Bahá’í News/Issue 434/Text
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| No. 434 | BAHA’I YEAR 124 | MAY 1967 |
Universal House of Justice Outlines Vital Needs of the Bahá’í World Center[edit]
CALLS FOR INCREASED CONTRIBUTIONS TO INSURE PROGRESS OF THE FAITH
Beloved Friends,
THE TIME HAS now come in the progress of the Nine Year Plan when the Bahá’í world must devote a greater effort towards the development of the Faith at its World Center.
Nearly all the accessible unsettled territories of the Plan have now been settled, bases have been established throughout the world for the future expansion of the Faith; a program of progressive consolidation is being pursued hand-in-hand with continued expansion; plans for the construction of the Panama Temple are well advanced; the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, Temple sites and endowments called for in the Plan are being steadily acquired; by the end of the next Riḍván period 81 out of the 108 National Spiritual Assemblies called for by 1973 will have been established; and the opening of the period of the proclamation of the Faith is fast approaching.
Since the Universal House of Justice came into being in 1963, its primary concern at the World Center of the Faith has been with the basic, minimum essentials of undertaking repairs to the Holy Places; establishing its administrative offices; re-organizing the accommodation of pilgrims; gathering its staff; developing a suitable housing program for the Hands of the Cause and their families, the members of the House of Justice and their families, and all other believers serving at the World Center; formulating plans for the expansion of the Gardens and taking the first steps in their initiation; collating the Sacred Texts and the letters of Shoghi Effendi and indexing them; and fostering relations with the Government of the State of Israel and with the United Nations.
The increased burden which these essential steps have imposed upon the International Fund we have endeavored to keep at a minimum so that, in the early stages of the Plan, the maximum resources could be utilized in the teaching work throughout the world.
However, we must now embark upon certain major undertakings vital to the future progress of the Cause.
Extensive beautification of the sacred endowments surrounding the Holy Shrines in Bahjí and Haifa, as well as the site of the future Mashriqu’l-Adhkár on Mount Carmel must be undertaken, both for its own sake and for the protection of these lands which are situated within the boundaries of rapidly expanding cities; the work of classifying and codifying the Holy Texts must be urgently prosecuted; the arrangements for pilgrimage may have to be greatly expanded to provide for the ever-increasing number of applications from East and West; the Intercontinental Conferences and the International Convention must be held and paid for; and the auxiliary institutions of the Universal House of Justice must begin to unfold so that the ever-growing and increasingly complex work of the World Center of the Faith may continue to be efficiently discharged. Moreover, the vital assistance given by the International Fund to the work of the Hands of the Cause and National Spiritual Assemblies must be maintained.
The minimum budget requirements of the International Fund have nearly doubled since 1963, and if in addition we are to be enabled to undertake these developments, a much greater flow of funds will be needed than is now available.
We call upon every National Spiritual Assembly to consider now the amount that it can allocate as a contribution to the International Fund in its budget for the coming year. In some cases this may mean that contributions made hitherto will be doubled, trebled, or even more greatly increased. Please write as soon as your decision has been made, and not later than April 21, telling us the estimated amount of your allocation.
This is a vitally important matter, and we shall pray in the Holy Shrines that the friends throughout the world will respond whole-heartedly to this call.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER
HAIFA, ISRAEL
MARCH 7, 1967
COMMENTARY:
The foregoing communication from the Universal House of Justice was received by all National Spiritual Assemblies in time for their consultation and action before April 21. In connection with this appeal, the National Assemblies were reminded of the reiterated wish of the beloved Guardian that the National Fund, “which undoubtedly constitutes the bedrock upon which all the activities of the Cause ultimately rest, should receive the continued and wholehearted support of all the believers.” “Every Bahá’í,” the Guardian said, “no matter how poor, must realize what a grave responsibility he has to shoulder in this connection, and should have confidence that his spiritual progress as a believer in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh will depend largely upon the measure in which he proves, in deeds, his readiness to support materially the Divine institutions of His Faith.”
The National Assemblies were requested by the Universal House of Justice to point out that the believers will grow spiritually through their acts of self-abnegation, that fear of poverty should not deter them from sacrificing for the Fund, and that the assistance and bounty of the Source of all good and of all wealth are unfailing and assured.
By the time this communication is received by the individual believers, it will have been presented at all the National Conventions. It is published here in order that all Bahá’ís may have it before them throughout this Bahá’í year to remind them of this most important aspect of universal participation in the progress of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the world, and particularly at its World Center.
— UNITED STATES NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Representatives of Universal House of Justice to Visit Site of House of Bahá’u’lláh[edit]
The following communication from the Universal House of Justice dated March 17, 1967 is called to the attention of every Bahá’í:
“In the 1965 Riḍván Message from the Universal House of Justice we announced that in September 1967, on the Feast of Mashíyyat, a few appointed representatives of the Bahá’í world would visit the site of the House of Bahá’u’lláh in Adrianople where the Súriy-i-Mulúk was revealed. We have decided that the six Hands of the Cause of God who will represent the Universal House of Justice at the Inter-Continental Conferences in October are the ones to make this visit. Immediately following this historic act they will proceed to their respective Conferences.
“For the protection of the Faith it is essential that no one, except the Hands, travel to Turkey on this occasion.”
“National Spiritual Assemblies are requested to make this announcement at the National Convention this year, and to repeat it in their Newsletters and at other times and places as may be appropriate.”
National Spiritual Assembly Greets Howard University on Its Centennial[edit]
Among the addresses given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America was one on the unity of the races, at Howard University, in Washington, DC. on April 23, 1912. All down the intervening years the platform at the University has been open to Bahá’í speakers, most recently to Dr. Daniel Jordan, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, who was guest speaker in the University’s Andrew Rankin Memorial chapel on October 30, 1966.
