Bahá’í News/Issue 376/Text
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| No. 376 | BAHA’I YEAR 119 | JULY, 1962 |
“(We) joyfully share news received (during the) Riḍván period (concerning) outstanding additional victories won throughout (the) Bahá’í World (in) evidence (of the) devotion, consecration (and) determination (of the) believers (of both) East (and) West (to) crown (the) beloved Guardian’s (global) Crusade (with) unfading glory. Vital home front goals (in the) United States, Canada (and the) British Isles (were) attained or exceeded through (the) formation (of) more than three hundred local spiritual assemblies (in the) American Bahá’í Community, sixty-one (in the) Dominion of Canada and forty-eight (in the) British Isles. (Only a) single additional assembly (is) needed (to) fulfill (the) goal (on the) home front (in) Germany. Assemblies (are) now established (in the) capital cities (of) all Australian states. (The) rapidly spreading conflagration (of) mass conversion (is) reflected (in the) formation (of) one hundred and ten new local assemblies (in) India, (whose) total (number of assemblies is) now five times (the) number required (to) meet (their) Crusade goal. Unprecedented increases (are) reported (in) southeast Asia, Africa (and) Latin America. Twenty-four new assemblies (have been formed in the) Philippines where (the) total (number of) believers now exceed one thousand. Sixteen new assemblies (have been) formed (in) Vietnam, bringing (the) total (to) forty. Central and East Africa reports (a total of) six hundred and sixty local assemblies (and) twenty-six thousand Bahá’ís, including over six thousand (in the) Congo which sent twelve delegates (to the) Convention, including (the) first Pygmy delegate (in) Bahá’í history. Sixty-two local assemblies (have been) formed (in) Bolivia, (the) focal point (for) mass conversion (in) Latin America. Two hundred new Indian believers (were) recently enrolled (in) Chile. Nicaragua (and) Panama respectively report tripling (and) quadrupling (the number of) believers (in the) last year, with Indian enrollments numbering several hundred. (We) urge all national bodies (to) seize (this) opportunity (to) form additional local assemblies (at) any time (during the) present year (to) insure (a) still greater increase (in the number of) avowed supporters, groups (and) assemblies ere (the) termination (of the) sacred global plan entrusted (by the) beloved Guardian (to the) Community (of the) Most Great Name. (Please) airmail (this) message (to the) Hands (of the Cause) (and to all) national assemblies.”
| Haifa, Israel, May 12, 1962 | (Signed) HANDSFAITH |
Initial Commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit to America Held in Temple in Wilmette[edit]
More than 1,400 Bahá’ís and their friends gathered in the mist-shrouded Temple in Wilmette, Illinois, on April 28 for the Feast of Riḍván and, later, for a public commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America fifty years ago.
From the opening words of the first reading in the Temple auditorium, “Unto Thee be praise, O my God ...” the voices of the readers resounded until the Temple echoed with praise and thanksgiving. There was gratitude in every Bahá’í heart for the overwhelming bounties bestowed upon the American friends during this past year, bounties which made it possible for them to accomplish all their home-front goals a full year in advance of the conclusion of the Guardian’s Ten Year Crusade.
After this service, the audience moved to Foundation Hall for the first of a series of meetings being held this year throughout the United States and Canada in commemoration of the golden anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit. In this case the gathering was, specifically, a celebration of the Master’s laying of the Temple cornerstone in 1912.
The meeting, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly, had been thoroughly publicized with the aid of the special anniversary materials prepared for country-wide use. So large was the resulting audience that the entire hall and its surrounding rooms and corridors were filled to capacity, and many stood during the program.
H. Borrah Kavelin, chairman of the National Assembly, extended a special welcome to approximately twenty-five people in the audience who witnessed the dedication of the cornerstone or who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His lifetime. He also read congratulatory messages from numerous public officials, including the governors of Illinois and Wisconsin and the mayors of Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Governor Nelson of Wisconsin had referred to the laying of the cornerstone as a symbol of “the internationalism of your faith” and expressed “the earnest hope that the spiritual bonds which bind you together will strengthen
A great throng filled Foundation Hall and adjacent areas of the Temple for the public commemoration of the dedication of the cornerstone.
the forces which hold mankind together until, with
the efforts of all people of good will, these forces
become invincible.”
Then Mr. Kavelin introduced as speaker Hand of the Cause William B. Sears. The following is a paraphrased condensation of Mr. Sear’s address.
The Story of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
In telling the wonderful story of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá one might choose to begin at the end instead of the beginning — with that day in November 1921 when the simple white casket containing the earthly remains of the Master was borne past the Cave of Elijah, and the other sacred spots on Mt. Carmel, to its final resting-place in the Shrine of the Báb. There was no sound in the land except the occasional crying of a gull, the singing of other birds, and the soft, low chanting of the mourners.
At the funeral service itself people of all races, nations, classes and religions — Jews and Arabs, Christians and Moslems, Catholics and Protestants — came together to pay tribute to the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, all united in their tender feeling of grief and love.
Next one might speak of the young ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, since so often we see pictures of Him in which He appears aged and bowed with the cares of the world.
When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was a small child, He sat on the knees of Ṭáhirih, the Pure One, she who was destined to be the first martyr for women’s rights. When He was only nine, three years after the Báb’s Martyrdom, He was taken to visit the Síyáh-Chál, the foul underground dungeon in which Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned. There the young boy saw His adored Father, bowed down with chains and with a steel collar around His neck so heavy that it cut into the flesh on His shoulders, leaving deep scars which He would carry for the remainder of His life. Grieved that His Son should see Him under such conditions, Bahá’u’lláh told His guards to send ‘Abdu’l-Bahá away, but the sight made a never-to-be-forgotten impression on the sensitive boy.
Later, when Bahá’u’lláh was exiled to Baghdád, He withdrew to the mountains, leaving twelve-year-old ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as head of the family. During these years the Master often talked with the mullás in Baghdád, who referred to Him as “the eminent, wise youth,” and asked Him how He had acquired all His knowledge. He replied, “I received it from My Father.”
Some glimmering of the station which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was to occupy was contained in the fact that, while still a small boy, He became the first to know of the Prophethood of His Father. Too, as the weary exiles arrived at their last place of imprisonment, the prison city of ‘Akká, Bahá’u’lláh told ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that He now would withdraw from the world to write His Teachings. He said He would leave to His Son the responsibility of dealing with the people of the outer world.
As many believers walked all the way from Persia, in hopes of gaining a glimpse of their Beloved in His prison, they often brought flowers and plants. These ‘Abdu’l-Bahá planted in what was to become known
[Page 3]
as the Garden of Riḍván, near the prison. When
Bahá’u’lláh was released from imprisonment in the
fortress, He often went to this Garden.
Three Great Tasks[edit]
The three great tasks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ministry were the building of the first Bahá’í Temple in ‘Ishqábád, proclamation of the Faith to the West, and construction of the original Shrine of the Báb on the side of Mt. Carmel — that Shrine which later became what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s grandson, Shoghi Effendi, called “The Queen of Carmel, robed in white and crowned with gold.”
The task of building the Shrine on the site chosen by Bahá’u’lláh was supervised by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself. Upon its completion in 1909, He personally placed the sacred remains of the Báb, which had been concealed from enemies for sixty years, in the white marble sarcophagus sent by the Bahá’ís of Burma. It was the eve of Naw-Rúz, and, as He completed His task in the light of a single lamp, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá cast aside His turban, shoes and cloak. He laid His head upon the side of the vault holding the sacred remains and wept with such a weeping that all those with Him also lamented.
That evening, when He returned home, a cablegram from America was awaiting Him, announcing that a site had been selected for the first House of Worship in the United States, and that plans were being made for its construction.
