social discussion sessions with our new-found friends at which time they have opened up their hearts to us with the knowledge that our aims and interests are mutually sincere.

“Reverend Randall of the A.M.E. Church expressly asked us to say Bahá’í prayers at their final observance of American Negro History Week. We have scheduled another meeting at which to make definite plans for other interracial activities which we hope will include an interracial Scout Troop, children’s chorus and further social dinner get-togethers each month.

“The present Negro Scout Troop has been invited to use our Bahá’í property for scouting purposes which pleases them very much.”


Left: Main entrance of the Bahá’í Center of Tainan, Taiwan, dedicated on October 10, 1959. Right: Part of the main hall at the Tainan Bahá’í Center.


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First Tlingit Indian Bahá’í of Yukon Tells Joy in Finding Faith[edit]

“I first heard of the Faith one night nearly three years ago when I attended a fireside at the home of Ted and Joanie Anderson. At this fireside the principles of the Bahá’í Faith and quotations from the Writings were given. One of these was ‘The foundation of all religions is one’, which immediately struck me as I had always believed that though ‘here were many divisions among the Christian churches, there was only one God. Although I attended one or two more firesides after this, I renamed uninterested and did not feel any need for the Faith.

“It was during the month of July, 1959, that I received invitations to the home of and Joanie Anderson where they expected a visitor from the U.S.A., Ellsworth Blackwell, of Chicago, who would give several talks. I did not intend to go at first, but then Ted Anderson invited me and mentioned In passing that this expected visitor was a Negro. This immediately interested me and I made a point of going. As it turned out, this was the turning point of my life.

“The meeting was altogether’ different from what I imagined. My idea of gatherings of this sort was that it would be solemn and sad, but I was pleasantly surprised. There was laughter and happiness at this fireside and as Ellsworth spoke on about Christ and Bahá’u’lláh and other Prophets gone by, of love and God, I had a feeling that here was something I had been searching for for a long, long time. This feeling become stronger as I attended more firesides. The true friendliness and love shown towards me by the Bahá’ís (God bless them) particularly attracted me.

“Having been in a sanitorium for a number of years, prayer meant a great deal to me and this I mentioned to Joanie Anderson one evening, and she later suggested that I pray about this new Faith I was studying. So I prayed for guidance in this Faith and this new Prophet, Bahá’u’lláh. Many a night after a fireside I would lie awake in bed thinking about the Bahá’í Faith and that amidst all the warring and strife between nations and religions, God had not forgotten us after all and He had sent Someone again to lead us back to Him. So even then I think, I must have felt that Bahá’u’lláh was the True One from God but, true to human nature, I wanted further proof.

“Then came the second annual Yukon Bahá’í summer school in September. One course in the agenda particularly interested me and which I felt held something which would be important to me. This was ‘Christ’s Promise Fulfilled’, taught by Ted Anderson.

“There were many Bahá’ís there, from Alaska and Bert Rakovsky of Montreal, Canada. Once again I was struck by the friendliness and love shown by them, and though I had never met them before, I felt I had known them all my life.

“Even now I can’t express the beauty of that summer school. It was held in a little cabin by a little lake surrounded by mountains. The leaves had turned to gold and orange and many beautiful colors, and the beauty of this and the beauty of the love and fellowship and the feeling of the presence of the Spirit of God in that little cabin was almost too much for me and I would feel like crying for here at last was the end of a long search for happiness and a true love for God.

“The day began with devotions. Prayers and readings taken from the Bible, the Koran and books of other religions and, of course, the Bahá’í Faith. Those held a special beauty for me and I felt at peace with the world as the peace and happiness stole over me as the prayers were said. Each course after this held something for me, but I looked forward eagerly to Ted Anderson’s course on ‘Christ’s Promise Fulfilled’, and I was not disappointed. It seemed as if each word Ted spoke was meant for me as he brought out Bible prophecies and especially Christ's own prophecies fulfilled in Bahá’u’lláh. I felt my spirits soar as the truth came home and the name Bahá’u’lláh had a sweeter sound.

“On the last day of summer school, I tried to get Ted where I could tell him of my wish to become a Bahá’í, because he was the one who by his course on ‘Christ’s Promise Fulfilled’ and his own conduct, made me realize that Bahá’u’lláh was the One promised by Christ and the One I should follow now. Try as I might I could not reach Ted and time soon ran out and we were in the Cars ready to return to Whitehorse. Then the thought came that I just couldn’t leave the little lake where I had found the Faith without making my declaration. I was sitting in the car with Georgie Hughes when I casually mentioned to her that I had been trying to get to Ted all day long to tell him I wanted to be a Bahá’í. That, of course, did it and 1 left the little lake a newer, happier person, a Bahá’í. Even today I sometimes wonder how I lived without the Faith and I lift my heart in praise and thanksgiving to God that He gave me sight to recognize His Messenger for this day, Bahá’u’lláh.”