Since March 2, 1967 was the one hundredth anniversary of the granting of the University’s charter by the Congress of the United States, the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States on that date sent the following telegram to President Dr. James M. Nabrit:
“The Bahá’ís of the United States acclaim Howard University in its Centennial hour. Your great mission of emancipation of Negro Americans through the education of generations of Negro leaders will surely expand into horizons of world leadership in this century of enlightenment. We hail Howard University as the great symbol of the equality of the Negro mind and spirit. Even more, we offer our hearts to you in this hour when you are the vital symbol of mankind’s becoming one family by God’s will.”
Will You Be That Soul?[edit]
The following is quoted from an editorial in the Latin American Bahá’í Bulletin of the Hands of the Cause of the Western Hemisphere, in its February issue:
“Coming from every Latin American country is news of conferences and international schools to prepare the friends for the great Proclamation to humanity by the Bahá’í World Community from next October, whose sound will grow in impetus until the end of the Nine Year Plan in 1973.
“Many courses and schools will be organized at the numerous national institutes during the coming months. The beloved Guardian recommended that we take advantage of ‘these precious opportunities to enrich, through lectures, study and discussions, his knowledge of the fundamentals of the Faith, as to be able to transmit, with greater confidence and effectiveness, the Message that has been intrusted to his care.’ Shoghi Effendi exhorts us in his The Advent of Divine Justice that ‘All must participate, however humble their origin, however limited their experience, however restricted their means, however deficient their education, however pressing their cares and preoccupation...’
“We are approaching an entirely new phase in the development of our Faith, the phase of proclamation to every living soul. . . . plans are taking root deeply in our hearts. They will achieve the sweetest victories if each one of the believers realizes the greatness of this Message of God and of His law which was proclaimed purely and anew to humanity by Bahá’u’lláh.
“Our countries are huge, and innumerable are those
who are waiting anxiously for this redemptive Light.
Not one soul is too young, too old, too inexperienced, too
weak, or with too many problems to share this Message
with his neighbor. The beloved Master said: ‘Many
times it occurs that one blessed soul becomes the cause
of guidance for an entire nation.’
“Will you be that soul?"
Thirty-six Bahá’ís and guests and fifteen children attended the fourth annual Bahá’í winter conference held in Petersburg, Alaska December 31, 1966 — January 2, 1967. Courses and talks were presented by Tom and Georgia Haisler, Ted Anderson, Roberta Christian and Mike Schwartz. A highlight among the several vital courses was one entitled “How to Find a Hundred Bahá’ís,” presented by a Ketchikan panel. The result of their concentrated efforts served as stimulation and inspiration to other communities.
Distinguished Persian Believer Passes to Abhá Kingdom[edit]
Colonel and Attorney A. Shahquli, who served for many years as secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Persia passed away recently. An account of his funeral was broadcast on television and six thousand people, Bahá’ís as well as members of other faiths, attended the funeral ceremony held in the Bahá’í cemetery in Tihran.
Colonel Shahquli was well known and highly respected in professional circles, being a distinguished attorney as well as officer in the military. He was a devoted believer who declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh despite opposition and difficulties. As a Bahá’í teacher of capacity he was always ready to give his time and energy to assisting the Faith in Persia.
Canada Holds Board Team Conference[edit]
An historic conference took place in Montreal, Canada February 4-5, 1967, planned and carried out by five Auxiliary Board members for the purpose of increasing the knowledge and devotion of the friends during this hundredth anniversary year. The conference had as its theme, “The Foundation of the Belief of the People of Bahá,” and as the theme unfolded participants were led from the inception of the Faith, through the Twin Manifestations and Central Figures of the Faith, into the lives of the early pioneers and up to the present Nine Year Plan, revealing the challenges that rest with present-day believers.
Board members participating were: Mrs. Peggy Ross and Fred Graham from Canada, and Albert James, Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin and Mrs. Zikrulláh Khádem from the United States. Their efforts were crowned by the presence of two Hands of the Cause, John Robarts and Mr. Khádem.
The meetings were held in Canada’s “Mother City” — the birthplace of four Hands of the Cause and the site of the only national shrine in the Western Hemisphere —in the very YMCA building where in the early days public talks were given by two heroines of the Faith, Mrs. May Maxwell, mother of Rúḥíyyih Khánum, and Miss Martha Root.
Over 200 Bahá’ís attended from both Canada and the United States.
West Central African National Assembly Incorporates[edit]
Lagos, Nigeria Becomes New National Center
LEFT: Eight members of National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of West Central Africa. Left to right, front: Mr. Sampson Forchak, Mrs. Janet Mughrabi (secretary), Mrs. Lillie Rosenberg (chairman), holding Certificate, Mr. Solomon Tanyi, Mr. Oscar Njang; rear: Mr. Stephen Tabe, Mr. Jawad Mughrabi (assist. treasurer), Mr. Moses Akombi {vice—chairman). Mr. Sherman Rosenberg (treasurer) was not present. RIGHT: Members of local Spiritual Assembly of Bahá’ís of Lagos, Nigeria. Left to right: Mr. Sherman Rosenberg, Mr. Okoro, Mrs. Lillie Rosenberg, Mr. C.P.M. Anwuer Cadir, Mr. King, Mr. Banwo, Mr. Adeboje, Mr. Dawodu, Mr. Assam.
The National Spiritual Assembly of West Central
Africa, with headquarters at Victoria, Cameroon, is
happy to report that on February 1, 1967 Prime Minister Augustine Ngom Jua signed the certificate of incorporation for that National Assembly. This important
step, in establishing the legal status of the Assembly
and of obtaining recognition of the Faith in West
Cameroon, is one of the goals of the Nine Year Plan.
It is timely in view of the holding, during Riḍván 1967, of the first National Convention of the Cameroon Republic and the formation of the new National Spiritual Assembly.
