Bahá’í News/Issue 45/Text
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is
of the United States and Canada
O my brother, when a true seeker determines to take the step of search in the path leading to the knowledge of the Ancient of Days, he must, before all else, cleanse and purify his heart, which is the seat of the revelation of the inner mysteries of God, from the obscuring dust of all acquired knowledge, and the allusions of the embodiments of satanic fancy. He must purge his breast, which is the sanctuary of the abiding love of the Beloved, of every defilement, and sanctify his soul from all that pertaineth to water and clay, from all shadowy and ephemeral attachments. He must so cleanse his heart that no remnant of either love or hate may linger therein, lest that love blindly incline him to error, or that hale turn him away from the truth. Even as thou dost witness in this day how most of the people, because of such love and hate are bereft of the immortal Face, have strayed far from the Embodiments of the Divine mysteries, and, shepherdless, are roaming through the wilderness of forgetfulness and error. That seeker must at all times put his trust in God, must renounce the peoples of the earth, detach himself from this world of dust, and cleave unto Him Who is the Lord of Lords. He must never seek to exalt himself above any one, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of pride and vainglory, must cling unto patience and resignation, keep silence, and refrain from idle talk. For the tongue is a smouldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a while, whilst the effects of the latter endures a century.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
Editorial
The report of the recent Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Germany. the first part of which is published
|
“Grieve passing (of) Bourgeois. May Almighty reward richly his high, unforgettable endeavors. Convey his family heartfelt condolences.” (Signed) SHOGHI.
|
elsewhere in this issue, will be given most sympathetic and grateful attention by the American believers.
It has become known through other sources that the Cause in Germany has been visited of late by that mysterious test of faith, doubt of the Authority established under the shadow of the Manifestation to guard His Cause and insure the victory of His world order. This grievous condition has, at various times and under different conditions, existed in all countries where the Bahá’í Faith has taken root and produced evidences of its vital power.
Even though this doubt and unfaithfulness seizes only a few, its effects are grievous for all the loyal friends. Like the spreading of a poisonous smoke, it brings suffering to the workers and at times seems even to paralyze their efforts and offset their results.
In all likelihood, spiritual necessities make this test inevitable in every young and immature Faith. It compels each soul to assume the responsibility of his own decision; it deepens insight; it develops character; it affords training and experience in the greatest of all sciences, impersonal knowledge of human motives; it strengthens the will; it eliminates impure motives; it transfers our dependence from human beings to God. The ultimate effect upon the Cause is wholly beneficial.
In due time this acrid smoke will blow away, and the Cause in Germany after a season of struggle will manifest new courage, new vigor and new wisdom. Meanwhile, the loyal friends of Shoghi Effendi can be assured of the loving sympathy and heartfelt prayers of the believers in all other lands. Strange and mysterious that the radiant figure of the Guardian should be the target of the arrows of disobedience! Strange and mysterious that any soul who claimed loyalty to the Master should now find a reason to deny and resist His Will!
But the Cause is as a tree. The branch that cuts itself off from the tree shall surely wither and die. For its life is from the tree and not from itself.
THE FEASTS AND ANNIVERSARIES[edit]
The question has been raised whether the statement made in the July, 1930, issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS was intended to convey the fact that the Guardian’s instruction to the American National Assembly meant that each Local Assembly is free to decide for itself whether non-believers may be invited to the Nineteen-Day Feasts.
The answer is that only the Anniversaries, not the Nineteen-Day Feasts, have been left to the discretion of the believers. If a Local Assembly feels that the Cause will be served by inviting non-believers to one of the Anniversary meetings, it is free to do so, even though the National Assembly pointed out the ideal in the statement published last July. The Nineteen–Day Feasts, however, are for the recognized believers alone. If a non-believer be found present, naturally he will be treated with every courtesy and consideration.
TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED[edit]
The month of August, 1930, has
been notable in the history of the Temple,
for during this month the structural
plans and specifications were formally
approved; bids were invited
from a few well and widely-known
construction firms; an award was made
and contract signed on August 27th
for an amount not to exceed $345,000[Page 2]
for the superstructure, including steel
and glass dome; walls, windows and
doors, making a completely enclosed
building; not ornamented, but attractive
by its majestic proportions.
The contractors, the George A. Fuller Company, have already awarded sub–contracts for the steel, masonry and plumbing, and are pushing energetically the securing of other subcontracts and the beginning of actual construction, so that by the time this statement is in print it is more than likely that the structural steel will be on the ground and erection will be under way. This will be followed closely by the concrete work. The speed with which this will be completed is dependent largely upon weather conditions. If the storms should hold off until Christmas, we may expect to see the frame well outlined, and if the winter should be mild the greater part of the work may be completed in time for the next Annual Convention.
The contract provides that during construction there shall be no interference with the use of the Foundation Hall in which meetings and services will he held as in the past.
