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No. 373

BAHA’I YEAR 119

APRIL, 1962

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Riḍván

The Divine Springtime is come, O Most Exalted Pen, for the Festival of the All-Merciful is fast approaching. Bestir thyself, and magnify, before the entire creation, the name of God, and celebrate His praise, in such wise that all created things may be regenerated and made new. Speak, and hold not thy peace. The day star of blissfulness shineth above the horizon of Our name, the Blissful, inasmuch as the kingdom of the name of God hath been adorned with the ornament of the name of thy Lord, the Creator of the heavens....

This is the Day whereon naught can be seen except the splendors of the Light that shineth from the face of Thy Lord, the Gracious, the Most Bountiful....

This is the Day whereon the unseen world crieth out: “Great is thy blessedness, O earth, for thou hast been made the foot-stool of thy God, and been chosen as the seat of His mighty throne.” ... This is the Day whereon every sweet-smelling thing hath derived its fragrance from the smell of My garment — a garment that hath shed its perfume upon the whole of creation. This is the Day whereon the rushing waters of everlasting life have gushed out of the Will of the All-Merciful. Haste ye, with your hearts and souls, and quaff your fill....

Arise, and proclaim unto the entire creation the tidings that He Who is the All-Merciful hath directed His steps towards the Riḍván and entered it. Guide, then, the people unto the garden of delight which God hath made the Throne of His Paradise....

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

Gleanings, pp. 27-32

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Memorial Service for Beloved Hand of the Cause Amelia Collins Held in Wilmette House of Worship

On Saturday evening, February 24, a memorial service to honor dearly loved Hand of the Cause Mrs. Amelia E. Collins was held in the Mother Temple of the West. Many Bahá’ís and friends gathered in Foundation Hall, including Mrs. Collins’ brother Oscar Engelder and his wife, from Phoenix, Arizona, Hand of the Cause Zikru’lláh Khádem and all members of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, three of whom are also Auxiliary Board members. The program, introduced with a musical prelude, was as follows: opening prayer, by Wyatt Cooper; readings from Gleanings, by Miss Edna True, member of the National Assembly; readings from the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, by Robert Meinhard; remarks by H. Borrah Kavelin, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, and by Mr. Khádem; closing prayer, by Amoz Gibson, member of the Auxiliary Board and National Assembly.

Mr. Kavelin paid poignant tribute to Mrs. Collins’ valiant and dedicated service over a period of many years after she became a follower of Bahá’u’lláh in 1919.

In a tablet revealed to her in the twilight of His life, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá included these words: “... In brief, from the bounties of His Holiness, Bahá’u’lláh, My hope is that thou mayest daily advance in the Kingdom, that thou mayest become a heavenly angel, confirmed by the breaths of the Holy Spirit, and may erect a structure that shall eternally remain firm and unshakable.” This hope of the Master was amply fulfilled as time went on. Mrs. Collins’ services — local, national and international — were innumerable and varied, and won the deep love and respect of all.

She became the first believer to undertake the teaching of the American Indians, stressed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His Divine Plan, when she sent a teacher to the Omaha Indians in Macy, Nebraska, whom she also frequently visited. She carried out with distinction many specific tasks assigned to her by the beloved Guardian, to whose service she was completely dedicated, as well as those entrusted to her by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, on which she served for a number of years.

The extraordinary esteem in which she was held by Shoghi Effendi is reflected in these words which he once wrote to her: “Your manifold, your constant and notable services to the Faith are truly exemplary, and will, I feel confident, act as a magnet that will attract the inestimable blessings of the Almighty.” This esteem was further evidenced by his calling her to live in Haifa in 1950, by his appointing her to the International Bahá’í Council when it was formed in January 1951, and by his naming her a Hand of the Cause in December 1951 in the first contingent of living Hands — the highest spiritual station which he could bestow upon her. A final testimony to his unique regard for her is the fact that she, of only two people, always knew where the Guardian was when he was away from Haifa.

Amelia Collins was extremely generous and prompt in response to every appeal made by Shoghi Effendi. One of her most outstanding gifts during the Crusade was the site of the future Temple on Mt. Carmel. She also contributed munificently to the funds for the construction of four Mother Temples, for the acquisition of national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and for the establishment of national endowments on five continents. It can truly be said that “everywhere you go in the world, Milly will be there.”

The story of her all-embracing support of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh can never be adequately told. Little wonder that the Hands of the Faith, in their message at the time of her passing, emphasized her numberless benefactions and her “ceaseless services, which were maintained until her last breath.”

Mrs. Collins passed away in Haifa on January 1, and was laid to rest in the Bahá’í cemetery there beside Dr. J. E. Esslemont, and very near Hand of the Cause Horace Holley.

In closing his remarks, Mr. Kavelin said that she had been “taken into the bosom of her Lord, and there we know she has found supreme happiness.”

Mr. Khádem opened his tribute by quoting a number of passages from The Hidden Words. He then recalled, with deep feeling and love, many touching examples of Mrs. Collins’ service and devotion, for which she is gratefully known and respected all over the Bahá’í world. A number of her services and gifts were delineated in detail, including the fact that she initiated the fund for the Holiest Shrine — that of Bahá’u’lláh. Mr. Khádem compared her to the woman who anointed the head of Jesus with precious oil and about whom He said: “Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”

In spite of great suffering Mrs. Collins was always courageous and blissful, and joy radiated from her face. She gave great inspiration and help to the other Hands, even at the Fifth Annual Conclave last fall, when she was gravely ill. Wishing to pay special homage to her one evening, the Persian Hands went to her room. Even while they were saddened by the realization of her suffering, she brought comfort to their hearts by her own joyousness.

