Bahá’í News/Issue 394/Text
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| No. 394 | BAHA’I YEAR 120 | JANUARY, 1964 |
World Religion Day[edit]
Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and
fellowship. Whatsoever hath led the children of men to shun one another, and
hath caused dissensions and divisions
amongst them, hath, through the revelation of these words, been nullified and
abolished.
O contending peoples and kindreds of
the earth! Set your faces towards unity,
and let the radiance of its light shine
upon you. Gather ye together, and for
the sake of God resolve to root out
whatever is the source of contention
amongst you. Then will the effulgence
of the world’s great Luminary envelop
the whole earth, and its inhabitants become the citizens of one city, and the
occupants of one and the same throne.
LEFT: Wilmette Temple
Hands Announce New Board Member[edit]
The Hands of the Faith in the Western Hemisphere announced on November 4, the appointment of Mrs. Ruth Pringle to the Auxiliary Board for Teaching. Mrs. Pringle, who resides in Panama, will replace Esteban Canales who resigned from the board in October.
Conferences on Race Spur Action[edit]
An estimated 1900 believers attended conferences sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States in thirty-six cities on Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27, 1963, for consultation on the teaching opportunities inherent in the growing concern over the civil rights issue challenging the conscience of every American citizen on the centenary of the Emancipation Proclamation. The leaders were Auxiliary Board Members, members of the National Assembly and well experienced teachers.
An open letter sent in September to every American Bahá’í entitled “The Most Challenging Issue” was the main theme for the consultation. This communication stressed the fact that the only solution to the problems of society and of the individual today is the establishment of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Each conference leader reviewed the most important points and then called for general consultation on the individual and collective responsibilities and opportunities of Bahá’ís, both to proclaim and to demonstrate as never before the teachings and principles of the Faith on the Oneness of Mankind.
How to attract more American Negroes to the Faith, teaching among the American Indians, both on and off the reservations, and reaching other minority groups received much attention as did the special proclamation and teaching opportunities offered by the annual observance of the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, Human Rights Day, and World Religion Day, events scheduled for the next three months.
Because the believers had read and studied the National Assembly’s communication before the conferences, and the local assemblies had been requested to consult on it and to come to the gathering prepared to report a plan of action, the consultation was lively and productive in suggesting ways and means for meeting this “most challenging issue” both on the local and national level. There was widespread agreement that the first and most fundamental obligation resting on every Bahá’í is to rid his own heart and mind of every residue of prejudice and to pray for courage and guidance to live the Bahá’í life regardless of possible disturbance or fear of criticism and opposition of friends, neighbors and associates.
A diversified range of activities demonstrating the Oneness of Mankind was recommended and it was generally agreed that representatives of minority groups respond more readily to informal social gatherings and programs than to public meetings and conferences confined to the mere discussion of the principles of the Faith.
Interracial teas, suppers, choral, instrumental and play-reading groups; recreational activities, integrated attendance at concerts and lectures, and dining in restaurants were reported by many as having been very effective in winning warm friendships and attracting new contacts for the Faith in a great many communities.
While it was agreed that the natural life of the Bahá’í community is far more important than the support of collective human rights efforts organized by others, it was felt that participation in the latter can do much to help change the social atmosphere locally and nationally, therefore much consideration was given to the value of such matters as sending letters expressing the Bahá’í point of view to congressmen, senators, individuals and organizations supporting civil rights legislation and movements; signing petitions for freedom of residence, fair employment practices, and for other matters consistent with the Bahá’í position on the dignity and equality of all human beings. Sending expressions of commendation and support to groups, individuals and businesses that have taken steps in the direction of desegregation was suggested as an excellent means for achieving recognition of the Bahá’í position in this issue so controversial in many sections of the country.
Involving children from minority groups in Bahá’í children’s activities, as well as on special occasions such as the Intercalary Days and Race Amity Day; planning programs in community centers; teas for parents and teachers to define Bahá’í attitudes toward education; progressive dinners or firesides to create interracial and international “flavor” for the Faith; sharing news and information among communities on activities of non-Bahá’í groups such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; workshops on “the racial myth”; complete unity and love within the Bahá’í community; joyous observance of the Bahá’í Holy Days; encouragement to and cooperation with youth in their efforts to demonstrate freedom from prejudice — these and a hundred other excellent suggestions came from all thirty-six conferences as one and all recognized as never before the “urgency and importance” of the “paramount issue” facing the American nation.
