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No. 361

BAHA’I YEAR 118

APRIL, 1961

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Riḍván

That historic day, forever after designated as the first day of the Riḍván Festival, the culmination of innumerable farewell visits which friends and acquaintances of every class and denomination, had been paying Him, was one the like of which inhabitants of Bagdád had rarely beheld. A concourse of people of both sexes and of every age, comprising friends and strangers, Arabs, Kurds and Persians, notables and clerics, officials and merchants, as well as many of the lower classes, the poor, the orphaned, the outcast, some surprised, others heartbroken, many tearful and apprehensive, a few impelled by curiosity or secret satisfaction, thronged the approaches of His house, eager to catch a final glimpse of One Who, for a decade, had, through precept and example, exercised so potent an influence on so large a number of the heterogeneous inhabitants of their city.

Leaving for the last time, amidst weeping and lamentation, His “Most Holy Habitation,” out of which had “gone forth the breath of the All-Glorious,” and from which had poured forth, in “ceaseless strains,” the “melody of the All-Merciful,” and dispensing on His way with a lavish hand a last alms to the poor He had so faithfully befriended, and uttering words of comfort to the disconsolate who besought Him on every side, He, at length, reached the banks of the river, and was ferried across, accompanied by His sons and amanuensis, to the Najíbíyyih Garden, situated on the opposite shore.

“O My companions,” He thus addressed the faithful band that surrounded Him before He embarked, “I entrust to your keeping this city of Baghdád, in the state ye now behold it, when from the eyes of friends and strangers alike, crowding its housetops, its streets and markets, tears like the rain of spring are flowing down, and I depart. With you it now rests to watch lest your deeds and conduct dim the flame of love that gloweth within the breasts of its inhabitants.”

—Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 148-l49

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Hand of Cause ‘Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum Dedicates Mother Temple of Africa

Over 450 Bahá’ís from eleven territories of Africa and eight other countries of the world gathered in Kampala Uganda, on the weekend of January 13-16 to hear beloved ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum dedicate the newly-completed Mother Temple of Africa, to attend a special Africa teaching conference, and to welcome the many who came to the House of Worship for the public inaugural service.

Only three years and nine months previously, Kikaya Hill had been virgin bush land. Then, on April 1, 1957, the first contract for the erection of the Temple was signed, the access road cleared and the hill-crest site leveled. On October 20, that same year, the foundations contract was signed and the actual construction work commenced. The last message to reach the Central and East Africa National Assembly from our beloved Guardian was dated four days before his passing and Goad: “Delighted contract Temple. Loving appreciation.”

The construction of the Mother Temple of Africa was a project very close to our Guardian’s heart. He had himself expressed the significance of its construction in a cablegram addressed to the Bahá’í world in August of 1955: “Undeterred by the obstacles placed in the path of the crusaders of Bahá’u’lláh, the historic decision has been arrived at to raise the Mother Temple of Africa in the city of Kampala, situated in its heart and constituting a supreme consolation to the masses of oppressed valiant brethren in the cradle of the Faith . . . befitting recognition will, moreover, have been accorded the marvelous expansion of the Faith and the amazing multiplication of its administrative institutions throughout this continent, a continent fully deserving of a house of worship . . . wherein the spirit of an unconquerable faith can dwell, within whose walls the African adherents of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh can congregate, and from which anthems of praise glorifying the Most Great Name can ascend to the concourse of the Abhá Kingdom.”

The Guardian himself helped to conceive the design of the Temple and painstakingly guided the preparation of the original drawings of the building. He pledged two-fifths of the sum required for its erection. He sent sacred earth from the Innermost Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh and plaster from the prison fortress of Máh-Kú to be placed in its foundations. For the dedication he had put aside as his gift to the Temple a Persian carpet sanctified by service in the Most Holy Shrine. That gloriously cloudless day in January when the believers gathered to dedicate the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár could only have been more perfect through the knowledge that he was in the Holy Land rejoicing too, in the fruition of this much cherished project.

‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum arriving for Kampala Temple Dedication escorted by ‘Ali Nakhjavani, chairman of the National Assembly of Central and East Africa.

Is it possible to visualize a building which seems to have grown out of the very land on which it stands? Perhaps not, but the harmony of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of Africa with the natural world in which it stands makes it seem as though it had somehow emerged from the virgin landscape rather than having been added to it. The simplicity, dignity and beauty of the design, the soft green of dome and roofs, the sand tones of the outer walls, the coarse texture of its finish—all blend in perfect accord with the ironstone soil, the dry savanna[Page 3] grasses and the tropical green of bush and tree.

From the inside, the Temple seems almost part of the outdoor world. The dome is an unusual, indescribable blue; the walls of the drum are white and the lower walls and columns are soft green. The windows and grilles are green and amber, When the nine great doors are open, the interior colors seem to melt into the hues of the sundrenched fields, hills, clouds, and sky outside. The entire effect is of oneness with the untouched world of nature as God created it.