Mrs. Collins was considered one of the Holy Household. In recent years she had lived in the home of the Guardian, occupying a room which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had used, and which the Guardian said would never be occupied after she left it.

In closing, Mr. Khádem, linking this exemplary handmaiden of Bahá’u’lláh with the disciples of another dawning Dispensation, quoted these words from the Master’s Will and Testament: “Let them that are men of action follow in their footsteps!”

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Iranian Friends Cite Activities of a Busy Summer Season

Under the guidance of the National and District Assemblies and the National Pioneering Committee, many of the Iranian friends took part in eleven pioneering conferences held last summer. All were centered on the problems related to pioneering goals and how to overcome them in the several districts. Bandar Gaz in particular was able to report gratifying success in the completion of home-front tasks.

Summer Schools Conducted in Twenty Localities

Twenty summer schools lasting from one to six weeks were held in various localities. The program was in each case arranged by the National Summer School Committee, the theme being “The Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Divine Plan.”

Each day opened with early-morning prayers, after which teachers sent from the different provinces conducted classes. Games and other recreation were provided. At the end of every session examinations were held and prizes given to the best students.

When the schools closed, the committee felt that pronounced progress had been made.

Pictures, clockwise from upper left: pioneering conferences held, respectively, in Gilan and Mashhad; students of summer schools conducted in Isfahan, Kirmanshah and Mashhad; youth conference in Tehran.

[Page 4] Words of welcome at the unity banquet which enhanced the observance in Haarlem, Netherlands.

Vietnam’s first celebration of World Religion Day drew about 200 people to the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Saigon. The affair resulted in an unexpected flood of favorable publicity in several media.

World Religion Day Celebrated in Varied Programs

Belgian Believers Stage Coordinated Meetings in Four Cities

Belgium’s observance of World Religion Day was nationally arranged by the Consolidation and Teaching Committee and was a great success. It encompassed four meetings, held on successive evenings beginning on January 16, in Charleroi, Brussels, Antwerp and Liege. In each case Shoghi Ghadimi spoke on “Faith for a World in Transformation.”

Promotion of the meetings comprised combined invitations printed for all four cities, as well as two special posters showing the Shrine of the Báb and the International Archives Building.

One quick result of the meetings was an outstanding article in the important Charleroi newspaper La Nouvelle Gazette, reviewing the talk and presenting the Cause in its truest essence under the headline “Bahá’u’lláh Said ...” This was one of the best pieces of Bahá’í publicity that has yet appeared in Belgium.

London Community Presents Distinguished Speakers

In England, the Spiritual Assembly of London presented an outstanding panel representing six faiths. The meeting was held in a large auditorium, which was filled to capacity. Mrs. Meherangiz Munsiff and David Hofman, representative of the British National Assembly, spoke on the Faith, while one of the guest speakers was Baroness Ravensdale of Kedleston, daughter of the late Lord Curzon.

The meeting, besides being a great success in itself, helped the believers to obtain distinguished speakers for similar gatherings in other cities.

First-Time Observances Held by Three Netherlands Communities

In the Netherlands, World Religion Day was publicly observed for the first time with three consecutive meetings, conducted in Arnhem, Haarlem and Delft. Different dates were chosen in order that the believers from all over Holland might support the new communities through their attendance and participation.

The Arnhem meeting, held on January 19, drew an audience of forty-five people, a large number for Holland, and an especially gratifying one in that it included many new and enthusiastic seekers.

The program opened by playing recorded readings on the fundamental oneness of religion, given in Dutch, German and English with a background of inspiring music. This was supplemented with an excellent talk by Mrs. Genie Sijsling on the same subject, followed by a fruitful question period. A concluding exhibition of the slides entitled “The Holy Land Today,” accompanied by a spoken script in Dutch, aroused further interest.

Haarlem Program Attracts 140 People

Haarlem celebrated the occasion on January 21 with an extensive program especially organized to attract various types of people. At an afternoon reception believers from several cities greeted guest speakers and contacts. Immediately afterward a public meeting attended by 140 people was opened with an address by Bob Van Lith on the meaning of world religion today. Guest speakers from other faiths contributed talks and readings that harmonized with the Bahá’í purpose. A concluding speech by Edward Zeepvat, the young secretary of the Haarlem Assembly, proved so interesting that several people requested copies, including the president of the local World Federalists, who asked permission to present it at a

[Page 5] Part of the audience at the Thun, Switzerland, observance listening to a musical interlude.

Originated in 1950 as a special occasion for proclaiming the Faith to the public, this annual Baha’i event is now being observed in a growing list of countries.

meeting of his own group.

Shortly after 6 p.m. seventy-two people sat down to an exciting unity banquet, during which an artist who has been asked to design murals for the Frankfurt Temple explained the meaning of the various religious symbols, which she drew expertly on a board.

In the evening another public gathering, attended by 110 persons, took place. The same guest speakers read prayers from different faiths, and one of them was so stirred that he spoke in words that precisely echoed the spirit and purpose of World Religion Day. An eminent psychiatrist and authoress, who had been reading Bahá’í literature, gave a tremendously dynamic address on spiritual renewal. An inspiring talk on progressive revelation by Mrs. Sijsling and a final showing of the Holy Land slides provided a fitting close to the multiple observance.

Delft Meeting Stresses Continuity of Religion

Two days later Delft held an equally successful meeting, to which at least 130 people were attracted. Prominent guest speakers from five faiths presented principles of their beliefs, the Jewish representative in particular voicing many ideas on unity. Mr. K. Khavari, a Persian pioneer, spoke for Zoroastrianism, emphasizing the continuity of religion and Zoroaster’s promise of another great Teacher. A concluding talk ended the meeting on a strictly Bahá’í note.

Following the observance a long and splendid article by a reporter who had attended it appeared in the local newspaper.