The bids are interesting in their general agreement as a whole, but with diversity of detail. The totals, covering the superstructure, that is the structural steel and its erection, the masonry including concrete walls, metal doors, windows, glass, plaster, hardware and related items, are as follows:
| Bid No. | 1 . . . . . . . . | $360,347 | |
| “ ” | 2 . . . . . . . . | 360,000 | |
| “ ” | 3 . . . . . . . . | 370,529 | |
| “ ” | 4 . . . . . . . . | 404,961 | |
| “ ” | 5 . . . . . . . . | 416,400 | |
| “ ” | 6 . . . . . . . . | 437,264 | |
| “ ” | 7 . . . . . . . . | 459,000 | |
| “ ” | 8 . . . . . . . . | 473,145 |
These totals include some items that may be deferred. Such for example were the outside steps which should not be put in place until the heavy beams and much of the more massive ornamentation have been hoisted safely into place. Therefore the three lowest bidders were invited to submit further estimates with a view to temporarily eliminating such items. They made allowance for the estimated cost of the plumbing and provision for the utilities. The total figures thus adjusted (including the profit or fee to the contractor) then came out as follows:
| Bid No. | 1 . . . . . . . . | $345,000 | |
| “ ” | 2 . . . . . . . . | 353,150 | |
| “ ” | 3 . . . . . . . . | 360,029 |
After hearing representatives of each of these three bidders, the award was made to No. 1, that is to the widely-known George A. Fuller Company, whose headquarters are in the Fuller Building, 597 Madison Avenue, New York City, with branch offices and works in many localities. Among the more notable of these works are: the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, being erected in Washington, D. C., the Lincoln Memorial in the same City; also the Arlington Memorial; Pennsylvania Railroad Station in New York City, and the adjacent Hotel Pennsylvania, General Post Office, Hotel Plaza, Stevens Hotel, and others.
The contract signed August 27, 1930, by the Trustees for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, sets this limit of $345,000 for the present expenditures. It provides (Article 6) that “if the cost of the work is less than the guaranteed outside sums stated in Article 4, then the contractor shall receive in addition to the stated service fee a bonus of 20 percent of the savings thus made; that is 20 percent of the difference of the actual cost below the guaranteed outside cost.” The various items are as follows:
| General Conditions | $ 12,000 | ||
| Structural Steel | 39,585 | ||
| Erection of Structural Steel | 15,415 | ||
| Masonry | 120,483 | ||
| Hollow Metal Doors & Trim | 1,500 | ||
| Sheet Metal Work | 18,021 | ||
| Metal Doors & Windows | 34,000 | ||
| Aluminum Glass Dome | 39,000 | ||
| Glass & Glazing | 2,500 | ||
| Carpentry | 4,194 | ||
| Ornamental Iron, etc. | 15,032 | ||
| Plastering | 1,000 | ||
| Promenade Tile | 5,700 | ||
| Terrazzo | 394 | ||
| Painting | 500 | ||
| Hardware | 500 | ||
| Plumbing | 16,000 | ||
| Sleeves and Conduits | 4,176 | ||
| Fee | 15,000 | ||
| TOTAL | $345,000 |
In addition to bids invited for the superstructure another series was included, namely, items for electrical work, plumbing, steam fitting, ventilation and pipe covering. The figures for these are:
| Bid No. | 1 . . . . . . . . . . | $108,475 | |
| “ ” | 2 . . . . . . . . . . | 126,300 | |
| “ ” | 3 . . . . . . . . . . | 127,000 | |
| “ ” | 4 . . . . . . . . . . | 123,000 | |
| “ ” | 5 . . . . . . . . . . | 123,000 | |
| “ ” | 6 . . . . . . . . . . | 132,419 | |
| “ ” | 7 . . . . . . . . . . | 145,600 | |
| “ ” | 8 . . . . . . . . . . | 136,700 |
Adequate funds to cover all these items not being available at present, it is necessary to hold in abeyance most of the electrical work, steam fitting, ventilation and pipe covering. The accepted bid for the superstructure, not to exceed $345,000, does, however, include the plumbing and provisions for the utilities such as heating and ventilation and the electrical work, although it does not include, as before stated, the outside concrete steps encircling the building. Temporary wooden steps located on the southeastern side will be used for the present.
In March, 1930, The Research Service, Incorporated, at the request of the Temple Trustees, made a careful estimate of the probable cost of building the entire superstructure framework. The estimated amount was $350,000, not including utilities and surface ornamentation. So the Temple Trustees are happy in securing a contract for $345,000, which not only covers the entire structural framework, but includes also the entire plumbing for the building and provisions for the other utilities.
The agreement under which the George A. Fuller Company is working has been characterized as notable for its fairness, both to Owners and Contractors. It embodies the ripe experience of many builders; it is based on the facts that funds are immediately available for all work to be done; thus the cost may be reduced, discounts secured, and many savings made by prompt payment to sub-contractors and material men. In the sub-contracts already made, the savings have been effected amounting to about $8,500. Other savings are expected.
It is provided that the Contractor “shall do everything required and also shall exercise for the Owner’s benefit his best knowledge and skill in planning the work, purchasing materials, furnishing labor, supplying equipment. and performing all other services incident to the work.”
In the use of the property, the Contractor
agrees to confine the storage of
materials and the operation, of the
workmen to limits such as will not
unreasonably encumber the premises. He
will erect a suitable fence for the protection
of trees and shrubs, It is also
provided that progress photographs
shall be made from time to time—some
of these are to be taken at a fixed
place and in a fixed direction in order
to bring out more clearly the rate of
progress. The National Publicity
Committee will utilize this and other
illustrative material, during the coming
year, for keeping the various[Page 3]
Bahá’í communities informed of the
progress of building the Temple.
- F. H. NEWELL,
President, The Research Service, Inc.
“TO DEEPEN IN THE CAUSE”[edit]
(From a letter written to an American believer by the Guardian’s secretary.)
To deepen in the Cause means to read the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master so thoroughly as to be able to give it to others in its pure form. There are many who have some superficial idea of what the Cause stands for. They, therefore, present it together with all sorts of ideas that are their own. As the Cause is still in its early days we must be most careful lest we fall under this error and injure the Movement we so much adore. There is no limit to the study of the Cause. The more we read the Writings, the more Truths we can find in Them, the more we will see that our previous notions were erroneous. With deepest love I remain,
- Yours in His Name,
- (Signed) RUHI AFNAN.