When two of His tasks were completed, the Son of Bahá’u’lláh came forth into the world to carry the message of unity and service to all mankind. He went first to Egypt, and, early in September 1911, arrived in London. His first public talk in the western world was given there on September 10, 1911, in City Temple. Later that evening He said that He was happy. Bahá’u’lláh had told Him that some day He would proclaim the Faith in the West. When They were in prison They never knew whether tomorrow would bring life or death, but Bahá’u’lláh had seen the end in the beginning, and now He, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, was here, introducing the Cause into a western land.
Asked how long it would be before the world attained happiness, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied that it depended on how intensely His hearers served mankind. They were all torches that He had lighted with His own hands. They were to go forth and light others, until all the separate waiting servants were linked together in one great unity.
The Master Comes to America[edit]
Arriving in New York on April 11, 1912, the Master was interviewed by newspaper reporters. Speaking of the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of freedom ‘Abdu’l-Bahá told the reporters that there are three stages in man’s development: freedom from nature, freedom from his fellowman and, finally, freedom from self.
While in California, He prophesied that the first flag of international peace would be raised in that state — foreseeing the time in 1945 when the nations of the world would meet in San Francisco to form the United Nations.
At other times during His travels, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke of the coming strife between the races in the United States, and how the “movement of the left”
Hand of the Cause William B. Sears addressing the audience at the public congress commemorating the Master’s visit in 1912.
would acquire great world importance. He also predicted the persecution of the Jews in Europe.
On May 1, 1912, a typically windy May day along the shores of Lake Michigan, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá dedicated the cornerstone for the Temple in Wilmette. On the “ridge” where the Ouilmette Indians had lived years before, He told the assembled friends that they should “make a beginning” on the Temple work and all would come right. He said that the Temple already existed in the unseen world. Then He turned the first spade of earth, after which friends of many races and nationalities helped to deepen the resting-place for the stone. Finally, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá dedicated the stone on behalf of all the people of the world.
As they turned those spadefuls of earth symbolizing the inception of what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá termed the Mother Temple of all the world, the believers had no resources except their tremendous love. Yet now the Temple is fulfilling its destiny. Since its dedication in 1953 it indeed has become the mother of Temples throughout the world, in Australia, Africa and Germany.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá had also prophesied that, when the Temple was completed, there would be a great impetus in the spread of the Faith, and after the dedication the Teachings were carried to a hundred countries within one year — an exact fulfillment of His words.
When, on December 5, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá left the shores of America, the sun seemed to the friends to have been taken out of the sky and the birds to have stopped their singing. But He had left in the believers’ hearts all of the beautiful Teachings.
Both Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá foretold the threat to mankind’s existence posed by the discovery of atomic power. Bahá’ís the world over are laboring day and night to bring into fulfillment the principles of the Cause — such as world government, a world language, world disarmament, a universal police force and the elimination of every type of prejudice — as an antidote for the evils represented by atomic warfare.
These are the Teachings which the Son of Bahá’u’lláh brought to America fifty years ago.
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
I first met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá vicariously, so to speak, and it was this meeting that brought me into the Bahá’í Faith in the summer of 1906. It happened that being in the vicinity of Green Acre that summer I made a pilgrimage there to see what it was all about. My curiosity had been aroused by weekly articles in the Boston Transcript. At this time I was studying for the Unitarian ministry at the Harvard Divinity School.
It was a warm Sunday afternoon in August. The big tent on Green Acre’s lower level, where the lecture hall now is located, was filled to capacity to hear some famous sculptor from New York. I was not greatly interested in his lecture. It was not for the sake of art that I had come, but for the sake of religion.
At the end of the lecture I went up to speak to Sarah Farmer — who had been presiding in her own ineffable way, shedding a warm spiritual glow upon the whole affair. As I had previously met her in Cambridge at the home of Mrs. Ole Bull, I ventured to recall myself to her.
Miss Farmer took my hand in hers and cordially held it while she looked into my eyes and asked, “Have you heard of the Persian Revelation?”
“No,” I answered.
“Well, go to that lady in a white headdress and ask her to tell you about it. I know by your eyes that you are ready for it.”
What had she seen in my eyes? I do not know. But what she had read there proved true. For within half an hour from that moment I became a confirmed Bahá’í and have remained so ever since.
But it is of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that I am writing, and not of myself. How did it happen that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, seven thousand miles away and a prisoner in ‘Akká, could at such a distance confirm me with such immediacy into the Bahá’í Faith?
It happened in this way. The path had been prepared, so to speak. For in reviewing books for the Boston Transcript which dealt with the prevailing and rapidly increasing flaws in our present civilization, and the need of a better world order, I had begun to debate deeply with myself on this matter of such great universal concern.
It is true, I thought, that a new and better pattern of civilization needs to be devised. But even if such a pattern — an ideal pattern — were conceived, who could put it over? Could I, as a clergyman, hope to convert all my congregation to it? Much less could I hope to convert the whole country. And no human being could by any conceivable power of vision and of personality bring all humanity into such a kingdom of perfection.
I still vividly remember how I was taking a long walk in the beautiful suburb of Chestnut Hill, around the reservoir, when the solution of this problem flashed into my mind. Someone must appear with more than human authority, in order to win the allegiance of the whole world to an ideal pattern for humanity.
This was my general frame of mind when Mary Lucas, the “woman in white” — a singer just back from visiting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá — took me under an apple tree on the sloping lawn and proceeded to unfold to me the Persian Revelation. Her exposition was very simple. It consisted of only these four words: “Our Lord has come!”
The moment Mary Lucas uttered those words I felt, This, is it! How did it happen that I felt that way? The “woman in white” had not discoursed to me upon the spiritual character and greatness of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, nor upon the principles of the Bahá’í Faith. How great is the power of speech, when one simple utterance could sweep me — mind, heart and soul — into that Faith!
But it was more than these four words that empowered Mary Lucas so to usher me into the Cause. It was more than speech itself. It was a unique spiritual vibration which Mary Lucas had brought from ‘Akká that convinced me. And it was the strange cosmic dynamism with which her words were charged that moved my soul.
If ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself had stood under that apple tree and addressed me, I could not have been more convinced. For what is distance on the plane of spirit? Mary Lucas had brought the spirit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with her. I felt it, and I was convinced. Especially as my own soul had already sought out and found the answer to the world’s dire needs: Someone must appear with more than human authority.
So that was my first meeting with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá — strangely vicarious, perhaps predestined. The second meeting — with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in person while He was still a prisoner in ‘Akká — took place in the following way. In February of 1908 I had the great privilege of visiting Him in company with Lua Getsinger, famous in the annals of Bahá’í history.
I accidentally (or was it by destiny?) ran into Lua on the steps of Shepard Hotel in Cairo, where I had gone for a few days of travel during the midyear holidays of Robert College (Constantinople), in which at that time I was teacher of English and Latin.
“What are you doing here?” asked Lua in great surprise.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, in equal surprise.
It seems that Lua was on a pilgrimage to ‘Akká, and she urged me to leave off my travels in Egypt and join her. I explained that I had written ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for permission to visit, but had been answered that at that time it was not advisable.
“But I have standing permission to take anyone with me,” urged Lua.
[Page 5]
“But I have arranged a trip up the Nile with my
friend Hussein.”
“What is a trip up the Nile compared with the privilege of visiting the Master?”
Lua’s logic was convincing and her ardor compelling. Twenty-four hours later saw me ensconced in a room adjoining ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s in the historic “prison of ‘Akká,” in reality a large compound enclosed within walls.
My first meeting with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was bewildering. We were ushered into a long study, lighted by large French windows at the farther end. I saw a large desk there, but no person sitting at it. Only a radiance of light. As we approached the end of the room, a majestic figure in Oriental garb became evident to me. It was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Lua Getsinger, with the devotion of a Mary Magdalene, fell to her knees and fervently kissed His robe. But what was I to do? I am not one who can act insincerely. Should I merely shake hands with Him? As I stood in hesitation ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, fully realizing my predicament, saved me from it by taking me in His arms and embracing me.