Believers in Switzerland Sponsor Two Successful Celebrations

Printed invitations enumerating Bahá’í principles helped to attract fifty-five people to an observance sponsored by the Thun, Switzerland, community. The theme used was “Religion Is the Victor Over Fear.”

A second public meeting took place in Lucerne, where Miss Doris Lohse spoke. Afterward a dinner was organized for the believers and their friends. It was a happy and interesting occasion, as is indicated by the fact that the guests stayed on for three hours to discuss the Faith.

Vietnam’s First World Religion Day Brings Remarkable Publicity Results

In spite of pronounced progress in Vietnam by the Faith, the friends there estimate that until recently it was known to only one or two per cent of the population. But when World Religion Day was this year celebrated for the first time in Saigon, a memorable publicity “scoop” resulted. The event brought the Cause to the attention of over three million people through front-page articles in every Vietnamese, French and English newspaper — eight in all — announcements on the national radio network, and inclusion in the newsreels. Editorials in the leading Vietnamese papers, noting the fact that outstanding leaders of various faiths spoke from the same platform on the basic oneness of their beliefs, stated that only the Bahá’ís could have brought them together.

Seven speakers addressed the meeting, which was held in the Saigon Center. About 200 people were in the audience.

Believers in 200 United States Localities Celebrate Annual Proclamation Event

It is estimated that well over 200 localities in the United States proclaimed the Faith through World Religion Day observances. Following are brief accounts of some of them.

[Page 6] Honolulu’s program featured a panel of Bahá’ís of widely varied religious and racial backgrounds.

Sixty-five people attended a panel discussion in Casper, Wyoming, despite sub-zero weather.

A Bahá’í home was filled to overflowing for the observance held by the Durham, North Carolina, group.

One community, eight groups and an isolated believer in Florida, separated in distance by as much as one hundred miles, cooperated in a successful meeting — the first integrated public gathering in Ft. Pierce. As the result of 400 personal invitations mailed with an enclosed pamphlet, radio and TV announcements, press releases and ads, sixty-four persons came to hear a talk by Jack McCants. Intense interest on the part of several people in the audience led to follow-up discussion groups and firesides. A buffet supper after the meeting added to the atmosphere of warmth and unity.

The importance which news media in Honolulu, Hawaii, attached to the observance in that city can be gauged by the fact that two of the three television stations dispatched camera crews to the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds to record the program. The latter featured a panel of Bahá’ís of widely varied racial and religious backgrounds. Subsequently the stations gave the event extensive newsreel coverage, including both interior and exterior views of the beautiful, spacious Center.

Excellent press and radio publicity in Salem, Oregon, covered both the local observance and one in a nearby town where the Salem community is giving extension-teaching assistance. Salem’s meeting included a presentation of pictures of mosques, cathedrals and temples in various parts of the world, among them the Bahá’í Houses of Worship and Shrines.

A Full Week End of Activities

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, had a full week end of activities beginning Saturday morning and extending through Monday. The coming of Dr. Dwight Allen from California for the occasion was announced by a display in the public library, newspaper advertisements, radio broadcasts and 700 mailed invitations. The activities included firesides, a public lecture, a presentation to the Kiwanis Club and a television interview, all of which not only helped to proclaim the Faith but also lent stimulation and encouragement to the believers.

Three college youth made up a panel discussion, with Mrs. Terah Cowart-Smith as moderator, for World Religion Day in Greensboro, North Carolina. The meeting was attended by thirty-four people, half of them non-Bahá’ís.

The observance in Detroit, Michigan, attracted seventy-five persons in spite of bad weather conditions. The program comprised a talk on “Faith for an Evolving World” by Ervin Thomas, American pioneer and member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Colombia. It was granted widespread publicity in the newspapers, announced in three local churches, given spot radio announcements and advertised through posters on the Wayne State University campus. It was also mentioned in a local church bulletin with over one and a half million circulation.

The program in Fargo, North Dakota, capitalized on a four-day teaching visit by Mrs. Ruth Moffett. It consisted of a public meeting and a fifteen-minute radio presentation reaching many people in the area.

Remarkable Results in a Small Town

More than one hundred people attended a public meeting in the little town of Issaquah, Washington, and many others learned of the Faith and the event through a window display, paid ads, front-page newspaper publicity and a write-up following the observance. The

[Page 7] mayor of the city provided attractive accommodations for the public meeting, at which Victor De Araujo gave an address on “God’s Plan for Unity through World Religion.” The talk was followed by a coffee hour, buffet supper and fireside.

Dayton, Ohio, Bahá’ís were assisted by those in Fairborn in their meeting, which was preceded by press and radio announcements. As a result of the interest stimulated, regular firesides have been held since the observance.

The press, radio stations and well-placed posters proclaimed the Faith in Duluth, Minnesota, and announced the celebration at the YWCA, where Mrs. Arden Lee gave an illustrated talk on “Man’s Understanding of God through the Ages.”

Five major faiths were represented on a panel program, “Religion for Mankind,” sponsored by the Waterloo, Iowa, believers. Eighty persons responded to widely diversified publicity. The meeting was followed by a buffet dinner in honor of the panel guests, demonstrating in action the oneness of mankind and of religion.

New York Counties Join in Cooperative Venture

On Long Island the believers of Nassau and Suffolk counties cooperated in a public observance held in Manhasset. Col. Eugene Keller addressed sixty people, who responded with interest during a subsequent question-and-answer period.

A group of two in Peterborough, New Hampshire, secured good publicity for a meeting attended by twenty-nine non-Bahá’ís, Jonathan Reynolds, together with representatives of two Christian churches, spoke on “Faith for an Evolving World.”