- Yours in His Name,
BAHA’I NEWS—AN EXPLANATION[edit]
The BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published by the American National Spiritual Assembly for recognizing believers—those who accept not merely the spiritual, but also the administrative principles of the Cause and are fully qualified as voting members. In stating the number of copies needed for each local Bahá’í community, the secretary should count the believers who have been duly listed, and not those who are as yet only attracted. For these, the Bahá’í Magazine is the right medium to recommend. BAHÁ’Í NEWS should be confined to those loyally active under the Guardianship of Shoghi Effendi. No charge is made for the BAHÁ’Í NEWS, for its expense is met from the National Fund.
ANNUAL CONVENTION OF GERMAN BAHA’IS[edit]
(From “Sonne Der Wabrheit”, May, 1930, translated by Mr. Herman Pauli.)
The Bahá’í Convention took place on Sunday. April 19, at 7 P. M., in the same Hall of the Citizens Museum in which ’Abdu’l-Bahá rendered several addresses in 1913 to His beloved.
A beautiful background of flowers was arranged, from its center a wonderful picture of ’Abdu’l-Bahá beamed forth.
The Beloved is living again with us, even as He has returned to His Father’s Kingdom. Everyone felt in their hearts the love and blessings which descended upon those who are serving in true love.
Dear friends and delegates came together from Stuttgart and from the suburbs, from Rostock, Hamburg, Schwerin, Karlsruhe, Geoppingen, Bissingen, and from Vienna; and Shoghi Effendi had sent two Persians to us. After the reading of a prayer of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, Mrs. Alice Schwarz greeted in the name of the Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly the guests present and read a letter from the Chairman:
“My beloved and honored friends:
“Unfortunately, I am not permitted to greet you personally, as I had hoped to do. Although I am feeling better, God be praised—I cannot as yet take part in the proceedings of the meetings outside of my home. Therefore, my wife will present to you my heartiest wishes and sincere greetings at this Convention.”
“This is the more important, as we had to weather in the mean time difficult affairs and we had to experience what we would have thought quite impossible in former times. To enter into particulars, I shall avoid. You are informed of all. We stand loyal and firm in love and trust of Shoghi Effendi. Those attacks against him have strengthened our feelings of holding together and also our love. This is a matter of our first tests of our firm faith. . . . Our love and loyalty for the Guardian must become greater, when we consider how much confidence ’Abdu’l-Bahá put in Germany.”
“It fills me with unspeakable joy, that you all are sharing with me the love and loyalty for Shoghi Effendi. The blessings of our Master will rest with our Convention on this day.”
“At the direction of Shoghi Effendi we are to take up the election of the members for the National Spiritual Assembly. I have been asked would I accept the election. This is intelligible, considering my present condition. For a long time I have considered it, and should I accept I would ask you to be assured that it would be my endeavor as in times past to serve our very dear Cause. The present times demand of every one to be at his post as we shall have to experience many unexpected events as the entire existing organization will be attacked. But it would be unthinkable that without such a worldwide blessed Cause, we could be lead to Unity, That this has been declared as indispensable, everyone knows, who has read the Holy Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and of ’Abdu’l-Bahá.”
“But I shall not mention this any further, as much more could be said. My happiness I owe to the fact that loyal friends are here assembled. My grief, I owe to the circumstance that such a slight proportional motive was the cause of shattering the loyalty of many. May the day arrive for them, soon, that they will realize the path of error which they pursue.”
“To you, dear friends, I desire for you this day a happy and blessed reunion. May our convention of this year remain as a happy memory. I myself am with you in thought and wish for you blessings and shall hear you in mind.”
Mrs. Schwarz spoke of the greatness of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh and of the Greatest Name. In connection with these words, she read the Words of Bahá’u’lláh and of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, which contain the deep meaning and importance of this great and holy teaching for the whole world and also expressed the confidence of the believers in Stuttgart.
Dr. Grossmann delivered a lengthy address and emphasized, that humanity never derived benefit from universal history and that events occur today, the same as those of 3,000 years ago.
In continuation Mr. Gall reads selections from his beautiful poems.
|
Address for Correspondence News Editor Office of the Secretariat Evergreen Cabin Wart Englewood, New Jersey BAHÁ’I NEWS is the official organ of the American National Spiritual Assembly. Its cost is defrayed from the National Bahá’í Fund and copies are distributed free of charge to recognized believers throughout the United States and Canada, and to National and Local Spiritual Assemblies in other lands. News articles and reports of general Bahá’i interest and value are requested from Assemblies, National Committees and other representatives of the Cause. The Guardian’s statement concerning the purpose and scope of this publication can be found in the volume entitled “Bahá’i Administration.” |
With the reading of a prayer the official part of the evening was concluded, after which an unconventional meeting followed.
On Easter Monday, April 20, the delegates gathered at the home of Consul Schwartz. The delegates were:
- Mrs. Dr. Brauns, for Karlsruhe.
Towncounselor Brueckener, for Goeppingen.
- Dr. and Mrs. Grossmann, for Hamburg.
- Miss Horn, for Stuttgart.
- Mr. Klitzing, for Schwerin.
- Consul and Mrs. Alice Schwarz,
for Stuttgart.
- Dr. Walker, for Rostock.
The voting was preceded by a prayer of ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The balloting resulted in the following choice alphabetically:
- Dr. Marta Brauns, Karlsruhe.
