Bahá’í News/Issue 389/Text
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| No. 388 | BAHA’I YEAR 120 | JULY, 1963 |
Behold! He is the blest and sacred bough that hath branched out from the Twin Holy Trees .... He is the sign of God, the chosen branch ... the expounder of the words of God.
[Page 2]
Approach to the Guardian’s resting-place, showing some
of the thousands of tulips, daffodils, narcissi and
hyacinths which enhance the Memorial itself and the
woodland immediately outside.
The beautiful golden eagle, which surmounts Shoghi
Effendi’s Memorial in London, was formerly in the
Guardian’s home in Haifa.
A Symbol of Victory[edit]
Now we come to our beloved Guardian’s grave and
his passing. I don’t want to go into detail about that
because it will shatter me and I really can’t bear
thinking about it at this moment. But after I had gone
out and visited his grave the day after his funeral, as
I drove away — it was very strange because I had no
mind left, or anything at that point — I saw before me
in my mind’s eye a column, and a globe, and an eagle,
and the steps underneath it — the whole thing. And
when I went back to Haifa and the Hands of the Cause
met in such tragic circumstances with such broken
hearts, in the Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh in Bahjí, I
showed them a little sketch and they were happy with
it and approved, and that was what we built over
Shoghi Effendi’s resting-place.
Shoghi Effendi always wanted a column. And, well, he got it, evidently. But every time he saw a beautiful column:—you know, Rome has very beautiful columns; sometimes when we passed through Rome in the old days, before there were so many Bahá’ís there, he used to look, and he would say, “You know, I think these columns are so beautiful. Where can I put a column on Mount Carmel?” “Well,” I said, “Shoghi Effendi, I don’t think you can, because you can’t just stick a column up like that, you know; where would you put it?” And, well, that was that. But he didn’t have a column, and he wanted one. And then he liked the Corinthian style very much. And so I think that perhaps influenced my thought that we should have a column, because he always wanted a column so much. And in the end he got one.
And then came the question of the eagle over Shoghi Effendi’s grave. When he began to buy those eagles as ornaments for the gardens and put them up, and we asked him why, he said it was a symbol of victory, and that the Bahá’ís now all over the world were beginning to have their victories..... That was why he wanted to have an eagle in the gardens. So, I thought, what greater place to put the symbol of victory than on top of Shoghi Effendi’s column, on top of the globe of the world, with the continent of Africa — which at the end of his life had already begun to show such promise and which had caused him so much joy — facing out! And we thought, what eagle shall we use? And then I remembered that he had bought an eagle and had it in his room. And again the Japanese friends must be very happy: it was a Japanese eagle, made in Japan ... very, very beautiful.
As you have seen from visiting his monument, it has one wing folded and one wing out. It’s very hard to tell:—is the bird taking off, or is the bird alighting? So, one night I brought it down in Shoghi Effendi’s home, and got someone to hold it up in the corner. Millie Collins and I looked at it and we thought, this is the perfect eagle for Shoghi Effendi’s grave.
And that is the story of why the Memorial is built the way it is.
Sowing the Seeds[edit]
at the Closing Session of the World Congress, May 2, 1963
Our thanks and gratitude to the pioneers, the national assemblies and the friends who made all these victories possible. I am sure that the pioneers who stand at their posts know the greatness of today.... Let us not leave all these opportunities which Bahá’u’lláh has left for us. Let us value and know the greatness of teaching....
About a year ago I started on a world tour. Before going I was very much afraid of taking this responsibility, but one of the friends said, “Go to Latin America and just love them.” ... There was one question which was repeatedly asked me. I want to repeat it here, and the answer that I gave. In many places the friends — having heard the news of India, of Africa, of Indonesia, of all parts of the world — were really getting discouraged and saying, “What is wrong with us? We have been living here five years and there are only ten Bahá’ís. Is our method wrong? Aren’t we as spiritual as those people of India? Is there anything wrong with us?”
I want to assure everybody that there is nothing wrong with the pioneers, nothing wrong with the method of their teaching, but there is this little misunderstanding. They think that India got all these results only this year — or Africa, or Indonesia. No, beloved friends, this is the work of at least ninety years of struggle. Bahá’u’lláh Himself sent Jamál Effendi, who went to all the provinces of India and spoke about the Cause, and returned to Bahá’u’lláh apparently empty-handed. Bahá’u’lláh told him to go back, sow the seed — “This is your function.” The next time Jamál Effendi went to India he went to all the provinces, went to Burma, to Singapore, to Java, to the Philippines, and to some of the islands of the Pacific; and this teacher of the Cause, the most capable, died without having seen a single result of his activity.
Now, after Jamál Effendi died, the beloved Master sent many teachers to India. The beloved Guardian sent many teachers to India. The results of the suffering of all these people did not appear all of a sudden. It was a gradual movement in the soil of the hearts of the people. But, please listen to the words of the Master when there were only about fifteen or twenty believers in the whole of India, and very weak believers. He wrote to them:
“Mass conversion will definitely take place in India; from one end of the country to the other, it will become the meeting place of this divine pearl. The Indian friends will arise to serve in such a way that they will be an example of service to all neighboring countries. India will arise to serve in such a way that the Indian friends will make Thailand a paradise and will revive Japan.”
