Bahá’í News/Issue 411/Text
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| No. 411 | BAHA’I YEAR 122 | JUNE, 1965 |
Riḍván Message
From the Hands of the Cause of God
In the Western Hemisphere[edit]
To the Bahá’í Conventions of Alaska, Canada, and the United States
Beloved Friends:
This Glorious Riḍván, when the Abhá Kingdom hails with delight the victories of the Bahá’ís throughout the world, we have gathered in this Convention to give our thanks to Bahá’u’lláh, the King of Glory, Who, with the hosts of the Concourse on high and a company of his favored angels, has aided His lovers to win the astounding glories recorded for us and for posterity by that august, supreme body of the Faith, the Universal House of Justice, “the source of all good and freed from all error.”
We have come with throbbing hearts to offer willingly and with pride all our energies, our resources, nay rather our very lives, to the Blessed Beauty, Who chose us to be recipients of His Message in this Day, “which shall never be followed by night,” as a sign of our humble thanksgiving and devotion.
The Hands of the Cause of God in the Western Hemisphere, in support of the stirring appeal of the Universal House of Justice for pioneers at home or abroad and for universal participation in the fulfillment of all the goals of the Nine Year Plan, call upon each one of us to make the coming year one of unprecedented devotion, dedication, and sacrifice. Let us remember the inspiring words written by the beloved of all hearts, Shoghi Effendi, less than two months before his passing and directed to the friends here in the west:
“The spirit that sent forth, not so long ago, in such rapid succession, so many pioneers to such remote areas of the globe, must at all costs and above everything else, be recaptured, for the two-fold purpose of swelling the number, and of ensuring the continual flow, of pioneers, so essential for the safeguarding of the prizes won in the course of the several campaigns of a world-girdling Crusade, and of combating the evil forces which a relentless and all-pervasive materialism, the cancerous growth of militant racialism, political corruption, unbridled capitalism, wide-spread lawlessness and gross immorality, are, alas, unleashing, with ominous swiftness, amongst various classes of society to which the members of this community belong.” (Message to America, September 21, 1957.)
Our beloved Guardian quotes Bahá’u’lláh Himself as saying of pioneering: “No act, however great, can compare with it,” and “it is the prince of all goodly deeds ...” Shoghi Effendi has repeatedly assured us that pioneering is the most important single service that any Bahá’í can render. “Let the doubter arise,” he says, “and prove to himself” the truth of these great promises.
Thus we see, in the words of the beloved Guardian, that upon our degree of sacrifice and determination, upon our selflessness in arising to pioneer with all the ardor of our being, will depend, not only the winning of the goals of the Nine Year Plan, but also the security, health, happiness, and salvation of the very society to which we belong. By the sacrifice of all that we hold dear, we can release those “intangible spiritual forces” which alone can bring healing to a stricken humanity.
Beloved friends, there are no promises given to any group of people in history which can compare with the glories and joys that await the pioneer who arises in this day. The beloved Guardian, referring to the opening of Latin America, assures us in The Advent of Divine Justice that “the erection of yet another outpost of the Faith in its heart ... will create limitless opportunities, galvanize the efforts, and reinvigorate the life, of those who will have accomplished this feat, and infuse immense courage and boundless joy into the hearts of the isolated groups and individuals in the neighboring and distant Republics, and exert intangible yet powerful spiritual influences on the life and future development of its people.” Imagine such a promise!
Therefore the Hands of the Cause at this solemn hour remind you that you in this part of the world are the “Chief Executors” of the beloved Master’s Divine Plan, which is the charter of this very call to
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pioneering. You are the spiritual descendants of the
Dawn-Breakers. You are the “chosen instruments”
upon whom ‘Abdu’l-Bahá depended to show the way
and lighten the path that others might follow. You
are the “Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh.” What a great bounty,
what a marvelous opportunity! To be an Apostle of
Bahá’u’lláh! How ardently the beloved Shoghi Effendi
used to refer to this passage of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and repeat it from memory:
“The disciples of Christ forgot themselves and all earthly things, forsook all their cares and belongings, purged themselves of self and passion and with absolute detachment scattered far and wide and engaged in calling the peoples of the world to the Divine Guidance, till at last they made the world another world, illumined the surface of the earth and even to their last hour proved self-sacrificing in the pathway of that Beloved One of God. Finally in various lands they suffered glorious martyrdom. Let them that are men of action follow in their footsteps!”
Let each one of us re-examine his life in the light of the loving and moving call raised by the supreme body, the Universal House of Justice, and ask himself what sacrifice he can make to participate in the spiritual conquest of the globe. There is no time to lose. Every hour is unimaginably precious.
Beloved friends, let us not deprive ourselves of such an everlasting glory.
- With warmest love,
IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE
Zikru’lláh Khádem
Riḍván, 1965
to
THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
April 30, 1965
(The) delegates (of the) Fifty-sixth (National) Convention (are) awed (by the) majesty (and)
beauty (of your) illuminating (Riḍván) message. (We) humbly accept (the) breath taking
challenges, pledge (our) immediate effective dedication (and) devotion (to our) sacred tasks
(and) offer (our) unflinching loyalty (and) love (to our) divinely ordained Supreme Institution. (Our) grateful hearts (are) gladdened (and) inspired (by your) personal representative
(and the) ceaseless assistance (of the) Hands (of the) Cause. Recent upsurge (of) activities
(and) publicity portends emancipation, growth (and) consolidation. Beseech supplication (at
the) Shrines (for the) unity (and the) liberation (of the) energies (and) resources (of) this
dedicated community.
to
THE FIFTY-SIXTH U.S. NATIONAL CONVENTION
Hearts filled (with) gratitude (for the) spirit (of) loyalty (and) devotion demonstrated (at)
your fifty-sixth Convention. Share with Hands, delegates (and) friends evidence upsurge (of)
activity throughout (the) Bahá’í world (as) reported (in) convention cables received at (the)
World Center. Praying (at the) Shrines (that the) friends (in) America (may) individually
(and) collectively be enabled (to) take full advantage (of the) opportunities presented through
(the) resistless unfoldment (of the) potentialities (of the) Divine Plan (to) set (a) shining
example (to the) entire Bahá’í world.