- Mr. Julius Brueckner, Goeppingen.
- Mr. Paul Hollmer, Stuttgart.
- Dr. Hermann Grossmann, Weinheim,
Hamburg.
- Miss Edith Horn, Stuttgart.
- Miss Anna Koestlin, Esslingen.
- Consul Schwarz, Stuttgart.
- Mrs. Alice Schwarz, Stuttgart.
- Mr. Friedrich Schweizer, Zuffenhausen.
It is to be mentioned that the vote, which took place in accordance with the instructions of Shoghi Effendi, did not require a second ballot, as all the members received more than the required majority of votes. The next three chosen were: Mr. Albert Renfle, Mr. Hugo Bender, Mr. Karl Klitzing.
These names were affirmed in case one or the other of the elected to the National Assembly were unable to serve, they would take their place and according to the rules, these three may serve as associates.
- Consul Schwarz will serve as chairman.
- Mr. Julius Brueckner of Goeppingen
as substitute, in case of need.
- Mr. Paul Gollmer, as second substitute
in case of need.
- Mr. Friedrich Schweizer will serve
as Treasurer.
- Mrs. Alice Schwarz will serve as
Secretary.
- Miss Edith Horn was requested to
help Mrs. Schwarz with the continually increasing work.
- A unity and harmony and satisfaction
prevailed at the result of the election.
The chairman stated, that notwithstanding his present indisposition, he would devote his entire strength to the interests of the Holy Cause especially at the present time. All pledged their loyalty to Shoghi Effendi. In a very short time there will be a session of the National Assembly, at which all important pending questions shall have attention.
Meanwhile a considerable number of Bahá’ís gathered in the Citizens’ Museum and through Mr. Gollmer were made acquainted with the latest circular letter of Shoghi Effendi of April, 1930, directed to the whole world. Its contents are of great importance.
Only when the lamp of search, of earnest striving, of longing desire, of passionate devotion, of fervid love, of rapture, and ecstasy, is kindled within the seeker’s heart, and the breeze of His loving kindness is wafted upon his soul, will the darkness of error be chased away, the mists of doubts and misgivings be dispelled, and the lights of knowledge and certitude envelop his being. At that hour will the mystic Herald, bearing the joyful tidings of the Spirit, shine forth from the City of God resplendent as the morn, and will, through the trumpet-blast of Knowledge, awaken the heart, the soul, and the spirit from the sleep of heedlessness. Then will the manifold favors and outpouring grace of the holy and everlasting Spirit confer such new life upon the seeker that he will find himself endowed with a new eye, a new ear, a new heart, and a new mind. He will contemplate the manifest signs of the universe, and will penetrate the hidden mysteries of the soul. Gazing with the eye of God, he will perceive within every atom a door that leadeth him to the stations of absolute Certitude. He will discover in all things the mysteries of Divine Revelation and the evidences of an everlasting Manifestation—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF ’IRAG[edit]
(Continued)
Shaikh Muhyiddin, the well-known Bahá’í teacher, came to Baghdad by order of our beloved Guardian, to spread the teachings and to enlighten the believers with his valuable knowledge of the delicate points of the Cause. Many a seeker of Truth had long interviews with the Shaikh whose convincing arguments came home to every eager and thirsty ear. Having stayed several months in Baghdad, conducting the weekly meetings and scattering the seeds of love and fraternity, he left via Persia for Kurdistan, his native country, where he was wonderfully confirmed in his indefatigable efforts to diffuse and herald the glad-tidings of the Most Great Day First among his relatives and later among some of the people of his native town. After an absence of a short period he was again welcomed at Baghdad where a large number of young men benefited by his support of the Bahá’í Cause. He stayed this time only a couple of weeks at the end of which he traveled to Palestine and Egypt.
During this year several prominent friends arrived in Baghdad. Mr. Koshal from India who passed through Baghdad on a visit to the Guardian of the Cause in Haifa. On his return from Palestine Mr. Koshal brought the Bahá’ís of ’Iraq messages of love and devotion from the Guardian of the Cause.
Miss Martha Root was another distinguished Bahá’í visitor who visited Baghdad during the month of January, 1930. She attended several meetings of the Bahá’ís and in each meeting, she gave the message of the Cause and told us of her experiences all over the world. Miss Root had the honor of being received in audience with His Majesty King Faisal, the King of ’Iraq, who spoke to her sympathetically regarding the case of the Houses of Bahá’u’lláh and told her that his sole aim was to see that justice was being done to all parties.
Dr. Sarkis Tomassian, from Istanbul, Turkey, arrived early in this year and after spending a couple of days in Baghdad proceeded to Persia. Dr. Tomassian had very interesting things to say regarding the development of the Cause in Turkey.
Mr. N. R. Wakil, from Calcutta, India, brought us good news of the progress of the Cause in the Bengal Presidency. He paid a visit to the Guardian of the Cause in Palestine.
PORTSMOUTH-GREEN ACRE AMITY CONFERENCE[edit]
By Louis G. Gregory
The annual amity conference of the
Green Acre season, which this time
linked the neighboring city of Portsmouth
in cooperation, in some ways
exceeded any conference of this nature
previously held. There were six
sessions with sustained interest and
full attendance. About thirty workers
found expression in a wide range of
ideas and sentiments. Perhaps the most
notable triumph was this stimulus to
the training of those who shall address
great audiences in the future giving currency
to the thoughts of God. The
fine old city of Portsmouth had an eloquent[Page 5]
exponent in its mayor. He described
how the people who founded it
centuries ago fled from class oppression
in Europe, so that in coming to
the new world they had built upon the
basis of religious freedom and racial
equality, ideals from which they would
never depart. He gave a ringing welcome
to the conference.