The newly formed National Spiritual Assembly of the Cameroon Republic, with headquarters in Victoria has Spanish Guinea, Fernando Po, Corisco and Sao Tome and Principe Islands assigned to it, while the National Spiritual Assembly of West Central Africa in its new seat at Lagos, Nigeria has responsibility for the remaining countries in the region, namely: Nigeria, Niger, Dahomey, Togo and Ghana.
A recent teaching trip to Central African Republic did much to stimulate the growth of the Faith in that area and to bring the joy of Bahá’í fellowship to the believers who have been isolated. Mrs. Janet Mughrabi, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of West Central Africa visited Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, where she was welcomed in a round of visits to the believers in their homes and spoke at numerous gatherings. The visit included a stop in Yaounde, in the East Cameroon, where the isolated believer, Mr. Alfred Defang, has been active and has recently established a group.
The third annual regional summer school for Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina was held February 4-12, 1967 in the tiny village of Colón, Argentina.
Eleven Nations Represented at Argentine School[edit]
The third annual regional summer school for Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina was held February 4-12, 1967 in the tiny village of Colón, Argentina. No less than eleven nations from four continents were represented and the multi-colored, multilingual groups of Bahá’ís walking along the tree-shaded streets intrigued the populace and brought forth many inquiries about the Faith.
Morning classes were held on the life and dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, evening classes on the Covenant and spiritual health. One evening when the lights went out due to a sudden and violent storm, the Uruguayan friends entertained everyone with lovely Latin songs and some original melodies whose words carried the Bahá’í Message. When the lights were turned on, the friends from Paraguay and Argentina presented humorous skits on the improper functioning of an assembly and some teaching methods which are not recommended! Round-table discussions were held on ways to win the Nine Year Plan goals.
In spite of problems with food, mosquitos, heat and the lack of water and beds, those who attended were overwhelmed with the tangible current of Bahá’í love. On the last hour of the last day there were expressions of gratitude that the Universal House of Justice had assigned such a goal, and for the increasing effectiveness of the school since its inception three years ago.
Teaching Flourishes in Dominican Republic[edit]
Happy, attentive faces at a public meeting in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on occasion of visit of Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery. Since Dr. Giachery’s visit there have been many newly declared Bahá’ís throughout all parts of the Dominican Republic.
Teachers, students and friends present at the first national Bahá’í institute for instructors held in Itú, São Paulo, Brazil February 5-12, 1967, with Jalál Kházeh, Hand of the Cause.
Bahá’í Institute for Instructors Held in Itu, Sao Paulo[edit]
During the week of February 5-12, 1967, a successful institute for instructors was held under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil. Ten Bahá’ís gathered at the country home of the Ayvazian family of São Paulo to study teaching, administration and the Nine Year Plan.
The youth present planned and executed a fireside program for nearby neighbors. On the last day of the institute many Bahá’ís from surrounding cities came to celebrate the “graduation.” Two students, Sra. Iracy Cruz and Sr. Norival Miguel, will soon leave for their pioneer posts — the former to Espirito Santo, an as yet unopened state, and the latter to the promising Bahá’í region of the Amazonas.
Most of the youth stayed on in São Paulo for further activities. They spent one day visiting newspaper offices and radio and television stations, securing a radio interview, an interview with a television news reporter, and the assurance of a story to be published in a São Paulo newspaper. They also visited the nearby Bahá’í communities of Campinas, São Roque and Mogi Mirim, where they consulted with the local Bahá’ís in an effort to make new contacts. On the week-end they held a two-day youth conference, Saturday being a day of intense study and consultation, and Sunday a day of recreation — a roadside picnic.
A teaching school at the national institute of Villa Rahmat was held December 11-17, 1966 in Riohacha, Guajira, Venezuela. Left to right, standing: Jose Martin Cemprun, Peter MacLaren, Rogelio Zabala, Habib Rezvani, Hamilton Breton. Left to right, seated: Maria Chiquinquirá Salas, Zenaida Gonzalez, Dora Machado, Vicia Dioselina Villa, Cecilia del Carmen Iquaran.
Germany Moves Toward Proclamation[edit]
Of the many projects undertaken by the German Bahá’í Community in 1966, a major achievement was the development of new teaching methods as mentioned in the Riḍván message of the Universal House of Justice. The National Teaching Committee conducted two of a series of four scheduled national teaching conferences. Participants from the National Assembly of Germany, local spiritual assemblies, the National Teaching Committee and regional teaching committees gave briefings on their ways of teaching as introductions to the consultation which followed.
During the year four successful summer schools took place. The youth had their annual winter school in Bad Sachsa. In addition, the very active youth committee held so-called Sterntreffen (star-gatherings) once every six weeks. The gatherings were held at strategically placed cities all over Germany in order to spread the activities as much as possible.
For use during the Proclamation year, the committee prepared a publication to be distributed among a number of dignitaries in German-speaking countries, including members of the federal and state governments, personalities in cultural life, the press and various religious communities, Following the distribution a number of activities will take place in celebration of Proclamation year, which will be opened in Germany by one of the six intercontinental conferences held in the center of Europe in the vicinity of the European Mother Temple.
In February, 1967, the Bavarian State radio station devoted a half-hour program to an introduction to the Bahá’í Faith. The speaker quoted from a number of the Bahá’í writings. The program was part of a series of “Introductions to New Religions.”
Recent window display in the main post office of Baden-Baden, Germany.
The winter school at York, England, held December, 1966, has become an institution among British youth. With the Bahá’í Life as a theme, sessions included talks on the privileges and responsibilities of Bahá’í youth, with emphasis on Shoghi Effendi’s messages to youth and the major Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Young speakers addressed the evening sessions, telling of the early heroes and heroines of the Faith. Throughout the sessions a spirit of cooperation and a sense of harmony and purpose was evident.