The believers of Rochester, New York, and the surrounding area cooperated in what proved to be the most successful public meeting they ever sponsored. Well over one hundred people attended the observance at which Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh gave a Bahá’í talk and a large church choir sang several selections. A coffee hour provided an opportunity for further teaching and fellowship. An excellent newspaper account appeared on the following day.

Sub-zero temperature and snow in Casper, Wyoming, did not prevent some sixty-five people from attending a panel discussion, which received unusual attention from the local newspapers.

Inspiring Meeting Follows Long Preparation

In Yonkers, New York, a special effort toward mass proclamation led to a series of thought-provoking weekly newspaper advertisements, culminating in a display ad announcing the World Religion Day public meeting. The speaker, Dr. George Goodman, portrayed the role of true religion in today’s evolving world, evoking enthusiastic response from the audience. Refreshments and discussion completed the observance, and follow-up firesides resulted.

Definite interest in the Faith was expressed by many guests at the Stockton, California, meeting, where Mrs. Alice S. Dent presented slides of the Houses of Worship and conducted a question period. A reception after the public meeting continued the theme of one world with the serving of foods from various parts of the world.

Rochester, Minnesota, residents viewed that city’s first public Bahá’í display, placed in the lobby of a

Mrs. Meherangiz Munsiff speaks before a large audience at the observance held in London.

An exhibit in a downtown bank lobby helped to publicize the celebration in Rochester, Minnesota.

In Alhambra, California, a striking display panel topped a book exhibit in the public library.

[Page 8] Window display in Issaquah, Washington. One hundred sixteen attended the public meeting in this small town.

downtown bank to promote World Religion Day. Well over a hundred pieces of free literature were taken. The observance, at which Mrs. Barbara McCurdy spoke, was also announced over television and radio, in newspapers, and through mailed invitations.

A public meeting in Urbana, Illinois, featured an illustrated talk on “Temples of the World” by Muzhan Khádem. Meanwhile, in the deep south, a group of three believers in Gretna, Louisiana, accomplished a Bahá’í “first” for that town with a gathering at which Theodies H. Washington spoke on “Progressive Revelation.”

Prayer and Persistent Effort Bring Success

After much prayerful planning with the friends in five nearby towns, the Ipswich, Massachusetts, community’s public observance received unusual newspaper and radio publicity, which the friends supplemented with twenty-five strategically placed posters. The most outstanding notice was a fifty-five-inch advertisement showing the Bahá’í Temples of the world. The topic “Faith for an Evolving World” was presented at the meeting by Dr. Alfred E. Neumann. Announcements of all firesides, and three-inch ads featuring quotations from the Writings, had appeared in the newspapers since last July, and it was felt that the success of the World Religion Day meeting was at least partly due to these persistent and consistent efforts in public proclamation.

Among others reporting successful observances were Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Santa Barbara, California; Kokomo, Indiana; Raleigh, North Carolina; Pasadena, California.

Incorporation of National Assembly of Panama Added to Crusade Victories

On February 5 the President of the Republic of Panama signed the document recognizing the incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of that country.

This incorporation of one of the new Latin American national assemblies constitutes accomplishment of another of the goals of the Crusade.

Council of Ustupo in San Blas Islands Approves Introduction of the Faith

In January the Council of Ustupo in the San Blas Islands (Panama) adopted a resolution to unanimously approve and make public their recognition of the introduction of the Faith.

This interesting and historic action has particular significance in view of the fact that at latest report 228 souls had enrolled on the island of Ustupo. These dear friends are all Kuna Indians.

Jamaican Believers Hold Provocative “Self-Appraisal” Institutes

On the first two week ends of January the National Teaching Committee of Jamaica staged institutes designed to stimulate the believers to self-appraisal of their individual status in relation to the Crusade. The first conference was held at the Kingston Bahá’í Center for the local friends and those of Spanish Town, the second at Port Antonio for the communities of that town and Annotto Bay.

Agenda for both institutes were given out in the form of mimeographed sheets listing questions for discussion and continued consideration. Among them were the following:

“Have I learned the simple principles of unity, cooperation and consultation on which Bahá’u’lláh established His Kingdom?”

“Do I attend assembly meetings, study classes, public meetings and Feasts in a radiant spirit attracting divine confirmation?”

“Do I regularly and in a loving spirit contribute to the local, national, international and Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds funds?”

“Do the people around me know and respect the Faith because they can feel its influence upon me?”

“Do I realize the importance of teaching, especially

Guaymi Indians of the Alto Cerro Brisa group, Chiriqui Province, Panama. The group has twenty adult believers.

[Page 9] in these last few remaining months of the Crusade?”

The institutes were received with attentive interest, and went far toward fostering a stronger spirit of resolute enthusiasm in the beloved Jamaican friends.

Virgin Canadian Goal Strengthened by Declaration of Former Clergyman

The first public proclamation of the Faith in the District of Franklin, northern Canada, took place on December 10, 1961, in the Anglican church at Cambridge Bay. The Reverend William Evans announced the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh to the assembled congregation following the evening service. Having declared himself a believer, Mr. Evans completed his duties as a clergyman a month later.

This significant event constitutes another advance in the Ten Year Crusade, the beloved Guardian having specified the District of Franklin as a virgin goal.

Sydney Temple Fulfilling Function as Great Silent Teacher

The Mother Temple of the Antipodes, dedicated last September, is making its influence felt in diverse ways. The worship services, held every Sunday afternoon, are well attended, sometimes drawing up to 150 people. Each service consists of Bahá’í prayers and readings, as well as readings from the Old and New Testaments and the Qur’án. Sometimes vocal soloists are used on the programs.

