Bahá’í News/Issue 435/Text
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| No. 435 | BAHA’I YEAR 124 | JUNE 1967 |
The Unveiling of His Sovereignty[edit]
HANDS OF THE CAUSE OF THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE STRESS SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS CENTENARY YEAR
To the Bahá’í Conventions of Alaska, Canada and the United States and all the Dearly Loved Friends
“Soon will all that dwell on earth be enlisted under these banners.”
Beloved Friends:
The Blessed Beauty, Bahá’u’lláh, one hundred years ago this glorious Riḍván, released a majestic power from His remote prison in Adrianople, breathed a new life upon the world, and made all things new.
The Wronged One of the world, Who, according to His testimony, “had sought nothing for Himself,” “solely as a token of His loving kindness and favor and for the purpose of quickening the dead and of redeeming all who are on earth,” accepted chains, fetters, adversities, and banishment.
“I bear witness that the eye of creation hath never gazed upon one wronged like Thee.”
In the midst of these tribulations, Bahá’u’lláh, the Lord of Lords, started to openly proclaim His message to “emperors, kings, princes and potentates, to rulers, governments, clergy and peoples, whether of the East or the West, whether Christian, Jew, Moslem or Zoroastrian,” and shared the “peerless pearls of knowledge and wisdom that lay within the ocean of His matchless utterance.” It was at this time that Bahá’u’lláh unveiled His sovereignty and alluded to His victory, saying: “We were welcomed with banners of light, whereupon the voice of the spirit cried out saying: ‘soon will all that dwell on earth be enlisted under these banners.’”
This is the goal that He, the everlasting Father, has destined for His children to achieve, in spite of all their heedlessness and ignorance. Humanity has no choice but to ultimately respond to the call of Bahá’u’lláh and accept His message. This is the plan of God for this Day as foretold in all the scriptures. It was for this very purpose that Bahá’u’lláh’s martyred Prophet, the exalted Báb, raised His call to the concourse of kings to “deliver with truth and in haste the verses” of God “to lands in both the East and the West,” And when, according to the beloved Guardian, Bahá’u’lláh issued His summons and the kings failed to respond, believers were raised up instead. Now the responsibility is ours, and the privilege. If we fail, we too may be cast aside, but the unalterable Will of God will be obeyed. For this is man’s destiny, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá affirmed, “that all nations and kindreds will be gathered together under the shadow of this divine banner, . . . all will dwell in one common fatherland which is the planet itself.”
For this glorious purpose, the beloved of all hearts, Shoghi Effendi, labored and suffered all his life, sacrificed himself wholly, paved the way and left treasures of divine guidance for his loved ones to follow.
And lastly, this is the spirit reflected in the infallible message of the “source of all good,” the Universal House of Justice, that animates our souls and directs us to all good.
The thrilling news in the message fills our hearts with joy when we hear of such astounding victories throughout the world. It moves us to have this beautiful quotation in thanksgiving on our lips, “Lord, increase my astonishment in Thee.”
Our response to the call of the Blessed Beauty, the exalted Báb, the blessed Master, and the beloved Guardian, today is our response to the message of the Universal House of Justice, dictated to that infallible supreme Body by the Lord of Hosts, Bahá’u’lláh.
The Hands of the Cause of God in the Western Hemisphere feel this year is extremely significant in the lives of us all. The Concourse on High envies us for the blessings of this Day. Out of His mercy Bahá’u’lláh has singled us out from the entire creation to recognize and serve Him. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has stressed that “the Holy Ones of past ages and centuries, each and all, yearned with tearful eyes to live, though for one moment, in the Day of God.” “The sacred dwellers of the mast exalted paradise, are in this Day, filled with burning desire to return unto this world, that they may render such service as lieth in their power to the threshold of the Abhá Beauty.” What is our duty, particularly as American Bahá’ís — addressees of the
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Tablets of the Divine Plan and recipients of all the
bounties, singled out by the supreme House for the
lion’s share of the Nine Year Plan?
The Hands suggest that in order to respond befittingly to this glorious message, let us pray first, study the message carefully word for word, pledge to arise as never before, and make our individual plan for this year in pioneering, teaching, proclamation, contribution to the Funds (the lifeblood of the Cause), and labor in the manifold fields set for us by that supreme Body, with all our resources, our energies and our very lives, till we can answer to our own hearts that, indeed, we have done everything possible in our humble power to deserve these bounties showered upon us.
The Hands and their institution are each and all standing ready to serve you whole-heartedly and by all that lies within their power.
“Ours is the duty to rush forward and ere it is too late, win the victories.”
In conclusion, let us listen to the moving words of the beloved of all hearts, Shoghi Effendi, and to the melody of his voice now vibrating from the Abhá Kingdom:
“Ours is rather the duty, however confused the scene, however dismal the present outlook, however circumscribed the resources we dispose of, to labor serenely, confidently and unremittingly to lend our share of assistance in whichever way circumstances may enable us, to the operation of the forces which, as marshalled and directed by Bahá’u’lláh, are leading humanity out of the valley of misery and shame to the loftiest summits of power and glory.”
YÁ-BAHÁ’U’L-ABHÁ!
—Hands of the Cause of God in the Western Hemisphere
April 1967
Riḍván 124
Important Announcement from the Universal House of Justice[edit]
To All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
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.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
— THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
March 17, 1967
Convention Elects U.S. National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States for 1967-1968 elected at the National Convention is as follows: Dr. Daniel Jordan, Chairman; Robert Quigley, Vice Chairman; Dr. David Ruhe, Secretary; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Assistant Secretary; Miss Edna True, Recording Secretary; Arthur Dahl, Treasurer; Dr. Dwight Allen; Dr. Sarah Pereira; Paul R. Pettit.
Cablegram from the Fifty-Eighth U.S. National Convention to the Universal House of Justice[edit]
April 28, 1967
Overwhelmed by challenge to unprecedented self-sacrifice as we embark upon unknown sea worldwide proclamation. Recognizing our need rise new heights Faith, wisdom and dedicated action, we pledge a new devotion and obedience Bahá’u’lláh. We humbly pray we may catch accents of His voice and lead Him to our hearts that He may strengthen us marshall all our untapped forces for total victory Nine Year Plan this Day of God.
Reply from the Universal House of Justice to the Fifty-Eighth U.S. National Convention[edit]
received April 30, 1967
Deeply moved spirit devotion recognition need rise greater heights self sacrifice fulfil goals Nine Year Plan. Assure all delegates, guests Convention our prayers Shrines much loved American Community may continue prosper in loving service Bahá’u’lláh adding lustre mantle spiritual primacy. Loving Riḍván greetings—
Panama Temple Site Being Prepared[edit]
“. . . in that point the Occident and the Orient find each other united through the Panama Canal, and it is also situated between the two great oceans. That place will become very important in the future. The Teachings once established there will unite the East and the West, the North and the South.”
— ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ
The Riḍván message from the Universal House of Justice speaks of the great international project of raising the Panama Temple. The site for the temple is on the outskirts of Panama City at the summit of a hill of volcanic rock formation some 700 feet above sea level. It affords magnificent views in all directions. It can be seen as one travels across the Isthmus of Panama going from one ocean to the other. The area is presently undeveloped. Clearing the road is now underway and construction will soon begin. It is anticipated that the road will be completed by July 31, 1967, since it must be ready for the historic laying of the cornerstone in October at the Inter-Continental Conference by Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum.
Peter Tillotson, an English architect, is the originator of the design and Robert McLaughlin, former member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Dean Emeritus of the School of Architecture of Princeton University who served as a member of the Technical Advisory Board for the construction of the interior of the Mother-Temple of the West in Wilmette, has been appointed architectural consultant to the Universal House of Justice in respect to the building of the Panama Temple.
Once more an unusual opportunity for spiritual participation through material means comes to the believers throughout the world. In their Riḍván message of 1966, the Universal House of Justice called upon “the believers and Bahá’í communities to contribute Liberally and continuously until the funds for the completion of this historic structure are assured. Such contributions should be sent directly to the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama."
Bahá’ís who have had the privilege of sacrificing for the construction of the edifices in the Holy Land, the Mother Temple in Wilmette, and the Temples in Uganda, Sydney and Frankfurt know the confirmation and blessing that comes in being able to directly assist in the erection of so sacred a structure, vital to the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
The friends everywhere will be looking forward eagerly to drawings of this new Bahá’í House of Worship, as promised by the Universal House of Justice in the April, 1967 message.
Upper photo is a view of Panama Temple site from the highway below. Lower photo shows Robert McLaughlin (second from left) checking the area site.
First National Spiritual Assembly Elected in Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands[edit]
The beloved Guardian, always particularly proud of the “firsts" achieved in the Bahá’í world, “would,” in the words of Hand of the Cause. Dr. Ugo Giachery, “be happy today when these ‘forgotten’ islands (forgotten by the world) are witnessing the formation of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands. I am sure his great spirit is with us.”
Held in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, April 23-24, 1967, the first National Convention drew attendance of Bahá’ís from twelve of the sixteen Caribbean islands coming under the jurisdiction of the new national body, sweeping in an arc from Grenada (at the southern tip) north and westward to the Virgin Islands, and from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the United States and France. Ninety-seven names were recorded in the register of this historic occasion.
Distinguished Guests[edit]
Representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira, opened the Convention, bringing greetings from that body and reading its message with its assurance of standing “ready to advise and assist whenever called upon.” She called attention to the great privilege of the members to be elected to the new assembly in going to Haifa next Riḍván to elect the new Universal House of Justice.
Dr. Pereira had the honor of presenting dearly-loved Hand of the Cause Dr. Giachery, who responded: “I am here to represent the World Center of the Faith, the Universal House of Justice and the body of the Hands of the Cause. I bring an expression of their admiration, affection, Bahá’í love, and the assurance that right now they are praying for you, the Bahá’ís of the Caribbean Sea, in the Holy Shrines.” A thrill of gratitude and confidence thus started vibrating which was to offset the feeling of inadequacy in the face of the awesome responsibilities set forth in the special message of the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands.
All Delegates Present[edit]
All nine delegates answered the roll call, and then special guests were introduced: Mrs. Angeline Giachery, her husband’s invaluable supporter and collaborator; Mrs. Sheila Rice-Wray, veteran pioneer in the Dominican Republic; Knud Jensen, first Bahá’í to make his declaration in the Virgin Islands; Mrs. Alma Lake, first native believer in St. Thomas; Mrs. Mary Dayton, who, with her husband, Charles Dayton, were the first pioneers in the Virgin Islands; Mr. and Mrs. Ellerton Harmer, the second pioneer couple to arrive; Miss Lydia Martin and Carlos Martin Pereira, sister and son of Dr. Pereira; Miss Lecile Webster of Paris, France; Mrs. Ludmilla Van Sombeek; Robert Hatcher, new Coordinator of Temple Activities at the Wilmette House of Worship.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands, elected April 23, 1967 with Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery. Left to right: Thomas Hooper, Ellerton Harmer (treasurer), Mrs. Lorraine Landau, Jean Desert (vice-chairman), Mrs. Henrietta Trutza (recording secretary), Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery, Miss Katharine Meyer (corresponding secretary), Jeffrey Lewis, Mrs. Dorothy Schneider, Edwin Miller (chairman).
Weekend of Activities[edit]
The weekend’s activities had begun unofficially with an evening reception to which the press and leading figures in St. Thomas were invited. The honored convention guests, speaking briefly and informally, remarked on the love, unity and family quality brought by the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. The public meeting held the following evening featured the film “And His Name Shall Be One” and a talk by Dr. Giachery.
At the joyous Riḍván Feast the Bahá’í children of St. Croix sang Bahá’í songs. The declaration of a native St. Thomian, Mrs. Angela Francis, just before the Feast began seemed a sign that the bounties of Bahá’u’lláh will be poured forth abundantly on these islands during the coming year.
Preceding the convention was an all-day teaching conference with Mrs. Maurine Kraus, secretary of the Foreign Goals Committee, presiding. Lovingly, she commented, “This is a real homecoming for me, even though I am seeing most of you face to face for the first time. The committee has longed for this day. We are so proud of you.”
New Local Assemblies[edit]
The happy news of the formation this Riḍván of three additional Local Spiritual Assemblies, in St. Vincent, St. Kitts, and Frederiksted, St. Croix, was announced. This makes a total of eight in the Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands. Two groups in Guadeloupe hope to reach assembly status next year.
These remarks are gleaned from the ensuing reports and consultation:
Dr. Giachery, on how to teach: “Appeal to reason rather than to feelings . . . Steps in teaching should be attraction, instruction, confirmation . . . The Guardian mentions teaching ‘patterns’ rather than teaching methods.”
The convention, at which the National Spiritual Assembly of the Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands was elected, held in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas April 23-24, 1967.
Mrs. Giachery: “When there is love in the heart the language of thought is eloquent.”
Pioneer Mrs. Frances Foss: “A year ago I had never heard of St. Martin; I have now lived there for seven months! . . . I have learned something about pioneering, you get to know yourself right down to the skeleton.”
Jeffrey Lewis, warmhearted native believer of Grenada: “I became a Bahá’í (four years ago) very, very easily . . . Winston Evans distributed Bahá’í literature all over Grenada. After reading the pamphlet Prophecies Fulfilled ten became Bahá’ís.”
Ivor Ellard, pioneer in Dominica: “Empty oneself of all previous culture . . . A pamphlet based on New Light on the Spiritual Path would be ideal.”
Pioneer Mrs. Dorothy Schneider: “We started teaching before we attracted — we got things mixed up!”
From St. Kitts, native Bahá’í, Miss Eulalie Brown, expressed her joy in being present. Pioneer O. T. Shelton of St. Eustatius stated: “I am there to bring something to the island. I'm not taking anything out of it.”
Edwin Miller: “Firesides are not effective in Grenada — the terminology is unfortunate in this climate! . . . We have learned a lot, mostly what not to do. The words ‘oneness of science and religion’ make sense to us, but we found that to them ‘science’ means dealing with Satan!”