The enrichment of American life by the gift of the Negro to industry, art, science, literature, invention, discovery and music was presented by the very able and polished director of the National Association for the Advancement of the Colored People. He spoke from the vantage ground of a vast store of historical and current knowledge and aroused great enthusiasm among his hearers. This address was a liberal education in the potential equality of races. Scientific and historic proofs are unanswerable. This great organization has made history during the last two decades of American life. It is a band of idealists of both races who combat prejudices with might and main, depending upon protest and agitation and exposing all wrongs based upon prejudice to the light of pitiless publicity. They are the spiritual heirs at law and logical successors of the anti-slavery agitators who two or three generations ago conducted a moral crusade which at length gained volume enough to overthrow slavery. Like their spiritual forebears they win some people and enrage others. Although fierce and bold in combat, their spirit is mellowed by contact with the Bahá’ís whose principles they approve.
The other great organization, also bi-racial, sharing this conference program was the National Urban League. Two of its ablest workers came to us with their message. This organization works with effectiveness in the field of social relief, improving housing conditions and sanitation, finding work for the unemployed, elevating standards of living and furnishing social, recreational and welfare centers. These speakers are noblemen of service and unfolded with deep earnestness yet moderation and sweetness of soul their plans for social and racial betterment. Before the end of the conference both admitted themselves ignited by the sacred fires of the spirit through mingling with the friends of God and listening to their sweet melodies. They pledged their cooperation with all their resources in future conferences. The workers in all such welfare organizations are worthy to be cultivated by the Bahá’ís who know full well that in future all such efforts for human relief will revolve around a common Center whose reality from most folk is at present hidden.
The voice of the clergy was raised by one of our noblest friends who seemed strangely like the Master as he beautiously unfolded the law of harmony in diversity and the oneness of the human world.
The statistical side of race relations, the complications due to prejudices, poverty, ignorance, economic pressure were freely ventilated, also the indices of progress, the advancement of wealth and knowledge, the gain in altruism with nobler sentiments, higher standards, greater philanthropy, sweeter laws and more efficient administration of justice.
The message and teachings of ‘Abdu’l Bahá were given at the opening session by the chairman with a radiance and charm which seemed to suffuse the gathering with light, Light of the eternal Glory of God now manifest to all creation. Responding to the text: “Scientific and Spiritual Proofs of Human Oneness” one of our most learned brothers explained the symbolism of the Garden of Eden as illustrating the many civilizations which through various races enriched the collective happiness of mankind.
The second session was also held in Portsmouth and was a sociable to promote amity, with music, elocution and a few addresses of an informal nature for inspiration. The spiritual ideal and reality of humanity was upheld, also the wisdom in guiding people to such a standard by using terms that are current and therefore understood. The great teacher, ’Abdu’l Bahá, in one of his lessons spoke of the “art of manipulation and the inflexibility of will.” The Spiritual Assembly of Portsmouth entertained with dainty grace. The remaining sessions were held at Green Acre.
At the third session the chairman related how all consciousness of racial differences had left her heart and mind when she attended the amity conference at Rochester a year or two ago. She exhorted all to be builders and not wreckers in the great plan to harmonize the world. The director of the New York Urban League who was drawn from a bed of illness to attend this conference, with delightful wit and genial humor led the consultation, speaking as he declared at random yet awakening rich currents of thought. He deplored the prevalence of wrongs but also saw the futility of bitterness as a means of removal. He viewed with delight the privilege of the round table and responded to the spiritual attraction of Green Acre.
Another speaker related her family experiences in a community hostile to racial friendliness and the sacrifices borne during a period of six years in upholding the principles of Bahá’u’llah and the great protection which encircled them. Another related a charming story of the distinguished courtesy and kindness of the Master to a colored friend during his stay in London as related by Lady Blomfield, ending with the stirring appeal: “If thou wouldst love God love thy fellow men.” A third, representing the N. S. A. warmly felicitated the consultation leader in words that inspired faith and courage.
One of the most pleasing sessions was the Youths’ Amity Forum which took its inspiration from the words of our Guardian, printed upon the program. Their vision of reality was clear. There was with them the entire absence of fear, fear of conventions, traditions, material losses, social ostracism which may often act upon older people. A straight line is the shortest distance between two points. It is youth that sees and follows. How easy to guide them and the dear children to the Path of the True One! Among the elders it is also the youth who see! Those whose hearts are simple because they have drunk from the Fountain of perpetual Youth. How glorious is youth! How nobly it gleams when as in this case it reflects the Sun of Truth!
The fifth session saw numbers and
enthusiasm not lessened although Jupiter
Pluvius mingled his down poor
with the showers of blessing. A spiritual
atmosphere came with the creative
Words read by the chairman. The
consultation leader well versed in welfare
work, described with some degree
of detail the complicated problem
of racial adjustment and the measures
needed for relief, such as the work of
the Urban League for which he inited
cooperation. He also offered the
use of his plant and resources to the
Bahá’ís in their work of disseminating
spiritual ideals. The awakening of the
world to spiritual ideals, wonderful
messages from the South and other
sections to indicate increasing friendliness
and interest, the power of appreciation
and praise as taught by ’Abdu’l-Bahá
to change rancor into friendliness,
looking the problem in the face
statistically, educationally, economically,
each phase indicating gain for the
colored people and a high note of optimism
in racial understanding, were
some of the outstanding features of
this meeting which was concluded with
a sociable time and refreshment supplied
by the Spiritual Assembly of[Page 6]
Eliot.