A point which all conferences strongly recommended was that of the importance of making it known in all publicity, public meetings, and all other media directed at the general public that the Bahá’ís have practiced the principle of the Oneness of Mankind for one hundred years and that all Bahá’í communities in the United States have in fact been integrated ever since they first came into existence more than fifty years ago.
That each and all bear an individual responsibility for setting the example to the whole of society as it struggles with the mounting demand for equal rights was re-emphasized in reading again the words of Shoghi Effendi from The Advent of Divine Justice: “White and Negro, high and low, young and old, all who stand identified with it must participate in, and lend their assistance, each according to his or her capacity, experience, and opportunities to the common task of fulfilling the instructions, realizing the hopes, and following the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”
Baha’is of World Offer Prayers for Late President and for His Successor[edit]
O Thou kind Lord! This gathering is turning to Thee. These hearts are radiant with Thy love. These minds and spirits are exhilarated by the message of Thy glad-tidings. O God! Let this American democracy become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired to material degrees, and render this just government victorious. Confirm this revered nation to upraise the standard of the oneness of humanity, to promulgate the Most Great Peace, to become thereby most glorious and praiseworthy among all the nations of the world. O God! This American nation is worthy of Thy favors and is deserving of Thy mercy. Make it precious and near to Thee through Thy bounty and bestowal.
The Bahá’ís of the United States, along with all
peoples, were shocked by the untimely and violent
death of President Kennedy. His feeling for the rights
of all nations and his efforts to insure equal opportunity
to peoples of all races were respected by all who believe in unity.
The National Spiritual Assembly was in its regular session when news of the assassination came over the radio. Immediately prayers were said for the President and his family followed by the “Prayer for America.” The National Assembly then sent the following telegram to Mrs. Kennedy at the White House:
Deeply shocked and grieved tragic death of President Kennedy. In name of all Bahá’ís of the United States we express to you and your family our profound sympathy and offer our prayers.
The National Assembly then called upon the Temple Worship Committee to include special prayers in the Sunday program of public worship at the Temple and to make the service on Monday night commemorating the Day of the Covenant a memorial service for President Kennedy. Both events were announced to the Chicago newspapers by special release and items were carried in several of the papers.
During the evening following the President’s death the Feast of Qawl was being observed throughout the United States and it appears that special prayers were added at practically all Feasts.
On Sunday morning at the request of the Universal House of Justice’s cablegram these telegrams were sent in the name of the Bahá’í World Community:
Mrs. John F. Kennedy:
Fifty-six Bahá’í National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world pray for the valiant spirit of President Kennedy and extend to you their deep sympathy.
President Lyndon Johnson:
Express profound regret irreparable loss late President Kennedy on behalf Bahá’í World Community. Bahá’ís of entire world extend prayers for your guidance, enlightened leadership of American people.
The tragedy of the President’s death is perhaps mute testimony to our great need for unity and for the guidance of Bahá’u’lláh in these times. It seems appropriate to review at this time the statement published by the National Spiritual Assembly several years ago and titled Loyalty to Government:
When a great social crisis sweeps through a civilization, moral values become impaired. In the crisis of our own time, members of the Bahá’í Faith go on record as firmly upholding the principle of loyalty to government.
More than eighty years ago Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, set forth this cardinal principle: “In every country or government where any of this community reside, they must behave toward that government with faithfulness, trustfulness, and truthfulness.”
Loyalty to government, in the Bahá’í view, is an essential spiritual and social principle. “We must obey and be the well-wishers of the government of the land ...” “The essence of the Bahá’í spirit is that in order to establish a better social order and economic condition, there must be allegiance to the laws and principles of government.”
This allegiance is part of the strong emphasis on integrity of character found in the Bahá’í teaching. “Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts.” “Beautify your tongues, O people, with truthfulness, and adorn your souls with the ornament of honesty. Beware, O people, that ye deal not treacherously with any one. Be ye the trustees of God amongst His creatures, and the emblems of His generosity amidst His people.”
Without integrity of character in its citizens and without loyalty to government, a nation will find itself torn asunder and unable to function as an organic society. Not only do the Bahá’í teachings obligate members to be loyal to their government — they also specifically forbid them from taking any part in subversive political and social movements.
[Page 4]
Teaching conference held in Karikal, India, July 20-21.
Regional teaching conference and summer school held in National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, New Delhi, India, July 25-28, 1963.