Tribute to a Pioneer[edit]
Dr. Pereira paid a tribute to the late Mrs. Etta Woodlen for her fine pioneering work in Barbados. It was later reported that Mrs. Woodlen’s will provided for a Bahá’í Center in Barbados.
The Message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the world, read in the opening session of convention, brought that unique institution into clearer focus for the friends, inspiring them to resolve to do their share in meeting the challenging goals of the Nine Year Plan.
Suspense mounted as the appointed time for the election of the new National Spiritual Assembly approached. Dr. Giachery commented, “A pillar, a ‘slim’ pillar, is being born. I feel like a father, pacing, awaiting the birth of a child.” Elected in “a spirit of prayer . . . in that rarefied atmosphere of selflessness and detachment . . . ” were Edwin Miller, Grenada (chairman); Jean Desert, Guadeloupe (vice chairman); Miss Katharine Meyer, St. Thomas (corresponding secretary); Mrs. Henrietta Trutza, St. Lucia (recording secretary); Ellerton Harmer, St. Thomas (treasurer); Mrs. Dorothy Schneider, St. Croix, V.I.; Thomas Hooper, St. Thomas; Jeffrey Lewis, Grenada; Mrs. Lorraine Landau, Saba. It is noteworthy that these members come from six different islands which represent four national backgrounds — French, British, Dutch and American.
Gifts Presented[edit]
Among the gifts presented to the infant assembly were a contribution to the new National Bahá’í Fund with a letter of congratulations from the Universal House of Justice; a generous gift of money, the film “And His Name Shall Be One,” and several Bahá’í books for the national library from the “mother” National Spiritual Assembly; a picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Greatest Name in exquisite, matched frames from Dr. and Mrs. Giachery; a green leather album, appropriately engraved, containing congratulatory messages from many of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the world, from the Foreign Goals Committee; and contributions from many individual believers.
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Dr. Giachery remarked that it would be wonderful for
the friends to start to contribute to the Temple in
Panama. He stressed the necessity of precision in
making the budget. “Our personal responsibility,” he
stated, “is to take the money out of corruption so as to
purify it and place it to work in the world.” Dr. Pereira
gave encouragement reminiscent of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:
“You have made a beginning, so the goals are in the
process of being achieved.”
The “outside world” in St. Thomas was occupied with Carnival festivities, but the Bahá’ís gathered in convention on the campus of the College of the Virgin Islands were concerned with matters of lasting spiritual value to the world at large.
“Let Bahá’u’lláh be on our lips all the time. We want to proclaim that we have something to teach the whole World," were Dr. Giachery's final remarks. “You are my twelfth child. Like all children you will have problems. You will be under strain, you and your families . . . Your primary duty is to the institutions that are God-ordained . . . Read the Message from the Universal House of Justice many, many times.”
And in the hush left by the closing prayer, the friends spontaneously joined hands, singing Alláh’u’Abhá from the depths of their bursting hearts.
— LORANA KERFOOT,
CONVENTION REPORTER
A Harvest Time in British Honduras[edit]
Harvest time seems truly to be at hand in British Honduras. Behind us lie more than thirteen years of painfully slow progress in the spread of the Faith since the original pioneers, Mrs. Cora Oliver and Mrs. Shirley Warde, arrived in the fall of 1953 from Panama and California respectively.
Then a small, backward and forgotten British Colony, today the country is emerging as a nation of Central America and is expected to attain independence in 1968. And today the Faith is experiencing a phenomenal surge of growth.
Fifty new believers were enrolled in the month of December, 1966, and thirty-five more the first weekend of January. Every teaching trip since brings new declarations and opens new areas with people clamoring for books and more teaching. This sudden flood of acceptance is mainly in the northern villages populated by Mayans, Mexicans and some Creoles, and in a southern area among the Carribs, But western villages are also yielding their fruit and even Belize City, the capital, has had more enrollments in the past year than in any since the Faith was introduced there in 1953. So eager are the people in the outlying districts to hear about Bahá’u’lláh that we feel we are on the verge of mass conversion.
All this activity coincided with the arrival of five new pioneers, including Miss Ruhi Yeganeh, fulfilling a goal of the National Spiritual Assembly of Great Britain, and Maximillianno Cauich and family, a young Mayan of Yucatan, Mexico, who was sent us by the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico to fulfill one of their goals under the Nine Year Plan. The local believers, too, have caught fire with the new spirit and are devotedly teaching in all areas.
British Honduras has been under the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly of Guatemala, but the Universal House of Justice is permitting the formation of our own National Assembly at Riḍván this year when delegates and believers will attend our first National Convention and we will have the blessing of the presence of Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery. When the decision was taken we had only four local assemblies and Bahá’ís residing in only eight localities as of last Riḍván, but this year we will be strengthened by eight new assemblies and with Bahá’ís now residing in twenty-four localities. The existing assemblies have also grown, one having more than trebled in membership in the past year. The Belize City Assembly is incorporated; we have our endowment; a Temple site has been selected and is in the process of negotiation. Hence few goals now remain under our Nine Year Plan. All of this is proof of the unfailing aid promised by Bahá’u’lláh and the wisdom and foresight of our Universal House of Justice.
Looking back over the period of seed planting, we marvel at the sudden surge of acceptance that is now taking place. It was two years before two local believers were enrolled in Belize City, one adult and one youth. By 1958 we had grown to twelve and formed the Belize Local Spiritual Assembly. Two more were added in 1961, five in 1962, then only one a year through 1965 with a sudden acceleration in 1966 to thirteen enrollments plus the five new pioneers transferred here. In 1965 Burrel Boom, to the west where Mrs. Cora Oliver had built her home, formed its assembly. From there Bermudian Landing, a village still further west, was opened and, together with the village of San Andres in the north, came to assembly status in 1966.
But through these years of slow development we had the great bounty of visits from three Hands of the Cause, Mr. Zikru’lláh Khádem, Dr, Ugo Giachery on three occasions, and Mr. Enoch Olinga, as well as some extended visits from five Auxiliary Board members. Small wonder then that the seeds are now ripening and the harvesting time is at hand.
— SHIRLEY A. WARDE
Newly purchased Alaska Bahá’í summer school property, consisting of four acres of land on north Douglas Road near Juneau, Foundation at left is for school building, house in center is where caretaker will live, foundation on right is for an apartment and secretarial office. Property includes eighty-five feet directly on the waters of Gastineau Channel.
Pioneers and Traveling Teachers Assist with Venezuelan Goals[edit]
Bahá’ís of Venezuela have been utilizing their vacation periods during the past year to teach in distant places both inside and outside the country. Mickey Posner, Sandy Whitney and Peter McLaren visited Trinidad, where effective public and fireside teaching was done. Mr. McLaren also visited Curazao, Aruba and Bonaire, all of which are included in Venezuela’s Nine Year Plan goals.
On the home front two teaching trips were made to Margarita Island (also a special goal in the Nine Year Plan) by Addie Teske, Carole Woodard, Mickey Posner and Peter McLaren. Eloy Carrascal and Weldon Woodard traveled to the remote area of Territoria Amazonas where they visited Puerto Ayacucho and the Guajibo Indian communities. All of these teaching trips included several large meetings and the enrollment of new believers.