Over 225 African believers from Uganda, Kenya, Tanganyika, Ruanda Urundi, Ethiopia, Northern Rhodesia, Swaziland, and South Africa participated in the events of the dedication weekend. Over 90 Persian Bahá’ís, sixty-two of whom flew from Tiḥrán by chartered plane, represented the community for whom the African Temple has become a “supreme consolation.” The British National Assembly, mother assembly to that of Central and East Africa, sent one believer from each at her four parts—England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The American National Assembly sent one of its members, Mr. Amos Gibson, himself a pioneer among the American Indian peoples.

Private buses transported all believers to and from the Temple site and the conference hall, the main building of Makerere, the University College of East Africa.

The dedication committee was grateful indeed for the devoted help of a considerable group of believers from as far away as America and England and from various parts of Africa, who arrived early and stayed late to assist with the many details that such an event involves.

As the believers came they were registered and given their dedication badges—a small white name-card with a tiny design of the Temple on it, attached to a green ribbon. In addition, they received the program of events for the weekend and the dedication booklet containing a mounted photograph of the Temple, explanations about the Faith and the House of Worship, and the program of readings for both the dedication and public inaugural services. These booklets were also given to the public who attended the inaugural service.

Crowd assembled at the Dedication of the Bahá’í House of Worship at Kampala, Uganda, Africa.

Transported to the bus park at the foot of Kikaya Hill, the Bahá’ís walked up its slopes to attend the Dedication of the Mother Temple of Africa.

Unity Feast

On Friday evening, January 13, the believers gathered at Makerere College Hall for the Unity Feast. Prior to the devotional program, the friends heard a special fifteen-minute radio broadcast about the Temple on the Uganda Broadcasting Service, featuring a description of the building by the executive architect, Mr. Roger Freeman, a brief talk about the Faith by Philip Hainsworth, and an interview with ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum during which she stressed the God-given qualities of the African and other primitive peoples and the great need for these qualities in the Parliament of Man.

After the devotional readings in nine languages, ‘Alí[Page 4] Nakhjavani, chairman of the National Assembly of Central and East Africa, welcomed the friends to Kampala. Vice-chairman of the National Assembly, Oloro Epyeru, introduced the revered Hands of the Cause Mr. Robarts and Dr. Muhájir, who greeted the friends and welcomed them to the dedication. ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum was not able to attend the Unity Feast.

Messages of love and greeting were received from a number of the revered Hands of the Cause, twenty-two national spiritual assemblies, various local assemblies and individuals——especially from the Indian tribes of Bolivia, South America, and the believers in faraway New Guinea and Indonesia. The German National Assembly most generously sent a new tape recorder as a gift for recording the proceedings at the Temple.

Following the reading of these messages, believers from the nineteen countries represented in Kampala gave brief greetings. It was at this time that David Hofman, vice-chairman of the British National Assembly, presented the gift from Britain—the original letter from the beloved Guardian to the British. Bahá’í community in which he had praised most highly the work of that community in winning the goals of their six-year plan and announced the inauguration of the Africa project. A very large portion of this historic letter is in the Guardian’s own handwriting. This was a most touching gift and a real sacrifice from the British Archives.

Bahá’ís assembled for Dedication of Kampala Temple. Front row, left to right: Mrs. Banání, Hands of Cause Músá Banání, ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, John Robarts, Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir.

Table on which were placed the Holy Portraits at the Dedication Service. Guardian’s gift of Persian carpet from Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh hangs at back.

Dedication of Temple

Saturday morning, January 14 was the time scheduled for the dedication of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, a service attended by the Bahá’ís only. The believers were ready for their buses at 8:30 a.m. and were transported to the bus park at the foot of Kikaya Hill from where they walked up its slopes to the House of Worship on the crest. It was a cloudless tropical morning, cooled by a gentle breeze from the lake. The beautiful flowering bougainvillea (red, orange, yellow, mauve, purple, pink and white) splashing down the slopes of the hill along each of the nine great gardens which ray out from each door of the Temple were brilliant in the morning sunlight.

For the first time, full almost to capacity with the beloved friends, it could truly be said that the House of Worship was complete. The previous afternoon the beautiful red and white Persian sis carpets had been laid. A very large and most exquisite Persian carpet covered the entire floor inside the door facing towards ‘Akká where the readers would stand. Two additional Persian carpets flanked it to the right and left. All of these carpets were gifts from the Persian Bahá’í friends.

On the inside of the door opening toward the Qiblih, ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum had personally supervised the hanging of the Persian carpet from the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, the gift of our beloved Guardian. The eighteen iron flower stands placed between the pillars and the silver vases on the table sent by the Hands in the Holy Land, had been lovingly arranged with beautiful flowers, the hues of which toned perfectly with the amber and green shades of the windows and grilles.

‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum rose to speak the first word of worship in the Mother Temple of Africa. A most moving program of prayers followed in Persian, Arabic, Ateso, Luganda, Swahili, Lubukusu, Acholi and[Page 5] English. ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum arranged the sacred portraits of His Holiness the Báb and His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh on the table before the believers who filed slowly past, first to be anointed with fragrant attar of roses by Rúḥíyyih Khánum and then to view in reverence the countenances of the Twin Manifestations of our age.

From viewing the holy portraits the believers filed out of the House of Worship to assemble on the steps for the official photographs.

After this glorious morning, so filled for all of us but particularly so for the beloved African friends, with feelings of gratitude, joy and pride, ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum joined the African believers at their hostel for lunch and informal conversation.

Teaching Conference

In the afternoon all assembled at Makerere Hall for the first session of the Africa teaching conference. Chairman Hand of the Cause John Robarts greeted the friends by stressing both the significance of the Temple dedication and the importance of the teaching work being done throughout the continent. In the joyful spirit of the morning dedication service, Mr. Robarts called on the African friends to sing some of their original Bahá’í songs. The Kenya Bahá’ís responded most enthusiastically and ably to the direction of their “choirmaster” Festus Mwakalimu, who has himself written some of these Bahá’í songs.

‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum was then introduced. She told of how wonderful it seemed to be back in Africa, but that in the midst of happiness there was one cloud, the fact that the Guardian was not in this world to send his message of joy. Another sorrow was that beloved Enoch Olinga, the only African Hand of the Cause, could not be there. She said, “He wrote to me that I should not visit the Cameroons owing to the political situation there. I am sure he has sacrificed what would be the greatest moment of his life to stay with the Bahá’ís there.”

Then Rúḥíyyih Khánum inspired all the friends by telling them, among other things, that she and the beloved Guardian had travelled through the Union of South Africa, the Rhodesias, the Belgian Congo, Sudan and Egypt in 1940 when, due to the war, the only route home to Haifa from Europe was through Africa. This news more than pleased all the African believers! She told of how very much the Guardian loved Africa.

Revered Hand of the Cause Musa Banani arrived and gave his greetings which included the interesting story of how Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga had declared his belief on the very day that the beloved Guardian was joining the pioneers for special prayers at the Holy Shrines for the teaching work in East Africa.

Saturday night the conference continued, this time under the chairmanship of Auxiliary Board member Max Seepe of South Africa. Rúḥíyyih Khánum read the inspiring message from the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land, which was then summarized in Ateso, Swahili, Luganda, and Persian, the languages of the conference.

Following this message, ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke to the believers once more on the subject, “The Beloved Guardian, His Crusade and the Supreme Jubilee in 1963.”

‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum at Teaching Conference with Hand of Cause Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir seated beside her.

Bahá’ís attending the Teaching Conference held in Makerere College Hall.

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Hands of the Cause, ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, John Robarts and Músá Banání seated left to right at Teaching Conference in Makerere Hall, with ‘Alí Nakhjavani, chairman of the National Assembly of Central and East Africa standing in background.

Rúḥíyyih Khánum being presented with a ten-foot spear as a gift from the Ateso Bahá’ís.

Some of the African Bahá’ís during the Teaching Conference at Makerere Hall.

She surprised and delighted the African friends again by telling them that Shoghi Effendi had crossed Africa another time. She said: “Shoghi Effendi crossed Africa twice. When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed away, Shoghi Effendi was very young, very shocked, very distressed. . . . When I was twelve years old, on pilgrimage, Shoghi Effendi . . . told me about his desire to see Africa. So before airplanes, Shoghi Effendi, with a male companion from the holy family, travelled from Capetown to Cairo. . . . It was in the early 1920’s, at the end of the real safaris and the beginning of the auto safaris. He found an English hunter who took him from one point to another through the bush in East Africa—in Uganda, Kenya, or Tanganyika. They probably ended in Nairobi.” Rúḥíyyih Khánum related many interesting stories concerning these visits of Shoghi Effendi across Africa which all of the friends enjoyed hearing.

A dramatic and moving highlight of the conference was the speech made by an Ateso Bahá’í from Uganda, Mr. Apure, when he rose to present to ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum a ten-foot long spear with wooden shaft and steel blade. These were his words: “The word of Bahá’u’lláh is like this spear. In the custom of the Teso people, if a man has no spear in his home, he is not a man. In the same way, there are many Etesote who have become Bahá’ís. They need the spear of the words of Bahá’u’lláh in their homes as a protection. We therefore ask you very kindly to ponder this matter and to try to find a solution to how the Bahá’ís can have a lot of literature translated into their various tongues. On behalf of the Teso Bahá’í friends, I am presenting this spear as a present which I feel will act as a protection This will remind ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum that always with the word of God she will be protected.”

‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, deeply touched by this presentation, pinned the flowers of her corsage on Apure’s shirt and said, “Every time I Come to Africa I get the most wonderful presents. Last time I was given a rope to tie up my belongings and go out to pioneer. I was also given a drum. Sometimes when I am sad, I go to this drum and touch it and remember all of you. And now (with tears in her eyes), I have this spear and I appreciate it very much.”