“You are welcome!” He said.
Every evening at dinner ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who did not eat at that time, helped to serve us. He went around from guest to guest, putting more food upon the plates. This is the height of Oriental hospitality, to serve an honored guest with one’s own hands.
When the meal was over, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would give us a brief talk on spiritual themes. I regret I have not a memory sufficient to recall all that He said. But I do recall two of these messages of spiritual wisdom.
“It is not enough to wish to do good. The wish should be followed by action. What would you think of a mother who said, ‘How I love you, my babe!’ — yet did not give it milk? Or of a penniless man, who said, ‘I am going to found a great university!’ ”
On another occasion He spoke of the need for loving patience in the face of aggravating behavior on the part of others. “One might say, ‘Well, I will endure such-and-such a person so long as he is endurable.’ But Bahá’ís must endure people even when they are unendurable!”
Three extraordinary qualities which characterized all of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s utterances were to be found in these two brief conversations: His supreme logic; His delightful sense of humor; and the inspiring buoyancy with which He gave forth solemn pronouncements.
For instance, when He said, “But Bahá’ís must endure people even when they are unendurable,” He did not look at us solemnly as if appointing us to an arduous and difficult task. Rather, He beamed upon us delightfully, as if to suggest what a joy to us it would be to act in this way!
I want to emphasize this important point — the joyousness with which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá always depicted the spiritual life as He enjoined it upon us. And why not? Is man’s spiritual life not in reality more joyous than any other kind of life that he can lead?
This philosophy of joy was the keynote of all of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s teaching. “Are you happy?” was His frequent greeting to his visitors. “Be happy!”
Those who were unhappy (and who of us are not at times!) would weep at this. And ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would smile as if to say, “Yes, weep on. Beyond the tears is sunshine.”
And sometimes He would wipe away with His own hands the tears from their wet cheeks, and they would leave His presence transfigured.
On the occasion of this visit I had been under a severe strain at Robert College, due to disciplinary troubles. That was one of the reasons for my diversionary trip to Egypt. Also I had been slowly recovering in previous years from a nervous depression due to overwork at Dartmouth. I had been earning my way through Dartmouth, and also at the Harvard Divinity School. At times I would feel so depressed that I should have been glad to have found a hole in the ground, crawled into it, and pulled the hole in after me. I understood at such times the Hindu craving for extinction.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá came into my room one morning without His translator. He sat beside me and took one of my hands in both of His and held it for a minute or two. He had not at any time inquired as to my health. He knew. From that moment on I found myself permanently relieved of these depressive moods. No matter how hard the going, I have always since then been glad to be alive.
At last, all too soon, the time came to go. The three days assigned for our visit had come to an end. I shall never forget how Lua Getsinger sobbed as if her heart would break as she slowly descended the long flight of steps, looking back frequently at ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Who stood benignly at the top.
And I shall never forget how joyously ‘Abdu’l-Bahá smiled at Lua’s tears, knowing that they were more precious than pure gold. For they were the complete offering, at that moment, of Lua’s heart and soul to the Master — the instinctive expression of her great love. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá knew that these were not tragic tears. They were like the vernal showers that prelude the rich blossoming of spring.
Needless to say, the ensuing spring at Robert College was one of the most glorious periods of my life. Never had the birds sung so sweetly, the flowers and shrubs bloomed so exquisitely, the golden sunshine seemed so intoxicating. As for my disciplinary troubles at the college, they vanished like mist which the sunshine dispels. My pupils, some of whom had been carrying knives and revolvers, loved me again and more than ever. Such was the magic power that I brought from ‘Akká.
Again it was my privilege to visit ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the summer of 1910, and this time at His own invitation. I was given the privilege of spending a week there, in the Persian guest house on the slopes of Mt. Carmel. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at this time was living in Haifa in the home built for Him by Mrs. Jackson, having been freed from His imprisonment by the Young Turks in the summer of 1908. The oppressive and cruel governor who had in vain sought graft from Him and had threatened to send Him to the malign dungeons of Tunis, had himself met the fate he had designed for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá — the fate of death, and at the hands of the Young Turks. And ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was enjoying, for the first time since His boyhood, the luxury of freedom.
[Page 6]
He seemed to me more noble in countenance, more
regal in bearing, more potent in the power of His
presence than ever before. Every evening at sunset
He met with the pilgrims, assembled in a large room,
and gave a spiritual discourse.
One afternoon I found the pilgrims waiting outside at the gate for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. He had been making a call upon the Turkish consul and was expected soon. After a few moments we saw His carriage stop at the foot of the short hill, where He got out in order to walk the rest of the way for the sake of exercise. All of the Persian pilgrims stood in their customary reverential attitude, awaiting His approach with bowed heads and arms crossed upon their breasts. I alone, as an American, took the privilege of watching Him as He approached, enjoying the majesty of His movements and the nobility of His whole appearance. But as He neared me I involuntarily also bowed my head. Some power emanating from Him seemed to obligate this attitude. So had Professor E. G. Browne, the only Occidental ever to visit Bahá’u’lláh, felt obligated to bow his head in the presence of the Prophet.
This power emanating from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was not expressed for the purpose of producing submission. It was a power which He never expressed to non-Bahá’ís. Let us say, rather, that it was a privilege He gave us, of seeing a little behind the veil; of experiencing the direct effect of that Cosmic Power which in this early period of our development seems supernormal, however normal it may become to us at some distant future stage of our soul’s development.
No, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá never put forth any of His spiritual power to dazzle, persuade or overawe sceptics or unbelievers. Of this fact I shall later give a vivid instance.
On the day I arrived at Haifa I was ill with a dysentery which I had picked up in the course of my travels. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sent His own physician to me, and visited me Himself. He said, “I would that I could take your illness upon Myself.” I have never forgotten this. I felt, I knew, that in making this remark ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was not speaking in mere terms of sympathy. He meant just what He said.
Such is the great love of the Kingdom, of which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke so often and so much. This is a love which is difficult, almost impossible, for us to acquire — though we may seek to approximate its perfection. It is more than sympathy, more than empathy. It is sacrificial love.
Looking back, it seems strange that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did not employ His healing power directly upon me, as He had done on the occasion of my previous visit. He left me to the care of His physician and to the prescribed medications. It took three days for me to get on my feet again.
Why did He not restore me directly to health by means of spiritual healing? There is some deep spiritual lesson here. It was not ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s province to go about healing physical diseases. It was His mission to expound the Teachings and express the spiritual potency of the world’s Divine Physician. Physical events and conditions are of less importance in our lives than the development of our spiritual nature.
In regard to health in general, I will quote here a statement which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had made to me on my previous visit: that health is the expression of equilibrium; that the body is composed of certain elements, and that when these elements are in the right proportion, health results; and that if there is any lack or preponderance in these elements, sickness results.
Thus fifty years ago ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave in a simple statement to me all the truths which the new science of biochemistry is now discovering.
But there is still another cause of illness, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá went on to say. Illness may be caused by nervous factors. Anything that shocks us or affects our nerves may also affect our health.
Hands Cable U.S. Assembly on Passing of Outstanding Early Believer[edit]
“Grieved (by) passing (of) much loved Carl Scheffler, steadfast, devoted, tireless servant (of the) Master (in the) early days (of the) Faith (in) America. (His) outstanding services (in the) Temple, teaching (and) administrative fields (during the) period (of the) beloved Guardian’s ministry (are) unforgettable. Convey (our) deepest sympathy (to his) family (and) assure (them of our) ardent prayers (at the) Holy Shrines.”
| Haifa, Israel. | (Signed) HANDSFAITH |
| May 20, 1962 |
Carl Scheffler was one of the very earliest American believers and, until his health failed, one of the most active and devoted Bahá’ís in the Wilmette Temple area. He passed away on May 17 in Evanston, Illinois.