Bahá’ís of the central cities of Venezuela are now making regular visits to rural Bahá’í communities on weekends, while those living in cities of the interior make weekend trips to the Carina and Guajiro Indian communities.
Guaymi Indian pioneers, Venancio Bejerano of Boca de Soloy and Manuel Rodriguez of Plan de Chorcha, ready to leave for their post in the San Blas Islands.
Photos above show activities in Trinidad and Islands of Margarita and Bonaire, all mentioned in article at left.
A great step forward has been made with the opening of two virgin goals of the Nine Year Plan. Mrs. Rhoda Vaughn arrived in Bonaire in October and Mrs. Ethel McAllaster arrived in Aruba in January. The first native believer of Bonaire, Max Webster, has been enrolled.
A portion of the audience, with Fred Berest as chairman, at a public meeting March 18, Canal Zone, Panama. Program was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Russ Garcia and Ron and Lois Schneider, members of a yacht crew on a travel-teaching voyage. While in the area of the Canal Zone and the Panama Republic, they gave generously of their time and talent.
The National Spiritual Assembly of West Africa fulfilled one of its Nine Year Plan goals with the opening of the first Bahá’í school in Bomi Hills, Liberia.
West African School Founded in Liberia[edit]
One of the goals of the Nine Year Plan for the National Spiritual Assembly of West Africa was to establish a summer/winter school, assisted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States.
On March 24 West Africa’s historic first Bahá’í school opened its ten-day session at the Bahá’í Center in Bomi Hills, Liberia. West Africa now takes its place among the other national spiritual assemblies of the world having regular sessions during the summer, winter and spring where Bahá’ís and guests come together for fellowship and study. The first of its kind in Liberia. the school aimed at training teachers to propagate the Faith. Bahá’í laws, history and principles were discussed, interspersed with workshop activities, social periods and inspirational sessions.
A new dormitory, entirely built and financed by native Bahá’ís, was completed and dedicated in time for the opening of the school. Over seventy-five students, approximately half of whom were Bahá’ís, attended one or more classes. Two Liberian newspapers covered the event.
On March 15 nearly 200 people attended the open house at the newly-opened national Bahá’í headquarters and office of the national secretary in Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia. This event was sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of West Africa, in honor of the Dunnes’ departure for Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands, Spain, where they have gone to try to regain their health after many years of faithful and loyal service.
First winter school held in Rabat, Morocco, February 25-26, with twenty-five communities represented. Theme of the school was “Toward a Better World.”
European Summer Schools[edit]
JUNE-SEPTEMBER, 1967
| AUSTRIA | July 1-8 | Pension Sonnhof, Lofer near Salzburg Write: Bahá’í-Haus Thimiggasse 12, |
| BELGIUM | August 5-15 | Domaine de l’Hirondelle, Castle of Oteppe near Huy |
| BRITISH ISLES | July 1-8 August 12-26 |
Harlech, Wales Dalston, near Carlisle |
| DENMARK | June 23-25 | Vapnagaard, near Elsinore Write: Bahá’í Center, Sofievej 28, |
| FINLAND July | 1-6 Dipoli | Otaniemi, near Helsinki Write: Bahá’í Center, P. O. Box 10423, |
| FRANCE | August 26-Sept | 2 Maison Familiale de Vacances Les Alberges, in Uriage-les-Bains, near |
| GERMANY | July 2-8 July 29-August 6 |
Gauting near Munich, at Germeringer/ Strasse 30 |
| ITALY | September 1-10 | Albergo Parco delle Quercie, Contursi near Salerno (Amalfi) |
| LUXEMBOURG | June 23-25 | Bridel, near Luxembourg-Ville Write: Miss Virginia Orbinson, B rue |
| NETHERLANDS | July 22-29 | De Berkenhoeve, near Hilversum Write: Bahá’í Center, Rioustraat 27, |
| SPAIN | August 13-20 | [Other information not yet available.] |
| SWITZERLAND | September 1-10 | Hotel Universitaire, Leysin, Canton de Vaud Write: Bahá’í School, P. 0. Box 311, |
| A schedule of European Summer Schools to be held from June to September, 1967, is presented |
View near Grenoble, France
Hotel Universitaire, Leysin, Canton de Vaud, Switzerland.
Hand of the Cause Lays Corner-Stone for New Era School[edit]
New Era High School, Panchgani, India. Hand of the Cause Tarázú’lláh Samandari placing the holy relics inside the foundation stone.
Early on Sunday morning, March 12, the ceremony for laying the foundation stone of the New Era school in Panchgani, India was held in the presence of the staff and students and their friends. This Bahá’í high school is to be developed into a teacher-training college at the instruction of the Universal House of Justice.
It was a moving occasion. Pieces of stone from the holy places, together with written statements describing the event in English and Persian were placed inside the corner-stone. After prayers were chanted and the statements were read, Mr. Samandari placed the pieces of stone inside the cement block. As there was no foundation to the building, the cement block had to be placed in the ground at a predetermined spot. A pick for digging the earth in which the cement block was to be placed was given to Mr. Samandari. He wielded the large pick — not once, but nine times, swinging it above his head at each stroke. The atmosphere became strangely hushed, except for the noise of the pick. On he went until his breathing became very labored and he started to tremble. Then he rested his hand on the pick and closed his eyes in prayer. When he opened his eyes he was ready to carry on with the day’s proceedings. He had indeed shown everyone present the tremendous power of prayer.
Hand of the Cause Tarázú’lláh Samandari breaking ground for the foundation. His son and translator, Dr. Medhi Samandari of Somalia, is seen holding the camera.
Following are some excerpts from Mr. Samandari's
talk given at a conference in Panchgani on March 11,
preceding the corner-stone ceremony, as translated by
Dr. Medhi Samandari, Auxiliary Board member in
Africa, traveling with his father, the Hand of the Cause:
“If we look to the history of the Faith in the time of the Báb, the Faith would have suffered terribly if there were no true lovers willing to sacrifice all. Again during the time of Bahá’u’lláh the Faith would have come to nothing without such souls. Among these were such souls as the King of Martyrs, the Beloved of Martyrs and Badi who took the Tablet to the Sháh — a unique honor and sacrifice in the history of the world. These were the types of people who made the Faith grow. Likewise in the ministry of Abdu’l-Bahá, lovers came forward to sacrifice for the Faith. . . . The same took place in the time of the Guardian, and it was the
great love of the friends that promoted the Cause. The Promised One gave us the Most Holy Book, and its child, the Universal House of Justice, elected in Haifa in 1963, brings to a culmination after the Guardian the erection of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. The members of the first Universal House of Justice stood before 7,000 Bahá’ís in London at the World Congress celebrating the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh and then returned to Haifa to start their great work of administering the whole Bahá’í world. Now, at this time, we must turn to the Universal House of Justice as real lovers of the Cause. The national and local assemblies must be first on the role of lovers. We should remember, too, the symbol of loved and lover and candle and moth given by Bahá’u’lláh. The Universal House of Justice is like the candle and the national and local assemblies and the believers are like the moth attracted to the light, until death, through sacrifice.