India Sets Conference, Opens Sikkim School[edit]
A series of teaching conferences took place this summer at various locations in India. For the first time such a conference was held in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds at New Delhi. Conferences were also held at Karikal and Ernakulam.
The Director of Education gave the Bahá’ís permission to open a school at Pachey block, Pakyong. Permission had been requested many months previous and was finally granted on the condition that there be no religious preaching during class hours and that the school not ask the government for assistance.
Teaching Progress in Switzerland[edit]
National Swiss Esperanto Convention[edit]
The National Swiss Esperanto Convention met in Neuchâtel November 9-10. A short résumé of the Faith was presented by Daniel Schaubacher, who represented the National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland. In his talk he mentioned the similarity of goals between the Bahá’ís and the Esperantists.
Four New Declarations[edit]
More than three years of devoted effort on the part of the believers of Neuchâtel was richly rewarded recently with the declaration of four new believers. Three declared themselves during an evening meeting addressed by Dr. Shoghi Ghadimi of the National Spiritual Assembly of Belgium. The fourth declared herself by telephone on the following day. Five nights later the Neuchâtel community held a dinner and reception to welcome the four new believers.
World Council of Churches in Geneva Requests Bahá’í Presentation[edit]
An important break-through was made for the Faith in Geneva, Switzerland recently. On October 31, 1963 the annual institute of the World Council of Churches was held at the Chateau of Bossey near Geneva. Dr. Wolf, director of the institute, contacted the local Bahá’ís and asked for a presentation of the Bahá’í Faith. The National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland chose A. Achraf, a Persian believer whose great uncle was martyred at Shaykh Ṭabarsí, Daniel Schaubacher, secretary of the National Assembly, and William Hatcher to represent the Faith at the institute.
An entire day was set aside for study of the Bahá’í Faith. In the morning, Mr. Achraf covered Bahá’í history. Mr. Hatcher, a former student for the ministry, spoke on “Christ and Bahá’u’lláh,” and Mr. Schaubacher described the administrative order. The entire afternoon session was devoted to a question and answer period, with reactions varying from skepticism to interest. A genuine interest was displayed by the several Africans who were present especially by one who had visited the Bahá’í House of Worship in Kampala. He stated that it is, “the most beautiful house of worship of any religion in any part of the world.”
The three speakers were invited to return to lead a discussion group on the Faith in which a group of about ten students will participate. In addition, the National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland has taken action to endow the Institute’s library with a set of Bahá’í books.
[Page 5]
Main building of Panama’s permanent indigenous school has two bedrooms with bath, kitchen and large dining and living room. LEFT: Exterior view of building. RIGHT: Inside students gather with Don Witzel, Mrs. Ruth Pringle and Alan Pringle. Man in right foreground, although blind, is an effective teacher.
Panama School Opens With Session on The Dawn-Breakers[edit]
The first permanent indigenous school of Central America is situated forty miles from Panama City in a lovely, hilly region. The site, formerly used as a country club, was obtained by the Bahá’ís of Panama in late August 1963 and opened for the first session September 13 to 22. This was a special advanced school of nine students composed of three San Blas and six Guaymi Indians who had previously attended a basic class held in Panama City. All are teachers and have been out in the field since last December.
This session covered a concentrated study of the early heroes of The Dawn-Breakers. Three students gave classes and one Guaymi Indian, Vicente Montesuma, exhibited such knowledge of the Faith as well as technical ability that he was invited to return as an assistant teacher and maintenance supervisor of the grounds. When this student came to his first school he was not yet a Bahá’í. However, upon returning to his mountain home he has set up a Bahá’í school and now has four people assisting him.
Two Bahá’ís from the United States, Mrs. Virginia Seibert and Miss Doris Wendeln, arrived in July to live at the school and prepare the meals for the students. Sessions will be held every third week.
Grounds of former country club now Panama’s indigenous Bahá’í school. LEFT: A student studies in an inspirational setting. CENTER: One of four casitas or small cottages which house the students. RIGHT: Bohio with a hammock for siestas or meditation.
UN Day Observances Increase in Number and Scope[edit]
From the record number of reports received and still arriving it appears that this year marks an unprecedented observance of United Nations Day. Even more noteworthy perhaps than the growing number of Bahá’í communities commemorating this proclamation event is the increased amount of publicity and the broadening of activities to include participation with other groups, support by public officials and greater attendance at programs by non-Bahá’ís.