School District in Alaska Recognizes Holy Days[edit]
The Juneau-Douglas Independent School District in Alaska has granted recognition to the Bahá’í Holy Days. This leaves only one Alaskan community with a local assembly that has not yet attained this goal.
Belgian Believers Press Forward with Varied Teaching Activities[edit]
Recent activities in Belgium included the printing of a de luxe edition, in French, of the address of the Báb to the Letters of the Living. Its issuance was synchronized with celebrations of the Declaration of the Báb.
Soon afterward the city of Mons was opened to the Faith with a well-attended public meeting. Scheduled were a June teaching tour by Dr. Karl Schück of Germany and Belgium’s first summer school, to be held in Aye (Marche en Famenne) August 4 to 13.
The Frankfurt Temple at Convention Time[edit]
Directly above: With work proceeding apace on the Mother Temple of Europe, a top pillar section is hoisted skyward by a tower crane.
Upper right: Lowered gently into position, the section becomes a part of the dome structure.
Middle right: At center are a few of the ornamental elements of diminishing width that will rise to the top of the Temple between the converging pillars or ribs.
Lower right: Many of the friends visited the Temple grounds during the German community’s 1962 national convention.
Below: In foreground, the tops of two of the middle pillar or rib sections, to which the upper sections are anchored. In background, living quarters of the workmen. Beyond, bordering on the original Temple property, is a barely visible 1786-square-meter piece of land presented to the national community by one of the friends.
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First National Convention of the Netherlands, April 1962. Hand of Cause Hasan Balyuzi holds Greatest Name.
Long-Awaited New European National Communities Spring into Being[edit]
Jubilation, thanksgiving and high resolve reigned in Western Europe at Riḍván as eleven new national Bahá’í communities, successors to regional groups, sprang into being and elected their first national spiritual assemblies. Fostered for sixteen years by the U. S. National Assembly and its European Teaching Committee; guided by the messages of the Hands of the Cause, and by representatives of that revered body present in person, the believers gloriously achieved a multiple goal of the beloved Guardian’s World Crusade and shouldered their responsibilities as separate national entities. Following are capsule accounts of some of the historic gatherings.
BELGIUM — Convening in the newly renovated national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Brussels, in the presence of Hand of the Cause ‘Alí-Muḥammad Varqá, the Belgian believers formulated weighty recommendations to the incoming National Assembly. The conferees were greatly encouraged by the announcement of generous contributions from the Hands in the Holy Land, from late beloved Hand Amelia Collins, and from Mr. Obbadi, Persian believer in Morocco. In its turn, the convention accumulated a sum of money to aid in the completion of the European Mother Temple.
The convention rendered tribute not only to the revered Guardian, whose original impetus led to the formation of the national community, but also to the Hands, the National Assembly of the United States and the latter’s European Teaching Committee, with whose aid the Cause was brought to Belgium.
ITALY — The believers, assembled in Rome for their initial convention, drew inspiration from the opening words of Hand of the Cause Dr. Giachery: “We are seeing the blossoming of the work of Shoghi Effendi.”
With this statement as a keynote the delegates consulted at length on the new community’s major tasks for the year 119: stabilizing the local communities by winning more Italians to the Faith, and increasing the pioneers in Rhodes, Sardinia and San Marino.
First National Convention of Switzerland, April 1962. Hand of Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery is at center.
[Page 9]
Attendants at Italy’s First National Convention. Dr. Giachery (center) and others appear in both pictures.
Before convention’s end the fledgling community
had subscribed more than one-half of the year’s estimated budget. In addition the friends contributed
$1,000 toward completion of the Frankfurt Temple.
NETHERLANDS — At The Hague, Hand of the Cause Hasan Balyuzi fired the enthusiasm of the convention with the statement that what has happened in Africa, Bolivia and India can happen anywhere, even if on a smaller scale, provided the believers adopt as their slogan “Teach, teach, teach!”
A strong foundation for the National Fund was assured by the announcement of gifts from the Hands, the late Amelia Collins, Mr. Obbadi of Morocco and Charlotte Stirratt Pinto, former pioneer to Holland. The Netherlands believers, on their part, contributed a substantial sum for the German Temple.
Mr. Balyuzi emphasized that the bounties showered on the Faith since the Guardian’s passing were attracted by strict adherence to his precepts and the Covenant.
SPAIN — In Madrid, the first convention heard the messages from the Hands presented personally by Hand Paul Haney. All present gained a profound appreciation of the urgency of expanded teaching efforts as the sea of mass conversion sweeps across the world.
Among the many highlights were a message from and acknowledgement to Virginia Orbison, first pioneer to carry the Teachings to Spain. For the first time in the history of the Faith in that country a unity banquet was held in a public restaurant. And also for the first time a Bahá’í book published in Spain, with government approval, was placed on sale.
SWITZERLAND — After nine years of fruitful cooperation with the Italian friends, the Swiss believers held their own first convention in Bern in the presence of Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery. He exhorted the 136 friends present to study the writings of Shoghi Effendi, since they represent a condensed course on Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation that can imbue every student with that inner conviction of which the Guardian himself was the epitome.
The delegates centered their consultation seriously but happily on the best methods for reaching more hearts and minds with the Faith. To further this aim in their own age group, sixteen youth offered to travel and assist at firesides, and proposed the holding of a youths’ camping conference.
First National Convention of Spain, April 1962. Hand of Cause Paul Haney is at right of center, last row but one.
[Page 10]
Sixth Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Alaska, held in Anchorage, April 28-29, 1962.
National Conventions Celebrate Victories, Gird Believers for Further Teaching Tasks[edit]
ALASKA — There were many new faces at Alaska’s Sixth Annual Convention — visible evidence of the increase of more than 35% in total membership during the last year. Part of the increase was due to the opening of four new centers. In the light of this accelerated growth the theme of the convention became, “This is our year for mass conversion.”
Careful consideration of the message from the Hands led to a determination to act at once in such matters as moving to pioneer posts, in order to form additional local assemblies as rapidly as possible during the coming months.
The treasurer’s report revealed that $1,600 had been contributed to the German Temple Fund in the past year, $500 by the National Assembly and the rest by individuals.
A teaching discussion after the formal closing of the last regular session pursued the same theme as the convention itself, with the corollary reminder that there can be no locality in Alaska where mass conversion will start unless a Bahá’í is there.
SOUTH-EAST ASIA — Twenty-five delegates and about fifty visitors, representing seven countries, attended the convention, which was this year held for the first time in Saigon, South Vietnam. In the gathering were pioneers Mrs. Shirin Fozdar from Thailand and Orpha Daugherty and Jack Davis from the Philippines, as well as eight members of the Regional Spiritual Assembly.
The latter reported that South-East Asia had achieved all of its Crusade goals, and reviewed the mass conversion that has begun in the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam (which now has forty local assemblies) and British Borneo. A reminder of the continuing financial support required for the Mother Temple of Europe resulted in immediate contributions of well over $500.
Attendants at 33rd Annual Convention of India, held at the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, New Delhi, from April 29 to May 2, 1962, in the presence of Hand of the Cause Shu’á’u’lláh ‘Alá’í.
[Page 11]
Groups of delegates and visitors at the Sixth Regional Convention of South-East Asia, held in Saigon, Vietnam.
Describing the mass conversion taking place in the
Philippines, Jack Davis told how the movement began
in August 1961 with thirty to fifty declarations per
month, the pace increasing until 350 new believers
declared themselves in a single month last spring.
Thrilling also was an account, by Jamshid Maani of
the Regional Assembly, of the teaching in the Mentawei Islands off Sumatra, where eight new villages
had recently accepted the Cause.
Stories of these and other accomplishments gave spiritual stimulation to the believers and prepared them for still more prodigious efforts.