Light of the Faith Spreads in Central America[edit]
Hands Announce Additional Board Members[edit]
On February 12 the Hands of the Cause in the Western Hemisphere announced to the National Spiritual Assemblies of Central America, Mexico and the Antilles and to the Auxiliary Board Members the appointment of two members to the Auxiliary Board for Propagation. They are: Mrs. Carmen Burafato, from Mexico and Mr. Gabriel Torres, from El Salvador.
“This is the Hour”[edit]
The exciting story of mass conversion now begins to unfold in Guatemala. Dr. Muhájir, Hand of the Cause, went there at the end of February to lead a teaching conference opening the campaign. The feeling expressed there was that “This is the hour. If we do our best we will succeed, if we don’t we will suffer greatly.”
The Quiche area was chosen for the first visit where Dr. Muhájir with Rod Land and Jennie Taylor went for five days, from there going on to Huehuetenango and Quezaltenango. In response five men went to the Todos Santos area, walking seventy-five miles in five days and visiting five pueblos one of which, San Martin showed definite signs of widespread interest in the Faith. The first meeting in San Martin brought an audience of seventy inside the building where it was held, others remaining nearby outside. A few days later ninety came to a meeting at the same place. Pioneers have visited the town for five to ten day periods at intervals of a month or so and it is fully expected that news of many enrollments will come soon.
Meanwhile in Guatemala there are those who seem to be guided toward the light of the Teachings through their own inner yearnings and dreams, much as the early Dawn-Breakers were led to find the goal of their desires.
In Honduras, also believed to be ready for mass conversion, two schools were held recently to train teachers. Mrs. Ruth Pringle, Auxiliary Board Member and Mr. Moses Bere from Panama assisted with teaching and at the end of the sessions five diplomas were given. Mrs. Pringle and Mr. Bere were interviewed on television. Two pioneers, Mr. Berejano and Mrs. Wanita George made a teaching trip to some Jicaque Indians with the result that the Bahá’í population of the State of Yoro grew from one to eighteen in less than a week.
Hand of the Cause Dr. R. Muhájir at teaching conferences in Guatemala. Left: Guatemala City, February 21. Right: A gathering of believers with Dr. Muhájir in Huehuetenango March 6.
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Teaching Conference in Tegucigalpa, Honduras in April with Hands of the Cause Dr. Giachery and Dr. Muhájir present.
Teaching Conference Held in Honduras[edit]
Tegucigalpa, Honduras on the weekend of April 3 was the scene of a conference called by the Hands of the Cause in the Western Hemisphere for consultation with Auxiliary Board members as well as members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Central America, Jamaica and Haiti. The agenda focused primarily on teaching and led to very inspiring discussion of a wide range of closely related subjects. The two Hands of the Cause who were present, Dr. Ugo Giachery and Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir lent wisdom, direction and joy to the meetings.
In Central America where mass conversion is a reality there is great need for pioneer teachers who can train the indigenous believers, who can then go back to their homes to teach their own people. A plan involving the interchange of teachers, or “helper scheme” which calls for close cooperation among the National Assemblies of Central America was the high point of the conference. As a result a long list of volunteer teachers was drawn up. These teachers stand ready to help in the widely scattered areas where schools for training in the Faith are to be established. These dedicated souls will form long range plans to travel to remote places, to meet and overcome the many obstacles of visa delays, transportation and other physical difficulties. The plan involves cooperation and coordination of efforts by all parts of the Bahá’í administrative order which has come into being in these areas during the Ten Year Crusade.
The closing session of the conference delighted the friends especially as it was devoted to talk of plans for the Panama Temple to be built on a high mountain overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Bay of Panama and
Schools for Bahá’í teachers in Honduras. Left: Karbila, Dec. 20, 1964. Left to right: Mazie Argueta, Monico Cardenas, Ruth Pringle, Enrique Castellanos. Right: San Pedro Sula, Jan. 1, 1965. Back, left to right: Wanita George, Elmerene Neff, Juan Argueta, Tomas Brent, Harold Neff. Front, left to right: Matilda Flores, Mazie de Argueta, Ruth de Pringle, Moises Bejerano, Grace Dean.
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At Quezaltenango, Guatemala. Left: seven of the twelve children and youth with their teacher at recent weekend Institute. Right: Florentina Villatoro (right) oldest believer. Of her thirteen children five are believers or studying. Fifteen of her fifty grandchildren are learning the Faith.
the Canal Zone. From this site can be seen the ships
in the Pacific awaiting their turn to enter the
Canal. Large fleets of shrimp boats can be seen, a
spectacular sight by day and a blaze of twinkling
lights at night. The vivid presentation of the Temple
building plans resulted in a spontaneous expression of
appreciation in unsolicited contributions to the Panama Temple Fund.