In addition to the programs based on the proclamation theme, “The United Nations — Our Moral Challenge,” Bahá’ís actively supported a wide range of other United Nation programs such as those sponsored by civic and governmental groups. In addition Bahá’ís cooperated with the American Association for the United Nations. Augusta, Georgia; Newark, New Jersey; Fresno, California and Cleveland, Ohio communities were a few of the many supporting local observances in addition to holding their own programs.
Many communities increased attendance and gained favorable publicity by having an outstanding non-Bahá’í speaker on the program. These men and women were from governmental bodies, World Health Organization, The American Association for the United Nations and prominent civic organizations. Compton, California; Des Moines, Iowa; Wilmette, Illinois; Honiara, Solomon Islands; Memphis, Tennessee and Gallup, New Mexico had outstanding non-Bahá’í speakers usually followed by a Bahá’í.
Niles Township, Michigan; Boise, Idaho; Alhambra, California and Albuquerque, New Mexico used a panel discussion format. The panels were made up of a Bahá’í and civic, religious and governmental leaders.
Fresno JD, California and Royal Oak, Michigan sponsored international dinners to emphasize the wide scope of the United Nations. Honolulu, Hawaii featured desserts from thirty countries.
The Pinella County, Florida Bahá’ís planned a program built around foreign students from many lands. Entertainment with an international flavor was followed by a talk by Jack McCants. Over seventy Bahá’ís and guests attended.
The Flint, Michigan community held a tea at the International Institute. The local American Association for the United Nations chapter held its eighteenth birthday celebration and included in the letters of invitation they sent out was an announcement of the Bahá’í Tea.
The communities of Glenview, Illinois and Salem, Oregon each sponsored a series of radio announcements supporting the principles of the United Nations and inviting the public to their programs.
Two examples of various United Nations Day exhibits. LEFT: Exhibit sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Columbus, Ohio at the United Nations three day festival in October. RIGHT: Display in a store window on a main thoroughfare of San Mateo, California.
[Page 7]
Part of the group attending the United Nations Day open house at the Bahá’í Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Consuls of seven countries were among the 250 guests. Desserts from over thirty nations were featured.
The Bahá’ís of Ann Arbor, Michigan sponsored a dinner-dance at the Friends Center. Folk dancing and
folk singing were enjoyed by college students from
many countries and races. Marcus Bach, who was lecturing nearby, joined the group later in the evening.
Everywhere the effort to secure publicity was outstanding. The growing cooperation given to Bahá’í proclamation programs by other organizations and individuals is surely an indication of the growing prestige of the Faith and the coming acceptance of the fundamental principles of Bahá’u’lláh which underlie all the proclamation events.
First UN Day Observance Ever Held in American Samoa Sponsored by Bahá’ís[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Pago Pago, American Samoa, organized the first United Nations Day observance ever held in this Territory.
The whole-hearted support of the efforts of the Bahá’ís on the part of all government personnel and government departments concerned, lent much to the success of the occasion. Governor Lee accepted the invitation to give the introductory talk and indicated that the Acting Governor would speak in the event of his absence from American Samoa. It was the first time that the beautiful, newly constructed, Lee Auditorium was open to an organization other than government, and it was also the first time that the Government of American Samoa officially participated in a public meeting to observe United Nations Day.
For several days prior to the meeting, the local government newssheet, Office of Samoan Information, ran news items on the United Nations Day observance, gave information on the United Nations and printed the Preamble to the Charter. This newssheet also attached copies of the program for the meeting to its issue of October 23.
At the same time, the government radio station WVUV, reminded the public for several days of the coming meeting and included additional information on the United Nations. On the evening of October 23 the station devoted more than one hour to the Bahá’ís and their observance of United Nations Day, in both the Samoan and English languages, including in the program both sides of the Bahá’í record “Prelude to a New Age.”
In spite of adverse weather, approximately 200 people, including youth and children, attended the meeting at Lee Auditorium. The speakers were the Acting Governor, Owen S. Aspinall, Dr. Eung Soo Han of Korea, a World Health Officer, and High Chief Le’iato, highest ranking Samoan in American Samoa and Secretary of Samoan Affairs. Among others present were Mrs. Lee, wife of Governor Lee, some district Governors, Mrs. Han in national Korean dress, other dignitaries and the general public. Both Acting Governor Aspinall and High Chief Le’iato publicly complimented the Bahá’í Community on its efforts to bring the work of the United Nations to the attention of the people of American Samoa.