These are the things that kept the believers going on with their work. And then, after eighty or ninety years, all of a sudden, all the seeds started to sprout. The same thing is true of Africa. The African work is not the result of this year’s work or last year’s work. Again, Bahá’u’lláh Himself sent His first teacher, Ḥájí, to Africa ...
The results of the sacrifices of all these people are manifested now. Therefore, those who have been for five or ten years in some place should never complain. These results are of eighty years’ work — yes, ninety years and suffering. Work day and night in such time and the harvest will be ready. Bahá’u’lláh has definitely said, clearly said to the friends: “Your function is to sow the seeds. God will either let them grow or will bury them.”
It is yours to stand at your post and sow the seed. The greatest requirement for this progress is patience. Patience is the thing which is described in the Qur’an as having rewards unlimited.... Please have patience. God will work through you, even if it is not in your lifetime — the lifetime of generations after you. All services will be rewarded. Be sure! Rest assured and rest in your places of pioneering. Serve and be steadfast in the path of God at the post given you during the time of the beloved Guardian ...
If it was easy, the beloved Guardian would never have said we need brave people in these days. If it was easy anybody could do it. Therefore you who are brave accept this post; show your bravery to the end of your life. Let us not think of our unworthiness in the path of service, beloved friends.
The platform at the London Congress as it appeared from one of the upper tiers of Albert Hall.
The Bahá’í Faith was proclaimed throughout London by posters on the front of buses.
House of Justice Announces New Arrangements for Pilgrims[edit]
Dear Friends:
The Universal House of Justice has been deeply moved and its hopes have been raised high by the many messages of love, devotion and eager anticipation which have been received from national conventions and national spiritual assemblies.
Two decisions have been taken by the Universal House of Justice involving a further development of the institutions at the World Center. The former offices of the International Bahá’í Council at 10 Haparsim Street being inadequate for the far greater volume of work facing the Universal House of Justice, it has been decided to take over the whole of this building (until now called the Western Pilgrim House) as the seat, for the present time, of the Universal House of Justice.
This decision made it necessary to find other accommodation for the western pilgrims and led directly to the second decision. After careful consideration of the alternatives the House of Justice has decided that the time has come to take the significant step, anticipated by our beloved Guardian, of housing all pilgrims in one place. It was found possible, by slight alterations, to accommodate all pilgrims, without lessening the number, in the former Eastern Pilgrim House and its adjacent buildings. We have therefore established one Pilgrim House, at the Bahá’í Gardens on Mount Carmel. The friends should note that this is where they should go on arrival.
Bahá’í Temple at Frankfurt[edit]
Above: Interior view of the dome, showing the open-work construction and the lantern at the apex.
Left: Auditorium and surrounding ambulatory with a section of the dome seen from a different angle.
All friends whose pilgrimages have been confirmed
for 1963-64 are therefore expected. There are still vacancies after December 1963, but only a very few before that date.
We have asked the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land to continue to be responsible for the program of the pilgrims while they are here, but letters requesting permission to come should be addressed to the Universal House of Justice.
| Bahá’í World Center June 16, 1963 |
With loving greetings, In His Service, UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE |
All That Ye Potentially Possess[edit]
Know thou that all men have been created in the nature made by God, the Guardian, the Self-Subsisting. Unto each one hath been prescribed a pre-ordained measure, as decreed in God’s mighty and guarded Tablets. All that which ye potentially possess can, however, be manifested only as a result of your own volition.
These words of Bahá’u’lláh are reassuring; but we must read carefully and concentrate on the last line of the quotation. There we see that the responsibility is put squarely upon us.
German Display Commemorates Master’s 1913 Visit and Shows Growth of Faith[edit]
The exhibition illustrated here was shown in Stuttgart in April at the time of the fiftieth anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Germany. Later it was displayed in Frankfurt and in one of the temporary buildings at the Temple site.
The opening panel, at upper left, welcomes guests. Some of the adjacent panels showed views at the World Center and the new Mother Temple of Europe, and words of Bahá’u’lláh.
At right, above: prayer for mankind (world peace), “Blessed is the Spot” and dates outlining the history of the Faith.
At left, immediately below: foreign teaching activities and words of Bahá’u’lláh, including some of the Hidden Words.
Immediately below, at right: the growth of the Faith; visit and words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; book display.
At bottom left: principles of the Faith.
At bottom right: quotations from the writings of Shoghi Effendi and progressive revelation chart.
The First Day of Riḍván[edit]
at the World Congress, April 29
As Bahá’u’lláh says, this is the Day which all the Prophets of God and His Messengers have prophesied on behalf of the Lord of mankind, and in like manner, They have all foretold the advent of the Speaker on the Mount. The proof of Moses was His Staff. The proof of this Oppressed One is His Pen. Now, see what the Pen of Bahá’u’lláh did from His prison. The Pen of Bahá’u’lláh has subdued the world!