COLOMBIA — After two days of an enthusiastically responsive pre-convention school at Bogotá, the delegates and visitors gathered for the convention’s opening and heard the stirring message from the Hands of the Cause. It inspired the resolve to more than double last year’s achievements.
The latter had been far from inconsiderable. Particularly noteworthy was the opening of two Indian territories, one in the desert area of the Guajira on the northeast coast, the other in the rainy Amazon River region. Walking for miles over the desert, and traveling along rivers infested with flesh-eating fish, the pioneers had reached their respective goals near Riḍván, helped the last few Indians place their thumbprints on membership cards, and achieved the near-miracle of establishing two new local assemblies in each of the districts.
The second and last day of the convention was taken up entirely with consultation on teaching, in both the civilized and primitive areas of the country. Then, after a farewell party given by the youth, the believers returned to their homes and pioneer posts determined to play a worthy part during the year that is ushering in the Universal House of Justice.
EL SALVADOR — The Second Annual Convention of El Salvador was the climax of the believers’ own small crusade of the past year. During the previous week twelve souls had entered the Faith, making four new groups and showing promise of even larger numbers this year.
The great message from the Hands of the Cause set the spirit for the prayerful election of the incoming National Assembly. The same spirit animated all those present as they consecrated themselves to fulfilling
Delegates and visitors at the 1962 National Convention of Nicaragua.
[Page 12]
National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Germany, held in Frankfurt/Main, April 1962.
the remaining goals of the Ten Year Plan and bringing
unprecedented growth to the Faith in El Salvador.
HAITI — The goal of Haiti’s convention at Port au Prince, aside from the election of its second National Spiritual Assembly, was to inaugurate plans for mass conversion in this Caribbean country, and the consultation during the two days of meetings was geared to that purpose.
The convention period came to a climax with the observance of Riḍván, first in a large public meeting addressed by Martial B. Coulanges and then with a supper at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.
HONDURAS — About thirty believers from seven communities came together at Tegucigalpa to hear and consult on the message from the Hands, elect Honduras’ incoming National Assembly and celebrate the formation of new local assemblies in Triunfo de la Cruz and El Porvenir. Among the visitors was Don Salomé, the first believer to enter the Faith from the little town of Jaitique.
The host community of Tegucigalpa prepared a beautiful Riḍván program including several powerful Tablets and a tape recording of the voice of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. During the last day of the convention, representatives from each of six communities were presented with copies of their incorporation papers. This Crusade goal has now been completed by the beloved Honduran national community.
MEXICO — The Second Annual Convention of Mexico, for which fifty-five of the friends traveled to Mexico City, bristled with exciting news and events.
A review of accomplishments revealed that the number of believers in the country had been much more than doubled during the year. Three new local assemblies had been formed and two more were to be elected shortly. The number of centers was raised from sixteen to over thirty and there are now Bahá’ís in eighteen states and the Federal District.
The convention was inspired by the presence of descendants of four different Indian races, and by the consultative contributions of new native believers who are already working in the teaching field. On hearing the impelling message from the Hands of the Faith, a newly declared believer arose to offer himself as pioneer to Yucatan, the home of the great Mayan peoples. And as a climax three contacts from Cuernavaca requested that their declarations be accepted by the incoming National Assembly.
PANAMA — In this beloved Latin-American national community the Second Annual Convention carried distinct overtones of mass conversion. Exemplifying this spirit was the presence of two special representatives each from the Guaymi Indians and from the Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands, both of whom have been entering the Faith in large numbers.
A recapitulation at convention time showed that the Panama friends had more than quadrupled their numbers in a year, ending the period with some 342 Indian believers and a total of 377 new followers of Bahá’u’lláh. Six new local assemblies had been formed, five of them composed of indigenous people. Three of the latter are in the Guaymi area.
To the friends assembled at the convention the progress and prospects seemed almost incredible, but joyously gratifying. There was now an opportunity to open the Rio Bayano region, two tribes having asked that representatives of the Faith come there. Another island in the San Blas group had also asked for the Teachings, as had two more communities in the Guaymi area.
All of these events helped to sharpen the excitement and happiness of the friends as they closed the convention period with a banquet and the devoted native teachers and pioneers prepared for their arduous journeys to remote regions.
PARAGUAY — The Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Asunción was the scene of Paraguay’s convention. The number of those attending, though not large, represented almost half of the country’s adult believers and formed a broad basis of consultation.
The formation of a new local assembly in Concepción, the opening of almost all of the “departmentos” of the country and the enrollment of a number of new and enthusiastic youth were cited as the past year’s most important victories. Among the tasks which still lay ahead were teaching among Paraguay’s Indians, increasing the number of believers in general, consolidating the established communities and attaining financial maturity.
Most of the consultation was directed to these themes, and many helpful recommendations were offered the incoming National Assembly as the convention approached the end of its deliberations in a spirit of enhanced unity and individual responsibility.
Joy and Earnest Resolve Mingle at Conventions of Growing Latin-American National Communities[edit]
National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Honduras.
National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Jamaica.
National Convention of the Bahá’ís of El Salvador.
National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Haiti.
National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Mexico.
National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Colombia.
Goals Gained in Continental Europe[edit]
First National Spiritual Assembly of Italy, elected April 1962. Left to right, front row: David Ned Blackmer, Hossein Mahboubi (chairman), Teresa Pia Taffa (secretary), Augosto Robiati (recording secretary). Back row: Heshmat Moayyad, Mario Fiorentini (treasurer), Manutcher Majzub, Hossein Avarigan, Mario Pierulli (vice-chairman).
First National Spiritual Assembly of Spain, elected
April 1962. Left to right, front row: Antonio Jimenez
(recording secretary), Luis Ortuno (secretary), Francisco Salas, José Lopez Monge (chairman). Back
row: Ruhollah Mehrabhkani, Carlos Chias, Ramon
Escartin (vice-chairman), Isidro Torrella (treasurer),
Charles Ioas.
First National Spiritual Assembly of Portugal, elected
Riḍván 1962. Left to right: Carl Scherer, Angelo Silva
Carneiro (chairman), Sra. Hilda Rodrigues (secretary), Mansour Masrour, Pablo Flores, Carlos Salomão
(recording secretary), Sra. Sara Tiffon Romanet, Julião
Serrano (treasurer), Richard Walters.
First National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland,
elected April 1962. Left to right, seated: Elsa Steinmetz,
Anna Kunz (secretary), Fritz Semle (chairman), Mona
Haenni-de Bons, Martha Müller. Standing: Fritz Schär
(treasurer), Daniel Schaubacher (recording secretary),
William Hatcher, Walter Ott.
First Spiritual Assembly of Kiel, Germany, formed
April 1962. Left to right, seated: Miss Heidvun Ehlers,
Miss Bärbel Büscher, Miss Ursula Walter. Standing:
Magsoud Djamali, Amir Amai, Massoud Rohani, Darius
Modarai, Traj Tshvagy, Nader Tawakol-Khadai.
Present members of the Spiritual Assembly of Cartagena, Spain. Originally formed in 1956, the assembly is
pictured here for the first time.
Unitarian Church in New Jersey Memorializes ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit[edit]
During His American tour in 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá enthralled a large audience gathered in the Unitarian Church of Montclair, New Jersey. This year, on May 13, the present minister, Dr. Norman Fletcher, welcomed the Montclair Bahá’ís to a service which he termed a memorial dedicated to the Master’s visit.
In his opening words before the 250 people present, Dr. Fletcher referred to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as “the distinguished and saintly world leader of the Bahá’í Faith,” gave a moving account of His imprisonment, subsequent release and historic travels, and invited inspection of His picture and the church’s membership book, in which the Center of the Covenant had inscribed a prayer in Persian.