The meeting closed with the screening of a film “And They Met in Galilee,” provided by the Israel Government Tourist Bureau, which was a tour through Israel and showed many scenes of the Holy Places of the Christian, Jewish, Islamic and Bahá’í religions.
The local newspaper, Samoa News, also carried a statement by the Bahá’í Community in regard to United Nations Day, as well as a write-up on the meeting scheduled for October 24. At the same time, in Western Samoa, an indentical statement was placed in the Samoana (largest circulation in Western Samoa), by the Bahá’í Community of Western Samoa.
Bahá’ís representing six communities at a special table at the second annual United Nations Luncheon held in Cleveland on October 24. This is the second year that the friends have obtained a special table.
Central States Bahá’í Institute Stresses “Our World-One Family”[edit]
The Central States Bahá’í Institute at Green Lake, Wisconsin, November 8, 9, 10, was attended by approximately 250 Bahá’ís and contacts from Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The tremendous spirit and enthusiasm released was evidenced by nine declarations.
The theme of this institute was “Our World — One Family” and stressed the importance of the Bahá’í Faith in the critical situation in which we find ourselves in regard to the racial problem. Keeping foremost “unity” and the “oneness of mankind,” the institute featured inspirational talks, discussion periods, and a beautiful worship service.
Commencing with “What’s New in the Bahá’í Faith,” by Jack McCants on Friday night, the program and attendance continued to grow. Great emphasis was placed on the “Individual Responsibilities of the Bahá’í,” by Jack McCants. This, in turn, led to the “Role of the Bahá’í in the local Bahá’í Community,” by William Munson. A skit, looking into the future, entitled, “Is Your Detachment Showing,” gave insight into a world free from all prejudice. It was done by Margaret and Walker Jensen, assisted by Sam Jackson and Ann Hayes. This was followed by “Man One Family” an anthropologist’s view by Dan Jordan.
A panel discussion entitled, “Our World — One Family,” was presented on Saturday evening by Jack McCants, Ann Hayes, Dr. David Ruhe, and Sam Jackson. A spirited question and answer period followed, moderated by Dan Jordan.
Sunday morning opened with a worship service of Bahá’í prayers and readings and the rich, beautiful voice of José Fobbs, accompanied by Mrs. Fobbs. Sam Jackson and Dan Jordan shed light on “Man’s New Covenant with God” and “The Emergence of a World Community.”
The friends left Green Lake better prepared to serve with renewed ambition and spirits.
One of the sessions of the Central Bahá’í Institute at Green Lake, Wisconsin. Approximately 250 Bahá’ís and guests gathered to consider the problem of prejudice.
Group of Indians of Todos Santos, Guatemala including first Bahá’í (left) in village.
Bahá’ís Sponsor Social Hour at Interstate Indian Conference[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Boise and Ada County had an opportunity to entertain and be included on the program agenda of the sixteenth Annual Governor’s Interstate Indian Council which was held in Boise, Idaho, September 22-25, 1963.
Since it is Idaho Territorial Centennial Year the motif carried out this centennial theme for the social hour which was held on Monday evening, September 23 from 8:30 to 10:00 P.M. Announcement was made at the Governor’s Banquet that the social hour and entertainment were sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Boise and Ada County. Approximately seventy-five attended including the fifty-five delegates and representatives of twenty-two states, the Assistant Commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Attorney General of New Mexico and other various State officials. It was a most enjoyable evening. Many asked about the Bahá’í Faith and some said that they had never heard of it before.
As mentioned, the centennial motif was used and huge bouquets of fall flowers were put in the room and on the serving table with sprigs of Strawberry Tree (which the Indian guests gathered up and took with them) on all side tables. Punch, assorted cookies, candies, rosebud mints and nuts were served. Entertainment consisted of a very well known and talented Boise folk singer, who proved to be the delight of the easterners, and a creative dance.
The Bahá’ís of Boise also sent greetings to the Governor’s Banquet in the form of a beautiful red and white flower arrangement for the speaker’s table.
As a result of this occasion the Bahá’ís of Boise were able, through the Boise Chamber of Commerce, to have an invitation extended to the High School Marching Indian Band from the Duck Valley Indian (Piute and Shoshone) Reservation, located in Southern Idaho and Nevada, to participate in the Boise Fairyland Parade on November 23. It is hoped this effort will lead to further contact on this reservation.