New contacts from the services are invited to special monthly firesides held at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Here they meet believers living near them and are

Extension teaching by the Guadalajara, Mexico, friends in the village of Tequila resulted in twenty declarations at one time. Some of the new believers are shown below with Mrs. Florence Mayberry (third from right in back row), member of the Auxiliary Board and National Assembly. As a consequence of this teaching effort many more souls have since come into the Faith.

Representatives of the Auxiliary Board, two national assemblies and all local communities in the Republic of Panama gathered on December 31 for the dedication of a memorial headstone at the grave of beloved Amy Isabel McAllister. Consecrated pioneer and member for several years of the Regional National Assembly of the Central American area, Miss McAllister passed away in 1960.

drawn into the more frequent local firesides. Thus the House of Worship serves as the opening of a channel that can lead the true seeker directly and quickly to an understanding of the Faith.

In another manifestation of its power as a silent teacher, the Temple continues to attract publicity. The principal Sydney newspapers, in surveying the outstanding happenings of 1961, mentioned the completion and dedication of the edifice as one of these events. In similar surveys the television stations again showed scenes of the Temple and the dedication ceremony.

At the request of the Esperanto Society a special service, conducted entirely in Esperanto, was held in the Temple on January 1. This service, attended by fifty-eight visitors present in Sydney for the Australian Esperanto Congress, attracted wide publicity, being mentioned four times on ABC news broadcasts and reported in both main Sydney morning newspapers.

International News Briefs

Growing rapidly (thirty-eight new believers since last Riḍván) in spite of periodic departure of pioneering members, the Honolulu, Hawaii, community saw fit to initiate a special type of meeting called “A Night to Remember.” Calculated to enrich the Bahá’í life of new enrollees, the gatherings feature veteran Bahá’ís who recount their precious memories of the early days of the Faith. The meetings are held every few months.

〇

Some months ago Dr. Karl Schück, a Bahá’í of Germany, was awarded the “Bundesverdienstkreuz I,” a medal of honor of the Federal Republic of Germany, for his international understanding and services.

[Page 10] A few of the many believers who met with Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone in Djakarta, Indonesia, when he paid that community a two-day visit following the annual meeting of the Hands at the Mansion of Bahjí. He is shown at right of center, in white shirt.

Four of the many people who attended a regional teaching congress held in Tamboril, Dominican Republic, on January 20 and 21. At the conclusion of the conference the first three persons from the left declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

Nubian Translation Marks Attainment of Still Another Crusade Goal

The National Teaching Committee of Sudan has announced completion of the translation of a Bahá’í pamphlet into Nubian.

This means the attainment of yet another Crusade goal, Nubian being one of the African languages specified by Shoghi Effendi in his Ten Year Plan.

New Zealand Conducts Its First Legally Recognized Bahá’í Marriage

The first marriage conducted by a local assembly in New Zealand and legally recognized by civil-government authorities took place at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Auckland on January 29. It united Farivar Elahi of Persia and Loranne Burdett of Auckland.

Holy Days Granted Recognition in an Eritrean School

Three students of the Haile Selassie First Secondary School of Asmara, Eritrea, have been given permission to stay away from school on the nine Bahá’í Holy Days.

The permission was granted after the Spiritual Assembly of Asmara sent the school director an official letter certifying that the students were members of the Bahá’í community. Accompanying the letter was a Bahá’í calendar for the director’s information.

First Member of Maori People Enrolled in Faith

With understandable joy the believers of New Zealand have announced the first declaration among the beloved native Maori people, whose conversion to the Faith was very close to the heart of Shoghi Effendi.

On January 15 Fred Wharerau, a young man of nineteen, was welcomed to the community of the Greatest Name at a gathering attended by the friends of Auckland and surrounding districts.

“Forget any Sense of Insufficiency” “As you are so devoted to the Faith and so eager to serve it, you should forget any sense of insufficiency and shyness, and teach the people whom you can attract to the Faith in a study class for adults. Bahá’u’lláh will surely help and bless you if you make the effort; and the need for all the Bahá’ís to teach is very great these days.” From, a letter written by Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, to an American believer.

Interterritorial Conference organized by the National Assembly of Central and East Africa and held in Nairobi, Kenya, December 24-27. Second from left in first row is Hand of the Cause John Robarts.

[Page 11] Hand of the Cause ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan (center, wearing dark-rimmed glasses) with youth of the Florentine community during a recent visit to Italy.

At left, above, is Fred Wharerau, first Maori believer. With him is Brian Neale of the Auckland (New Zealand) community, who introduced him to the Faith.

Numerous Nationalities Represented at Austrian and Italo-Swiss Winter Schools

Friends from five countries attended the winter school of Austria, held in picturesque Matzleinsdorf on the Danube River during the first week of January.

The school sessions were made memorable by the presence of Hands of the Cause ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan and Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel, both of whom contributed inspiring lectures and illustrated talks, including beautiful slides from the Holy Land. Dr. Mühlschlegel added pictures taken at the European summer schools.

Both lectures and discussion were brought to bear upon a psychological analysis of present-day youth problems, the New World Order, the meaning of religion, how man can recognize the Prophet, Administration, the new calendar and Bahá’í laws.

Particularly gratifying to all the students were the progressive teaching methods employed and the lively consultation engendered through widespread individual contributions.

Italo-Swiss School Carries Out Diversified Program

About sixty youth of various nationalities, including many non-Bahá’í guests, came together in Godiwil, Switzerland, during the last days of 1961 for the Italo-Swiss community’s youth winter school.

Dr. H. G. Kamran of Antwerp, Belgium, presented a course on the Kitáb-i-Íqán and William Hatcher, U.S. pioneer, another on how to approach Christians. Three other American pioneers, Jerry Bagley, James Holmlund and Joanna Thomas, led a week-end class on youth and the World Crusade. The classes were given in both French and English.