First Year of Nine Year Plan Brings Progress in Germany[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of Germany began the first year of the Nine Year Plan with three phases, scheduled as follows: June - September, consolidation of existing local assemblies; October - December, extension of teaching work by regional teaching conferences and speaker-training courses for small and large meetings; January - March, opening of new goal cities and supplementary work in other newly opened areas with semi-public meetings held regularly.
The first phase of the consolidation work was strongly supported by the National Assembly and the Auxiliary Board members. For the second phase, regional teaching conferences were held every second month in ten areas. At least three speakers contributed to each conference as a result of the emphasis on this important development.
Concerning the third phase, there have been so many Bahá’ís so full of initiative that it began several months in advance of schedule. On the East Frisian Islands and the Island of Sylt, pioneers arrived in November. Another moved to the city of Trier, a Catholic stronghold, in the autumn, and an engineer from Cologne drove 100 miles each week to help arrange the firesides there. The second meeting drew thirty-nine participants, three-fourths of them being contacts. Groups in Dortmund, Bad Godesberg and Krefeld are working hard for assembly status by Riḍván.
Two Devoted Believers Pass to the Abhá Kingdom[edit]
Mirza Rawhani of Írán passed away in London March 19 and was buried on March 24 near the resting place of the beloved Guardian. Informed of his passing, the Universal House of Justice sent the following cablegram: “Grieved (at the) loss (of) Muhammad Husayn Rawhani (a) distinguished promoter (of the) Faith. His services (in) achievement (of the) goals (of the) Crusade (are) unforgettable. Assure (his) relatives (and) friends (of our) fervent prayers (at the) Holy Shrines (for the) progress (of his) soul (in the) Abhá Kingdom.”
On April 8 Alice Schwarz of Stuttgart, West Germany passed away. Her death just before her 90th birthday ended a lifelong period of service to the Faith. When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was in Germany He visited in her home in Stuttgart. Upon notification of her passing the Universal House of Justice cabled as follows:
“Grieved (to learn of) passing (of) dearly loved Alice Schwarz. Offering prayers (at the) Holy Shrines (in) praise (and) gratitude (for) her life (of) devoted service (to the) Faith. Supplicating progress (of) her soul (in the) Abhá Kingdom.”
Regional Teaching Committee of Nordrhein-Westfalen, West Germany.
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One of the classes of the school at Ezeiza addressed by Mr. Juaquin Costas.
Three South American Countries Sponsor School[edit]
Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina attracted over fifty people from four countries to a co-sponsored summer school in Ezeiza, Argentina, February 27 to March 2.
As the first of March coincided with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the passing of Mrs. May Maxwell, the mother of Rúḥíyyih Khánum, who passed away on a teaching mission in Argentina, a bouquet of flowers was dedicated to her resting place and the following cable was received from the Universal House of Justice: “Deeply touched (by your) loving gesture (in) memory (of) May Maxwell. Assure prayers (at) Shrine (for) success (of) your endeavors.”
Among other highlights were the presence of Auxiliary Board Member, Hooper Dunbar; a special program by the children of Buenos Aires and Burzaco; and the declaration of intent to become Bahá’ís by two people attending the school.
The first Bahá’í Children’s School of Burzaco. Mrs. Cooky de Costas on the left, and Mrs. Lola de Caballero on the right, are their teachers.
The first Bahá’í Children’s School of Buenos Aires. Mrs. Zulema de Mielniku on the right, and Mrs. Parvin de Saeed on the left, are their teachers.
Some of those attending the first Summer School of the three countries of Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina held in Ezeiza, Argentina. This is a goal of the Nine Year Plan.
Yucatan[edit]
Scenes at the Institute Cultural Bahá’í-Marta Root in Muna, Yucatán, Mexico. The Institute is being used regularly for teacher training courses, children’s classes, the commemoration of Bahá’í Holy Days, as well as feasts and special gatherings. The Bahá’í community of Muna now numbers one hundred and twelve members with many new believers enrolling all the time.
A Visit to Persia[edit]
continued
EDITORIAL NOTE: This is another in a series of articles written by Guy Murchie from his diary kept on his journey to Iran in 1964 and printed with the permission of the Universal House of Justice. The photos used were taken by Mr. Murchie on his journey.
Visit to Fort Tabarsi[edit]
April 6
Mazindaran is Persia’s central northern province that spreads along the southern shores of the Caspian Sea. Hidden some 17 miles from the coast in its lush lowlands lies Fort Tabarsi where the greatest of several holy battles was fought in early Bábi history. So it was with eager anticipation that I set out this sunny morning with five companions (interpreter, guides, etc.) to visit this sacred spot that is still so inaccessible to most westerners.
We drove in a jeep from the town of Shahi (called Aliabad a century ago) and, after half an hour on a wrong road, we crossed the new highway bridge over the Talar River, where in 1848 Mulla Husayn made his Bábí followers abandon their precious belongings in order to purify them from the taint of earthly possessions. At that time the river is said to have been in flood and the country was partly wooded round about, but today we found the water fairly low and surrounding country flat with many rice fields where farmers were plowing with black humped Brahmin oxen and the occasional villages showed houses with thatched roofs clustered behind hedges of woven wattle, sometimes covered with brambles that may have been blackberry.
Shortly west of the river we turned south off the highway onto a dirt road with ruts and mud holes on a sort of causeway between the paddy fields, stopping to ask the way of farmers and in villages where chickens and ducks scattered before us and children and adults stopped to stare. In the second village the ruts got so bad the jeep was hopelessly stuck, so we got out and walked the remaining couple of miles. The interpreter’s wife, who was with us, put on a chadur (shawl) for the sake of modesty in the eyes of the country people, particularly as the fort is not owned by Bahá’ís yet and many Muslims are very sensitive on such matters.