For your pleasure I will tell you how I went to Bahá’u’lláh, without capacity, at the age of sixteen. It was in a room that you all know — those of you who have been to Bahjí — and I, with four people, was in that room on the first day of Riḍván, and it is there that I saw Him. One of these people was the late Nightingale — his name was the Nightingale. He had been a prisoner two years in that prison of Rasht, and he was one of the very first of Bahá’u’lláh’s disciples. He had many volumes of Tablets from the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. Another went in the ship with Bahá’u’lláh on the Mecca pilgrimage and his name was Hájí Abu’l Ḥasan ... I don’t know who the others were, but we five were the first on the first day of Riḍván to come into the presence of Bahá’u’lláh.
He sat on a chair and we kneeled down before Him. There was only a straw mat on the floor. It was a prison; there were no beautiful carpets. For twenty minutes, or perhaps half an hour, He read from the Tablet which He had revealed for Náṣiri’d-Dín Sháh, in a heavenly voice. And He was in two conditions as He read — one the condition of Divine Might; one that great meekness, that humility that you have felt as you read His Words.
Then, He said: “Taraz Effendi, rise.” There beside Him were flowers, fragrant flowers, and He said to me, “Take these flowers and give one each to the friends who are present.” To each one of those other four who were in the room I gave a flower. And then in a very special way He said, “And give Me My share, too.” Therefore, I offered Him one of the flowers, too. I rose and He said, “And you take one, too.” Then He dismissed us and trusted us to God.
Well, this was one of my Riḍván days. This is how it began and how it ended.
Throngs of believers await opportunity to enter one of the doors at the World Congress meeting place.
The national dress of believers from many lands added color and variety to the World Congress.
Bahá’u’lláh’s Children[edit]
on the last day of the World Congress
Friends, at the end of this Conference all our hearts are so full that it is useless to really try and fill them with anything more, or to express anything more. But I am sure that one thing is true of every single heart in this room. We now know that the oneness of humanity is more organically established since we entered Albert Hall than it ever was before. This has been the crucible in which we have poured all the spirit of the end of Shoghi Effendi’s Crusade. We came here friends, but each day, I am sure, we have had a greater sense of family. We do feel that we are all one family, that we’re all Bahá’u’lláh’s children, that we love each other, we belong to each other, and no matter how far apart we go in the coming days, there is going to be that tight, tight bond of nearness inside, holding us together, holding His work together, carrying His Cause forward.
Friends, don’t fail Shoghi Effendi. You haven’t finished with him, and he hasn’t finished with you. He said there would be other plans. You will be hearing from the House of Justice and the Hands about other plans. How can we not go forward? We’ve a lot of work to do. But then, think, we have each other and so many hundreds of thousands of Bahá’ís that are not in this room who will now go forward with us.
It is the time to put your step on new trails, to make new vows, to reorient yourself to this religion of love and of bounty and of joy; and to go out and please Shoghi Effendi, make him happier than he ever was in this world; fulfill the bounteous pledges of help from on high that we have been assured of in the Teachings, and carry this Message to others wherever there is receptivity. Wherever the need is the greatest, let us hasten there first; and let us carry on the work of our beloved Lord, Bahá’u’lláh, every day of our lives, because we are His people and we are blessed far beyond our deserts.
[Page 7]
Some of the 150 believers and guests who attended a public meeting commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh. The meeting was held in the Palais des Beaux Arts in Brussels.
London Congress Stirs Belgian Community to New Activity[edit]
Almost fifty per cent of the Belgian Bahá’ís attended the World Congress in London during Riḍván.
Immediately after the Congress, a series of commemorative meetings were arranged by local assemblies to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Declaration of His Prophetic Mission. The climax was a national gathering held in the spacious Palais des Beaux Arts, where fifteen years before a public meeting was held during the 1948 European Teaching Conference.
Personal letters containing invitations were sent to the Belgian Royal Family, members of Parliament, officials of the government, provincial governors and county and municipal authorities. Almost ninety of these sent apologies for not being able to attend, and several expressed interest and praised the Teachings.
Louis Henuzet, then chairman of the National Assembly, gave the public address which was heard by over 150 people including members of the press.
SECOND ANNUAL BELGIAN CONVENTION[edit]
On May 25 and 26 the Annual Convention was held at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and consultation centered on mass teaching, proclamation and creation of new local assemblies. The idea of teaching teams, which would visit outlying towns and villages, was supported unanimously by the National Assembly and will be further developed and acted upon this year.
The members and officers of the National Spiritual Assembly for 1963-1964 are: Dr. Hasan-Ali Kamran (chairman), Fernand Gillain (vice-chairman), Roger Swinnen (secretary), Mrs. Elsa de Koninck (recording secretary), Louis Henuzet (treasurer), Robert Hubar, Shoghi Ghadimi, Mrs. Lea Nys, Benjamin Levy.