The final session was arranged for Sunday morning, occupying the time usually given to the devotional service. A symposium on the Spiritual Basis of Unity was enriched by the contributions of nine speakers. The reading of the prayers and Holy Utterances; the singing of spiritual songs; the power of merit to make itself felt and known as illustrated by the eloquent portrayal of the life of Paul Robeson, the great Negro dramatic actor who thrills the people of two continents; a powerful plea for organic unity that penetrated the hearts of some like an electric spark; thankfulness for the supreme bounties of God; decision to let no human obstacles checkmate the divine plan, and rising to the height of extreme devotion one of the speakers expressed a willingness to sacrifice life itself if needed to advance the Cause.
It is to reflect upon the Might of Bahá’u’lláh and the wonders that have come to light. The opinion seems about unanimous that Green Acre has had no such blessings as came this season since the time when the Master Himself taught amid those beautiful scenes.
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA[edit]
Assembly Letter
Our recently formed Spiritual Assembly, expresses great joy in thanking you for the beautiful messages received from far and near and is also very happy to again send to our co-workers all over the World, our sincere love and prayers—How little do we understand the Power and far reaching results of the Wonderful prayer:—
“Oh my God, O my God, unite the hearts of Thy servants.”
We have—at present—the great pleasure of the presence of our dear Bahá’í parents—Father and Mother Dunn—to whose devotion and self-sacrifice amongst us, we can never fully testify—An inspiring address was given to Bahá’ís and friends by Mrs. Rischbeith—who—during a recent visit to the Holy Land, was greatly impressed with the power of the Silence as practised in the East. Her appreciative remarks regarding the kindness of Shoghi Effendi, the Holy Family, and our sister Effie Baker, gave us great pleasure. A full account of the address is given in “The Herald of the South” which we trust will be published shortly.
The Adelaide Assembly is deeply conscious of the Day of Administration and the Call for Unified Action, as expressed in a recent letter from the Guardian to the Western World and in deep earnestness we ask:
“May our eyes he opened to behold the light, and may we become free from the darkness of ignorance.”
- With}} united Bahá’í Love,
- THE ADELAIDE ASSEMBLY
- By: May Almond
Adelaide, South Australia
July 3, 1930.
CHANGES IN DIRECTORY
Since the Bahá’í Directory for 1930-1931 was issued, the following changes have been reported:
Spiritual Assembly, Los Angeles, Calif., P. O. Box 854.
Rochester, N. Y., Miss Elizabeth Brooks, 126 Pearl Street.
BAHA’I FARM IN MICHIGAN
From Miss Helen L. Whitney, 417 Seymour Avenue, Lansing, Mich., the interesting information has been received that a farm in Michigan plans to operate as far as possible along Bahá’í lines, and that believers with dairy experience may communicate regarding a position now available.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF EGYPT[edit]
We open our new year of service with thankful prayers to our Lord, the most Glorious, and with a renewed spirit of steadfastness in the Will and Testament of our Master ’Abdu’l-Bahá, and with full devotion and humble loyalty to our beloved Shoghi Effendi.
With hearts leaping with joy and fragrance we also extend to all the friends throughout the world our greetings of Riḍván, assuring them of our profound love and fervent prayers for their confirmations, and supplicate to the Holy Threshold that this new year may prove successful in all aspects.
Much as we regret the delay of issue of our news letter, we gratefully thank those Assemblies for their highly appreciated letters replete with various activities and praiseworthy services.
In fact the said delay was due to certain reasons that were carefully considered by the newly-elected body on discussing the question of a Bahá’í Review to be started for dealing with the ever-increasing Bahá’í questions in this country.
Complying with the request of the Guardian that our news letter should be issued regularly, and as a prompt proceeding to those discussions it has been decided to issue this new letter regularly once every other month and indicate the various activities of the National Assembly during the year.
It is an encouraging fact to say that the invitation for the sixth annual Convention sent by the National Assembly was received by the Bahá’ís of Egypt with ardor and zeal that proved the spirit of Unity had increased, and evidenced as well how much greater hearty cooperation between individuals and bodies was effected under the spirit and form of the Bahá’í administration.
For as one meditates on the tremendous situation the Cause is about to occupy in the world he will become quite hopeful and fully confident of the promised confirmations of the invisible Power that continue to flow, bringing all efforts to perfect success despite the slight retardation of affairs that could be easily attributed to the hard circumstances surrounding members of both National and local bodies.
This, besides the other fact that those bodies since they accepted the results of the elections have resumed their task with a solemn determination to exercise to the utmost capacity the spirit of sacrifice and self–denial, to give up their comfort, rest and self-interests for the Cause, trusting in the real and hearty cooperation of their fellow-workers and seeking not a compensation but the unity of their friends, so that all, like one soul, may be confirmed in rendering services that would satisfy themselves and be appropriate to their pure faith, should be necessarily reflected by all Bahá’ís.
When the channel of the human soul
is cleansed of all worldly and impeding
attachments, it will unfailingly perceive
the Breath of the Beloved across
immeasurable distances, and will, led by
its perfume, attain and enter the City
of Certitude. Therein he will discern
the wonders of the ancient Wisdom of
God, and will perceive all the hidden
teachings from the rustling leaves of
the Tree which flourisheth in that City.