Sunday morning the conference continued with consultation from the floor. During a discussion of the limitations imposed by shortage of funds, Rúḥíyyih Khánum announced that beloved Hand of the Cause, Mrs. Amelia Collins, had sent a special contribution for the teaching work in the Central and East Africa Region. The Persian believers also responded to the tremendous needs of the Faith in Africa with very generous contributions and pledges to the fund.

The formal sessions of the conference closed with these words from ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum: “So, friends, don’t be afraid when you go out to teach. When a man has a spiritual connection with Bahá’u’lláh and goes out and teaches, this is all that matters. My mother said that Bahá’í Teachings are like entering the university, but we never graduate. I know only a little bit about the Teachings. The foundation is belief in and love of Bahá’u’lláh. In one of his translations for Persia, the Guardian speaks of being armed with the spear of the love of Bahá’u’lláh. Now, I am armed with the spear of the love of the Africans.”

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Public Inaugural Service

Preparations for the public inaugural service at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár involved widespread publicity for the Faith, plus the dispatch of approximately 600 invitation cards to numerous people of high standing in the governmental, religious, professional and commercial life of the Uganda community—including representatives of all races, creeds and nationalities. The Governor of Uganda accepted an invitation to attend this service, but was unable to do so owing to his absence from Uganda in London. The Resident of Buganda was his official representative. Prince Henry Kalemera represented his brother, His Highness the Kabaka (King) of Buganda. The African Mayor of Kampala attended.

For several weeks prior to the dedication, selected quotations from the Bahá’í Holy Writings appeared almost daily in the Uganda Argus, Kampala’s leading English language daily paper. An announcement early in January about the nature of the Temple and its forthcoming dedication was broadcast on the Uganda Radio, and a detailed article, with a large and beautiful photo graph of the Temple, appeared in both English and vernacular papers. on the day of the dedication, a special eight-page supplement, containing five long articles about the Temple and the Faith and numerous pictures, including two aerial photographs, was published by the Uganda Argus. Every believer at the conference received a copy of this supplement. Following the public inaugural service, an article appeared in the editorial section of the paper, together with a picture of the choir singing during the service. Three window displays were arranged in Kampala shops. This excellent and widespread publicity marks the first extensive effort to have the Faith known and understood in East Africa.

In addition to the Uganda publicity, an international news release and a photograph of the completed building were sent to all parts of Africa and the Bahá’í world.

Approximately 1500 people, including some 500 Bahá’ís attended the public inaugural service on Sunday afternoon, January 15, at 3:30 p.m. The Kampala police force was on hand to handle the buses and the traffic to the crest of the hill. It was a bright, hot afternoon, reminiscent of the day almost exactly three years earlier when the foundation stone had been laid. Approximately 8Dl) people were seated inside the auditorium of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. The numerous additional chairs placed on the veranda facing in at each open doorway were full. Many more people either stood on the veranda or sat in chairs situated on one of the garden rays, served by a microphone. The atmosphere was one of interest, wonder, and almost tangibly growing respect for the Faith.

The choir, composed of some of Kampala’s finest singers, including four Bahá’ís, had both European and African membership. Three of the choral selections were written by the American Bahá’í musician Dan Jordan—one, a solo selection beautifully sung by Mrs. Lois Hainsworth, pioneer to Uganda.

The program of readings for the inaugural service included words of inauguration by ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, excerpts from the Old and New Testaments and the Qur’án, plus a number of prayers and readings from the Bahá’í Holy Writings in Arabic, Persian, Ateso, Swahili, Acholi, Luganda and English.

‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, center, at Public Inaugural Service in African Temple, Jun. 15, 1961.

‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum giving the Message for the Inauguration of the House of Worship in Kampala.

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Bahá’ís and their friends walking down Kikuyu Hill, leaving Kampala Temple of Worship.

Following the Inaugural Service, the representatives of the Governor and the Kabaka of Buganda, together with the Mayor of Kampala, had tea with ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and several members of the National Spiritual Assembly in the Kikaya Hill home of Mr. and Mrs. Rex Collison, caretakers at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár.

Public Meeting

Monday afternoon, a public meeting was held in the new Kampala Cultural Center. The speakers were ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and Mr. Amos Gibson member of the American National Assembly. Mr. David Hofman, of the British National Assembly was the chairman. The theme, “Bahá’í—A World Faith,” was excellently handled by the speakers, and numerous questions followed from the approximately 400 representatives of all races who attended.

Dinner Reception

That same evening the executive architect for the Temple, the quantity surveyor, the contractor and the supervising foreman were invited to a reception and dinner attended by the Hands of the Cause and Auxiliary Board, National Assembly and Temple committee members. ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum personally thanked those responsible for the construction of the Temple for their fine work and cooperation. The architect and quantity surveyor responded, stressing their own pleasure in the building itself and in their association with the National Assembly and the Temple committee. The members of the Temple committee were introduced, and ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum expressed the gratitude of the Bahá’í world for their untiring services. Earlier she had spoken most enthusiastically about the perfection with which the completed Mashriqu’l-Adhkár suited the atmosphere and requirements of Africa.