It was getting quite hot as we picked our way slowly ahead, sometimes through deep mud, once across a plowed field with here and there a large walnut tree, then back to the road with its mud walls and hedges. Birds flew by frequently and we heard one sing sweetly but unseen from a densely-leaved tree a phrase that sounded like “Swink-swee-na-na! Swee-na!” Further on we came to a dead, dark brown snake several feet long, which the guides referred to as a korkori. Nearby two men were building a hut near a rice field by tying together a framework of sticks stuck in the ground, presumably in preparation for plastering it with mud and thatching the roof. A young mother in white chadur and flowery pants
Old Fort Tabarsi containing the tomb of Shaykh Tabarsi.
passed us with her 3-year-old daughter wearing a red
bandana and gold earrings and a necklace of beautiful
agate-like stones, both of them barefoot. Then came
a shepherd boy with a long stick and more than a
hundred black and white sheep. Our conversation ran
mostly to simple Biblical-type anecdotes.
Just after a very tame magpie had hopped out of our way into a clump of nettles, we rounded a corner of the road and at last we saw it. There was Fort Tabarsi, a third of a mile away and, unexpectedly, on the far side of what seemed to be a small lake, actually a 2-acre reservoir created by a long mud dam for summer irrigation. The fort appeared as a low white building among tall trees on the plain just north of foothills leading gradually up to the snowy Elburz mountains visible in the haze to the south. On a clear day these peaks viewed from Fort Tabarsi, which is probably below sea level, must be very impressive as they reach more than 3000 feet higher than the highest Alps. Frogs croaked loudly in the pond and a heron circled gracefully overhead, finally alighting on a distant grassy bank. Several horses grazed in a nearby field as we skirted the water. We were thirsty from the midday heat, despite having drunk some dubious well water at a farm along the way, so when we arrived at the fort we were thankful for the chance to refresh ourselves with the clear, cool, holy water from the 50-foot well dug there by Mulla Husayn’s men. Meantime one of our guides spoke with the Muslim family living in a small house near the fort, presumably as caretakers. An old woman, apparently rather apprehensive toward us, was eventually cajoled into consenting to our pilgrimage — perhaps in hopes of earning a little money by it — and we were invited to visit the fort.
We walked through the east gate house which, before the famous siege, was one of two entrances
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through an encircling mud wall, most of which has
been replaced with a feeble wickerwork fence. There
under several huge trees (which I could not identify
without their leaves) and many small pomegranate
and fruit trees, some weirdly pollarded, stood the fort
with its plastered white walls and reddish tiled roof
about 50 feet long by 25 feet wide. A few children
stood around among grazing sheep, mallard ducks
and bantam chickens. We entered the recessed porch
at the east end facing us, then, removing our shoes,
went into the first of two inside rooms, each of
which is about 20 feet square. This is of white plaster
covered with faded banners on the west wall and
indented with niches surmounted with pointed arches.
Through a door we next entered the west room which
contains the 700-year-old tomb of the famed Muslim
saint, Shaykh Tabarsi, the presence of which is said
to have caused this building to be chosen for their
last stand by the three hundred-odd Babis under attack by several regiments of the Shah’s best troops,
the site being thus assured immunity from desecration
after their martyrdoms. Mulla Husayn also is buried
in this room, since Quddus, who survived him and who
alone slept in this room during the siege, determined
to keep his body safely hidden from the steadily approaching enemies. But the only visible object in the
room is the dominating tomb of the shaykh, surrounded
by a sort of cage of open woodwork about 12 feet long,
8 feet wide and 6½ feet high. The floor is of ancient
turquoise tile and there are two niches in each of the
plastered white walls. The ceiling is of wood, temporarily replacing the pyramid-shaped upper ramparts
said to have been built by the Babis for the siege and
which the Bahá’ís hope some day to restore. Meantime
the shaykh’s body holds the fort safe from destruction.
After we had chanted the Tablet of Visitation for Mulla Husayn and said a prayer in English, we were asked to leave the fort. So we put our shoes back on and trooped over to the Muslim house where we were ushered into its single, small room. The floor was covered with coarse brownish rugs and around the bottom of the walls were colorful bed quilt rolls surmounted by huge red cushions, against which two old
Fort Tabarsi from an artificial lake west of it. The fort is the building in the center between the two tall trees.
Pastoral scene taken through the door of Fort Tabarsi (looking north).
barefooted women and a grown-up boy sat on the
floor and poured us tea from a brass samovar fueled
with glowing charcoal. As the nine of us sipped our
tea, an old woman handed me a piece of iron cannon
ball which she indicated had been dug up beside the
fort. Although at first I thought she might have intended this as a gift, she soon intimated to one of
the guides that she would like to be paid for it, and
he handed her a few coins which she gratefully accepted. Since the siege lasted eleven months, probably
there are enough cannon ball fragments about to keep
the family in pocket money for many years. At any
rate, my piece of ball shows that the Shah’s artillery
used cannon balls about 5½ inches in diameter and
hollow, the casing being about three quarters of an
inch thick. While Quddus and Mulla Husayn had
quarters in the fort itself, their Babi soldiers dug
themselves in outside, by the end of the siege being
well protected, it is said, by a moat about 10 feet
deep and 10 feet wide outside the walls and several
deep dugout chambers within. They even built themselves a sizeable pool for bathing about 50 yards north
of the fort. The Muslim artillery were firing from a
small hill perhaps 100 feet high and half a mile or so
to the south. One of the large smooth-barked trees
(perhaps a live oak) north of the fort still has a
“cannon ball hole” in its split trunk.