“It is clear that without administration this program is impossible, for the speed of progress is in direct proportion to our attachment to the administration — so let it work smoothly and efficiently. Any failure or weakness on our part will harm the Faith and slow down its progress. The Guardian spoke to me on this matter saying that the Báb was the Forerunner and gave the glad tidings, that Bahá’u’lláh was the Founder of the New World Order and that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was the Interpreter of the New World Order, and further, that the national spiritual assemblies are the promoters of the New World Order. The Guardian did not speak of himself but you know that during his thirty-six year ministry he was the teacher of the new administrative order.
All believers within the administrative order are the foundation of the Faith and consultation forms the basis. Conscientious and completely perfect consultation of all matters material and spiritual are essential. Bahá’u’lláh says a Bahá’í should consider himself as entering the presence of God Himself before starting to consult — remember this. He must be conscious of God’s presence there, and when this is done, then and only then start to consult. The subject must be clear and all must participate. In this way the Holy Scriptures will infuse the gathering and results will be the very best. I would advise the friends that gather for consultation to show every respect, humility, meekness, etc., then start consulting and then you will achieve the results you hope for.”
Earlier in his presentation, Mr. Samandari stated:
“We must cooperate in all matters pertaining to the Faith, and every one of us has sacred duties. The burden on the shoulders of the National Assembly is very heavy in their responsibility to the community and secondly to the Universal House of Justice, and this in itself is equal to their responsibility to Bahá’u’lláh Himself. . . . ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explained the greatness of the Faith and said that the tests would be intense. He says a mountain can be turned into a piece of straw and again a mountain can become as small as a grain of mustard seed. We cannot realize how heavy our responsibilities are. . . It is essential for Hands of the Cause and board members to cooperate fully with national assemblies to fulfill their sacred duties. . . .
Youth Symposium in Pakistan
Youth symposium on world peace held on March 25, 1967, sponsored by the Bahá’í youth of Karachi, Pakistan.
Teaching in Pakistan
The national treasurer of Pakistan (second from left in photo at left) after completing purchase of site of Dacca, Pakistan Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Photo at right shows Hassan Mahboobi and Mr. Jamshedi in Suthrapur, East Pakistan, on a teaching trip. Shown with them is the chowdri ( head man) of the village of Suthrapur.
. . .and in Thailand
Texan Lee and Mrs. Shirin Fozdar aboard the Bahá’í Land Rover, being ferried across a river in northeast Thailand. Photo at right shows villagers gathering around truck on its arrival at village of Ban Thatjomsri.
The Festival of Naw-Rúz was celebrated at the Bahá’í Center, Bangkok, Thailand, where over fifty guests, in addition to Bahá’ís, attended. General Stillwell of the U.S.A., the Burmese Ambassador, representatives from the Indian and Russian Embassies, great-granddaughter of King Mongkut of Siam and other eminent guests were present. Slides of the shrines and temples were shown and a talk on the Faith was given by Mrs. Shirin Fozdar.
Bahá’ís in the village of Arufa in the New Guinea highlands with Hand of the Cause, Collis Featherstone.
New Guineans Welcome Hand of Cause[edit]
In January of this year, after attending the summer school in Medina, New Ireland, Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone and members of his family visited the believers in the highlands of the Territory of New Guinea, only recently opened to the Faith. The new Bahá’ís there belong to some of the most primitive tribes in the world. Mr. Featherstone showed slides of Israel to about fifty Bahá’ís in the home of the pioneers to the area, Noel and Margaret Bluett. The following day he walked three miles in the rain up steep slopes to the village of Arufa, where many Bahá’ís live. The language barrier, though a great problem, was surmounted by the wonderful spirit brought by Mr. Featherstone. Taped music also helped to convey the spirit of Bahá’í fellowship,
Following the visit to Arufa, Mr. Featherstone, accompanied by his family and the Bluetts, traveled over the mountains into the next valley, where the Faith has only recently been established. The people in this valley have had contact with outside civilization for only ten years. The majority of the new Bahá’ís are pagan in the sense that they have had no knowledge of other religious teachings. On the way home the road was closed by heavy rain and the Featherstone and Bluett families spent the night in a grass hut.
Tom Wesley, a new Bahá’í, tells his own village people about the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh on the occasion of visit by Hand of the Cause, Collis Featherstone.
Twenty-five New Guineans expressed their wish to become Bahá’ís during Mr. Featherstone’s visit. He will long be remembered in the highlands of New Guinea because he brought the fragrance of the holy places into this remote and primitive area.
The third summer school of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands will be held from August 5-12, 1967 at the
Waimanalo Elementary School, Waimanalo, Hawaii.
Classes will be held during morning and late afternoon
hours, with special subjects given in the evenings and
special weekend programs offered. Reservations can
be addressed to Bahá’í Schools Council, 3264 Allan
Place, Honolulu. Hawaii.
A weekend study session was arranged in Chisimaio, Somalia, this past winter on occasion of visit of Mohamed Dalmar and Osman Hagi from Mogadiscio, and Grant Winkleman from Gelib, all appearing at left. Persian, Somali and American nationalities are represented in this photo.
Bahá’í Week in Wilmette . . .[edit]
Proclamation in the Shadow of the Temple
Most Bahá’ís all over the world know about Wilmette, Illinois. But until recently, many residents of Wilmette did not know much about the Bahá’í Faith. Bahá’í Week in Wilmette, April 9-16, 1967 remedied this condition to a large extent. The Wilmette Bahá’í Community planned, prayed, and prepared for this intensive local proclamation, beginning in the hot days of last summer, through the winter of blizzards, and in the springtime shared these efforts with their neighbors.
From the outset, the importance of relating to the unique conditions of proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith in Wilmette was kept in mind. The long buildup of local good will was carefully fostered. The Village Board’s approval was granted, the Mayor's proclamation was publicized. The Garden Club Federation was consulted on where a gift of a rose garden could best enhance the community. A new fire station lawn was chosen, and the planting was publicly performed with Bahá’í, Village, and Garden Club officials participating.
Public Meetings[edit]
As attractions to the Bahá’í Week schedule of public affairs programs, the community was fortunate to have the talents of Auxiliary Board member William Maxwell, Jr. and our United Nations Observer, Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh. Two evening meetings on subjects of real public interest were held in Central School. On Monday, Mrs. Mottahedeh held over 200 listeners with the subject, “Is World Govemment Possible?” On Thursday a panel discussion on “Race and Religion in Today’s Society” featured three Wilmette clergymen: Rabbi William Frankel of Beth Hillel synagogue, Father John Rosemeyer of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, and Rev. Donald Farley of the First Congregational Church, plus Mr. Maxwell for the Bahá’í Faith. Again, over 200 attended, including many Bahá’ís and their friends from surrounding communities who gave heart warming support to the meeting by their presence. Their presence added much to the spirit of the meeting and was greatly appreciated. Refreshments for these public meetings were gourmet treats from many Bahá’í kitchens.