Teaching Conference in England[edit]
Over 250 Bahá’ís met in Leicester, England for the annual teaching conference of the British Bahá’í Community, January 7-8, 1967. A cable from the Universal House of Justice was read and stimulating talks given by National Spiritual Assembly members on tasks facing the community. Hand of the Cause John Ferraby and board members assisted in stimulating workshop atmosphere, highlighting the conference with fourteen workshops, discussing the teaching requirements and sharing ideas. The National Assembly has made Ireland the goal of first priority because of its need to establish and incorporate by the end of the Nine Year Plan.
Netherlands Center Prepares for Proclamation[edit]
A happy group of Persian Bahá’ís in the Netherlands, who offered weeks of labor to rebuild and prepare the big meeting-room of the National Center. The alterations were designed by Mr. Kamran ‘Alái, student at the Technical High School. The redecorated Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Holland will open up with exhibition on the Faith in October, 1967.
Teacher Training in Italy[edit]
First Italian teacher training institute, Florence, Italy. The class was conducted by Mrs. Mildred Mottahehdeh from February 4-11, 1967. Thirteen students were graduated and the class had two observers and several visitors. Students came from as far south as Sicily and as far north as Lake Como.
Bahá’í Naw-Rúz Noted in Vietnam[edit]
Many English, French and Vietnamese newspapers
covered the occasion of the Bahá’í Fast period and the
Naw-Rúz celebration. The Saigon Post stated:
“While dedicated towards the establishment of the
brotherhood of humanity under God, the Bahá’ís nevertheless strictly abstain from any political pursuits
because of their conviction that the true way to world unity is through a return to the basic moral precepts of
all the great founders of religions.”
Bahá’í communities throughout Vietnam observed the Fast and celebrated Naw-Rúz. In Saigon an audience of 300 filled the national Bahá’í hall and its garden to hear the significance of Naw-Rúz and see the historic film of the Master’s visit to the United States, which was publicly shown in Vietnam for the first time.
Le Loc, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Vietnam, was the speaker. Prominent Vietnamese leaders attended the meeting, along with 300 Bahá’ís and guests.
School in Finland Announced[edit]
The Bahá’í Summer School for Finland will be held this summer at Oteniemi, Dipoli, near the city of Helsinki. It will be from July 1 to 6 and visitors from other countries will be most welcome.
Conferences in New Zealand[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand planned a series of pre-Riḍván conferences to be held in Wellington, Wanganui, Whangarei, Hamilton and Auckland during April. Thelma Perks, Auxiliary Board member, will be in New Zealand to help conduct the conferences which will cover a variety of subjects including the role of national and local assemblies, responsibilities of delegates to the convention, responsibility of everyone to the Fund and other teaching and Bahá’í development needs.
Audience at the Naw-Rúz celebration in Saigon, Vietnam. Prominent Vietnamese leaders, along with 300 Bahá’ís and guests, crowded the Bahá’í hall and garden.
At the Auxiliary Board Conference, Alexandria, Virginia February 26, 1967.
Ninth Board Conference Held[edit]
Nine historic Auxiliary Board Team Conferences have been held during The Bahá’í year 123 in the United States and Canada. The latest, on February 25 and 26 under the auspices of the Northwestern Board Team, was held in Alexandria, Virginia in beautiful accommodations at the Charter House Motel, arrangements having been made by the host community of Fairfax County, Virginia. One hundred and fifty-five persons from ten states gathered with a warmth of ardor which was not affected by the sub-freezing gales blowing outside. The beautiful flower displays and corsages contributed by the group of Beckley, West Virginia served as a fitting complement to the garden of loving believers who gathered to “prepare for the third phase of the Nine Year Plan,” and to “pioneer and teach.”
The conference was blessed with the presence of Hand of the Cause of God, Mr. Zikru’lláh Khádem, who spoke conveying the fire of the love of Bahá’u’lláh, His martyred Forerunner, the Center of the Covenant, and the beloved Guardian. Mr. Khádem answered many questions on the significance of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice, drawing on his wealth of knowledge of the Writings in Persian and Arabic.
Miss Edna True, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, and Miss D. Thelma Jackson, of the National Goals Committee, were present as representatives of these administrative bodies. Miss True shared memories of her mother, Mrs. Coinne True, Hand of the Cause, who made pilgrimages to the Holy Land at the time of the beloved Master and who dedicated her lifetime to promoting the construction of the House of Worship in Wilmette.
The Board members of the Northwestern Team, Mrs. Javidukht Khádem, Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin and Mr. Albert James, as well as guest member Dr. William Tucker addressed the friends, approaching the unifying truth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Message from widely diversified backgrounds and firing the friends through the flame of enthusiasm. Additional sparks were added to this fire by the remarks of a young Bahá’í on leave from Uruguay who urged pioneers to settle and teach in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Barham, recently returned from their pilgrimage, brought fragrance of the Holy Land in speaking briefly of their visit.
Unifying and harmonizing all were the beautiful musical contributions made by the North Virginia Chorus and the Howard-Montgomery-Prince Georges Counties Chorus. The conference closed on a very high note with an address by dear Mr. Khádem. All announcements had been made before he spoke and the friends were dismissed to the soft singing of “Allah-u-Abhá.” It was indeed a gathering from which no one wanted to leave, many lingering although they had long distances to travel. Many thirsts were quenched through the blessing of drinking from the fountain of knowledge shared at this conference, and many appetites were whetted for deeper personal study of the wealth of the Creative Word given in this Day. Following the conference a public meeting Sunday afternoon, sponsored by the Washington D.C. community, and held at the Smithsonian Institution was another first for the Faith in this place. Dr. William Tucker spoke eloquently to an audience of seventy-five.