Afternoons were taken up with discussions, hiking and ice skating. The evenings called forth a variety of activities: talks on the Negro spiritual and on a pilgrimage to Haifa, a talent show, games and dancing. A new year’s eve party wound up the eventful, happy period.

Potent Reminder

Upon his return to Africa after an extended visit to Canada in 1960, Hand of the Cause John Robarts wrote the friends there. Following are extracts from his letter:

“... There were some problems. Many of you had stopped teaching. Your friends would not listen; no one came to your firesides; you had become discouraged and given up.

“This reminded me of the salesmen who try and try to sell their product, but make no sales. Eventually their morale becomes so low that they cannot go on. But, in the Faith we have a factor that salesmen do not have — the promised assistance of God.

“The stirring statement of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá comes to mind: ‘It is known and clear that today the unseen divine assistance encompasseth those who deliver the Message. And if the work of delivering the Message be neglected the assistance shall be entirely cut off ...’ (BWF p. 385)

“Throughout the teachings there are such wonderful promises that ‘God will assist all those who arise to serve Him.’ We know this in our head, but do we really believe it in our heart?”

From Bahá’í News of Canada

Dinner given by the Bahá’ís of Lucerne, Switzerland, in commemoration of the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh.

[Page 12]

U.S. National Assembly Sums Up Heartening Progress on Its Crusade Assignments

As the final year of the great global Crusade approached, the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States was able to draw up an encouraging interim report on its stewardship of the tasks entrusted to it by beloved Shoghi Effendi. The review, presented as of March 1, will be of interest to the numberless friends who have been collaborating on the many assignments.

Most Virgin-Goal and Consolidation Tasks Completed

Of twenty-nine original virgin-goal areas on four continents and in several island groups, plus one added later, all but two that are inaccessible for political reasons were opened. Five of these goals are temporarily vacant.

Also assigned to the United States, in roughly the same regions, were twenty-three areas requiring consolidation work. This work has proceeded according to schedule except in two inaccessible countries. Of the other twenty-one areas, six have come under the jurisdiction of other national or regional assemblies, two have formed their own national assemblies and eleven in Western Europe are preparing to elect their first national administrative bodies at Riḍván.

A Full Complement of Translations, Temple Sites, Haziratu’l-Quds and Endowments

The Guardian designated twenty languages in which translation of the Writings was to be started. This goal has not only been reached but exceeded by ten, by virtue of translations into additional American Indian and other tongues.

Responsibility was given the United States to direct and contribute to the acquisition of three Temple sites and thirty-six Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, and for the establishment of thirty-six national endowments. These assignments have been completed; all Temple sites and all Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds but one having been purchased before the passing of the beloved Guardian.

Formation of National and Regional Assemblies and Publishing Trusts

Thirty-seven national and regional assemblies were to be formed with U.S. help. To date thirty have been established, twenty-two of them in the Western Hemisphere. In April 1962, as previously mentioned, eleven more will, in a sweeping advance, be formed in Europe, superseding four present regional bodies. The goal of incorporating all of the new assemblies remains, in large part, to be done before Riḍván 1963.

The goal task of establishing a Bahá’í Publishing Trust in the United States was completed several years ago, and assistance is being given toward setting up similar organizations in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Status of Home-Front Goals and World-Wide Pioneering

The Guardian specified that on the U.S. home front the number of local assemblies should be increased to 300. As of March 1 there were only 228; however, progress in the present intensive home-front campaign makes the outlook quite promising. Of the total assemblies, one hundred were to be incorporated. This goal has been virtually attained, although four incorporated communities are temporarily below assembly status.

Specified completion of the landscaping of the

Some sixty young people of diverse national backgrounds attended the Italo-Swiss youth winter school, held in Godiwil, Switzerland, at the end of December.

[Page 13] Temple grounds in Wilmette took place early in the Crusade. Construction of the Home for the Aged has also taken place, and this first dependency of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár has been in operation since 1959.

“Knights of Bahá’u’lláh” from the United States—pioneers who were given this title by the beloved Guardian because they opened virgin-goal territories during the first year of the Crusade—number ninety-five. In all, 410 adult American pioneers are now serving in foreign fields, about one out of every six in goals other than those assigned to the U.S. community.

Teaching Among the Indians

In accordance with Shoghi Effendi’s wish, teaching among the American Indians in the United States has been heavily stressed during the Crusade. There are now twenty-six tribes that have one or more members enrolled in the Faith, and thirty-three more tribes with whom some teaching contact has been established. Ten pioneers are living on Indian Reservations, and others adjacent to Reservations do extension teaching.

Figures That Reflect the American Community

In the continental United States there are now about 1566 Bahá’í centers, comprising the 228 present local assemblies, 704 groups and 634 isolated centers. The number of believers has grown steadily, with notable acceleration during the current year, particularly among the youth. Four communities, including Honolulu, Hawaii, have local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

Seventy-seven school districts in twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia now recognize the Holy Days, and Bahá’í marriages are legally recognized in thirty-one states on the mainland.

The Year’s Home-Front Teaching Activities

The teaching effort since last Riḍván, not including teaching done on a strictly local or individual basis, is reflected by the following: Six summer schools held sessions ranging from one to eleven weeks. Thirty-five NSA-sponsored conferences were conducted by Auxiliary Board and National Assembly members. There were twenty-five area conferences, not counting those at which delegates to the National Convention gave their reports. Twenty-two youth conferences typified the year’s widespread, varied activity among the young believers.

In the intensive teaching campaign directed by the American National Teaching Committee, 122 circuit teachers were utilized to help the goal groups. The National and Area Teaching Committees scheduled 214 circuits and week-end visits, this service including assistance to newly formed and weak communities and to sixty-six goal cities.