The Belgian believers were saddened by the sudden passing of Persian pioneer Enayatollah Faez on June 5 in Charleroi and Otho Gardmani on May 24 in Brussels. Mr. Faez and his family were instrumental in forming the first local Spiritual Assembly of Charleroi in 1960.
Two Belgian cities, Wasmes and Hym, have recently been opened by the declaration of new believers.
This year the Belgian Summer School will be held in Oostduinkerke the end of August.
Second National Convention of the Bahá’ís of the Netherlands, held in Scheveningen, May 1963.
[Page 8]
Seventh Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of North East
Asia, May 1963. Hand of the Cause Miss Agnes Alexander is at the center of the front row.
Annual Convention of the South-East Asia Region, held
in Saigon, Vietnam. This area has over 50,000 believers
with 500 assemblies. One native believer from Malaya,
one from the Philippines and one from Vietnam were
elected to the National Assembly.
The 1963 Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Costa Rica which was held in San Jose.
American pioneer to the Philippines Jack Davis (front
row, center) is shown during a recent teaching trip
with some of the thirty Ainus who accepted the Faith in
a group at Hokkaido, Japan. Mr. Umegae (second from
right, center row) was one of the first Ainu Bahá’ís in
Japan and with Mr. Inoue (center row, right) accompanied Mr. Davis to the Ainu village.
Costa Rica Convention Made Notable by Presence of Beloved Indians[edit]
The national convention of Costa Rica received special bounties this Jubilee year, including glowing reports from those members of the outgoing National Assembly who had journeyed to Haifa and London. Especially notable among those present were not only eleven delegates and their wives but also several friends from the Talamanca and Terraba Indians — the first to represent their tribe at a Bahá’í convention.
These people had traveled many miles on foot to a village where they could obtain mules to take them to the city of Limon. Here they entrained for San Jose and the convention. The three-day trip represented a remarkable event, since none of the Indians had ever before seen any sort of settlement, not even a village, the journey providing their first glimpse of civilization.
The humility and spirit of dedication of these friends set the tone of the convention. One of the chiefs, the first of a number to enroll, reported that he was busy “catching many new believers for the Faith.” At present there are eleven assemblies and nearly two hundred believers among the Talamancas, and in view of the spirit expressed by the chief it would not be surprising to hear that the entire tribe of 2000 had come into the Faith.
Holy Days Recognized by Public Schools[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Cambridge, Massachusetts, has obtained official recognition of the Bahá’í Holy Days from the Superintendent of Public Schools. Bahá’í children will be excused from classes on the basis of “approved absence.”
[Page 9]
Race Amity Day Activities. LEFT: Gathering of believers and guests from Jackson, Michigan, and surrounding area. CENTER: Mayor Gene Winer hands Proclamation of Race Amity Day to Mrs. Lena Handis of Bakersfield, California, community. RIGHT: Some of the seventy-five friends and guests at Greenville, South Carolina, celebration.
Race Amity Day[edit]
Brotherhood in Action[edit]
Bahá’í communities across the United States proclaimed the theme “Man One Family” in a variety of Race Amity Day activities. Press clippings and references to TV and radio coverage indicate a growing community recognition of the significance of this event.
In JACKSON, Michigan, the editor of the Jackson Citizen Patriot contacted the local believers to get material for an article on their picnic and discussion. ... For the fourth year the GREENVILLE, South Carolina, observance was held at the home of a non-Bahá’í couple.... Mrs. Eulalia Bobo addressed the SAN JOSE, California, Race Amity Day public meeting. ... Three newspapers carried stories on the integrated picnic sponsored by the FORT WORTH, Texas, Bahá’ís. Seven of the eight guests attending were Negroes.... The WALLA WALLA, Washington, picnic and discussion meeting were completely organized by the youth.... The LANE COUNTY and EUGENE, Oregon, communities showed slides of the World Congress at their program. Prayers were recited in French, Russian, German, English and Persian. Half of the 110 attending were Negro.
Mayor Gene Winer of BAKERSFIELD, California, proclaimed June 9 Race Amity Day in that city. Three TV stations and four newspapers gave coverage. A number of civic leaders attended the panel discussion including: the chairman of the City Planning Commission, a member of the Fair Employment Practice Commission, the director of the local Friendship House and the chairman of the NAACP.... The Bahá’ís of RALEIGH, North Carolina, held an interracial picnic to commemorate Race Amity Day.... Guests outnumbered the believers at the barbecue sponsored by the BEREA, Ohio, group.... In HARTFORD, Connecticut, the day was observed with an interracial picnic followed by a round table discussion.... Sam Burnafato, chairman of the National Assembly of Mexico, addressed the SAN RAFAEL, California, friends and their guests.