Youth from Maryland and Virginia singing at the Auxilary Board Conference Februrary 26.
Hand of the Cause Zikru’lláh Khádem, second from right, with Board members who assisted at the Conference in Alexandria, Virginia. Left to right: Albert James, Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, Dr. William Tucker, Mrs. Javidukht Khádem.
Institute Engenders Enthusiasm for Teaching Indians[edit]
Delores Taken Alive, Sioux of Little Eagle, South Dakota addresses Institute on Indian teaching.
Over 120 believers and friends came from many
states and Canada to attend a two day Northern Indian
Teaching Institute held February 25-26 in Fargo, North
Dakota.
At the opening session Chester Kahn, Auxiliary Board member and Navajo, brought greetings from the Hands of the Cause and from the American Indian Service Committee. He offered prayers in the rhythmic language of his people. During the sessions prayers were recited in many languages including European, Asiatic and Indian. Especially welcomed by the Indian visitors was the chanting of prayers in Persian.
Highlight of the weekend was an Indian fireside held Saturday evening at which the sign-language group and dancers from the Wahpeton Indian School performed under the able direction of Mrs. Edna Cloud. They had made their own costumes and danced to their own tribal music. Greetings and short talks were given by Indian Bahá’ís from different tribes and the thought was expressed that the Bahá’í Faith helps Indians to have pride in their old ways while looking forward to the future. A visitor from Fort Totten Reservation spoke of her great interest in the new way of thinking which she had never imagined could exist in the world today.
Sunday’s conference on “How to Bring the Message to the Indian People” brought many helpful suggestions and stirred in those attending the desire to put these into practice. Among the thoughts expressed were: Pioneers are needed to go to the Indian areas, they should have employment, should live with the Indians and should be prepared to stay in one area. Each pioneer should, if possible, have an Indian believer with him. An exchange of teachers between groups would be helpful, the teachers making short visits of one or two weeks to help the Indians not to get lonesome. City Bahá’ís should be encouraged to be interested in Indians, to visit nearby reservations or to move to places near them. Persians are especially welcomed on Indian reservations. Frequent and consistent efforts must be made to be in touch with Indians living in cities. The link between the Indian way, the Christian Way, and the Bahá’í Faith is important and aids to teaching such as newsletters, tapes for use at firesides and on radio, pamphlets and Indian books should be used.
Indian students from Wahpeton school who danced for the program on Saturday night.
Peter Terry, talking on the spiritual life quoted the phrase, “Navajos have five fingers” — they are human beings. He linked this with the Sioux word for human being: “the two legged.”
As Chester Kahn pointed out, although the time is short and pioneers are needed for the Indian areas, the friends are not alone, for they have the power of the Greatest Name and all efforts made for this Faith of God will bring results.
The sincere wish of the non-Indians to know more of the Culture of the Indians and the willingness of the Indians to share all they knew blended to make the conference harmonious and meaningful. The happy radiant faces of those who were privileged to attend were evidences of the true unity which is brought by Bahá’u’lláh. This conference marked an important step in the progress of the plan to bring the Faith to Indians that all tribes will share in partaking of the divine illumination of the Faith of God for this day.
Chester Kahn, seated at right with visitors from Cree, Omaha, and Sioux tribes.
Intercalary Days a Prelude to the Fast[edit]
Bahá’ís joyously gathered together for hospitality, charity and gift giving this year in observance of Intercalary Days and in preparation for the Fast.
In many communities large parties were held, particularly for the children. Over 200 people, about 80 of them children, attended Connecticut’s first statewide Intercalary Days celebration, held in Wallingford. “What a thrilling experience to witness so many people of varying races and nationalities joining together in fellowship. It was truly a ‘flower garden’ of beauty,” exclaimed a participant. After a picnic lunch with coffee and dessert contributed by the State Goals Committee, the adults were entertained by some of the children of the Stamford community with a play. A Bahá’í led them in singing accompanied by a guitar and the room vibrated with happy voices. Two movies were also shown and gifts were distributed to the children, culminating an observance of love and beauty wonderful to behold.
The Days were also joyously observed by friends of Omaha, Nebraska, and their guests at a party which included a talk on the history of calendars, from early Egyptian to Bahá’í.
In Springfield, New Jersey, a youth gathering marked the Days. Twenty-five youth representing three high schools and four colleges were first introduced to the faith and then heard a panel of four youth, a Bahá’í, a Catholic, a Jew and a Protestant.
Elsewhere, as in Peoria, Illinois, covered-dish dinners were backgrounds to evenings of community singing and children’s laughter. The Peoria evening also featured a reading of the Prayer for Intercalary Days and an explanation of the Bahá’í calendar. The room was decorated with large, pastel crepe paper flowers made by the children, and a sign stating, “Ye Are the Flowers of One Garden.”
Many foreign dishes highlighted the pot-luck dinner for the friends of Madison, Wisconsin. As each person entered the gathering, he was given a paper flower with an attached quotation from the Writings. The day ended with enthusiastic singing and games.
Nineteen Bahá’ís and friends of Boston, Massachusetts, enjoyed a nice meal, an introduction to the study class on The Promised Day Is Come and announcements of upcoming activities. The warm fellowship which permeated the gathering will make their lntercalary Days observance one not soon to be forgotten.
A party for people of the neighborhood marked the observance for the Ellensburg, Washington, Bahá’í group. And also in Washington, the communities of Spokane and Spokane District No. 2 co-sponsored an afternoon party and program planned around the eleven children who regularly attend the Bahá’í children’s classes, featuring them in group singing and readings. Their activity was recorded on tape, and this will be sent to Bahá’í friends in Auckland, New Zealand. While gifts were given to the children, the adults had a song fest of their own. Then a white elephant auction brought laughter and bidding from children and adults; the money will go into the fund for supplies for the classes. The carefully planned party brought rich dividends in adult appreciation of the children’s accomplishments and an eager interest from several non-Bahá’ís to learn more about the Faith.