In the sermon itself, entitled “A Universal Religion for the Unity of Mankind,” the minister repeatedly mentioned ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s words regarding the oneness of humanity. He likewise stressed the oneness of religion and other principles of the Faith, quoting copiously from the original 1912 talk and from other utterances of the Master. In conclusion Dr. Fletcher read a translation of the prayer revealed in the church fifty years ago.
After the service the believers exchanged felicitations with the minister and members of the congregation, answered questions and gratefully accepted a tape recording of the sermon. Subsequently, at Dr. Fletcher’s suggestion, several Bahá’í books were displayed on the vestry book table.
As in the case of similar sermons by Unitarian clergymen, this event did not constitute recognition of the divinely inspired nature of the Faith. Nevertheless, the impressive commemorative service, together with the accompanying publicity, could properly be regarded as a gracious and timely example of gratuitous proclamation.
Literary Award Results in Unusual Publicity for Faith[edit]
The Society of Midland Authors in Chicago recently invited Mrs. Eunice Braun, managing director of the U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, to receive one of its Thormond Monsen awards on behalf of Guy Murchie for his book, Music of the Spheres.
Mr. Murchie, at present residing in Spain and unable to attend the awards program, was one of three authors receiving this top literary prize, presented annually to distinguished writers who have lived in the twelve midland states. Mr. Murchie was for several years a feature writer with the Chicago Tribune, and later a war correspondent.
Mrs. Braun was introduced as the publisher of Bahá’í books in the United States and was then able, in her acceptance speech, to mention Mr. Murchie’s connection with the Faith. As a result of this double reference there was considerable informal discussion of the Cause among the approximately 150 leading authors, journalists, publishers, literary editors and news reporters who attended. Several requested Bahá’í literature.
Great interest was aroused at Park College in Missouri
when an all-Bahá’í panel of varying backgrounds explained their respective approaches to the Faith. Here
Gordon Laite gives an introductory talk before a fireside group of comparative-religion students.
Renowned Canadian Teacher Passes Away[edit]
F. St. George Spendlove, Canadian believer of long standing, and a well-known and highly regarded teacher, died on May 10, 1962.
His passing will be deeply felt not only in Canada but also in the United States, particularly at the Green Acre Bahá’í Institute, in whose environs he maintained a summer home and where his inspiring courses were for many years a feature of the curriculum.
Addressing some of the believers of Pampa Cruz, the
first indigenous group to reach assembly strength in
Peru, Fidel Flores translates into the Huanco dialect instructions for the formation of their local assembly last
April. Pioneer Lester Long drove over treacherous
roads to the village’s 12,000-foot altitude to represent
the National Assembly at the ceremony. The latter was
preceded by a bounteous “pacha manca,” the earth-cooked native meal served on special occasions.
Responsible Before God[edit]
In the Bayán the Báb says ... that it (the revelation of “Him Whom God would make manifest”) will become universal and include all the people of the world. This shows that we will ultimately succeed. But could we not through our shortcomings, failures to sacrifice and reluctance to concentrate our efforts in spreading the Cause, retard the realization of that ideal? And what would that mean? It shall mean that we will be held responsible before God, that the race will remain longer in its state of waywardness, that wars would not be so soon averted, that human suffering will last longer.
Letter from Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, February 20, 1932. Reprinted from BAHÁ’Í NEWS, No. 61.
Church Talks by Marcus Bach Reinforce Michigan Believers’ Proclamation Efforts[edit]
On Sunday, May 20, Dr. Marcus Bach, well-known religious scholar and writer who once visited beloved Shoghi Effendi, gave three talks in a Jackson, Michigan, church. In so doing he automatically strengthened current activities of the Jackson believers in proclaiming the Faith.
Addressing the first of two morning congregations, Dr. Bach expounded several Bahá’í principles, including the unity of religion and of the Prophets, and stated that all religions must help establish a world order. In his second talk, which was broadcasted, he added that the Bahá’ís already have the blueprint for such an order, and at an evening session he again included this statement. Thus a total of 350 churchgoers plus a radio audience heard of the Bahá’í principles and plan in the words of this renowned speaker.
About ten days earlier pioneer Winston Evans had spoken to a large local and vicinity group at the Jackson YWCA. And at about the same time Robert Gaines took part in a Freedom Forum at nearby Albion College, as a result of which many hundreds of people learned of the Bahá’í viewpoint on the theme, “Is There a God?” Substantial newspaper publicity following the forum reinforced the Bahá’í presentation.
The attention focused on the Faith by all these events is being vigorously capitalized by the believers in their continuing activities.
About thirty young people came together in Tübingen,
Southern Germany, for an inspiring World Youth Day
meeting. Gatherings planned for two other areas were
handicapped by an epidemic and floods.
A large sign adjoining the Miami (Florida) Municipal
Auditorium helped publicize a mass proclamation meeting held on April 16. When the presence of Vic Damone
was assured, his name was added.
Believers in Two States Open Fruitful Proclamation Campaigns[edit]
Even before the Miami, Florida, area was chosen by the National Assembly as one of five large centers for intensive proclamation during the last year of the Crusade, the three Bahá’í communities concerned got off to a flying start.
Apprised of a coming visit by traveling teacher Mrs. Eulalia Bobo, a joint committee from the North Dade County, Miami Beach and Miami communities rented the Miami Municipal Auditorium for April 16 and instituted a vigorous publicity effort, including a billboard sign adjoining the building. On the day of the meeting, when the presence of Vic Damone was assured as an added attraction, his name was placed on the sign. A flower-ringed Temple model, a book display, an exhibit sponsored by neighboring Broward County and printed programs with quotations from the Writings, all served to whet the spiritual appetites of the 300 people who attended.
Not included in this total was a chorus of seventy-five Negro youth from Northwestern Senior High School, who sang several selections and now provide prospects for youth activities.
Vic Damone gave an exciting account of his study and acceptance of the Faith. Mrs. Bobo followed with a well-pointed address entitled “One God, One Religion,” in which she exhorted the audience to re-examine the Bible to find the way of life for this day.
Post-meeting publicity and three declarations indicated the immediate effect of the proclamation effort.
Somewhat earlier the Ferndale, Michigan, community initiated a proclamation campaign with a publicized fireside and with four Sunday-night public lectures in the town’s Community Building. Subsequently a second series of meetings was held during April. A feature of the promotion used was the distribution of 850 pamphlets and 3,000 flyers. So far four declarations have been credited to the campaign.
Goals Gained in the Western Hemisphere[edit]
First Spiritual Assembly of Euclid, Ohio, formed April 21, 1962.
First Spiritual Assembly of Delray Beach, Florida, formed April 21, 1962.
Spiritual Assembly of Brookfield, Wisconsin, incorporated April 3, 1962. Signing the papers are, left to right,
seated: Maud Reimholz, Agnes Puza, Marge Leonard,
Marge Burke. Standing: Albert Reimholz, Lloyd Burke,
Vera Nickel, Alice Schoonover, Hal Nickel.
First Spiritual Assembly of Pena-Tamboril, Dominican
Republic, formed April 1962. From left to right: J.
Agustin Reyes, Maria Fana, Moraima Polanco, Polidecto Germosén (chairman), Rosa V. Germosén (secretary), Lesbia Taveras de Perez, Juan de J. Pena (treasurer), Juan T. de León, Francisco Rodriguez (vice-chairman).
First Spiritual Assembly of Springfield, New Jersey,
elected April 1962. Left to right, seated: Mrs. Bess Ioas,
Mrs. Carol Rutstein, Mrs. Estelle Rouse (secretary),
Mrs. Alice Ioas. Standing: Nathan Rutstein (vice-chairman), Raymond C. Rouse, Dwight Baker, Paul C. Ioas
(treasurer), Joseph C. Ioas (chairman).
First Spiritual Assembly of Snohomish District 1, Washington, formed April 1962. Left to right, seated: Martha
Edsberg, Charles Gipson, Clara Haley, Ulale Gipson.