With both his inner and his outer ear
he will hear from its dust the hymns
of glory and praise ascending unto the
Lord of Lords, and, with his inner
eye, will he discover the mysteries of
“return” and “revival” How unspeakably
glorious are the signs, the tokens,
the revelations, and splendors which
He Who is the King of Names and
Attributes hath destined for that City!
It quencheth thirst without water, and
kindleth the love of God without fire.
Within every blade of grass an
enshrined the mysteries of an inscrutable[Page 7]
Wisdom, and upon every rose-bush a
myriad nightingales pour out in blissful
rapture their melody. Its wondrous
tulips unfold the mystery of the Burning
Bush, and its sweet savors of holiness
breathe the perfume of the Messianic
Spirit. It bestoweth wealth
without gold, and imparteth immortality
without death. In every leaf ineffable
delights are treasured, and
within every chamber unnumbered
mysteries lie hidden.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
MISS MARTHA ROOT IN INDIA[edit]
Beloved Friends in El-Abhá:
Alláh-u—Abhá! Love to you all! As I am making a very intensive teaching tour through India, it is not possible to stop and write much about it, so I shall make a summary. How difficult, though, to make a summary of the love of the sweet Bahá’í friends in India and their glorious co-operation and great help! How can one summarize those visions we saw of Chosen and Favored Angels and those constant Confirmations of the Power of the Holy Spirit, or put into a tabloid what I saw of the yearning, the unutterable longing of Indian thinkers, humanitarians, students, coolies and men of the fields to realize brotherhood! O God! Give India the bounty of knowing these Bahá’í Teachings, that through Them she may go forward to a great, new spiritual civilization! It is the countries that acknowledge and accept these Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh that will become the celebrated countries of the future, for in the Principles is the Creative Power to develop nations anew.
Everywhere the Bahá’ís in India helped me, the National Spiritual Assembly, the local Assemblies and all other Bahá’ís in the different cities. From the summary, you must yourself glimpse what the fruits will be when they are blessed by Bahá’u’lláh. Every day the Ahmad Tablet has been chanted faithfully in India. Urdda Chanakyu, a famous Indian, said: “Even a syllable of wisdom that the teacher imparts unto his pupil is a debt beyond repayment by any treasure in the world”; so then what is the wealth of the whole Bahá’í Revelation to India in her hour of travail!
(1)—POONA. The first city visited was Poona, to see dear Mr. and Mrs. Khosro Irani devoted old believers and their family. As the Residency of Bombay Presidency is in Poona, I gave a copy of “Bahá’í World” to the Governor; saw the Inspector-General of Prisons and he promised to give Mr. Mahatma Ghandi “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” and to put the “Bahá’í World” into the Yeravda Prison Library, Mr. Ghandi is in Yeravda Prison (three miles from Poona). Mr. Hasmatullah of Bombay and I called upon Mrs. Sarojini Naidu in the Yeravda Prison and gave her nine of the very best Bahá’í books and I gave her a beautiful rosary from ’Abdu’l-Bahá. She saw ’Abdul-Bahá once in London. She is the greatest political leader among the women of India, one of best known workers in all women’s movements and she is a poet. I thought it well to begin with the two highest leaders in this great movement for freedom which is sweeping India like a tearing tornado.
A lecture was given in the Theosophical Hall in Poona, a Bahá’í meeting was held in the National Hotel. Several people called on me and I made visits to several officials. Several people from other cities in India, summering in Poona, saw the notices in the newspapers and called to ask about the Bahá’í Cause. Mr. Khosro Irani and his son Homi Irani did a great deal to help us.
(2) HYDERABAD, DECCAN. Mr. Hashmatullah of Bombay was with me here, he has immense capacity and knows many people in Hyderabad. We called first on the Minister of the Court of the great Nizam. This minister has read several books about the Bahá’í Movement, and says he places Bahá’u’lláh in the same station as Jesus Christ. He is a Muslim. He said what had attracted him most to the Cause was the life of Qurratu’lAyn. We called upon noblemen, a college founder, finance minister, professors, editors, women club officers, and a lecture was given before these thinkers in the home of one editor. One editor asked me to write an article for an Indian monthly magazine on “The Contribution of Bahá’ísm to International Progress.” A young nobleman, a Muslim, who has made a visit to the holy Shrine in ’Akká and Haifa, invited us to breakfast to speak about the Teachings. The second day we were asked to be the guests of the state, they sent to the hotel and took us and our bags, to the Guest House. It was like an immense Virginia Club House painted white with green blinds and set in the midst of a tropical garden. I had a suite of four rooms. During the two days’ stay in this Guest House I met the Secretary to the Chancellor of the Chamber of Princes of India and he said he would gladly introduce me to the Princes when I should go to Simla later.
(3) BOMBAY. Bombay has the largest number of Bahá’ís of any city in India. They are so enthusiastic, so great-hearted, and they do their utmost for all India. Notwithstanding the picketing and processions which almost stopped traffic, I gave a public lecture before three hundred people. Mrs. Shirin K. Fozdar presided and Mr. Hashmatullah also spoke. All the Bahá’ís came and they spoke with the new people and invited them to come to the Bahá’í Hall meetings—and many did. Calls were made, and a number of people to whom I had letters of introduction, called upon me. An informal gathering, where tea was served, was held each afternoon in the Bahá’í Hall during my stay of four days. One hundred thousand people in the political demonstrations were congregated each afternoon in the street below our windows. Two hundred people were present at the last lecture held in the Bahá’í Hall on Sunday evening. Mr. N. R. Vakil, President of the National Spiritual Assembly of India was present, and he also spoke.