The KIRKLAND, Washington, Bahá’í community held its first Race Amity Day observance. Four different races were represented at a picnic.... Twenty believers and thirty-one guests attended a panel discussion of the frustrations of minority races in SALEM, Oregon. The five-man panel was composed of three Negroes and two American Indians.... An AUSTIN, Texas, public meeting was addressed by an outstanding Negro citizen, B. T. Bonner.... The integrated meeting sponsored by the CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, community received favorable editorial comment in the Charlotte Observer.... The believers of BUTTE COUNTY, California, held their meeting at a Negro church with more guests than Bahá’ís, all but one being colored. The pastor took a somewhat belligerent attitude so that little personal contact was made. However, many signed the guest book and follow-up is planned.
Because of the current racial tensions in the U.S., Race Amity Day was an especially effective means of proclaiming the Faith this year. A number of communities indicate new contacts, who are deeply interested, have been found as a result of the observances.
Bahá’ís and guests of Lane County and Eugene, Oregon, celebrate Race Amity Day.
[Page 10]
Gathering of pioneers and friends in Pisa.
Believers and guests at a meeting in Mantua.
Cooperative Effort Spurs Teaching in Italy[edit]
Since early spring Italy has witnessed considerable expansion in teaching activity and some mass proclamation. The results of much cooperation and effort will presumably be reported in the near future.
Pioneers meet weekly with their non-Bahá’í Italian friends in Pisa. The “winning” of Pisa is succeeding through the perseverance of Persian students and American pioneers in Florence. Many young Italians are now reading and studying the Teachings.
The first declaration in Florence was by Paolo Morietti, who said: “I began teaching by translating the Message into Italian for American Bahá’ís who were speaking to my people. One day I unconsciously remarked, ‘We Bahá’ís believe ...’ At that moment I realized that I had accepted the Faith.”
A tour of six cities — Milan, Genoa, Turin, Padua, Florence, Bologna — was made by Mrs. Meherangiz Munsiff of England, formerly of India. She introduced the Faith in English to hundreds of people, speaking
First Spiritual Assembly of Mantua, Italy, formed
December 18, 1962, and composed of American and
Persian pioneers. Left to right, seated: Mrs. A. Ghaeni,
A. Ghaeni, Miss N. Nazerian, Zia Ahrari, Mrs. Alice
Janssen. Standing: Farakh Ghaeni, Miss M. Ghaeni,
Mrs. F. Nazerian, Dr. Keivan Nazerian.
to large audiences which included universities, press
clubs and cultural organizations. Mrs. Munsiff’s Indian sari fascinated the Italians as did the fact that a
woman was speaking from the platform — not a common event.
In Mantua eleven guests saw color slides of Temples and holy places. They were so captivated by what they saw and heard that they returned the invitation two weeks later. This unexpected gathering offered an opportunity for a detailed exposition of the Faith, followed by a long question-and-answer period.
Audience of about 200, most of whom were guests, hears Mrs. Munsiff at public meeting in Bologna.
Hands Cable Family of Frank Baker[edit]
Grieved (by) news (of the) passing (of) devoted servant (of the) Faith, Frank Baker. His self-sacrificing pioneer services (and) unfailing support (of the) activities (of his) beloved wife Hand of Cause (Dorothy are) unforgettable. Deepest sympathy (and) loving prayers.
| Haifa, Israel | (Signed) HANDSFAITH |
| June 13,1963 |
Frank Baker passed away on June 10 in Lima, Ohio,
his home for many years previous to pioneering in the
West Indies. His many services to the Faith, to fellow-believers and to other friends were given quietly but
with generosity and rare understanding.
[Page 11]
Seventh Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Alaska, May 25-26, 1963.
National Spiritual Assembly of Costa Rica, 1963-1964.
Left to right, seated: Oscar Lizano (vice-chairman),
Esteban Canales (secretary), Richard Mirkovich
(chairman), John Rutan. Standing: Adrian Hernandez,
Antonio Soto (treasurer), Jose Bartadano, Theodore
Cortazzi (recording secretary), Asdrubal Cordero.
National Spiritual Assembly of India, 1963-1964, with Hand of the Cause Dr. R. Muhájir and Universal House of Justice member H. Fatheázam.
Thirty-Fourth Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of India, held at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in New Delhi.
[edit]
In lieu of the 1963 National Convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States, and in order to share with the entire American Bahá’í community the events and the spirit of the World Congress held in London at Riḍván, gatherings attended by approximately 2900 believers were convened in forty-six cities on May 25 and 26. The most striking impressions gained from the enthusiastic and inspiring reports of these conferences are the spirit of love and oneness and the eagerness to hasten forward without delay in building the Kingdom of God on earth. These were, indeed, reflections of the London Congress during which the joy, gratitude, wonder and dedication at the celebration of the Most Great Jubilee and the victorious conclusion of the Ten-Year Global Spiritual Crusade were indelibly impressed upon the hearts of all present.