For the thousands of African Bahá’ís who had longed, with pride in their hearts, for the day of its completion, for those on the committee and the National Assembly who had worked throughout the four years of planning and construction, for the Bahá’ís of the world who had contributed so generously for its erection, and for the revered Hands of the Cause for whom it represented another great goal won within our beloved Guardian’s Spiritual Crusade—this dedication weekend had been a time of rejoicing and fulfillment. Over the “dark continent” now, the light of Bahá’u’lláh has burst in full radiance that all might see and comprehend it. In the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “The world of existence may be likened to this Temple and place of worship; for just as the external world is a place where the people of all races and colors, varying faiths, denominations and conditions come together,—just as they are submerged in the same sea of divine favors, so likewise all may meet under the dome of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár and adore one God in the same spirit of truth, for the ages of darkness have passed away, and the century of light has come.”

—ISOBEL SABRI

DEDICATION SERVICE

January 14, 1961

9:30 a.m.

A Message in Dedication of the House of Worship

Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh in Praise of God — English

‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum

Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh in Gratitude to God — chanted in Persian

Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh for Spiritual Growth — chanted in Persian

Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh for Divine Assistance — chanted in Persian

Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh for Spiritual Qualities — chanted in Arabic

Prayer of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for Protection — chanted in Arabic

Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh in Thanksgiving — Ateso, Swahili, Luganda

Prayer of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for Spiritual Blessing — Ateso, Swahili, Luganda

Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh for Guidance — chanted in Persian

Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh for Reunion with God — chanted in Arabic

Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh for Tests and Difficulties — English

Prayer of Bahá’u’lláhfor Spiritual Unity — Ateso, Swahili, Luganda, Lubukusu, Acholi

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Mother Temple of the Antipodes, Sydney, Australia, taken Sept. 1960, is to be dedicated in Sept. 1961.

'Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum Will DediCate Australian Temple

The National Spiritual Assembly of Australia is happy to announce that ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum has graciously consented to be present at the Dedication of the “Mother Temple of the Antipodes,” Sydney, Australia, September 14-16, 1961.

As of January, 1961, the main structure of the temple and of the dome has been completed, and the precast sections of the doors at ground level have been erected. The work of precasting the gallery and clerestory windows, painting the temple interior, laying the floor with river stone and forming the outside steps, constructing doors and windows and installing lighting, water, etc., still remains to be completed. Funds are still required to complete the work.

NSA of South and West Africa Sponsors Conferences on Day of Covenant

In 1952 and 1953 when the first pioneers stepped off ships onto the territory of South and West Africa and looked at the extensive area, there were just two faithful souls who had kept the flame of Bahá’u’lláh’s love in their hearts through the years since the days of Fanny Knobloch. It seemed impossible that the Faith would be established in that vast region. How to go about it rested only with the beloved Guardian.

Now today, it seems incredible that the National Spiritual Assembly of South and West Africa can report to the world that in eight years the Faith has grown to such an extent in this territory where many obstacles exist, they were able to call simultaneous conferences on the Day of the Covenant. Twenty-six areas of this region held picnic-conferences. In some places as few as five met, and in one place fifty persons met, The total attendance was 356.

These were experimental conferences in which the total program was outlined, including copies of all material, such as prayers, readings on firmness in the Covenant, fellowship and love, teaching, and the Báb’s Address to the Letters of the Living. Questions on the readings were also provided, and answers were outlined for the chairman in case not all the answers were brought out in the consultation, The duties of the chairman were carefully stated, which assured a smooth-running conference.

Part of the conference material included an outline for deepening in the Covenant. This was used by those who held an all-day conference, and saved for study classes in those communities where the friends could not meet for such a long time.

The purpose of these conferences was for deepening, teaching and fellowship. Songs and fun played an important part in many of them.

First all-Basutoland Teaching Conference held in Maseru, Basutoland, Nov. 18-20, 1960.

One conference worth special mention was the first all-Basutoland Teaching Conference held in Maseru, the capital city, on Nov. 18-20, 1960. This was the first time that many of the believers had had a chance to meet their Bahá’í brothers and sisters from other parts of this “Switzerland of Southern Africa.” It was both a teaching conference and a school.

So successful were these conferences and their method of procedure that others have been planned along similar lines at significant times during 1961.

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Teaching Congresses Prepare Central America, Mexico and Panama for National Conventions

In the final week of December, each of the seven countries of Central America, Mexico and Panama celebrated its own national teaching congress. These congresses were designed to prepare and train each national community for its respective convention in April when seven new national assemblies will be born.

The participation was alive, mature and serious A member of the National Assembly of Central America, Mexico and Panama was present at each congress to act as an adviser. These advisers not only brought practical counsel and suggestions from their experience, but were able to transmit something of the spiritual atmosphere that must attend the deliberations of a national spiritual assembly The recent passing of beloved Amy McAllister was the motive of fervent prayers and a reminder of the sacrifices which have been made by the National Assembly, and are still being made, toward bringing seven new national assemblies to fruition.