Summary of Goals Still to Be Gained

The comparatively few though vital tasks still to be completed by or with the aid of the United States community have already been indicated. Two unopened virgin areas, and two where consolidation work was to be done, remain inaccessible. Five virgin areas opened but now vacant call for resettlement. The eleven national assemblies to be formed in Europe are scheduled for establishment by the valiant friends there at Riḍván. Incorporation of an estimated thirty national assemblies, including those forthcoming in Europe and a number in Latin America, will remain to be completed in the Crusade’s last year.

On the home front, the incorporation of the necessary number of local assemblies is near realization, though involving rehabilitation of four already incorporated but now below assembly strength. This goal is consequently related to the task which looms largest: the attainment of a total of 300 assemblies. And, as Riḍván approaches, even this numerically formidable objective does not seem too far from accomplishment.

A part of the seventy-four believers who attended a teaching conference for the German-speaking section of Switzerland, held in Lucerne on January 28. The agenda included a report on a recent meeting, in Paris, of Hands of the Cause and the National Spiritual Assemblies of Europe.

[Page 14]

One Year of Teaching Among the Masses in India

By Hooshmand Fatheázam     Secretary of the NSA of India

January 31, 1962, marked the passing of one full year of our experiences with the awakening masses of India. This presents an opportunity not only to review the glorious events which the Bahá’ís of India have witnessed but also to remember the importance of teaching the Cause to the thirsty masses of the world, which is one of the main responsibilities of the Bahá’ís during the fourth phase of the beloved Guardian’s Ten Year Crusade.

Friends in Africa, in South-East Asia, in Bolivia and recently in India draw their blessings from the realization of the fact that the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is for mankind in its entirety, and mankind is not limited to a few sophisticated city-dwellers, proud of their intelligence and deaf to the call of God. If the deprived masses of the world constitute over three-quarters of the population, they are more entitled to receive the blessings of God, given to us through Bahá’u’lláh, the Glory of God. “The summons and Message,” says Bahá’u’lláh, “which We gave were never intended to reach or to benefit one land or one people only. Mankind in its entirety must firmly adhere to whatsoever hath been revealed and vouchsafed unto it.”

I repeat that “mankind in its entirety” is entitled to receive the Message of God and the majority of mankind lives in villages, in jungles, remote islands and mountains. As it is proved to us, this majority of mankind again consists of those who are most receptive to the call of God, whether the city-dwellers like it or not. Our approach in teaching the Cause should not be based on selecting people who, we think, can understand the Cause and who, we feel, are worthy to receive the glorious Message of Bahá’u’lláh. The Blessed Beauty says that everybody on earth is capable to receive His Message and to know Him Who is the Manifestation of God on earth. About the creative power of the Word of God He says that “every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God is endowed with such potency as can instill new life into every human frame, if ye be of them that comprehend this truth.”

In many tablets, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá have referred to the examples of the previous followers of Divine Manifestations who were among the pure and humble people of the world. Don’t we remember stories of Peter the fisherman in the Christian and Abuzar the shepherd in the Mohammedan Revelation, which are frequently repeated in our Holy Writings? Always there were masses of the world who responded to the call of God and built new civilizations. It is always the heart of man which is important. “All in heaven and on earth,” said Bahá’u’lláh, “have I ordained for thee except the human heart, which I have made the habitation of My Beauty and Glory.” The first counsel of Bahá’u’lláh to man was to “possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart.” If now we witness that God is making His habitation in the hearts of the masses in so many parts of the world, it is because they really possess pure, kindly and radiant hearts.

Teaching among the masses should not be pursued merely because they are receptive. We should go to the masses and teach them because they are important for building up the future civilization which will hasten the advent of the Golden Age of the Bahá’í Era. It was in the Tablets of the Divine Plan where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasized the importance of teaching the Cause to the American Indians. He even promised that when they are attracted to the Cause of God, they will illumine the whole earth.

There is a story in India that Lord Krishna had a magic flute which attracted all the cows from the field when he played it. Bahá’u’lláh has given the flute of His Divine Teachings to every one of us to play so that those who belong to God may hear it and come under the protection of the Divine Shepherd. We have so far

A session of the youth conference conducted on January 27 and 28 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Human Rights display at main public library December 4 to 11, arranged by the Bahá’ís of Green Bay, Wis.

[Page 15] Youth conference held in Seremban, Malaya, last December. Talks and consultation stressed concentration of effort on the Crusade tasks pointed out by the Hands of the Cause in their message of November 5.

played this flute mostly in cities and towns. The sweet melodies of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh could not reach the ears of the people in cities except in a very few instances. There is too much noise in cities that drowns the sweet-scented melodies of God. Now the Guardian wanted us to take the flute, go to the fields and play it. Let us do so. Multitudes of people will welcome us.

Nevertheless, this does not mean that we should leave cities and neglect the people there. We must not make discrimination among the people. In city or in desert, wherever we find ear, we must open our lips to give the glad tidings of Bahá’u’lláh. But what we should be aware of is that all or a large portion of our energies should not be directed toward one section of the people at the cost of others. The shower of the mercy of God pours down upon all. Bahá’í Faith is for the whole of mankind.

At the moment, when I am writing these lines, we have a record of 11,356 people who accepted the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh during the past year, in India. We have had wonderful experiences and have gained great spiritual power from these souls who were deprived of receiving the Message for such a long time because we did not know how precious and important they are. They are mostly from humble walks of life. They are cultivators, laborers, nomads, but as soon as the spark of hope was enlightened in their hearts by the glad tidings of the advent of Bahá’u’lláh, the Manifestation of God, they expressed such wonderful signs of understanding and spiritual awakening that are really great lessons for all of us. These otherwise simple people will understand the Cause very deeply if we try to give them the knowledge from the Teachings.