The momentum gained and the spirit released by the Jubilee became a vital part of these conferences, an indication that the Faith will be carried forward, by this momentum and powerful spirit, into its true world-wide spread, hastening the time toward which the beloved Guardian over and over again raised our vision— “the emergence of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh which must pave the way for the establishment of the World Civilization destined to attain maturity in the course of successive Dispensations in the Five Thousand Century Bahá’í Cycle.”
Reports, intimate stories of unusual experiences, pictures and tape recordings of the London meeting undoubtedly will continue to be a part of both formal and informal gatherings of the friends and contacts throughout the months ahead, for the spirit of this great event is a live and ever-growing one.
We share with you some of the comments gleaned from reports on these conferences:
“The Post-Congress Conference was quickly ignited, in its earliest moments, with the spirit of love, fellowship and feeling of awe as we listened to the voice of ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum tell of the ‘Day of Victory.’ When she spoke of the ‘religion of love’ and the need for love to carry it to further victories, the hearts of all who listened were touched and aroused. ... A highlight of the meeting came when Ṭaráẓu’lláh Samandarí told of his visit at the age of sixteen with Bahá’u’lláh. Truly the power and spirit of Bahá’u’lláh seemed to flow with tremendous strength into the conference as we listened to one who was an eye witness and follower of the Lord of this Age. This was a bounty for which we can be ever grateful ... dedication was then directed into practical channels by the report of the national treasurer and by a call for us to consolidate our present victories and prepare immediately for the new goals and plans that would be forthcoming from our newly elected Universal House of Justice.”
“I think we all appreciated this event more than we can say. And the spirit generated there will remain with us to sustain us and inspire us to greater endeavor.”
“The continuity and spirit of the agenda kept the audience inspired as well as somewhat in awe at the immensity and power of the London Congress.... Only a minute amount of the love and unity and spirit of this most spiritual and historical gathering are we able to comprehend.”
“... taped talks transported the friends directly to the heart of the Jubilee and Congress. Many eyes were wet at times by the tremendous spirit released at this first conference covering an agenda international and global in scope, yet directly involving every local believer.”
“The friends felt that next to attending the Congress in London, this was a most wonderful occasion in their Bahá’í life and that through the personal experiences of those who attended and the talks on tape, it brought the spirit of the Most Great Jubilee to us and inspired us to put forth our best efforts to serve the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.”
“The Post-Congress Conference imparted a most stimulating and exhilarating feeling to everyone present.... The friends gathered a true picture of the entire happenings in London, including the love and joy which seemed predominant between the races represented.”
“It was a spiritually uplifting conference ... and all left with a great desire in their hearts to surge forward and to do the utmost for this glorious Cause of God.”
“The spirit generated by the talks, tapes and comments was tremendous; in fact, it felt as though we were all back in London again! Everyone was overjoyed by the reporting and seemed transported to new levels of love and understanding.”
“Reports, stories, and pictures shared by friends reporting created a great warmth and love among the friends, and, as they stated, they hoped the spirit they have been blessed to have felt the past month would remain with them always. News of mass conversions, realization of the simplicity of the presentation of the Faith to all mankind, to hear again Hand of the Cause Samandarí talk — amazed at the vigorous tone of his voice — the phenomenal growth of the Faith in the past decade, were gleaned as of special interest to the friends in attendance at this conference. A new Bahá’í stated, ‘What an inspiration this should be for all of us to go on with the work and teaching that has been assigned to each of us as Bahá’ís, and what an opportunity to prove that we can live in peace and harmony together with all the peoples of the world.’ ”
“The whole area seemed to glow in tribute to the establishment of the Universal House of Justice!”
“Many of us felt that it was as though we were seeing Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant literally unfold before our
[Page 13]
Post-Congress Conference, Sarasota, Florida.
eyes. By the time the meeting was over, I think that
everyone had partaken of the spirit of the Congress.”
“A spirit of loyalty and eagerness to go forward in the Cause was predominant. All the friends are looking forward to the next task to be done, vitally interested in the forthcoming directives, and evincing a steadfastness in whatever the Hands of the Cause and the Universal House of Justice decide as the next most important project.”
Some of the gatherings were fortunate in having present members of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly who were able to share the highlights and personal glimpses of the first International Bahá’í Convention held at the World Administrative and Spiritual Center in Haifa and ‘Akká.
These Post-Congress Conferences also gave an opportunity for brief discussion of practical matters of concern to the American Bahá’í community, with emphasis on the National Fund following presentation of a statement from the national treasurer, Arthur Dahl. The consultation resulted in the following, selected from among many comments:
“It was agreed that the friends increase their contributions to all funds proportionate to the new needs.”
“Several friends talked on ways and means of ‘sacrifice’ to give more money to the Fund.”
“Can we comprehend the bounty of giving to the Faith? Present the needs of the Faith as a bounty instead of as a responsibility.... Sacrifice is the answer; anyone can give, but our gifts of sacrifice are much greater than mere giving.”