Geyserville Holds Eventful Eight Week Session[edit]
Geyserville Bahá’í School opened on July 7th this year and ran for eight consecutive weeks. Classes on fundamentals of the Bahá’í Teachings were held for Bahá’ís, inquirers, and youth over fifteen in the mornings; the art of teaching children was discussed in an afternoon class; while the evening class featured topics drawn from the Bahá’í Writings. Instruction for children was given on six levels embracing ages five to fifteen. The youth had a special class on contemporary ethics in the evenings.
Dr. and Mrs. Habib Moayyad of Tehran were distinguished guests during the second week. He shared many priceless accounts of events that occurred during the period of his association with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
The school was also fortunate to have Hand of the Cause, Zikru’lláh Khádem as featured speaker at the July 21 “Citizen of the World” program. This program sought to demonstrate that the Bahá’í Teachings can promote in a person an appreciation for all people and their cultures and thus make him a citizen of the world. This event attracted some 250 visitors.
Arthur Dahl of Pebble Beach, California, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, spoke at the school on July 28 on a topic of particular interest now, the Universal House of Justice. He pointed out the great diversity of talent and background and the several races represented by this newly elected institution, and explained its function.
Hand of the Cause William Sears was the key speaker at the Unity Feast on August 4, the day that Bahá’ís and their friends from many parts of the world gather under the big tree at Geyserville. It is observed each year on the Sunday nearest to the actual birthday (August 1) of John Bosch, who deeded his property to the Bahá’ís for the establishment of a school, and in whose memory the tradition of the Unity Feast has grown. Each year this event draws the largest crowd of the season and this year was no exception as over 400 people ate lunch together, met old friends and made new ones, and heard greetings from Bahá’ís scattered all over the world.
L. Caswell Ellis of Santa Ana, California was guest speaker at the public meeting Sunday, August 11. He showed colored slides of the Bahá’í World Congress, which he attended.
Those assembled caught a great deal of the color, joy and excitement of the historic Congress and were thus enabled to glimpse the scope of the Bahá’í Faith. Mr. Ellis is a member of the Executive Board of the Orange County Chapter of the American Association of the United Nations.
The following week was very successful, having a high enrollment of children and youth. Culminating the week’s activity was Youth Sunday, August 18th.
An interesting guest of the School during the week of August 19-25 was Miss Grace Gitau of Nairobi. Miss Gitau is now attending East Washington State College at Cheney, Washington, where she will major in education. She then plans to return to Kenya to teach.
An Indian Program on August 25 drew a record crowd — one of the largest to attend a Sunday gathering other than Unity Feast. Thirty-five to forty Indians
Some of those attending the “Indian Program” held at Geyserville on August 25.
were guests of the School for the day. Vinson Brown,
who had just returned from Neah Bay, Washington,
where he had been invited to participate in a Spiritual
Council Fire, was in charge of the program.
During the summer, declarations were made by five adults and one youth. One of the most rewarding things to note during the summer was that youth who had participated in the Winter and Spring sessions put the knowledge thus gained to use. They taught the children’s classes and did a very fine job.
Southwestern Bahá’í Summer School Has Record Attendance[edit]
The Southwestern Bahá’í Summer School, which was held north of Dallas during the last week of August, was a success beyond all expectations. The attendance, forty-five adults and forty children, was the largest ever recorded in the school’s history.
The courses given covered a wide variety of subjects. Kenneth Jeffers led a discussion of teaching problems — “The Most Challenging Issue,” Sam Jackson presented a class about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá — The Exemplar and Model Teacher, Margaret Ruhe presented the Bahá’í teachings on marriage, children and adolescence, and Jane McCants taught a class on the Seven Valleys of Bahá’u’lláh. There were also a variety of classes for the children and the youth.
The Bahá’ís attending the school decided to approach the Negroes in nearby communities and invite as many as could be reached to share a day of fellowship and to attend a public meeting in the evening. In 24 hours a program was planned. A total of thirty-five adults and about as many children, including a Negro choir from Lewisville and many Negroes from Dallas and Fort Worth, were present for the evening meeting on August 31. They were deeply impressed by the love and interracial fellowship and as a result they returned on the next day. The Bahá’ís present were very happy and grateful for this response to their teaching effort.
[Page 10]
A few of the twenty-six who attended the third Teacher Training Institute at Taegu, Korea, October 24-27.
Faith Receives Nationwide Publicity Through Non-Bahá’í AP Writer[edit]
The Faith has unexpectedly received excellent national publicity through a free lance artist for the Associated Press named Woodi Ishmael. He was given a contract for a series of panels on different religions and he called at the Bahá’í Center in New York in order to gather material for the Bahá’í panel. He later attended a public meeting and was so favorably impressed with what he heard that he took several pieces of literature home with him.