Bahá’ís and friends attending three-day institute sponsored by the Guatemalan Teaching Committee, Sept. 15-17, 1960.

An outstanding aspect of these congresses was the presence and active participation of pure-blooded Indian believers. In Guatemala, five Mayan Bahá’ís representing three different sections of the country took an outstanding part in the discussions. Their sincerity impressed all. One of them, a young student of twenty, was so moved while reading ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prayer for the oneness of mankind that he was able only with great difficulty to contain the great emotion Within his soul In Nicaragua, where believers came from three Indian areas, one new Indian Bahá’í moved all by his complete sincerity when he said simply, “I did not know what was this religion, but now I Know it is true . . . ”

The themes of the congresses treated the formation and election of a national spiritual assembly, how it functions, its committees and their functions. The agenda was a review of the national conventions.

Guatemalan Teaching Committee Sponsors Three-Day Institute

A three-day institute sponsored by the Guatemalan Teaching Committee was held during the national holidays of Sept. 15-17, 1960, in the capital city of Guatemala. Bahá’ís and friends came from the communities of Retalhuleu, Quezaltenanjzo, Chichicastenango, and Guatemala city, Guatemala is a country of great distances, and this participation meant many sacrifices.

The programs presented covered the following topics: Prayer, Stories of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, A chapter of the book, Religion for Mankind, for a class on “Individual or Collective Religion?” Slides of various localities were shown, including the World Center. Over fifty persons were included in the cooperative luncheon and all the sessions. Topics on “Bahá’í Standards of Life” and the “Ten-Year Crusade” Were of great interest to all. Newcomers to the Faith spoke movingly of how their lives had been changed.

This institute provided a long stride forward towards welding the Bahá’í communities of Guatemala into one reality to form a strong pillar for the new National Assembly to be formed in April 1961.

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Twelfth World Religion Day Proclaimed Through Press, TV and Radio

World Religion Day initiated by the Bahá’ís of the United States twelve years ago and now a world-wide event for proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith to the public, took place this year on January 15. Reports received of the observance in the United States show approximately l75 communities and groups participating in the event, with about 2500 attending meetings, and it is probable that as many additional communities observed this day but have made no formal report of it.

Television and radio played an important role in many communities‘ Observances. This kind of proclamation ranged from free announcements to half hour programs and interviews, attracting the interest of large numbers of listeners. The major portion of newspaper proclamation was received through free news items and editorials; however, many communities combined paid advertising with the free publicity. Flint, Mich., had one hundred free announcements on nine radio stations, and Greensboro, N.C., had eighteen announcements by television broadcast. These are only two examples; there were many more. Hinsdale, N.H., heard three Bahá’í prayers by radio, while a Jackson, Mich., radio news director interviewed two Bahá’ís on his program. The Inglewood, Calif., community writes: “Our publicity, we feel, was quite an interesting show of the increased acceptance the Faith is receiving in our community.”

Many communities and groups cooperated in this special event, taking full advantage of every opportunity and talent for local and inter—community proclamation. The Daly City, Calif., group was assisted in this its first public meeting by the nearby communities and groups, as was also the Libertyville and Libertyville Township groups of Illinois. These two instances, in addition to many others, are outstanding examples of the spirit of cooperation, fellowship and love among the friends which in turn impressed the visitors.

The Fort Pierce, Fla., Bahá’ís held their first integrated meeting and it proved to be wonderfully successful. Their follow-up plan is to offer a correspondence course on the Faith in order to reach even the most timid in that southern area.

In some instances wise planning, stemming from past experiences, resulted in budgeting of funds for intensive advertising and distribution of literature and incurring less expense for the meetings themselves by using the more successful fireside type of gathering where the warm hospitality and fellowship in an informal atmosphere attract the hearts.

The youth and children took part in some of the programs. For example, a youth panel from Las Vegas, Nev., gave the program in Bakersfield, Calif. An audience of fifty-four attended a meeting in Kansas City, Mo., at which the children gave an impressive presentation of quotations from the Bahá’í Writings. Also, the Ada County, Idaho, Bahá’ís held a special World Religion Day Children’s Hour.

There was a wide range in the types of programs used, such as informal discussion meetings, talks on

World Religion Day display at Dayton, Ohio, where Fred Sudhop of Fort Wayne, Ind,, spoke on “One Universal Faith.”

the Bahá’í Faith alone, panel presentations, both formal and informal, use of prepared scripts, slides and tape recordings, and programs consisting solely of readings from the Bahá’í writings.

The largest audience reported was one of 135 attending a public meeting in Beverly Hills, Calif. A follow-up meeting to this was planned, using colored slides of Haifa and Israel. There were at least twenty additional meetings reported with an attendance of from thirty to seventy-five, one of which was the largest public meeting the Bahá’ís of Rochester, Minn., ever had.