In one of our classes for new believers among the villagers, one of our month-old Bahá’í friends gave us the following advice: “Never forget God and His blessings even if you are busy with your daily lives.” Then he cited the example of a Panihari. In India, as in many other parts of the world, women usually carry water in two or three earthen pots, all put on top of one another on their heads. They are called Paniharis. Now our friend said: “The Panihari with pots on her head was coming back to the village. On her way a herd of cattle blocked the path and she had to find her way by driving the cattle away. After a few yards she saw a number of women sitting in a corner talking about their problems. For some time she stood there and talked with them. A few steps farther on she saw a child who was about to be knocked down by an ox-cart rushing through the village. She pulled the child aside and protected him. The woman,” our new believer concluded, “had to do different jobs and say different things at different times, but always she was conscious of the pots of water she was carrying on her head and took care not to drop them. This is how we should always feel the presence of God and Bahá’u’lláh in our hearts while attending to our daily routine work. Never should we be carried away by our work and jobs and allow the treasure of knowledge in our hearts to be lost.” This is a lesson we received from a one-month-old Bahá’í who is not yet able to read and write.

The Cause of God, as we have experienced, means so much for the masses. That makes them sacrifice whatever little they have for the establishment of the Cause among their fellow-men. A group of five or six villagers, who had received the Message of God in a conference which was held for two days in a neighboring village, were so enthusiastic to give the Message of God that they went back and started working more on the road-building to earn a little more money, necessary for holding another conference in their own village. They did the same without the knowledge of the National Assembly or anybody else. When these pure and overburdened workers succeeded in calling a conference through their own efforts and hard work, they called the Bahá’ís: “Come on now. People are longing to hear about the new Manifestation of God.” We can appreciate the sacrifices of these friends more when we remember how busy and overburdened these loving souls are. The teachings of God change the heart of the people almost instantaneously.

(To be continued)

[Page 16]

BAHA'I IN THE NEWS

The October 1961 issue of American Review of Eastern Orthodoxy carried an extensive notice of the dedication of the Sydney Temple, with special attention given to ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum. Included was a brief resumé of the history of the Faith, its principles and organization, and the forthcoming formation of “an international Bahá’í assembly.”

〇

After hearing Professor Alessandro Bausani of the Italo-Swiss National Assembly at the United Nations Week observance in Bologna, Italy, a feature writer of the Socialist newspaper Avanti interviewed the speaker and then wrote a sympathetic and comprehensive account, not only of the meeting but also of the Faith in general. Quoting two other well-known Italian educators, he concluded with the following words of Professor Francesco Gabrielli, Chairman of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature at the University of Rome: “Leading this Faith are very high moral and humane ideals and teachings of peace, of universal harmony and brotherhood, of the highest spirit of man in our society, none of which are in conflict with the modern consciousness of morals and religion.”

〇

Last September 20 the newspaper The West Indian, published on Grenada Island in the West Indian Federation, ran a highly provocative half-page article headlined “Here’s Religion Without Priests — Bahá’í World Faith Preaches Full Equality.” It quoted Winston Evans, U.S. Bahá’í now residing in Grenada, and included large pictures of the Wilmette Temple and of Grenada believers.

〇

Writing in the “Question Box” section of the September 14 Catholic Weekly, published in Australia, a theologian gave a derogatory answer to an inquirer’s question, “What is a Bahá’í?” He described Bahá’u’lláh as a “heretical Mahometan” and the Faith as a breakaway Moslem sect, adherence to which would mean abandoning Christianity. In conclusion he denied that the Faith leads to religious unity, on the ground that it adds to the denominations of the world.

〇

Publicity for the Faith as a result of Bahá’í artist Mark Tobey’s retrospective exhibit at the Louvre in Paris last October has been very extensive in France. Mention of the Faith, sometimes with a paragraph of explanation, appeared in the following periodicals: L’Express, Figaro Litteraire, Les Nouvelles Litteraire, Arts et Spectacles, Nice-Matin and Information et Documents.

Baha’i Publishing Trust

Pocket Calendar, 1962-1963. This small calendar designed to fit billfold or purse is again available, beginning with May 1, 1962 and running through April 30, 1963. This year it has a picture of the model of the Mother Temple of Europe in Frankfurt, Germany.

10 copies	$ .50
25 copies	$1.00
100 copies	$3.00

Standing orders are not being sent out on either standard-size or pocket calendars due to the variability of quantity which each community requires.

(NOTE: Minimum mail order is $1.00 or more, covering total of all items on the order. If possible, conform to the minimum-lot prices on pamphlets shown in catalog.)

Calendar of Events

FEASTS

April 9 — Jalál (Glory)

April 28 — Jamál (Beauty)

HOLY DAYS

Feast of Riḍván — April 21-May 2

(Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh)

FIFTY-FOURTH ANNUAL CONVENTION

Bahá’í House of Worship

April 26, 27, 28, 29

U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

April 25

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Baha’i House of Worship

Visiting Hours

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

Sundays

3:30 to 4:10 p.m.

Public Meeting

Sunday, April 15

4:15 p.m.

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BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published for circulation among Bahá’ís only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, as a news organ reporting current activities of the Bahá’í World Community.

BAHÁ’Í NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee: Mr. and Mrs. P. R. Meinhard, Managing Editors; Mrs. Eunice Braun, International News Editor; Miss D. Thelma Jackson, National News Editor; Miss Charlotte M. Linfoot, National Spiritual Assembly Representative.

Material must be received by the twentieth of the second month preceding date of issue. Address: Bahá’í News Editorial Office, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.

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