In Yakima, Washington, a pot-luck supper was held for Bahá’ís and guests. All were entertained by an integrated choral group, which later joined with the Bahá’í children in games, and by a song in Esperanto.
Minnesota celebrations included an open house in Rochester-Olmsted County with slides and movies and also another day of fun and games, a pot-luck, gift exchange, and movies and bridge.
Friends of Mobile, Alabama, were blessed during their observance with the presence of Mr. Ardeshir Khavari who spoke at a fireside and at another gathering talked with parents during a children’s party. During his stay, the newspaper interviewed him, resulting in a write-up about the Faith. Auxiliary board member Mrs. Velma Sherrill was the special guest of the Oklahoma Bahá’ís. After the Saturday evening festivities, the friends consulted with her Sunday on the state’s teaching goals.
She spoke of the necessity to deepen in the Covenant so the friends are prepared to meet inquirers, having studied and prayed hard enough to confirm them.
Bahá’ís Learn Public Relations[edit]
Practical aspects of how to present the Faith to large viewing and listening audiences were taught at a recent Public Relations Forum for Bahá’ís of Louisiana and Mississippi, sponsored by the Goals Committees for these states. The forum, whose attendants are pictured, covered the communication areas and how Bahá’ís should approach the mass media for good coverage of Bahá’í activities and teachings. Participants practiced writing news releases which were given constructive criticism by the group. Because the forum was for those living in a specific region, local problems and their solutions were stressed.
Left: Design of Bahá’í exhibit at Chicago World Flower and Garden Show, March 11-19. It won an award of merit and was planned and executed by Wyatt Cooper, superintendent of building and grounds, Bahá’í House of Worship. Right: Display at Mahoning Valley Home and Garden Show at Youngstown, Ohio, March 14-20. A replica of the Temple gardens, it featured a real fountain. Marty of the 34 thousand visitors admired its beauty and inquired about the Faith.
Denver Meeting Draws Record Attendance[edit]
The occasion of the visit of Dr. Habbib Moayyad, personal Physician to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Denver, Colorado, provided the believers of Denver and nearby areas, the opportunity to publicize the Faith widely in the press, on radio and in well attended public meetings. Believers, new and old, cooperated to offer him hospitality and to become spiritually recharged by the impact of his words.
Careful planning preceded his visit, so that the fullest possible news coverage might be given to his visit and to the Faith which was the subject of his talks. All major television stations in the area, twenty radio stations, and all the major newspapers were contacted, personally, by representatives of the Bahá’í community. Over one thousand invitations were distributed for the public meeting at a local hotel, the flyers including quotations about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by well known people such as: Kahlil Gibran, Helen Keller, Leo Tolstoy and others.
Announcements of the public meeting were carried on two television stations and included a color slide picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, possibly a first for this kind of publicity on television anywhere. A two and one half hour radio interview with the Bahá’í guest brought news of the Faith to an estimated 40,000 people. The interview was on the Joe Finan Show the most popular radio forum show of its type in the state, and a taped copy of the interview was presented to Dr. Moayyad afterwards. Many telephone calls came in during the interview.
Despite very bad weather there was record attendance both at the dinner, March 4 and at the public meeting on the afternoon of March 5. At the former, friends shared the Doctor’s personal experiences with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the beloved Guardian, those who attended felt that it was an event never to be forgotten. Heavy snow did not prevent over one hundred people, many “pre-Bahá’ís” included, from attending the public meeting. Over half the audience was visitors, many tor the first time, and many questions were asked in response to the Doctor’s talk on “A Legacy for All Mankind.”
Book on the Bahá’í Faith Receives Widespread Publicity[edit]
The recently published book, The Bahá’í Faith — Dawn of a New Day, by Jessyca Russell Gaver (Hawthorne $5.95) has received wide publicity in book announcements, news columns and over the radio. Mrs. Gaver, a Bahá’í from New York, has had autograph parties at book stores in Canada, New York and Washington, D.C., where the book has been put on sale for the public. She appeared on radio and television in Canada and received wide publicity there on the book.
The United Press International recently issued the following release to all newspapers in the United States concerning Mrs. Gaver’s book:
“A lucid report by a veteran journalist on the fastgrowing religion founded in Persia during the middle of the last century by the prophet Bahá’u’lláh.
“Bahá’í aspires to be a ‘world religion’ replacing or absorbing older faiths such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. It teaches that ‘man everywhere must unite or perish.’ Bahá’ís worship God, and their conception of God is similar to that of the three historic monotheistic religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam. They acknowledge Jesus and Moses as true prophets for their own time, but look to Bahá’u’lláh as the final and authoritative revealer of God’s will.
“No membership statistics are published by the Bahá’í Faith, but Mrs. Gaver says that it has ‘hundreds’ of local centers in the United States and an impressive national Temple in Wilmette, III.”
The book has been listed in catalogues and book lists in many of the major newspaper book sections and therefore is being brought to the attention of a vast reading audience among whom there should be many who will be attracted to the Bahá’í Faith. This was the objective of Mrs. Gaver in writing the book. It is available through most book stores.
Spiritual Assembly of Bakersfield, California incorporated November 16, 1966. Left to right, front: Mrs. Edna Wafer, Mrs. Marie Rouse, Mrs. Arline C. Adams, Bradley Mortensen (treasurer), Mrs. Bessie S. Powers (corresponding secretary). Rear: Dr. Boyd Hammack (vice-chairman), Hugh E. Rouse (chairman), Robert Davis (recording secretary), Rayford Adams.