Representatives of many different nationalities, races, and religious backgrounds attended the various meetings. Among them were the American Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Negro, Latvian, east Indian, Puerto Rican, and Morman, Unitarian, Catholic, Protestant, Moslem and Jew.

The World Religion Day meeting held at the Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, 111,, presented Mrs. Lois Nochman of Inkster, Michi, who spoke on “One Universal Faith.”

The most outstanding features of this twelfth annual observance of World Religion Day in the United States include the widespread use of mass proclamation facilities such as television, radio, newspapers, poster and book displays, and distribution of literature; some initial meetings for the gathering of the different “races” of the human race; some first attempts at public meetings in many locations; the number and variety of interested people attending; the time set aside for prayers before or during the week for the success of the events; the follow-up meetings planned; and the loving cooperation among the communities participating.

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TYPICAL BAHÁ’Í ELECTION IN VIETNAM RIḌVÁN 1960

Bahá’í community of Binh Son District in the province of Quang Ngai, with a few representatives from nearby local assemblies who came to assist in carrying out proper election proceedings.

Community has chosen its tellers and the friends begin to turn in their ballots.

Mrs. Dang Thi-Phu casts her vote. She is very active social worker in the Binh Son District.

Mr. Nguyen Doi casts his ballot.

The nine members of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Birth Son District, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. Mrs. Dang Thi-Phu and Mr. Nguyen Doi were elected to the assembly. Six months later, the number of Bahá’ís in this community doubled to forty.

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First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Quinhon Town, province of Quinhon, Central Vietnam, Riḍván, 1960.

First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Hiep Phuoc Village, Can Giuoc District, province of Long-An, South Vietnam, formed on April 21, 1960. Six months later the community had increased five-fold and numbered forty-nine.

Seven members of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Nhatrang Town, province of Khan Hoa, Central Vietnam, Rujvan, 1960.

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Youth Winter School Held in Swiss Alps

For the sixth consecutive year the Italo-Swiss National Youth Committee sponsored its Bahá’í Youth Winter School which annually attracts participants from many European countries. This year’s session met at the ski resort of Leysin in the Swiss Alps. About fifty Bahá’ís and their friends gathered from Dec. 23-Jan. 2, 1961, coming from Italy, Switzerland, France, England, Luxembourg, Monaco and Belgium. A large number of these were pioneers from four continents.

The program of study was divided into two daily sessions: after breakfast and before supper. Late mornings and early afternoons were free for enjoying winter sporls such as skiing and ice-skating.

Mr. Ghadimi of Liege and Dr. Roberts Fuller of Biel lent their wealth of knowledge and experience in the Faith to help the youth to deepen in the Teachings. The students were encouraged to enter into discussions which were stimulating and informative, all of which resulted in a youth declaration by the end of the session.

The Apocalyptic Upheaval

The following is a reprint from the BAHÁ’Í NEWS April 1950:

(Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary to Walter R. Wooten, November 21, 1949.)

“We have no indication of exactly what nature the apocalyptic upheaval will be; it might be another war . . . but as students of our Bahá’í writings it is clear that the longer the ‘Divine Physician’ (i.e. Bahá’u’lláh) is withheld from healing the ills of the world, the more severe will be the crisis, and the more terrible the sufferings of the patient.”

Bahá’ís of Bologna, Italy, on the occasion of the recent visit of Hand of the Cause Dr. A. Furútan (middle row, center) January, 1961.

Miss Vimol Sonchuan of Bangkok, Thailand, is the first member of the Mort tribe to accept the Bahá’í Faith. The Mons came from Burma to Thailand many years ago. Miss Sonchuan first heard of the Faith from her uncle, a Buddhist monk, who had been learning English at the Bangkok Bahá’í Center.

First Bahá’í Public Meeting Held in Dudelange, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

The Bahá’í Group of Dudelange held its first public meeting on Dec. 15, 1960, using the celebration of Human Rights Day and World Brotherhood as a springboard for the launching of a series of public meetings. The mayor of Dudelange, Mr. Jean Fohrmann, attended the meeting, and donated the use of the beautiful Salle des Fetes of the City Hall where the meeting was held.

Madame Léa Nys of Brussels, member of the Benelux National Assembly, spoke on “The Bahá’í Declaration of Human Rights.” Claude Levy, also a member of the Benelux National Assembly, was chairman. Five hundred invitations were sent out and fifty posters were put up on the news kiosks and in store windows. A book exhibit attracted attention and much literature was displayed and distributed. Follow-up meetings have been announced and more public meetings planned.

Bahá’í Holy Days How Recognized by Two States and 62 School Districts

As a result of the efforts of the local Bahá’ís, the school officials of Lancaster School District and Beverly Hills Unified School District in California, the Libertyville School District in Illinois, Mansfield, Ohio, and in Sarasota, Florida, have authorized Bahá’í children enrolled in the schools of these districts to be excused from classes on the Bahá’í Holy Days. With the addition of these five districts since January 1, sixty-two independent and unified school districts and the states of Rhode Island and Louisiana have given official recognition of right of Bahá’í parents to keep their children out of school on the Holy Days when work is to be suspended.