The captain of the Babi defenders after the death of Mulla Husayn was Muhammad Harati, under the overall leadership of Quddus, and he led forays to the hill where the tents of the Shah’s troops could be seen, and captured cannon and ammunition, giving the Babis artillery of their own. The Babi soldiers were mostly laymen and commoners who wore the traditional baggy pants and coats and felt caps of the period, but a fair number were mullas (corresponding to priests) wearing robes and turbans. This costume would have been a serious disadvantage in fighting but, following Mulla Husayn’s example, they would roll up their sleeves and tuck their skirts up into their sashes, revealing long, loose dark-colored pants underneath. Thus attired, they could not only ride their horses easily but felt themselves at no disadvantage on the ground. In fact their spiritual elation made them so
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fearless and invincible that they were victorious in
every military action they undertook without exception, even when outnumbered a hundred to one. Their
final capture and martyrdom was actually their greatest victory of all, this time not a military but a
spiritual one, since the enemy had been able to attain
his end only by descending to the vilest treachery.
Before leaving the fort, I noted that one of the commonest flowers growing here seemed to be the appropriate forget-me-not, while not far away stood something like a blue wild chrysanthemum, a scarlet pimpernel and a sort of yellow aster the guides called “tetikokh” (probably Senecio vulgaris). Birds included the gray hooded crow, goldfinch, sparrow, raven and several hawks. The hoopoe, reputed to have carried notes from Sheba to Solomon, is also common here, we were told, and I heard what sounded like a quail’s whistle across the fields. Among wild mammals inhabiting the area, according to my guides, are porcupines, jackals, wolves, wild boar which bother farmers by eating their rice and wheat and, in the foothill forests, tigers!
Muslim children beside the well dug by Mulla Husayn and his men at Fort Tabarsi. The water, 5 meters down tastes good and looks pure and clear.
First Bahá’í Center of Cambodia in Phnompenh, Cambodia. The Royal Government of Cambodia has officially recognized the Faith as well as this Center.
Attendants at the first Summer School held at Medina Bahá’í Center in the Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea.
Hand of the Cause Mr. T. Samandari on a recent visit to Morocco. At left he is shown with the friends in Rabat and at the right in Marrakesh. Despite age and health every minute of his three month visit was occupied in service to the Faith; this example stirred all who met him to renewed activity and dedication.
BAHÁ’Í GROUP TOUR OF UNITED NATIONS[edit]
Honoring International Co-operation Year, which marks the 20th anniversary of the United Nations, over 250 Bahá’ís and their friends met at the United Nations for a Bahá’í group tour on Saturday, April 3rd, as arranged by the UN Committee. It was the first time so many Bahá’ís had gathered together there and the effort was so successful that it is hoped this will become an annual event.
The Bahá’ís came from central eastern seaboard states, and as far south as Washington, D.C. They assembled in the public lobby of the General Assembly, and were taken on tours, in groups of twenty, by UN guides of many nationalities.
After one-hour tours, everyone converged in one of the large conference rooms for briefings by United Nations officials. Mr. Philip S. Messinesi, Political Officer, Political and Security Council Affairs, said the UN is seeking cooperation and harmony in world affairs. He saw need for people at the village level to understand what the UN is doing. He was followed by Mr. Edward Lawson, Deputy Director of the Human Rights Division, Economic and Social Affairs. Mr. Lawson mentioned various human rights concerns of this international body, such as refugees and stateless persons, forced labor, slavery, the status of women and racial and religious discrimination. There is need for covenants on human rights, with binding effects, and eventually for international machinery. Bahá’ís should note that fellowships for the study of human rights are available.
Bahá’í tourists had some free time to visit the Meditation Room — a symbol at UN of man’s spiritual reality. Mr. Brooks Mendell, an author, who had sponsored the Meditation Room, addressed them briefly on the importance of this symbol at the UN.
There was also time to visit the post office, which prints its own stamps, the gift shops and the book store, as well as to view the lovely grounds near the East River. Many remained for dinner together at a restaurant on United Nations Plaza.
After dinner, Mildred Mottahedeh, International Bahá’í Representative to the United Nations, spoke on The Most Great Peace. She put the work of the UN in focus for us as Bahá’ís, pointing out that both the Bahá’í and the non-Bahá’í world have roles to play in creating a world at peace. Eventually the plan of the world and God’s plan will be forged together. She felt that without the United Nations we would have had an atomic war, and anything that is wrong with the UN is what is wrong with the world, for it is a reflection of the world.
Bahá’ís left for home, feeling better informed about the massive work of the United Nations and inspired to work together vigorously as Bahá’ís in support of the UN. It is thought that they left a favorable impression at the UN as well. We look forward to an even more successful group tour next year. Meanwhile, we hope that Bahá’ís, as they have the opportunity, singly or in groups, will continue to visit the United Nations.
At the United Nations. Bahá’ís seated around conference table waiting for the talks to begin.
St. Louis Bicentennial Observed by Bahá’ís with Large Public Meeting[edit]
The 200th anniversary of the founding of St. Louis, observances of which will continue until December 1965, provided an ideal opportunity for the Bahá’ís of that area to hold a prestige type public proclamation meeting which attracted a capacity audience and much favorable publicity. Planned with the cooperation of local assemblies and groups in the area the meeting held on March 28 at the Sheraton-Jefferson Hotel in the beautiful Crystal Room was attended by over 250 guests who heard Mr. Anthony Lease speak on, “The Challenge of Unity.” The program included music by a chorus of thirty, an original piano selection by a local Bahá’í concert pianist and the reading of prayers. Punch was served afterwards, giving visitors a chance to linger, adding to what was described by some of the guests as a wonderful feeling of togetherness rather than merely integration.