Home Fireside[edit]
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, in different areas of Wilmette, there were home firesides at which the history of the House of Worship was related, with slide illustrations. Since the Village has grown rapidly to its present population of 32,000 in very recent years, most of the residents were almost unaware of the real significance of the magnificent structure which dominates the local skyline, and they were oblivious to the fact that over 100,000 visitors and thousands of Bahá’ís are drawn to this Chicago suburb annually for the one purpose of coming to the Bahá’í House of Worship. With the mailing of an attractive double-purpose brochure to every household in Wilmette prior to Bahá’í Week, such ignorance can no longer exist. Basic Bahá’í facts in a succinct presentation were included, along with a program and invitation to share in the full week of local public events.
Local clergymen and Bahá’í spokesman at panel on Race and Religion. Left to right: Salvatore Pelle, moderator, Father John Rosemeyer, Rev. Donald Farley, Mr. William Maxwell, Rabbi William Frankel.
Presentation and Displays[edit]
At its dinner, attended by a large number of citizens the Wilmette Historical Commission, founded and served for many years by the late Horace Holley, was presented with a beautifully detailed picture history of the Faith in Wilmette and the growth of the Temple on these prairie shores. On this occasion the reasons were explained for the selection of Wilmette as the site for the now world famous structure. Posters, radio, local and metropolitan press coverage carried information about Bahá’í Week. In three major business windows plus the local bank and the public library were outstanding window exhibits — some left up for the entire month of April, adding interest for the National Convention which followed ten days after Bahá’í Week. Local Bahá’ís were given the privilege of speaking on the Faith at Rotary, Lions, and League of Women Voters’ meetings.
Opening Recaption[edit]
In addition to the public affairs events and firesides, the Wilmette believers inaugurated their proclamation with a reception to which the leading citizens, officials, professional and organizational leaders and friends of the Faith were invited . . . and which they accepted, attended, and thoroughly enjoyed. Setting the tone for the entire week, the Sunday evening reception was held in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds on a beautiful clear night, unlike the dismal weather predicted for the day.
Youth Participation[edit]
The local high school age youth shared richly in Bahá’í Week, with Bahá’í speakers invited to give talks
Crowds attend open house on Wilmette Day at the House of Worship.
on the Faith in all New Trier High School sociology classes and its senior seminar as well as at the North Shore Country Day School. Saturday night's youth Fireside attracted over sixty-five young people, many for their first encounter with Bahá’í teachings, and resulted in two youth declarations, though neither young person was from the host community.
Wilmette Day at the Temple[edit]
The glorious culmination of this thrilling week of introducing the Bahá’í Faith to its nearest neighbors was Wilmette Day at the House of Worship.
That concluding Sunday began at 9 in the morning with over eighty foreign high school students in the American Friends’ Service Foreign Students program, and their local hosts, taking an hour tour with many showing real interest in learning more about the Faith both here and on their return to their homelands. From 10 until 6 in the afternoon visitors poured into the Temple for the open house with special tours, slide presentations and hospitality all day. The spirit was surely felt by the guests on this day. During the afternoon program of devotions a prominent local official of B’nai Brith, Mr. Ellis Kaplan, read from the Old Testament. Dr. Martin Bickham (who was honored a year ago by the local Bahá’ís for his years of work in human rights) read from the New Testament. Both guest readers also read from Bahá’í writings, as did the three Wilmette Bahá’í readers.
The theme of the readings was powerful, “In Praise of God,” and its message was communicated to a full auditorium. Dr. Bickham, a devout Christian said later, “As I stood to read, my eyes raised upwards, and that beautiful dome was so filled with such a light — it was the presence of God.”
Following the moving devotions Mr. Maxwell’s talk in a crowded Foundation Hall, “Mankind Moves Toward Unity,” crowned the week with the beautiful pure message of Bahá’u’lláh, and the hope offered by the Bahá’í Faith to this troubled world. None who listened could fail to grasp its urgency and importance. Reluctantly, the designated week of local proclamation closed, but new doors were opened to the Faith in Wilmette. New attention is being given, fresh insight is apparent, increasing momentum is already evident in the community attitude toward the Bahá’í Faith, not as holding title to a building which is a beautiful tourist attraction, but as offering a possible new spiritual direction for this day. The seeds for proclaiming in Wilmette were carefully selected, lovingly planted, and with careful tending in the coming days, weeks, months and years, Bahá’u’lláh will reap a continuing harvest in the garden of Wilmette just beyond the gardens of the House of Worship.
Long Island Youth Hold First Conference[edit]
The Long Island Youth Conference which was held over the weekend of March 24-26 in Manhasset, New York and sponsored by the Huntington and Hampstead Assemblies, proved to be a rewarding and inspirational “first” of its kind in this area. Approximately fifty people were in attendance with thirty-four of the youth coming from New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey. This number included eight not-yet Bahá’í youth and one parent who decided at the conference to sign the card on her return home.
Hospitality was provided in homes in nearby communities and transportation supplied by adult drivers. Thus was the problem of inadequate housing facilities in one area overcome.
Excellent talks by Nat Rutstein, Linda and Bruce Jones, Dr. Sam McClellan and Frank Winters were followed by good group discussion. Workshops and social activity topped off with a buffet dinner and party made the occasion inspiring and enjoyable for all. Four youth who are not yet Bahá’ís expressed their desire to go to Green Acre this summer and those under fifteen years of age were anxious to enroll in the Faith as soon as possible.
A high spirit of love and fellowship prevailed bringing added dedication on the part of these youth to service in the work of the Faith they love so much as well as to their desire to help each other.
Those who attended the Youth Conference at “White House” in Manhasset, New York, March 24-23, 1967.
Youth Conference at Davison, Michigan, March 24-27, 1967.
Youth Hold Spring Conference at Davison[edit]
The Youth Conference at Davison School, Michigan March 24-27 had for its theme “The Role of Youth in the World” and attracted over one hundred youth from near and far. Special greetings from the Universal House of Justice, from the Hands of the Cause in the Western Hemisphere and from the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States gave assurance of prayers for success and the hope that all might arise to new heights of service. These messages helped establish a spirit of dedication and enthusiasm from the start of the conference. Those who attended judged the gathering a great and outstanding success and went away refreshed and invigorated.
The program was centered around the message of June 1966 from the Universal House of Justice to the Youth of the Bahá’í World which was published in the August 1966 issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS. The first session was devoted to study of the entire message and was followed by eleven sessions in which principal themes found in it were carefully studied and discussed. Topics included: a review of the role of youth in the heroic age of the Faith and in contemporary Bahá’í history; an analysis of the two processes in the world today and the role of the Bahá’ís; the spiritual nature of the human being and his relationship to God; the Bahá’í personality and its development; the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh and the role of youth therein; an analysis of the relationship between Divine Revelation and knowledge acquired through rational thought.
There was emphasis on discussion with two entire sessions devoted to group participation. Teachers included Auxiliary Board member Velma Sherrill, Don Streets, Hamilton Niss and Peter Khan. There were several devotional periods and time for fellowship, a dance and singing.
The work of preparing the school facilities, preparing and serving meals, cleaning up and registration, was all carried on by volunteers, whose joyful spirit and sacrifice were a major contribution to the success of the conference.