Standing: Harriet Smith, Ruth Hallstrom, Blanche Larson, Pearl Hazeltine, Erma Cox.
[Page 18]
Members of the Guarini-Tupí Indians, first tribe in Brazil to embrace the Faith. Tall man at center is Chief Capitão Branco.
Absolute Sincerity of Teachers Wins First Brazilian Indians to the Faith[edit]
The door into the hearts of Brazil’s great Indian population recently opened when all of the nineteen adults in the village of Itariri embraced the Faith. The village, located in the southern coastal area of the state of São Paulo, is made up of members of the tribe Guarini-Tupí.
The key to this wonderful door was the absolute sincerity of the believers who regularly visited the
Fifty people attended a stirring teaching conference at Lunco Creek, Nicaragua, the first such gathering on that country’s southern Atlantic coast.
village over a period of several months. When the
Indians recognized in their visitors true love, compassion and a desire to help them to a better way of
life, they were also able to recognize the truth of
the Message which had been brought, and accepted
Bahá’u’lláh and His Teachings with confidence and joy.
Since the Guarini-Tupí believers are for the most part illiterate, and lack both the knowledge and the means to better their own condition, their Bahá’í brothers in the surrounding regions plan to give them basic instruction in school subjects, agriculture, hygiene and domestic arts, along with deepening in the Faith. Meanwhile the pure-hearted new Bahá’ís themselves have started to spread the Teachings and have expressed their desire to accompany the Indian Teaching Committee on its journeys, so that they may be of service in sharing the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with other tribes.
Impressive Teaching Conference Stirs Primitive People in Nicaragua[edit]
Early in April fifty believers, contacts and children came together at Lunco Creek, Nicaragua, for the first teaching conference to be held on the southern Atlantic coast of that country. Some of the guests came from two all-Indian villages, others from a Creole settlement and the Red Bank district. All traveled on foot with their children to be present for the occasion.
Two pioneers, Creadell Haley and Hooper Dunbar, utilized the moving panorama of the Faith presented in “The Bahá’í Story.” This story, prepared by pioneers serving the Navajo Indian Reservation in the United States, greatly simplifies the Teachings, and proved extremely effective in the conference.
Out of the gathering blossomed five new believers. Equally important was the remarkable demonstration of the unifying power of the Faith, which made itself felt both among the believers from several villages and among the visitors, who represented three races of different cultural backgrounds.
Three All-Indian Assemblies Formed in Panama[edit]
Pictures on opposite page illustrate notable teaching results among Guaymi Indians in Chiriqui Province, Republic of Panama. Clockwise, from upper left:
Belisario Carrera, first Guaymi Indian to accept Bahá’u’lláh, pictured in the mountainous domain of his people.
The Carrera family, first complete Guaymi Indian family to enter the Faith.
The Bahá’í community of Alto Cerra Brisa.
Eight members of the first Spiritual Assembly of Alto Cerra Brisa. In rear is pioneer Donald Ross Witzel.
The Bahá’í community of Quebrada de Loro.
First Spiritual Assembly of Quebrada de Loro.
The Bahá’í community of Rabo Puerco. In the group are members of the village’s first local assembly, which, like the other two assemblies shown, was formed during last Riḍván.
Teaching in Guaymi Territory of Panama Results in Historic Formation of Three All-Indian Assemblies[edit]
(See explanation of pictures at foot of opposite page)
National Assemblies for Bahá’í Year 119[edit]
National Spiritual Assembly of Colombia, 1962-1963. Left to right: Sra. Gloria de Fritzsche (secretary), Mrs. Ellen Sims, Srta. Leonor Porras (recording secretary), Ervin Thomas (chairman), Habib Rezvani, Mrs. Wilma Thomas, Luis Montenegro (treasurer), Charles Hornby, Stewart Waddell (vice-chairman).
National Spiritual Assembly of Paraguay, 1962-1963.
Left to right, seated: Rosa de Laterza, Angélica de
Doldán (assistant secretary), Kayhanoush Aazampanah,
Margaret Mills. Standing: Gilbert Grasselly (treasurer), Victoria Rojas Vda. de Frey (vice-chairman),
Aníbal Torres (chairman), Amir Aazampanah, David
P. Baral (secretary).
National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, 1962-1963. Left
to right: Verne Stout, Evelyn Huffman (secretary),
Robin Fowler (vice-chairman), Kathryn Alio (assistant
secretary), Donald Anderson, Lois Lee (treasurer),
Robert (Pat) Moul (chairman), Janet Smith (recording secretary), Howard Brown.
National Spiritual Assembly of Germany, elected April
1962. Left to right: René Steiner, Eugen Schmidt (vice-chairman), Eric Blumenthal, Mrs. Margot Dörnbrack,
Miss Anneliese Bopp (secretary), Ruprecht Krüger
(chairman), Otto Häfner (treasurer), Hans Randel,
Bosorg Hemmati.
National Spiritual Assembly of North-East Africa,
elected April 1962. Left to right, seated: Ali Ruhi,
Ursulu Samandari, F. Ashraf (vice-chairman), L. Niederreiter. Standing: Gamal Rushdy (treasurer), H.
Farhoumand, Gila Bahta (chairman), H. Ahdieh, J.
Munajjim (secretary).
[Page 21]
National Spiritual Assembly of Nicaragua, 1962-1963.
Left to right: Armando Fonseca Duval (chairman),
Leticia A. de Escalante (treasurer), Jorge V. Harper
(assistant secretary), Creadell Haley, Hooper Dunbar,
Salomón Escalante Elizondo (secretary), José Barahona Díaz (vice-chairman), Blanca Sequeira Montano
(recording secretary), Francisco J. Aráuz Herrera.
Regional Spiritual Assembly of South-East Asia, elected
April 1962. Left to right, seated: Jamshid Maani, Mrs.
Shirin Fozdar (vice-chairman), Dempsey Morgan, K. A.
Samimi (secretary). Standing: K. H. Payman, Le Loc,
Jamshed Fozdar (chairman), John Fozdar, Leong Tat
Chee (treasurer).
National Spiritual Assembly of Haiti, 1962-1963. Left to
right: Eustace N. Bailey (recording secretary), Mme.
Circe Brantome, Ampeline Posy, Alcide B. Narcisse
(vice-chairman), Ellsworth Blackwell (chairman), Jean
Desert, Mrs. Ruth Blackwell (treasurer), Mme. Odette
A. Benjamin, Andre St. Louis (secretary).
National Spiritual Assembly of India, 1962-1963, with
Hand of the Cause Shu’á’u’lláh ‘Alá’í. Left to right,
seated: H. Fatheázam (secretary), Dr. K. K. Bhargava
(chairman), General ‘Alá’í, Mrs. Shirin Boman (vice-chairman), G. A. Amreliwala. Standing: R. R. Williams, Dr. H. M. Munje, K. H. Vajdi, P. C. Auplish,
R. N. Shah (treasurer).
National Spiritual Assembly of Panama, 1962-1963. Left
to right, seated: James Facey (treasurer), Raquel de
Constante, Ruth Pringle, Leota Lockman (assistant secretary). Standing: Kenneth Frederics (chairman), Alfred Osborne (vice-chairman), Alan Pringle (recording
secretary), Donald Witzel (secretary), Harry Hay.
[Page 22]
Delegates and visitors from the South-East Asia Convention with pupils at the Bahá’í school in Nha Be, South Vietnam.
International News Briefs[edit]
With the phrase “Religion is victory over fear” as their main theme, a full score of communities throughout West Germany this year held observances of World Religion Day. The celebrations ranged from prominent public meetings, fully covered by the press, to smaller gatherings radiating their own mysterious share of love and faith. One guest speaker, a well-known authority on comparative religion, emphasized that the Faith is “the religion of the future because it has solved the conflict between faith and science.” Jointly the observances demonstrated the significant progress being made in Germany by the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
In Bologna, Italy, forty guests and their forty Bahá’í hosts gathered at a restaurant to share a happy Naw-Rúz celebration that included music, prayers in three languages and convivial discussion. The Italian master
Far-ranging exhibit used at the Brussels observance of “National Day of Belgium.”
of ceremonies briefly outlined the Faith before the
group, which represented eight nationalities.