This is the largest and most successful public meeting to date in this area. The cooperation of all the believers was smooth and efficient. One declaration was made at the meeting, with several others expressing interest in further study.
Choir at the proclamation meeting in St. Louis, March 28.
Naw-Rúz 122[edit]
Bahá’ís of Phanthier Town in Central Vietnam at New Year celebration. Since last Riḍván there has been an increase of over 5600 believers during a year of tragedies of natural disasters and the terrors of war.
Naw-Ruz Observed Joyously[edit]
Naw-Rúz, one of the happiest Holy Days in the Bahá’í year, as well as one of the oldest festivals observed by man, was marked in various ways, mostly social, throughout the American Bahá’í community. Hollywood, California reported a sumptuous buffet supper party where Bahá’ís and fifty guests gathered for fellowship and to hear an excellent Bahá’í talk by Mr. David Bond. Several declarations were made on that evening and other guests expressed serious interest in knowing more about the Faith.
Riverside, California with 36 nearby communities held a picnic and public meeting in a local park where over 300 people heard Hand of the Cause William Sears and Mrs. Eulalia Bobo speak on the Faith. There was excellent newspaper publicity, including pictures of the speakers and a twenty minute radio interview was featured with Dorothy Updike, librarian of the Bahá’í community. Three declarations followed within a few days of the meeting and there were many other signs of awakening interest, such as repeated requests for Bahá’í speakers at high school classes and at a church.
On Long Island the believers of Nassau and Suffolk Counties celebrated with a dinner and dance attended by 400 people, coming from as far away as Massachusetts and Arizona.... In Durham, North Carolina at a dinner and program at a local hotel Mr. Jalali from Írán spoke on the significance of the feast, which comes at the time of Spring and renewal in the world. Musical selections by Jerry Williamson accompanied by Kathnel Blair, music student at North Carolina College, added much to the beauty of the occasion. ... At the New Orleans Bahá’í Center the children and youth of the community gave a program of readings, poems, prayers and songs to a most appreciative audience of Bahá’ís and their friends.
From St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands comes news of a celebration on March 20 with a pot luck dinner attended by all the Bahá’ís in St. Thomas and two visiting believers from Florida. News of incorporation of the assembly which had been completed the day before made the occasion doubly happy. At a public meeting on the following day Katherine Meyer, pioneer to Margarita Island during the Ten Year Crusade showed slides of the places where she had taught, as well as of Bahá’í summer schools and the Temple at Wilmette.
Bahá’í friends in Saigon, Vietnam at New Year celebrations.
BAHÁ’ÍS PARTICIPATE IN MARCH ON MONTGOMERY[edit]
In response to the request of the National Spiritual Assembly a group of Bahá’ís participated in the recent stirring march for human rights on Montgomery, Alabama. At the same time two telegrams went from the National Assembly making known the uncompromising stand of the Bahá’ís for unity of all mankind. The telegrams read as follows:
“To the President, Washington, D.C.
“On eve historic march signalling end limitations Negro voting Southern States, we affirm your moral stand for the rights of man. America’s world leadership depends upon these courageous steps toward political, social and personal freedom. May God allow you to speak forth with wisdom and eloquence, that you may become, in America and in the world, the upholder and defender of the victim of oppression, whoever he may be.” (Signed: National Spiritual Assembly Bahá’ís United States)
“To the Southern Christian Leadership Conference:
“Your moral leadership human rights in South praiseworthy history making freedom in United States. Sending representation Montgomery affirm your cry for unity of Americans and all mankind.” (Signed: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States)
From the story of the Bahá’í group which went to Montgomery we read:
“The National Spiritual Assembly’s call to several communities to send representatives to the march was answered by: Henry Miller, Diane Schnable, and Daniel Connor from Chicago; Josef Mydell from Atlanta and Joan Bronson of Montgomery... A 3' x 3' sign with ‘Mankind One Family’ on one side and ‘Justice for All’ on the other side was made for the group of five to use in the march.
“Eagerly the group arrived at St. Jude church grounds where the other marchers were gathering. At the grounds we said prayers. After prayerful consideration we decided to write ‘Bahá’í World Faith’ in small print above the big black letters of our sign. ... Almost immediately other marchers began coming over, asking who we were and what was Bahá’í... We had pamphlets, Man One Family, for the occasion. A Peace Corps representative from Washington wanted to know more about the Faith .. A reporter from a Boston newspaper came over to get a scoop on the Bahá’ís. He was followed by other reporters who were taking notes .. as they viewed the sign of the group. One of the marchers came over .. whom we found to be Mr. Charles Carter, a Bahá’í from Norfolk, Mass. Amid the thousands of marchers meeting Mr. Carter was like finding a fountain in a desert. No sooner had he introduced himself than one of the marchers inquiring about the Faith turned and pointing to Mr. Carter exclaimed, ‘Hey, it was you that I heard about Bahá’í on the bus, coming down here!’ We were overjoyed also to meet Mrs. Mary Jane Austin, a Bahá’í from Beltsville, Maryland.