The panel consists of a beautiful drawing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with the Wilmette Temple in the background. Over the Temple is a nine pointed rosetta from which are emanating rays of light. Underneath the picture is a quotation of Bahá’u’lláh followed by a short biographical sketch of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The article concludes with a sentence giving the number of Bahá’ís in the world and the number of spiritual assemblies in the United States.
The Bahá’ís of Los Angeles obtained additional publicity by writing to the newspaper in which Ishmael’s panel appeared and stating their appreciation for the excellent presentation of the Faith. The letter continued by stating that the purpose of the Bahá’í Faith is to unite mankind and to eliminate all prejudice, hatred and war. The letter concludes by inviting those who were stirred by Woodi Ishmael’s presentation to enquire further into the Faith by visiting the local Bahá’í center.
Eight California Communities Co-sponsor Bahá’í Booth[edit]
The San Diego Spiritual Assembly recently initiated an inter-community project that was immensely successful both as a cooperative venture and as a teaching effort. The San Diego Bahá’ís sponsored a booth at the 1963 Southern California Exposition and San Diego County Fair at Del Mar aided by the Bahá’ís of La Mesa, Chula Vista, National City, Lemon Grove, San Marcos, Escondido Judicial District and Carlsbad.
The Bahá’ís of the area had long wished to have a booth at the Fair as they felt it would be an excellent way of proclaiming the Faith to the public. However such a project was much too costly for a single community to undertake. Therefore the Escondido Judicial District made the first offer to assist San Diego and the other communities rapidly followed suit.
First the approval of the National Spiritual Assembly for the combined project was obtained. Then a booth committee was formed consisting of representatives from all the participating communities. The function of the committee was to be responsible for the planning and maintenance of the booth and to keep the Spiritual Assembly of San Diego informed of the development of the project.
The booth displayed a model of the Wilmette Temple, a selection of books and literature and a map showing the growth of the Faith. Slides were shown synchronized with a narration that covered all phases of the Bahá’í Faith. The booth was up for ten days and was attended by forty people. Three thousand pamphlets were given out and many personal contacts were made.
After the close of the Fair, a letter was sent to all the participating communities inviting them to prepare some form of follow-up program for the purpose of enabling enquirers to obtain further information about the Faith. Weekly firesides were held in all the communities and a definite increase in attendance was noted at the bi-monthly public lectures. In addition, there was an increase in newspaper publicity.
This project was an excellent example of inter-community cooperation which made possible a more effective proclamation of the Faith.
Proclamation Program Held for Indians[edit]
Posters placed at key points on the Shoshone-Arapahoe Reservation, publicity on the radio “Reservation News,” plus thorough and enthusiastic advance planning preceded a first proclamation of the Faith at Fort Washakie, Wyoming on October 19. The program was held in the Shoshone Community Hall.
One hundred and fifty attended during the day and evening. Most were Indians of the Arapahoe and Shoshone tribes. They heard talks on the Bahá’í Faith, saw pictures of the World Center and the Pine Springs Gathering of all Races, enjoyed food and fellowship and joined in Indian Friendship Dances in colorful costume.
A genuine interest in future visits by Bahá’ís and the enrollment of the first Arapahoe believers were immediate results. An Indian Youth Council Fire is planned for December at the same location.
BAHA'I IN THE NEWS[edit]
An article in a Haifa newspaper mentioned the Faith briefly. The writer stated that he found picture postcards of Haifa with Hebrew print displayed at a vending stall north of Chicago. He then leads into a description of the Temple stating that the nine faces, nine doors etc. symbolize the nine prophets venerated by the Faith. He concludes by stating that the world center of the Bahá’ís is in Haifa.
[Page 11]
A newspaper interview by the religious editor of the Kitchener-Waterloo Record with a visiting Bahá’í lecturer resulted in a three column feature story on the
Faith. The article was exceptionally accurate and
sympathetic. The result of this excellent publicity has
been one declaration and three serious students of the
Faith.
On October 29, 1963 the first Bahá’í wedding, though not recognized civily, in Hong Kong took place between Fon Hoy Look of Seattle, Washington and Miss Anna Yee of Hong Kong. There was excellent publicity concerning the event in the major Chinese language newspapers as well as in the one English newspaper. The articles included information about the Faith. The English newspaper described the Faith as — “sweeping Europe and the U.S.”