Many Joyful Celebrations Mark Bahá’í New Year[edit]
“Joyous" and “inspiring” were frequently-used words to describe the gatherings of believers in observance of Naw-Rúz, the Bahá’í New Year and one of the most festive and merry of the special Bahá’í Days.
American believers celebrated in much the same way as the Íránian friends who hold picnics and other joyful get-togethers sparked with talks, chanting of tablets and verses, and melodious music.
Successful teaching efforts, intercommunity cooperation and delicious meals highlighted many celebrations here, such as the delectable dinner for 65 people at a believer’s Lafayette, New York, home. The program opened with a Naw-Rúz prayer and was followed by an explanation of Naw-Rúz, including a general outline of Bahá’í teachings and colored-slide program of the House of Worship. The group singing session was enjoyed by the 31 Bahá’ís and 34 “not-yet” Bahá’ís. Also in New York, Bahá’ís of Brighton, East Rochester, Greece, Henrietta, Irondequoit, Livonia, Penfield and Pittsford communities realized their most outstanding inter-group activity of the year — Naw-Rúz in the cabin in Powder Mill Park.
The Prince Georges County, Maryland, celebration featured a buffet style dinner and a talk on the origin of Naw-Rúz beginning with the Zoroastrians in Ancient Persia. About 35 attended the gala occasion representing nearly all the surrounding Bahá’í communities. Near by, in Pennsylvania, 19 attended Naw-Rúz at an evening which was a joint venture of the West Chester community and surrounding groups, and was pleasantly spent with group singing and a special attraction, a brass quartette.
A bountiful pot luck supper followed by a program of “happenings” took place at the Waukesha, Wisconsin, YMCA. Men donned women’s nylons while wearing huge cotton gloves and blindfolds, women competed in a wood sawing contest, an entire family presented a dance routine, and awards were presented for the best backyard activity of the year, the best driver, the giggler of the year, the most loquacious orator, and the best self ornamentation.
Naw-Rúz was an opportunity for a specific teaching effort for a Decatur, Illinois, woman who entertained her co-workers at the Nursing School, Decatur Hospital
at a coffee hour. The meaning of Naw-Rúz was explained. Also, the Decatur Herald Review carried an article on the New Year and a letter to the editor resulted in an inquiry and requests to attend firesides. Decatur believers also had a covered-dish dinner at which the children sang Bahá’í songs learned at Sunday class.
The celebration in Franklin, New Hampshire, was hosted by the Lakes Region Bahá’ís and sponsored by the State Goals Committees. Of the 91 attending, 32 were non-Bahá’ís and among the Bahá’ís were the faces of many who are not otherwise able to participate as actively as they wish. With a guest from Nigeria wearing his beautiful African dress, another guest asking for a Bahá’í speaker for the state’s Governor’s Conference on the United Nations, with readings, musical selections, an inspiring speaker and dancing until midnight, the sponsors of the Franklin celebration are being asked for a repeat performance of the very gay and spirited affair.
Friends ranging from 1 to 78 years old from Madison, Wisconsin, and nearby communities shared a delicious pot luck supper. Children prepared a special warmhearted New Year program relating the meaning of Naw-Rúz. The evening was also highlighted by a short children’s skit, a poem about the Bahá’í year telling of the attributes of God and the 19 months, a theme on Intercalary and Naw-Rúz Days, a story of the original Garden of Riḍván, the singing of “Shalom” (an Israeli peace song), a skit “The Twelve Days of Riḍván” with the 12 participants each telling what Bahá’u’lláh spoke on each of the days — all terminating with the 65 guests leaving on a note of electrifying spirit of fellowship and the true meaning of the Bahá’í New Year.
Seventy Bahá’ís and their friends from Cleveland, East Cleveland, Chardon, Shaker Heights, Akron, Newburu, Chagrin-Falls and Willowick celebrated Naw Ruz together in the host community Euclid, Ohio, where they enjoyed a smorgasbord dinner, heard a short address and saw youth and children depict Bahá’í principles through skits and song.
The dinner sponsored by the Montclair, New Jersey, community was termed a “huge success” with 72 attending. In Texas, the marvelous company and good food topped by an evening of discussion made for a truly bounteous occasion for the fifteen Bahá’ís who gathered at one of the communities there, Friends of Charleston, West Virginia, report interesting attendance figures at their celebration. There were nineteen Bahá’ís and nineteen non-Bahá’ís, nineteen of whom were children and nineteen adults, at the dinner. Selected writings were typed on cards and read by various believers present.
Friends of Beckley, West Virginia, had a most successful celebration, receiving wonderful newspaper publicity. But what really cheered their hearts was the turnout of seventeen who were treated to a Persian-prepared dinner. Many of the herbs and spices used were sent from the Holy Land by the “chef’s” parents. A lively question and answer period followed, in which many of the college students present took part. The Naw-Rúz: season for North Dude, Florida, was crowded with firesides, study classes and a public meeting on “A New Year — A New Day” attended by sixty-eight persons. A Bahá’í was called to Gainesville to a gathering of mostly faculty members to help spread the Faith and to a youth gathering at a Bahá’í home the next day.
Elsewhere in the state Bahá’ís gathered for a happy and spiritual observance in North Miami, and for a banquet at Pompano Beach, hosted by the Ft. Lauderdale believers. There, a Cantonese buffet was served to the eighty-seven Bahá’ís and guests, seated at tables arranged in group seatings of nine and decorated with fresh flowers and Naw-Rúz greeting cards. After dinner, a Bahá’í gave a moving testimonial in song of her search. Florida Bahá’ís also came together in Clearwater, from throughout Pinellas County.
Bahá’ís of Youngstown, Ohio, marked their Fast with an exhibit at the town’s flower show. Called “the best in the show,” the exhibit was pictured and described in BAHÁ’Í NEWS in May.
Souvenir gifts of small baskets of flowers for the women and packets of flower seeds for the men were distributed at the Alton, New Hampshire, celebration to symbolize the coming of Spring. A buffet lunch was served by the Alton believers to the Bahá’ís and their friends from Alton and surrounding towns. Almost capacity crowds heard guest speaker Mrs. Vivian Fellows from Milwaukee at the Minneapolis, Minn., Naw-Rúz festivities. She was interviewed on television with the non-Bahá’í emcee and interviewer giving a half-hour questioning period. Three participants of the Suffolk County, New York, Bahá’ís were pictured in the Long Island Press in conjunction with the New Year and the following day a 32 column inch story on the Faith appeared in the Suffolk Sun.
A large gathering — 200 New York City Bahá’ís — were given an Íránian Feast by the city’s Persian believers. The friends also enjoyed prayers recited by the children and songs by a folk-singing team.
Bahá’í Youth Club of the Walla Walla, Washington area formed in March 1967. All those shown are now Bahá’ís and since the picture was taken, in March, it has grown by two new declarees. Left to right: Mark Hopkins, advisor, Mrs. Emmalu McCandless, advisor, Gerald Ivie, Janet Howard, David Phelps, Dan Brown, Carol Mason, Wallace McDonald, Richard Schickele, Joanne Howard, Joel Hansen.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of Brookhaven Township, New York formed April 21, 1967. Left to right, seated: Froughieh Michalchik, Dorothy Strickland, Madeleine Humbert. Standing: Edward Cowit, Michael Michalchik, Monaver van der Heydt, Jon Strickland, Sylvia Strong, Shirley Szczepanski.