Laguna Beach Reports Two March Events[edit]
Mrs. Ramona A. Brown was the guest speaker for the Bahá’ís of Laguna Beach, California, on March 3, 1967. She told of first hearing of the Faith in 1905 with a group of her young friends and that when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá came to this country in 1912 she was present at Stanford University, Temple Emmanu-El in San Francisco, and later in Sacramento when this “venerable figure spoke regarding the Teachings of the Bahá’í Faith.”
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Quigley spoke before an audience of fifty Bahá’ís and 120 guests at the Laguna Federal Savings and Loan in Laguna Beach, California, on March 17. This program of “Bahá’í Around the World” was the successful effort of a handful of Bahá’ís who have worked over one and one-half years in the Laguna Beach area. The event was covered by the three major papers and society editors both before and after the program.
Santa Paula Childen Present Library Books on Naw-Rúz
Students Respond Enthusiastically to Presentations of Faith[edit]
The following exciting news of presenting the Faith to groups of students of religion comes from Sylvene Dillon Happenie, BAHÁ’Í NEWS reporter for Los Angeles, California.
“The Los Angeles Spiritual Assembly recently received a request from the Temple Beth El of Hollywood, for a Bahá’í speaker to appear on a weekly course being given on different religions. Mr. Elwyn Van Zandt represented the Faith on this occasion, and in presenting the Bahá’í teachings included a question and answer period which was very well received by both the audience and the Rabbi.
“A few weeks later a similar request was received from a girls’ Catholic college in Los Angeles, the Mount St. Mary's College, which had contacted the Rabbi at the Temple Beth E1 to ask where they could find a Bahá’í speaker to appear at a session of a three day seminar they were holding on ‘Days of Renewal.’
“On this occasion Mrs. Joan Kelly Bulkin represented the Faith, and for her morning session was assigned a room where about fifty students, as well as the Dean of Nuns, assembled to hear the talk on the Bahá’í Faith. They asked so many questions and were so interested in what they heard that they did not want to leave when the time came to attend Mass. The Dean of Nuns said she had never heard religion explained in such a clear way and was very much impressed with the logic of the teachings. She wanted to know where our speaker had studied theology, and when Mrs. Bulkin explained that her knowledge and learning came only from the Bahá’í Writings, the Nun and the students were speechless. Some of the students followed Mrs. Bulkin around all day while she waited for the final session, at which time she was to appear on a panel and answer questions for the entire student body.
“The panel, consisting of clergy of the Baptist, Mormon, Episcopalian and Catholic denominations, plus the Bahá’í speaker, was asked many wonderful questions, but some of the clergy, united in their ideas and answers, refused to answer some of the questions, a sampling of which were as follows: Are we born in sin? What is the soul? What is your concept of God? Explain the Trinity. Can anyone be saved outside of Christianity and the organized church?
“The pure light of the Bahá’í explanations of these questions annoyed the rest of the panel, so the students directed the rest of their questions to the Bahá’í speaker. When the session ended more than half the student body clustered around Mrs. Bulkin with even more questions. She herself, in trying to describe the day, said ‘Words cannot express exactly what transpired, but it was all very successful in more ways than one.’
“Very gracious letters were received from both the Rabbi of the Temple Beth El and the Dominican Fathers of the Department of Theology of Mount St. Mary’s College, expressing their appreciation of an ‘enlightening experience’ by our participation in their inter-faith discussions.”
Green Acre Summer School: Abode of the Spirit[edit]
SINCE THE EARLY part of the century when Sarah Farmer deeded the several buildings and spacious grounds comprising the Green Acre property to the Bahá’ís, it has held a place second to none in their affections. This holds true not only for the believers living in the northeastern part of the country, but for those as far afield as Delaware, Michigan, Tennessee and some of the more remote provinces of Canada. And the prospect of a Green Acre vacation has special appeal to the youth who often begin planning together as early as mid-winter.
What is there about this Maine retreat that casts so irresistible a spell over young and old, Bahá’í and pre-Baha'i alike? A growing number of seekers are drawn here each summer to be among Bahá’ís, study the teachings, and, in many cases, to declare their allegiance to the Cause.
To begin with a purely practical consideration, the unusually low vacation rates easily place a one or two week stay within reach of most budgets, and, for those who require assistance, a limited number of scholarships are available. In addition, the property lies in close proximity to the beautiful spot chosen by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the site of the future first Bahá’í university (It is called “Monsalvat” after the legendary Spanish mountain said to be the repository of the Holy Grail) and to famous Ogunquit beach where the youth have established “Bahá’í Hill,” the scene of much successful teaching.
Blessed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
But the perennial attraction of Green Acre lies in its prevailing atmosphere that can only be described as a spiritual abundance, omnipresent and pervasive, which seems to rest upon its green acres like a benediction. So profound is its effect that a departure sans tears is rare indeed. As a frequent guest, beloved Hand of the Cause, Mr. Zikru’lláh Khádem once put it, standing with a group of the friends on the veranda of the handsome building which commands a sweeping view of the Piscatauqua, or “River of Light” (named so by the Indians): “The wings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá o’er spread these grounds which He loved and upon which He conferred His blessing.” On still another occasion, after a particularly exciting class on the porch of the library, a rustic dwelling of charming design, Mr. Khádem said, “For the Bahá’ís to study and pray together in this blessed spot, hallowed by the foot-steps of the Master, this is the true paradise”
The Influence of Inspired Teachers[edit]
It was on this same sunlit porch, over which tall sentinel pines stand guard, that the late gifted teacher Mr. Mehdi Firoozi held sway for many summers. He would pace back and forth as he eloquently expatiated upon one of his favorite subjects, speaking of the Beauty of the Bahá’í Writings, and praising those who when reading a passage should be moved by its beauty to shed a tear, that tear to be remembered by God.
Sarah Farmer Hall, with Recreation Hall to right foreground. The room occupied by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912, third floor, corner near fire escape, is preserved in His memory as a place for prayer and meditation.