The July-September 1963 issue of the International Language Review, which is a publication of the International Language Movement, contained this brief reference to the Faith, “The Bahá’í World Faith is the one religious organization of the world having among its fundamental teachings the establishment of a world auxiliary language, a principle it has promulgated for over ninety years.” The editor of this magazine is a Bahá’í.
The November 15 issue of Mimeographic, which is a bi-monthly publication of the A. B. Dick Company, carried a photograph of the Bahá’í Temple which was taken by a member of the Des Plaines Camera Club. The photograph, entitled “Architectural Prayer,” won first place in the September contest of the Club.
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Odessa, Texas had a half column ad in the paper entitled “Challenge
Spiritual Assembly of San Mateo, California, incorporated July 31, 1963. Left to right: Mildred Zahl, Lee Lopez (secretary), Alvina Barth, Felix Javier (chairman), Lisette Berger (treasurer), Alfred Zahl, Doris Lopez, Ray Taft and Marilyn Raubitschek.
to the Churches.” In it they stated, “We of the
Bahá’í Community of Odessa challenge the churches
of Odessa to emulate our example by integrating
themselves in membership, in administration, and in
social activities.”
The The Fort Worth Press ran an article on the Faith entitled: “Faith Puts Integration to Work” which pointed out that the Bahá’ís have always practised integration. However the article erroneously stated that the Bahá’í Faith is an eclectic faith which includes part of the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and other faiths.
Author James Ramsey Ullman, who wrote a book about the South Pacific called: Where the Bong Tree Grows, met pioneer Mabel Sneider on a ship bound for Fiji. In two pages of the book he describes his acquaintance
Bahá’í youth and their friends at the Rocky Mountain Bahá’í Youth Conference held in Cheyenne, Wyoming, September 20-22. Nearly fifty people attended and two youth from the Denver, Colorado area declared themselves.
[Page 12]
New Bahá’ís of Greensboro, North Carolina, five of
whom declared themselves on one day. Intensive teaching efforts have resulted in seventeen declarations since
Riḍván, nearly doubling the community in six months.
with her, remarking that she was a serious and
dedicated person. He also states that he read the Bahá’í
texts and pamphlets which she had given him and that
he found the teachings of the Faith meaningful and
admirable. However, he criticized the writings as being “ornate and stilted, so steeped in archaic Middle
Eastern lore and imagery that it was hard for me to
see how they could have much to say to a modern
Western mind.”
The August 1963 issue of Carry On, a publication of the Women’s Overseas Service League, contained some notes on the Bahá’í Temple by Ann Gray which were part of another article. She describes the structure of the building and very briefly states some of the principles and history of the Faith.
An article entitled: “Furlough Facts” in the September 8 issue of the Army newspaper The Stars and Stripes is about Haifa, Israel. In describing Mt. Carmel it states, “Near the summit is the golden-domed Bahá’í shrine, set in a beautiful Persian garden.”
An article entitled: “The Bahá’í Faith” appeared in the magazine of the Understanding, Inc. group of Alhambra, California. It was requested by the secretary of the local chapter and was taken from the pamphlet: Basic Facts of the Bahá’í Faith by W. Kenneth Christian.
|
Material for U.S. BAHA’I NEWS
For a number of reasons it is necessary for material to reach Wilmette by the twentieth of the second month preceding date of issue. News items and photographs of general interest are requested from all national assemblies and from national committees and local assemblies of the United States. |
The Chicago Daily Tribune ran a series of mystery photos showing the sites of famous buildings before they were built. On October 7 they printed an aerial photograph of the circular foundation of the Bahá’í Temple which was taken in 1930. There was a three paragraph explanation on another page identifying the Temple and stating that the aim of the Bahá’í Faith is to unify humanity within one faith and one order.
Calendar of Events[edit]
- FEASTS
- January 19—Sultán (Sovereignty)
- February 7—Mulk (Dominion)
- WORLD RELIGION DAY
- January 19—Unity in Religion
- U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS
- February 7-9
Baha’i House of Worship[edit]
- Weekdays
- 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Auditorium only)
- Sundays and Holidays
- 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Entire building)
- Sundays
- 3:30 to 4:10 p.m.
- Sunday, January 19
- 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: James Cloonan, Managing Editor; Mrs. Lilian Cloonan, Assistant Editor; Mrs. Eunice Braun, International Editor; Miss Charlotte 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.