“The statement from the national treasurer prompted several good thoughts on the reasons for continuous prayerful contributions to the Fund, spiritual blood stream to sustain the physical growth of the Faith; to give what one pleases is not enough — to sacrifice is the test of our faith; we’re asked to give only money when many have given their lives; contributing will do our souls good; Bahá’u’lláh’s plan is greater than our own.”
“A suggestion was made and accepted by the friends that this conference go on record as accepting the budget for the forthcoming year.”
Thus, the American Bahá’ís have entered the new epoch of the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, marking a new phase in the development of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
Bahá’ís Take Part in UN Conference[edit]
The Annual Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in cooperation with the United Nations Office of Public Information was held at UN headquarters on May 13 and 14, 1963. The Bahá’ís were represented by two delegations — one representing the International Bahá’í Community and the other, the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly. Bahá’ís present were Mrs. Louise Wold, Mrs. Lee Blackwell, Mrs. Lola Donaldson, Mrs. Irene Gantt, William Wold and Charles Wragg.
The theme for the conference was “The Development Decade,” keynoted by C. V. Narasimhan, Under-Secretary for General Assembly Affairs. The afternoon workshop sessions dealt with such provocative subjects as “Strengthening Human Rights,” “Strengthening Cooperation with UN Regional Economic Commissions” and “Strengthening the United Nations Through the Development of Science and Technology.” Members from the Bahá’í delegations were present at all workshop sessions.
This year’s conference was unique because it was held jointly with the United States Committee for the United Nations, which usually schedules its annual meeting at a separate time.
The first day Mrs. Lee Blackwell and Mrs. Lola Donaldson were guests at a special luncheon given by Robert S. Benjamin, Chairman of the U.S. Committee for the United Nations. U.S. Ambassador Adlai Stevenson was the guest of honor and principal speaker.
Throughout the conference the importance of vital, nation-wide observances to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was stressed. In a communication to all non-governmental representatives the Director of the Division of Human Rights said, “It is the hope of the Secretary-General that your organization will organize an appropriate program to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1963. The Secretary-General would appreciate receiving in due course a report from your organization concerning the celebration.”
The Bahá’í United Nations Committee is setting up such a program.
Bahá’í visitors at the House of Worship in Wilmette.
From the left: Miss Keithie Blum and Mrs. Gertrude
Blum from Honoria, Solomon Islands; Mrs. Loyce Lawrence from Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands.
Goals Achieved[edit]
Spiritual Assembly of Lucerne, Switzerland, incorporated February 10, 1963. Left to right, front row: Miss Doris Lohse, Mrs. Lorana Kerfoot. Center row: Miss Frances Jones, Mrs. Myrna Davis, Mrs. Louise Singer, Mrs. Claire Wenger, Miss Julia Rieder. Back row: William Davis, Miss Joanna Thomas.
Spiritual Assembly of Biel, Switzerland, recently incorporated.
First Spiritual Assembly of Kapit, Sarawak, formed
Riḍván 1963. Eight are of the Iban people. Front row,
left to right: Mr. Balang, Mr. Walter (secretary), Mr.
Batang, Mr. Ottan. Back row: Mr. Asong, Mr. Kong-Sim-King (treasurer), Mr. September (chairman), Mr.
Sumit (vice-chairman), Mr. Nhya.
Spiritual Assembly of Royal Oak, Michigan, incorporated April 22, 1963. Members are: Wallace Baldwin,
Mrs. Shirley Baldwin, Harold Johnson, Mrs. Marjorie
Johnson, Roger Bascom, Mrs. Kittie Shetterly, James
Renfrew, Miss Phyllis Hall, William Gardner.
First Spiritual Assembly of Olmsted County, Minnesota,
formed January 1963. Left to right, seated: Cathryn
Tibbetts, Georgia Andersen, Jeanne Jeffers, Norma
Wharton, Pauline McFarlin. Standing: Hiroyuki Takada,
Ken Jeffers, Lyle Wharton, Dick McFarlin.
First Spiritual Assembly of Amarillo, Texas, formed
Riḍván 1963. Left to right, seated: Faye Dudley, Joyce
Parker (recording secretary), Laura Fix (treasurer),
Charlotte Pinto (secretary). Standing: Merle Sinclair,
Jack Oliver, Charles Hook, John Pinto (chairman),
Mary Fish (vice-chairman).
Unusual Teaching Trip in New Zealand[edit]
Richard St. Barbe Baker, founder of “The Men of the Trees,” director of the Sahara Reclamation Program and world authority and author on erosion and forestation undertook what might be called a devotional ride.
Mr. Baker conceived the idea in order to proclaim the Faith in the last year of the Crusade and to publicize the United Nations “Freedom from Hunger” campaign. In order to call public attention to the importance of the mission, he rode on horseback and walked the entire length of New Zealand.
Audience after audience was addressed on the need to apply scientific methods to the production of food. Mr. Baker was welcomed by public officials, organizations and schools. Wherever possible he introduced the Faith, giving out many Bahá’í books and pamphlets.