There are a number of other teachers of the recent past who have left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of scores of students: Loulie Mathews, George Spendlove, Genevieve Coy, among many others; and there is much cause for rejoicing in the continuing presence of such outstanding figures as the scholar, Prof. Stanwood Cobb; Auxiliary Board member Curtis Kelsey, whose inexhaustible reminiscences of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are a constant delight; Mr. Winston Evans, compelling speaker and Biblical scholar, to name a few. Nor must the stream of visiting pioneers who radiate a brilliant spirit born of sacrifice be forgotten; or such dedicated mentors of the very young as Mary Jane Carter, Thelma Allison, and Marion Wilcox, who have placed so many young feet firmly on the path of the knowledge of Bahá’u’lláh.
Scene of Spiritual Joys[edit]
After the day's classes it is not uncommon to find a group of students seeking further illumination from the well-stocked library shelves, or engaged in lively discussion in the attractively furnished living room. Others might be visiting with new or old friends, meeting in the spacious main room of Sarah Farmer Hall to hear a Hand of the Cause answer questions, or listening to exciting stories of the victories won in some far-flung outpost by a newly-returned pioneer. Everywhere, unmitigated joy is reflected in the shining faces and happy voices of the large Green Acre family.
Perhaps the real gift of Green Acre is the complete
oneness it engenders. Here in this blessed spot, far
removed from the distractions and pitfalls of a tumultuous world, living the life of a true Bahá’í can become
an achievable reality. The total Green Acre experience
is indeed a harbinger of that glorious day when the
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh will finally have been
established on the earth.
— PHYLLIS TONKONOGY, GREEN ACRE COUNCIL
The Right Honorable Professor Rama Prasad Manandhar, of the standing committee of the State Council of Nepal and former Nepalese ambassador to Great Britain, USSR, France, Germany and Switzerland visited the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette March 24, 1967. He is shown (at right) with Salvatore A. Pelle, National Bahá’í' Public Information Director.
BAHA'I IN THE NEWS[edit]
Man’s Religion by John B. Moss (MacMillan, third edition 1967) includes a one page account of the Bahá’í Faith which gives a brief summary of the lives of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh and states that the background of the Faith is Shi’ite Islam. In describing the Faith the author asserts that “like Sikhism” it is a separate and distinct faith; that the writings of Bahá’u’lláh reached the outside World and “advocated a broad religious view upholding the unity of God, and the essential harmony of all prophecy when rightly understood.” He states that the Faith has headquarters in Haifa, Palestine and is active in many countries and especially in the United States.
The book is a text used in courses in comparative religion.
The March 1967 issue of Holiday magazine, devoted to “The New Chicago” includes a paragraph on the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. Describing it as “an exquisite nine-sided fantasy of delicate windows and lacy stone” the statement emphasizes the prevalence of light and the beauty of simplicity in the design of the structure saying that “It’s a profound religious experience merely to stand inside the temple.”
The October, 1966, issue of Senior Citizen Magazine contained an article on the Bahá’í Faith entitled “Daily Thought Starters — The Wisdom of Bahá’u’lláh.”
The article gave a brief description of the Faith, and then listed selections from “Bahá’í Scriptures” for each day of the month. The selections from “Bahá’í Scriptures” were submitted to the magazine by a Mrs. Willard E. Givens.
Illinois Public Opinion, a magazine devoted to the opinion of the people of Illinois on issues pertaining to state, city, county or the federal government, published in Chicago, carried in its January-February 1967 issue a three-page story about the Bahá’í House of Worship and its history and facts about the Faith itself. It is titled: “Spectacular Landmark at the Crossroads.”
The Sociology of Development - Iran as an Asian Case Study, by Norman Jacobs, a 541 page book published by Frederick A. Praeger, New York, contains a lengthy chapter on “Religion and Political Authority” which makes several references to the Bahá’í Faith. Dr. Jacobs, now serving as Fulbright Professor of Education, Bangkok, Thailand, lived and travelled extensively in Iran for two years. While he takes no position himself in this book regarding the Faith, he presents the view that presumably exists in Iran that the Faith is both political and religious, that political authority does not attack it as a religious movement but “as an alleged political cat’s paw of outside conspirators . . . who hope to use the Bahá’í movement to divide Iranian from Iranian” and therefore “must be suppressed as any other politically subversive movement,” even though its “membership is native Iranian.”
News Briefs[edit]
A busy year of varied teaching activities by the group of Springfield, Missouri came to a joyful climax at Naw-Rúz when a public meeting in the local Y.W.C.A. helped proclaim to the community the message of Bahá’u’lláh. This group, organized last September, includes five students at the South West Missouri State College who have organized and hold frequent meetings both on the campus and in Springfield. The Naw-Rúz meeting attracted a number of inquirers including a reporter and a photographer for the local paper and received excellent publicity in the paper, both before and after the event, the account including a picture of the speaker and the headline “They Stress Oneness of Mankind: Bahá’ís Welcome Spring on Happy New Year Day.” Mr. Don Hawley of Sedalia, Missouri showed slides of the London Congress. Similar public meetings are planned for the future and it is the fervent prayer of each believer that soon a local assembly may be formed in this college town.
The Bahá’ís in Howard County, Maryland have been assisted in bringing the message of Bahá’u’lláh to residents of that area by a one page article on the Faith published in the Howard County Times of February 13. Written by reporter David Barkley this substantially accurate and understanding account of the Faith, entitled: “The Message of Bahá’u’lláh: One Fold and One Shepherd” was based on an interview with Auxiliary Board member, Albert James as well as the reading of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era. Three large pictures, from the Ebony reprint are included.
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 twenty-fifth of the second month preceding date of issue. Address: Bahá’í News Editorial Office, 112 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. 60091.