An increasing number of Bahá’í communities are planning special programs for the children on these occasions as well as during the Intercalary Days.

—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

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On anniversary of birth of Bahá’u’lláh eighteen guests and nine Bahá’ís gathered at Mottahedeh home in La Tour de Peilz, near Vevey, Switzerland, Mrs. Marion Little, first of the sir pioneers to open the goal city of Vevey, was the speaker.

Nengre Pamphlet Completes Language Goals Assigned to Western Hemisphere

Among the original goals of the World Crusade assigned by the beloved Guardian to the Americas was the translation of Bahá’í literature into ten Indian languages. After extensive research it was found that seven of these languages were non-existent in any form whereupon Shoghi Effendi substituted seven others. With the recent publication of an introductory pamphlet into Nengre, a dialect of the Suriname language, the revised list of the ten languages has now been completed. This was accomplished by Hart Friedland, Bahá’í pioneer first in French Guiana and now in Suriname, formerly called Dutch Guiana.

Although the Ten-Year Plan originally called for ten Indian translations, the list has been considerably increased particularly in Central America where the Faith is being carried to an ever-increasing number of Indian communities.

Teaching Conference Held On National Day of Belgium

On Dec. 11, 1960, Bahá’ís from all parts of Belgium and Luxembourg Grand Duchy met at Liege, Belgium, for the National Day consultation. This is planned each year by the National Teaching Committee as a day of study and deepening. This year they were grateful for the presence of Hand of the Cause Dr. Mühlschlegel.

Louis Henuzet, chairman of the Benelux National Spiritual Assembly, warmly welcomed everyone. Prayers were given in four languages, French, German, Persian and English. Mr. Henuzet introduced the theme “The Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh” using the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and giving clear reminders of the Bahá’í’ texts regarding succession of the Guardianship and concerning the establishment of the Universal House of Justice.

Dr. Mühlschlegel conveyed the historical greatness of the day in which we are living, and reviewed the really tremendous accomplishments being achieved all over the world‘ He said that the events taking place are too close for us to appreciate their importance or fully grasp their meaning at this time. It is essential for the whole of humanity that the Universal House of Justice be established on a firm foundation.

After luncheon the friends reassembled and Roger Swinnen, National Assembly member, reviewed the message from the Hands of the Cause in Haifa, dated Nov, 4, 1960. Some points brought out were: 1) Individual responsibility, 2) Goals already achieved, 3) Goals to be accomplished, 4) The first truly universal election, 5) The need to accept responsibility and to joyfully join in a year of austerity and self-sacrifice to meet all the demands of the coming months.

Consultation followed on the teaching plans in the Benelux countries, and many useful ideas and suggestions were given.

The day closed with the holding of the Nineteen-Day Feast of “Questions.” The friends returned to their respective towns, inspired by the joy and happiness engendered by the occasion.

Table arrangement exhibited at a dinner meeting during the Ohio State Convention in Mansfield, and used afterwards as a successful teaching medium during the holidays. It depicts the theme, “The World Crusade,” and shows all of mankind turning toward the Light of Bahá’u’lláh as It shines through the institutions being erected during the Crusade, symbolized by tall golden columns, and a suspended dome to be placed over all with the establishment of the Universal House of Justice.

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This invitation folder printed in shades of brown, blank white inside, is suitable for local use by assemblies and Bahá’í groups. It can be purchased for $2.00 per hundred in lots from 100 to 500; for $1.50 in lots from 500 to 1,000, and for $1.25 in hundred lots of 1,000 or more. Order from the National Bahá’í Press Press Service, 434 Thomas Ave., Rochester 17, N.Y. Cash must accompany the order.

Calendar of Events

FEASTS

April 9 — Jalál (Glory)

April 23 — Jamál (Beauty)

HOLY DAYS

Feast of Riḍván — April-i1 21-May 2

(Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh)

FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL CONVENTION

Bahá’í House of Worship

April 27, 28, 29, 30

U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

April 26

Baha’i House of Worship

Visiting Hours

Weekdays

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

Sundays and Holidays

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

Service of Worship

Sundays

3:30 to 4:10 p.m.

National Bahá’í Addresses

Please Address Mail Correctly!

National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters:

5336 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill.

National Treasurer:

112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust:

110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.

Bahá’í News:

Editorial Office: 110 Linden AVENUE, Wilmette, Ill.

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

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 or general interest are requested from national committees and local assemblies of the United states as well as from national assemblies oi other lands. Material is due in Wilmette on the first day or 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 tor 1960-1961: Richard C. Thomas, Managing Editor; Mrs. Eunice Braun, International News Editor: Miss Charlotte M. Linfoot, National News Editor; Miss D. Thelma Jackson and Mrs. Harriett Wolcott, Assistant Editors.

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

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