New Local Spiritual Assemblies[edit]
Local Spiritual Assembly of Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Nevada formed at Riḍván 1967. This is the first all Indian Assembly to be formed in Nevada. The members are Washoe and Paiute Indians. Left to right, seated: Adele Sampson, Pearl Rivers, Eunice Hunter (treasurer). Standing: Harry Sampson, Marilyn Kane (secretary), Willie Astor (chairman), Betty Pancho, Connie Hunter.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of Bellevue, Washington elected April 21, 1967. Left to right, front: Patricia Moses (treasurer), Shigrichi Tanaka (chairman), Kathy Tanaka (recording secretary), Naomi Robinson (corresponding secretary), Rear: Karen Robinson, John Robinson, Nancy Colpaert, Timothy Robinson, Stephen E. Moses Jr. (vice-chairman).
RIGHT:
Bahá’ís of Durham, North Carolina hold fireside to hear Mr. Matthew Bullock (left, rear) distinguished Bahá’í, who has pioneered for several years in a number of countries. His visit was warmly received by the Bahá’ís and other groups interested in the message which he brought.
Sonya Segen, Bahá’í and first student accepted by Atlantic Community College, Atlantic City, New Jersey when it opened one year ago, marks anniversary by presenting the college library with twenty volumes on the Bahá’í Faith. The President of the College, Dr. Luther G. Shaw, is shown accepting the gift. He expressed appreciation for the books which will enable students to pursue the ideal of free inquiry. This picture with an article was published in the local paper of Atlantic City.
An Outstanding Example of Devotion[edit]
Elizabeth Hopper, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh and devoted believer for many years, passed away on April 25 in Funchal, Madeira. One of the first Americans to embrace the Bahá’í Faith, Miss Hopper was a second generation believer who accepted the Bahá’í Faith as a young girl in the 1890’s. Her entire life, from then on, was dedicated to serving Bahá’u’lláh. She was reared and educated in New York state, being a graduate of Cornell University and trained as a librarian. Many years of her life were spent in Washington, DC. where she was active as a member of the local Assembly, on committees and as an able Bahá’í teacher.
When the call of the beloved Guardian came for pioneers to arise and go to virgin areas to live and teach the Faith, she, seventy years young, responded immediately, arriving in September 1953 at her post in Funchal, Madeira, a post at which she remained for the rest of her life. She had the joy of teaching the Faith and seeing a local spiritual assembly come into being in Funchal in 1963.
Upon hearing of her passing the Universal House of
Justice cabled as follows:
“Please assure friends prayers Holy Shrines progress soul Elizabeth Hopper Knight Bahá’u’lláh outstanding example devotion steadfastness.”
Part of the audience of eighty persons at the teachers’ training institute in Florence, Italy, who came to hear four students speak on “The City of God.” Institute was conducted in February by Mildred Mottahedeh.
(See May issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, page nine.)
News Brief[edit]
The local Spiritual Assembly of South King County Commissioner's District, Seattle, Washington is happy to report a “first” for that area when the chairman of the Assembly, Douglas Harris, was invited to speak in a series of lectures on “Great Religions By Which Men Live” sponsored by Highline College in Seattle. Religions covered in the series of ten lectures included Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Confucianism.
Over sixty-five at Youth Fireside hear Mr. Maxwell. Right: Peg Friedlander and Walter Pollard, youth, declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh during Bahá’í Week in Wilmette.
Col. Pin Muthukanta, Director-General, Department of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Education of the government of Thailand, left, on the occasion of his visit to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette on April 21. With Mrs. Muthukanta he examines map on which Dr. David Ruhe, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly points out the location of Bahá’í communities throughout the world. Col. Muthukanta’s tour of the United States included visits to various religious institutions and meetings with their personnel.
It happened that the lecture on the Faith came on Naw-Rúz, was the last in the series and was well attended, over one hundred being in the audience. More than usual interest was shown, as evidenced by the many questions asked at the close of the lecture.
Bahá’ís of Cheyenne, Wyoming demonstrated to friends and neighbors some of the teachings of the Faith when they held a naming ceremony for a young child in the family of Patricia and John Dumbrill. Twenty-four visitors of varied racial and religious backgrounds crowded into the Dumbrills’ home to hear Bahá’í prayers for children, readings from the Writings on the rearing of children, and to meet little Tahirih Amine, the new baby. A group of Bahá’ís from Laramie, Wyoming joined in the festivities and during the social hour the visitors had an opportunity to become acquainted with their Bahá’í neighbors. A warmer attitude toward the Faith was created as well as a better understanding of the beauty and universality of its teachings.
The Spiritual Assembly of Tulsa, Oklahoma sponsored a successful teaching program recently when, on March 29 and 30, Winston Evans visited the city, lectured at the University of Tulsa, spoke at a public meeting and was interviewed by the religious editor of a local paper.
There+7 was publicity, including a picture, in three papers and notices were sent, by the local believers, to the principal organizations in the city, including church groups, clubs, radio and TV stations, book stores and Library. About one hundred attended the public meeting, at which great interest was shown and many questions asked. Perhaps the outstanding feature of the visit was Mr. Evans’ emphasis on the fact that Bahá’u’lláh is the only Prophet in all recorded history Who has come making the claim to be the Promised One foretold in the Holy Books of all the world’s revealed religions. Four ministers and a Catholic nun attended the meeting.
Bahá’í Publishing Trust[edit]
What is Race? The Most Challenging Issue. By Glenford Mitchell and Daniel Jordan. In the words of the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S., this brochure has been prepared as one means of “eliminating misconceptions and superstitions about race, so that positive relationships with persons of other races may be established with confidence and ease. . . .” and to “facilitate dissemination of basic information on race in a readily assimilable form. In addition, the pamphlet demonstrates another important teaching of Bahá’u’lláh — the essential agreement of science and religion.”
Some of the topics discussed are: How Many Races Are There?; How Races Are Formed; Are There Any Pure Races?; What Has Blood to do with Race?; Does Race Have Anything to do with intelligence?; and many others.
Exceedingly interesting illustrations prepared by Gordon Laite appear on every page. It is printed on a textured paper in dark brown and ochre, “slimline” format, to create one of our most attractively designed brochures.
20 copies .................................. $3.00
New Edition of Bahá’í Prayers Has Some Changes[edit]
Bahá’í Prayers (Combined Edition) has been produced in a new printing. At the request of the Universal House of Justice, some few corrections have been made. For example. Prayer No. 14, page 26, should be designated as revealed by Bahá’u’lláh instead of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá', as was understood from previous records. Since this is one of the Prayers for the Departed, the believers will wish to correct their books accordingly.
Other prayers which have had some changes effected in this printing are: No. 11, pp. 144-145; No. 13, pp. 149-150; Prayer No. 15, pp. 151-152.
Per copy .................................. $l.60
Order from: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 110 Linden Ave.,
Wilmette, Illinois 60091.
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.