(Ed. Note: The above letter was written by Sally Jackson, the first Tlingit Indian in Canada’s Yukon Territory to become a Bahá’í, written on January 25, 1960, and published in the New Territories’ Committee Bulletin, Ottawa. Ontario.)


Bahá’í group of Key West, Fla., a goal city. Commemoration of the Day of the Covenant on November 26, 1959 by the Bahá’ís of Akashi, Japan.


[Page 10]

Press, TV, Radio Publicize Arrival of New NSA Secretary[edit]

The interview with Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wolcott concerning their move to Wilmette, Illinois, which appeared as a front page feature in the Saturday, January 2, 1960 issue of Chicago’s American, was syndicated by United Press International throughout the United States. Subsequently, various excerpts and the picture showing them on the steps of the Bahá’í Temple appeared in papers from Hong Kong to Frankfurt, Germany, and throughout South America.

As a result of this publicity, Mr. Wolcott was invited to be a guest, along with Fred Waring, Faye Emerson, Alan King and others, on the Irv Kupcinet TV program, “At Random.” During the course of nearly four hours on this well-known TV conversation-show he was able to speak at length about the Bahá’í Faith, Shortly thereafter he was interviewed for a half-hour on the Bob Elson radio show over WCFL in Chicago, and answered many questions concerning the Faith,

Mr. Wolcott’s appearance on the “At Random” show prompted Mary Hickox to invite Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott to be interviewed on her half-hour radio program. This was taped in Chicago for release over KFI in Los Angeles, Calif., on March 1. There was much discussion of the Bahá’í Temple and the Bahá’í Faith.

This widespread publicity by press, radio and television brought to the National Spiritual Assembly a great many requests for further information concerning the Faith.

Healdsburg, Calif., Schools Recognize Holy Days[edit]

In response to the petition of the Bahá’ís whose children attend schools in the Healdsburg High School District, Healdsburg, California, the District Super-intendent of Schools on October 13, 1959 announced that Bahá’í students would remain away from their classes without penalty on Bahá’í Holy Days.


The Local Spiritual Assembly of Bahá’ís of Akashi, Japan, the first local assembly formed entirely of Japanese believers,


Bahá’í Prayer Opens Wisconsin Legislature[edit]

Through the efforts of a member of the Bahá’í community in Madison, Wisconsin, who is employed in a professional capacity with the Wisconsin State Legislature, permission was received for the Local Spiritual Assembly to have a Bahá’í read the opening prayer for the January 19 meeting of the Wisconsin Legislature. Each meeting of the Legislature is opened with a prayer by some clergyman. The secretary of the Local Spiritual Assembly acted as the Bahá’í representative on this occasion and read Prayer No. 34 from Bahá’í Prayers.

The Wisconsin Assembly Journal stated: “The prayer was offered by Mrs. James Keefrey, secretary of Madison Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í World Faith.”


First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Pandangan Rembang, Central Java, formed on April 21, 1959.


Eight members of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Lasem, Rembang, Central Java, formed April 21, 1950.


[Page 11]

Philippine Pioneer Recounts Teaching Journey to Villages in Northern Luzon[edit]

Early in the morning of December 27, Orlando Maddela joined me in Solano for a teaching trip to the northern centers of Luzon in the Philippines. We arrived in Santiago, Isabela, later that day. At the center we had an opportunity to discuss the Faith with a few friends, including Eugenie Z. Avarientos of Victory Norte, Santiago, who is a professor at the Northeastern College.

Together with Dr. Songcuan, Messrs. Anunciacion and Maddela and a new friend, Major Valdez, I proceeded to San Agustin where friends were waiting for us. In order to reach our destination we boarded a bus to Jones where we took a motor boat across the river. The river had a washed-out bridge, visible only from the top, which we crossed by foot on a single slippery plank, boarding another truck which took us to San Agustin. Again we dislodged and made our way through the dark wilderness. The hiking involved several kilometers across rice fields which were recently plowed and which impeded our progress considerably. We trudged on until we came to another river and found ourselves clambering down the side of a cliff with our bulky shoes and mud-stained clothing. There, we found an old man and woman hovering in their small shack. The immense river ahead, the sound of approaching rapids, the dirty shack and the blackness all around filled me with a sudden terror; and I looked with dismay upon the narrow, spoonlike “banca” or boat which was to take us across the river. I gathered my courage, as my companions all appeared to be quite brave, descended into the banca, and found myself on the other side of the river in a surprisingly smooth and short journey. I learned, however, that a ride in the banca is a dangerous undertaking, and Orlando admitted that he, too, was shaking all the way across. Once on the other bank, we walked on through a marsh in this valley of rivers and bridges to the home of Major Valdez. Exhausted and mud-ridden, we decided to accept his hospitality and stay the night before going to Quimalabasa and Mapalad.

On the morning of December 28, after a good night’s rest, arrangements were made for me to travel to Mapalad in the sled of a carabao-drawn basket or wagon. Orlando was to go in another wagon. Through mud, brush, dirty streams, and craggy rocks we made our way, until a muddy tributary forced me out of the wagon and onto the back of the carabao. When we reached Mapalad, we found that our hosts had gone to the fields as part of their daily routine. We waited a while and lunched with those who returned. Meanwhile, several friends came and Orlando gave a short talk on the Faith. Interestingly enough, all of the people present spoke English and I was able to communicate with them without any difficulty.