Despite his seventy-odd years, frequent inclement weather and the great length of his trip, Mr. Baker rode and walked from October through April. By the time the 1200 mile trip was completed, he had talked to hundreds of adults in all walks of life, including headmasters and public officials, and had addressed 90,000 students.
Befittingly, the ride ended at Invercargill where the most southerly kauri tree grows. Here, too, the traveler was met by representatives of the city and press, and the Message of Bahá’u’lláh was given.
BAHA’I IN THE NEWS[edit]
(This column contains only references to the Faith itself. References to individuals or purely local activities are not included except incidentally when mentioned in articles about the Faith which appear in mass news media.)
A strikingly illustrated two-color center spread in the June 3 European edition of The Stars and Stripes, unofficial publication of the U.S. Armed Forces,
Recent public meeting attended by 200 Bahá’ís and
guests in San Francisco’s Hall of Flowers. Maurice
Willows of Honolulu is the speaker.
Some of the 300 attendants from Canada and Western
New York at 23rd International Bahá’í Picnic, held June
9 at Queenston Heights Park, Ontario, Canada.
treated first of the German Temple and then of the
Teachings. Speaking of the Temple as “exotic” and
“spectacular,” and as having “one of the most impressive domes to be found anywhere,” the article
also gave a comprehensive story of the Faith, up to
and including the Universal House of Justice, the
World Congress and the Moroccan persecution. This
paper is read by thousands of service men in Europe
and the Middle East, and already several inquiries
have been received.
In April a four-page illustrated article, “White Professor at a Negro College,” told of the life of the author, Dr. Allan L. Ward, at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, and prominently identified him as a believer. The article appeared in The Ohio Alumnus, published by the alumni of Ohio University at Athens, Ohio, where Dr. Ward received his doctorate.
On May 19, the chairman of the Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) Assembly, Lee Tichenor, was a guest on “The Dissenters” at WCAU-TV. The half-hour show, devoted entirely to the Faith, had an introductory portion which included films of the World Center in Haifa and the Temple in Wilmette. An opportunity was given to comment on the inaccuracies appearing in the then recent issue of Time. In addition to answering questions asked by the host, Jean Shepherd, Mr. Tichenor was able to quote from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. A number of inquiries resulted from the telecast.
The Urbana (Illinois) Assembly won a long-hoped-for victory when they were able to give six daily ten-minute radio programs from June 3 to 8 on the Student Churches program, designed for religious organizations around the University of Illinois campus. Furthermore, a second series of Bahá’í broadcasts is already scheduled for early next year.
Baha’i Publishing Trust[edit]
The Bahá’í Faith: 1844-1963; Information Statistical and Comparative. (Includes achievements of the Ten Year Teaching and Consolidation Plan.) This book, compiled by the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land, contains progress chart prepared by Shoghi Effendi, a documentary of historic importance on which the beloved Guardian was working at the time of his passing. 128 pp.
Paperbound only | $1.00 |
One World Sings. A compilation of songs drawing on the musical heritage of the world which reflects the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation. It does not contain any original Bahá’í songs. There are 126 songs in six sections as follows: The New Day; Praise God; Around the World; Spirituals; Old Favorites; Evening and Farewell. Useful for summer schools and Bahá’í fellowship meetings.
Per copy | $.50 |
Religion for Mankind. Horace Holley. Talisman edition (paperbound) is now available for the first time on this popular work. (Please note cloth edition is out of print.)
Per copy | $1.25 |
Paris Talks, clothbound edition, out of stock in England for many months is now again on hand, with a slight price increase. Per copy $2.65.
Out of Print[edit]
The following publications are out of print and can no longer be supplied. Please delete them from the catalog and do not order in future unless new announcement is made:
- Appreciations of the Bahá’í Faith
- The Bahá’í World Volume IV
- The Koran
- Mysticism, Science and Revelation (cloth and paper)
- Selected Writings (Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi)
BAHA'I NEWS for Baha’is Only[edit]
The believers throughout the world are reminded that BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published for registered Bahá’ís only and under no circumstances should it be given to anyone else.
It must not be given to public or other libraries except those of a local Bahá’í community or Bahá’í school, nor should it be discarded with waste papers and magazines collected for sale.
Many items appearing in BAHÁ’Í NEWS are confidential in nature and cannot be properly understood by persons not well grounded in the Faith. Those items
The Bahá’í cemetery of the Honolulu community, called
“Bahá’í Garden of Light,” comprises sixty-four plots in
beautiful Memorial Park. In addition to the identifying
marker shown, there is a Bahá’í plaque with those of
other religions on the wall of the administration building’s inner court. Mrs. Edna Williamson Stall, one of
the oldest Honolulu members, was the first believer
buried here, April 18, 1963.
which are of interest to the public are circulated through public information channels utilized by
the National Spiritual Assembly.
Calendar of Events[edit]
- FEASTS
- August 20—Asmá’ (Names)
- September 8—‘Izzat (Might)
- U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS
- August 30—September 2
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, August 18
- 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 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.