“While walking around the grounds with the sign, waiting for the march to begin, a couple of the Bahá’ís were approached by a young Unity minister who said,
‘The Bahá’ís are here. Good!’ A young Negro student of Alabama State College introduced himself and decided to remain with the Bahá’í group throughout the march. At the end he got the address of the Bahá’ís in Montgomery, promising to see them again. ‘Hold that sign high’ yelled other marchers to the Bahá’ís as the march began. Among those impressed with the sign was a minister of the Reformed Church of America. He not only remained with the Bahá’ís during the march, but helped make sure that the sign was caught by the TV cameras. A marcher from Florida looking at the small letters of Bahá’í World Faith at the top of our sign made the comment, ‘I see you are very modest about the fact of your being Bahá’ís and seem to be concentrating more on the content of your sign.’ .. There were many other favorable comments from the spectators as the Bahá’ís marched among thousands along the streets of Montgomery. One Negro woman after reading the sign aloud cried, ‘Thank you, Lord.’
“The Bahá’ís who marched will never forget these moving experiences. We were very happy to be among and share with others the wonderful realization of the oneness of mankind. Viewing the traumatic situation of America and the American Bahá’ís’ participation in remedying the great sickness of their nation, we are reminded of the words of Shoghi Effendi, ‘The American believers, standard bearers of this worldwide community and torch-bearers of an as yet unborn civilization, have girt up their loins, unfurled their banners, and stepped into the arena of service. Their plan has been formulated. Their forces are mobilized. They are steadfastly marching towards their goal.... The generality of mankind, blind and enslaved, is wholly unaware of the healing power with which this community is endowed, nor can it as yet suspect the role which this same community is destined to play in its redemption.’ (Shoghi Effendi, Messages to America p. 14)”
Bahá’ís in march on Montgomery. Holding the sign, Josef Mydell. Behind him, Daniel Conner.
[Page 14]
Marker for “Auntie” Victoria’s grave, placed Sept. 19,
1964 in Greenwood Cemetery, Atlanta, Ga. She served
the Faith from 1919 until her death, at which time
Shoghi Effendi referred to her thus: “Indefatigable wholly consecrated promoter of the Faith. Her services unforgettable.”
News Briefs[edit]
From the National Spiritual Assembly of Finland comes news of a teaching trip to Northern Finland and to Lapland made by Mrs. Greta Jankko and Dr. H. Zabihian for a week beginning January 9. Public meetings were arranged in Oulu, Tornio, Rovaniemi, Kemi as well as other centers in the area. The meetings were announced in local newspapers and in Kaleva the Bahá’ís had an interview which was published. The meetings featured pictures about the Holy Land. The National Spiritual Assembly of Finland has sent the books, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era and Some Answered Questions in Finnish as gifts to the libraries in 57 towns. Surely these efforts and the fervent prayers that Northern Finland may be illuminated with the message of Bahá’u’lláh will bring results.
Bahá’í young people in Niagara Falls, New York recently gave a color slide program “The Bahá’í Faith — A World Religion” before the Niagara Interchurch Young Adults Group at a Methodist Church. Fred Reis gave a short talk and Mildred McKoan presented the script accompanying the slides. Questions and discussion after the program showed that it aroused keen interest on the part of the audience. A well selected assortment of pamphlets, both Bahá’í and from the U.N. was distributed.
Through the efforts of Mr. Danny Reimer and Steve Yamamoto — who are two of the four officers of the University of Wisconsin Religious Council, composed of representatives of all religious organizations — the U.R.C. sponsored a “Dialogue Program” of six courses this past semester on various religious subjects and “Living Religions of the World” was one course offered. Instructors from the University faculty gave a statement of the central concepts and the role of the religious community in the contemporary world. Religions included were Primitive African Religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Bahá’í World Faith.
Dr. Manucher Javid spoke on a dual platform giving the Bahá’í history and Mr. Gustave DeCocq spoke on the Bahá’í principles. Attendance was around 50 people with 35 non-Bahá’ís. Very fruitful questions and answers followed the talks.
The Bahá’ís of the Second Commissioner’s District of Spokane, Washington were requested to furnish a speaker for a Presbyterian Youth Conference March 7. Mrs. Ruth Ottmar of Millwood, Washington spoke and Mr. Bob Beasley was chairman. Mrs. Ottmar, as a former member of this church was able to arouse the special interest of many of those attending. The audience of 60 boys and several parents was most attentive.
“The Divine Springtime is Come” was the theme of a symposium given by Bahá’í youth of Columbus, Ohio March 28 at the Chittenden Hotel. The occasion was the observance of Bahá’í World Youth Day. The illustrated program “Arm-chair Tour of the Bahá’í World” followed the symposium. Good publicity was obtained in newspapers, on radio and TV.
Mrs. Terah Cowart-Smith of Greensboro, N.C., Bahá’í
lecturer and member of the United National Speakers
Research Committee, was guest speaker during a recent
International Tea given by the Tallahassee chapter of
Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She is shown here (second from left) talking about the Bahá’í Faith with a trio
of teen-age “Jills” following the tea held in the Student
Union Building on the Florida A & M University campus. Mrs. Smith was introduced by Dr. Thelma T.
Gorham (not shown), Bahá’í, director of public relations at Florida A & M University.
[Page 15]
On March 24, 1965 Mrs. Florence Pringle of Hamburg, New York and Dr. V. Abbassi of Buffalo, formerly of Írán were guests on the “Art of Living” program on radio Station WGR Buffalo. The program
lasted about an hour. This is the second time this
year that Mrs. Pringle has been invited to be a guest
on this program. The calls received by the station
in response to both programs have been so numerous
that the station is asking her to appear in April. Tapes
have been made of both programs by Mr. James Gibb
of Burlington, Ontario thus beginning a series of programs on the Faith.