When the Bahá’ís of Durham, North Carolina, were invited by the National Council of Negro Women to help arrange an international dinner, they were quick to capitalize on the opportunity. The repast became a Persian dinner and the incidental decor included a quotation from the Writings, the Greatest Name displayed on a beautiful wall rug, and a map showing the Cradle of the Faith. The affair received good publicity.
BAHA'I IN THE NEWS[edit]
The April 1962 issue of Israel d’aujourd’hui, a monthly review published in Brussels, Belgium, carried a four-page article on Haifa and the Faith, including seven excellent illustrations. An explanation of why the Shrine of the Báb is located on Mount Carmel leads to the mission of Bahá’u’lláh, the principles of His Cause and the reasons why the unnamed author, of Jewish background, became a Bahá’í. The article was sponsored by the Regional Assembly of the Benelux countries prior to its dissolution. Publication of the story is a notable victory for the Faith, since the magazine, distributed largely in Israel and Europe in general, also reaches prominent personalities in Belgian academic, literary, financial and governmental circles.
The English edition of last October’s Italian Books and Periodicals, a review published in Rome, Italy, by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, lists among books recently received “Le lezioni di San Giovanni d’Acri.” The momentarily mystifying naming of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the author is explained by the fact that this is an Italian version of the well-known compilation “Some Answered Questions” originally collected and translated into English by Laura Clifford Barney.
Delegates to Belgium’s first Convention in session at the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Brussels. With them, at left rear, is Hand of the Cause ‘Alí Muḥammad Varqá.
[Page 23]
The spring edition of The Voice, a British quarterly
devoted to “universal spiritual news,” showed a large
picture of the Wilmette Temple accompanied by an
outstandingly sympathetic article. Concluding the latter were two brief quotations from the words of Bahá’u’lláh which, wrote the author, “exemplify the spirit
of the World Faith in its all-embracing simplicity.”
The March number of Walkabout, Australian Way of Life magazine, carried an excellent three-page picture story entitled “The Bahá’í House of Worship.” Included were a full-page picture of the Sydney Temple itself and a half-page view showing it in its setting of natural landscaping.
The Faith has received excellent publicity as a result of a tour of Latin American countries by Mr. and Mrs. Habib Sabet of Iran. Included were an extensive article in the March 1 issue of the Chilean newspaper Las Ultimas Noticias, and two pieces published on successive days (February 13 and 14) by La Cronica of Lima, Peru.
During the Naw-Rúz period a theater in Fort Myers, Florida, showed the motion picture “The King of Kings.” Promoting the picture in the theater’s outdoor display cases were two large full-color panels, one of Jerusalem and the other of Haifa. The latter was a replica of a previously noted poster dominated by the Shrine of the Báb and the International Archives Building.
An interesting if unconscious implementation of the Teachings is described in the book India’s Social Miracle, by Daniel P. Hoffman. It is the story of a movement not connected with the Faith but called, strikingly enough, the Bhave Movement (from its author, A. Jinoba Bhave). Even more surprising is the
University of Oregon students at one of several firesides held during Religious Emphasis Week. One-third
of all organizations on the campus asked for and heard
Bahá’í speakers.
Attendants at a school to prepare Bahá’í teachers, held in Mexico City in April.
fact that its principles parallel many of Bahá’u’lláh’s
Teachings, with great emphasis on the solution of the
economic problem, a social sickness of staggering
proportions in India. One of the forewords of the book
is by Richard St. Barbe Baker, a well-known New
Zealand Bahá’í, who quotes Bahá’u’lláh’s famous
words, “The earth is but one country and mankind its
citizens.”
On page 26 of his recently published book, Jewish Life Today, Rabbi Richard C. Hertz, Ph.D., mentions the Faith in relation to the State of Israel. “The government,” he writes, “sponsors a Ministry of Religious Affairs which is supported through tax collections from the entire population. It is responsible for contacts between the State and Israel’s non-Jewish religious communities — Christian, Moslem, Bahá’í and Druse. Its chief duty is to supply the religious needs of the Jewish Community.”
Some of the sixty-two people who attended a potluck dinner and talk at the Reno-Sparks (Nevada) Indian Colony last spring. Mrs. Ruth Moffett was the speaker. Three Indian tribes—the Shoshones, Washoes and Piutes—were represented.
Baha’i Publishing Trust[edit]
Convincing Answers. By William Sears.
To assist every believer to fulfill his teaching obligations in the final, momentous year of the World Crusade, the National Spiritual Assembly has authorized a very large printing of this new booklet. The original text, prepared by Hand of the Cause William Sears, carries the full title: The Bahá’í Faith offers Convincing Answers to your questions about Impending Atomic War; Seething Racial Tension; Corruption and Graft in Business and Politics; Increasing Divorce Rate; Widespread Crime and Delinquency; Alarming Increases in Mental Illness; Alcoholism and the Use of Narcotics; Religion’s Failure to Solve Personal and Social Problems; Growing Distrust Between Capital and Labor; Threat of Atheism. The cover also carries the following line: “Learn how Christian and Jew, Black and White, East and West have found peace of mind and satisfaction of soul in over 250 countries of the world.”
The text is largely in a question-and-answer format, with many quotations about the Bahá’í Faith from world leaders and scholars. A small map gives an idea of the spread of the Faith throughout the world, and there are illustrations of the Bahá’í Temples and of groups that exemplify the diversity of the Bahá’í world community. The size is 9x6, 32 pages, red, black and white cover design.
Because of low selling price and heavy distribution problem involved on this item, the minimum quantity specified must be observed on all orders. Bahá’ís living in a community (group or assembly) should send their orders only through their community librarian (literature representative). Single copies within the community should sell at $.25, but individuals are also entitled to buy at the large-lot price from their local literature distribution service. No standing orders.
20 copies (minimum quantity) | $ 5.00 |
100 copies | $20.00 |
500 copies | $75.00 |
Out of Print[edit]
The following publications are out of print and can no longer be supplied by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. Please delete them from your catalogs and do not order in the future.
- An Aid to the Study of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh (Study Guide).
- Atomic Mandate by Marzieh Gail.
- Báb’s Address to Letters of the Living, The.
- Bahá’í Peace Program, The (paperbound edition only). Clothbound edition of these two Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is still available. Please note that this book is a completely separate item from the pamphlet of the same name.
- Bahá’í Temple Gardens (reprint from magazine).
- Color Magazine (reprint from magazine).
- Fireside Teaching (Statement by National Spiritual Assembly).
- Spell of the Temple, The by Allen McDaniel.
- Trustees of the Merciful. (This compilation will be combined with The Bahá’í Community, which is currently out of stock also and being revised extensively.)
- World Order Magazines.
For Mass Conversion[edit]
“We must not just pass the word along but ‘give the glad tidings!’ Mass media are a wonderful tool, but there is no substitute for a face-to-face talk.”
From, a conference on mass conversion held in Chippawa, Ontario (Canada), on March 4.
Calendar of Events[edit]
- FEASTS
- July 13 — Kalimát (Words)
- August 1 — Kamál (Perfection)
- HOLY DAY
- July 9 — Martyrdom of the Báb
- U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS
- July 27-29
Baha’i House of Worship[edit]
- Weekdays
- 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Entire building)
- 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Auditorium only)
- Sundays and Holidays
- 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Entire building)
- 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Auditorium only)
- Sundays
- 3:30 to 4:10 p.m.
- Sunday, July 15
- 4:15 p.m.
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.