From Mapalad, we continued on our trip and were welcomed to the barrio of Quimalabasa. There we spent some time with a minister of the Assembly of God (a sect of Christianity). Reverend Alfonso Bulosan asked many questions about the Faith, particularly those reflecting his interest in the second coming of Christ. Orlando and I both answered him, giving references where necessary, and supplying scriptural background according to our views‘ He was impressed


William Allison (in cart) with Filipino friends on his teaching trip to the northern centers of the Philippines.


and invited us to speak before his congregation. It was with deep regret, however, that we had to leave, having planned two meetings the next day in Ibung and Bayombong. We were, therefore, obliged to make our return to Solano with all possible haste. We gave him assurances of our return, left some Bahá’í literature with him, and invited him to attend our summer school in Solano in April.

Our return journey was much quicker and infinitely safer. By ten o’clock in the morning, on the 29th, we were back again in Solano. Our jeep was waiting for us, and soon we were in Ibung, fifteen kilometers away‘ Unfortunately, the friends had been waiting from nine o’clock on, and as we arrived about eleven, some had already gone home. We met at the home of Mr. Credo, and Orlando and Mr. Alindada presented the teachings. Also present were Mrs. Angustia Maddela, the wife of the first believer, Felix Maddela, their daughter Grace, and several others.

In the afternoon, we were present at a meeting held in Bonfal, Bayombong at the home of Mr. Francisco Aggabao. His wife and children assisted him in making preparations for this meeting. It was by far the most successful event during the teaching trip. An audience of around fifty persons joined us for the discussion of the Faith. I gave a short talk, followed by Orlando speaking in Ilocano. A letter has been sent to Mr. Aggabao congratulating him on the excellent way in which he carried out this task. He had attended the recent teaching conference in Manila and gained his inspiration from that occasion. While passing out refreshments, he also distributed some Ilocano Bahá’í pamphlets. We were most pleased with our reception and the response to our discussions in Bayombong.

—BILL ALLISON

[Page 12]

Baha’i Publishing Trust[edit]

The Open Door. This much-loved compilation on immortality is now prepared in a new format, size 4½x4½, still dignified and attractive, but more convenient to use, and with matching envelopes if desired. The text, printed on white antique paper in grey ink with title and heads in soft blue-green, divides itself into three parts: first, giving the assurance of immortality; second, expounding deeper implications of life and progress of the soul in worlds beyond; and third, carrying the comforting words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá concerning prayer for those who have passed on, concluding with His prayer for the departed.

Without Envelopes[edit]

Ten copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.00

50 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.50

With Envelopes[edit]

Ten copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.25

50 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.50

(Envelopes not sold separately; all booklets sent without envelopes unless specified)

Pocket Calendar, 1960-61. The little pocket calendar in billfold size is becoming more in demand each year. It is made available in late February so that any community in the world can receive it in time for Riḍván, as the calendar begins on May 1 and runs to April 30, 1961.

10 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .50

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

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

National Bahá’í Addresses[edit]

Please Address Mall Correctly!

National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters:[edit]

536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill.

National Treasurer:[edit]

112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.

Make Checks Payable to: National Bahá’í Fund

Bahá’í Publishing Trust:[edit]

no Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.

Make Checks Payable to: Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Bahá’í News:[edit]

Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.

Subscription and change of address: 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.

Two New “Self-Mailers”[edit]

The Oneness of Mankind. There have been many requests to reprint on this statement of the NSA. It now appears with an attention-getting design, and as a self mailer. It is a good introductory statement for any kind of teaching and especially appropriate for race amity events, UN activities, and many others. It has been greatly reduced in price.

25 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .75

100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2.50

500 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10.00

1,000 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18.00

The Principle of Child Education in the Bahá’í Faith. The content of this leaflet is familiar to most Bahá’ís. Now it has been designed as a convenient, inexpensive self-mailer to make it practical for wider distribution. Reduced price.

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

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

500 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12.50

Calendar of Events[edit]

FEASTS[edit]

April 9 — Jalál (Glory)

April 28 — Jamál (Beauty)

HOLY DAYS[edit]

Feast of Riḍván—April 21-May 2 (Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh)

FIFTY-SECOND ANNUAL CONVENTION[edit]

Bahá’í House of Worship

April 28-May 1

U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING=[edit]

April 27

Baha’i House of Worship[edit]

Visiting Hours[edit]

Weekdays

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

Sundays and Holidays

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

Service of Worship[edit]

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 Islands. 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 1959-60; International News Editor, Mrs. Eunice Braun; National News Editor, Miss Charlotte M. Linfoot; Managing Editor, Richard C. Thomas.

Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.

Change or address should be reported directly to National Bahá’í Ofiice, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.