Some of those attending a teaching conference at
Boulder, Colorado on a weekend in March. Sponsored
by the Rocky Mountain Youth Committee this and a
simultaneous conference in Gallup, New Mexico stressed
“The Covenant of God with Man.” There were enrollments at each.
Follow Me, a handsomely illustrated guide to Tucson,
Arizona carries a full page illustration (above) of Hand
of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery inspecting the National
Bahá’í Braille Library located in the Tucson Bahá’í
Center. Accompanying statement reads: “All over the
world there is a wonderful new revivifying force ... to
unite mankind in peace ... It is called Bahá’í ...
Those who have eyes to see and ears to hear ... come
and investigate the truth.”
BAHA'I IN THE NEWS[edit]
The Barbados Sunday News for April 11, 1965 carries a writeup, including picture of Mrs. Etta Woodlen, Bahá’í pioneer to that area. The article with large headlines reading, “Bahá’í Pioneer Brings New Faith to Barbadians,” tells about Mrs. Woodlen’s activities and past accomplishments and describes the Bahá’í Faith as being the only international organization of its kind, stressing the relation of the Faith to Biblical prophecy.
Bahá’í artist and sculptor, Vernon Voelz of Sarasota, Florida has recently held an exhibition at the local St. Armand’s Gallery. Very favorable reviews appeared in several papers. One of the reviews, by Elihu Edelson in the Sarasota Citizen stated that Mr. Voelz is a member of the Bahá’í Faith, and described it briefly. He quoted Mr. Voelz own statement of a strong belief in a better future and as one whose statement of faith in an age without faith leads him as an artist, “to feel more responsibility to deal with the positive to express the joy of our time and to make some connection between the material and the spiritual aspects of life.”
The many thousands of Americans who take automobile trips this year will be reminded of the existence and location of the Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette. The 1965 edition of the Rand McNally Road Atlas of the United States, Canada and Mexico has, on its outside cover a portion of the Chicago Lake Front area with the Bahá’í Temple clearly marked.
The Plainfield, New Jersey Courier-News for February 15, 1965 carried a long feature article on the Bahá’í Faith headed, “Bahá’í Religion is Called a World Faith. Beginning Was in Persia but Now Covers the Globe.” The article, written by Albert Weiss, a Bahá’í of North Plainfield, gave a complete account covering topics such as how the Faith was founded, its relationship to Islam and Christianity, its social attitudes and implications as well as its progress throughout the world.
Baha’i Publishing Trust[edit]
One God, One Truth, One People. Some Thoughts on the Peace Encyclical of Pope John XXIII. By Ugo R. Giachery. This article treats of the decline of religion and the general progress and welfare of mankind “when the inner spirit of religion” dies away, with particular reference to Christianity. The Divine Plan of Bahá’u’lláh is presented as the source of spiritual regeneration for the individual today, as well as the foundation of a just social order for which people of the past have vainly struggled through the centuries.
The author quotes from the encyclical, “Pacem in Terris,” of Pope John XXIII, showing how the head of the most powerful church in Christendom had come to partially reflect the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, proclaimed a century before.
This brochure will not only help Bahá’ís to become more knowledgeable on this subject but should be of great assistance in teaching both Catholics and non-Catholics, inasmuch as this last encyclical has been widely known and discussed throughout the world. It has been produced in the slimline format of many of our prestige pamphlets.
10 copies | $1.00 |
50 copies | $4.50 |
The Future of Mankind. An Interview on the Bahá’í
Faith with Curtis Kelsey. (Reprinted from Weekend Magazine, Bergen Evening Record.) This illustrated
self-mailer contains some of the most pertinent questions on the Faith with answers that convey a basic
understanding of the teachings. The author has included
in his answers many direct quotations from the Writings. A four-page spread, 10½ x 6½, this two-color brochure folds to a self-mailer 3½ x 6½. This should prove
to be a most convenient and helpful teaching item.
20 copies | $1.00 |
100 copies | $4.00 |
Revised Titles[edit]
Declaration of Trust. (By-Laws of the National and Local Spiritual Assembly.) At the direction of the Universal House of Justice, this document has been revised and updated again to include all applicable administrative information. Each local assembly has already received a typed copy of the contents, now again available in published, pamphlet form. This is essential information for assembly members and for every individual believer to function knowledgeably within the administrative framework of the Bahá’í Community.
Per copy | $ .25 |
10 copies | $2.00 |
Note: Bahá’í communities of any size should order through their local literature representative (or librarian).
Bahá’í Answers. This small “vest pocket” pamphlet of questions and answers has been one of our most usable teaching items, judging from its distribution ever since it was first published in 1957. A new printing updates the content referring to statistics and also includes the establishment of the Universal House of Justice, as well as other later historical data. Prices remain the same.
10 copies | $ .75 |
100 copies | $5.00 |
Calendar of Events[edit]
- FEASTS
- June 5 — Núr (Light)
- June 24 — Rahmat (Mercy)
- PROCLAMATION EVENT
- June 13 — Race Unity Day
- U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
- June 18, 19, 20
Baha’i House of Worship[edit]
- Daily
- 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Entire building)
- Sundays
- 3:30 to 4:10 p.m.
- Sunday, June 20
- 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: Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee, Managing 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. 60091.
Change of address should be reported directly to National Bahá’í Office. 112 Linden Avenue. Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.