Mrs. Shirin Fozdar, a fine Bahá’í speaker, a young woman in the early twenties, went with me to Surat. Mr. Vakil had come to Bombay to welcome me and to accompany us to his city. He had called a meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly and of the Bombay Assembly to meet in Bombay and he came only for the one day.
(4) SURAT. Mr. Vakil of Surat is a lawyer, and as the morning we arrived was a holiday, he had invited forty men friends, judges, lawyers, professors to his home to tea where for two hours we spoke of the Bahá’í Cause. Before going to his home to meet his guests, we visited a most interesting Parsi School and I spoke to one hundred and twenty–five young men and fifteen teachers. The Theosophists arranged a beautiful lecture, and a public lecture for three hundred people was given in the Municipal Hall. The Judge of the High Court was present. Several schools and the largest hospital were visited.
Mr. and Mrs. Vakil and their two
little daughters were formerly high
caste Hindus. He knows English
very well, and his wife and children
are learning English. The little girls
will soon begin the study of Persian
too, and after about three years Mr.
Vakil and his family hope to make a
teaching tour through Persia and Europe
and United States. (I think
Shoghi Effendi hopes that some others
will accompany them, it would be fine[Page 8]
if a group of Bahá’ís who before had
been Hindus would come to Persia
and to the west. May Bahá’u’lláh help
them to come!) The Bahá’ís of India
represent splendid souls from all the
religions. Almost all the Persian and
Indian Bahá’ís have tried to go to
some cities in India to further the
Cause. I also saw rare and beautiful
fruits from the journeys of Mirza
Behram, Mirza Mahmoud Zargain,
Mrs. Stannard, Mr. Hooper Harris,
Mr. Harlan Ober, Mr. Mason Remey,
Mr. Howard Struven, Mrs. Lua Getzinger
and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schopflocher.
People in India are ready
for these Teachings. The dear Indian
Bahá’ís ask you if teachers cannot
come from the United States and stay
and travel for a year or two in India?
(5) KARACHI. Two days were spent in traveling from Surat to Karachi, a part of the distance being over a desert with temperature 125 degrees hot in some places. I had to take the journey to India in the hot season, as I could not finish my work and arrive earlier. It was certainly refreshing and heavenly to meet the dear Bahá’í friends of Karachi and go with them first of all for a drive to the beach where the breezes blow cool. Karachi is one of the loveliest cities in India and I was very happy there, and I was happy in every city in India!
The Bahá’ís in Karachi recently have purchased a delightful garden well situated and later they will build a Mashrak-ul-Azkar there. They also have a good Bahá’í cemetery.
Mr. Jamshed N. R. Mehta, Mayor of Karachi, was a friend of our late Mr. Shirazi the devoted Bahá’í, and he graciously helped the Bahá’ís in arranging my lectures. He himself presided at the first lecture held in the beautiful Theosophical Hall (his gift to that society). He arranged a second informal lecture in this same hall asking me to speak on the “Life of ’Abdu’l-Bahá.” He also gave a tea in his home for me to meet friends. He publishes each week a little one page journal called “Bluebird” and I was astonished and pleased to see the “Bluebirds” of Saturday, June 21, 1930, bearing the glad-tidings of ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The entire paper gave ’Abdu’l-Bahá’s own words about Feasts, Fasts, Search After Truth, and the Economic Solution. This charming Mayor with a keen piercing mind levelled like a mighty searchlight on all thought, gave me a very just and excellent interview about Mr. Mahatma Ghandi. When I spoke with him about the Bahá’í Cause he said to me: “Bahá’u’lláh is as great as Zoroaster, Jesus Christ, Muhammad.” Mr. Mehta may not call himself a Bahá’í, but if Bahá’í means to be a “light bearer,” then what is Mr. Mehta?
A large lecture was given before the Parsi Society of Karachi, one lecture in the Bahá’í Hall, one garden party in the Bahá’í Garden. A third public lecture was given in the Theosophical Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Asfandiar Bekhtiar gave a tea for the friends the day I left and before that I spoke to two hundred boys in the Boys’ High School. Four articles were written for newspapers of Karachi. The Bahá’í Assembly published one thousand little green booklets containing the poems of Qurratu’l-Ayn in Persian, for me to give out in India. Mr. Bekhtiar who is a young man who knows the Urdu language very well, came with me to help me as far as Burma. Mr. Pritam Singh, another devoted Bahá’í, came with him to Simla.
(6) LAHORE. Many people of great capacity were interested in the Bahá’í Cause in Lahore. It would be a splendid place for a Bahá’í teacher to come and stay for several months. Mr. and Mrs. Pritam Singh helped us there. He is Editor of a magazine, and he arranged my lectures and interviews. The first talk was given before the Brahmo Samaj Society. This Brahmo Samaj is one of the spiritual progressive movements in India today, and I always feel a thrill of joy to meet the members. One man interested in the Teaching of Bahá’u’lláh gave a tea in the Young Men’s Christian Association for me to speak, and the Young Men’s Christian Association arranged a lecture. I was invited to the homes of great writers, judges, lawyers, professors, all of whom have read some Bahá’í books.
Mr. Bekhtiar went out with Mr. Singh and found the grave of Mr. Kaikhosru, a Persian believer in Bombay who came to Lahore about twenty-five years ago to nurse an American Bahá’í stricken with cholera. The American was saved but this man, his nurse, died a few days later of the disease. Mr. Bekhtiar, in the name of the Karachi Bahá’í Assembly, bought a simple, but beautiful tombstone, had the Words of Bahá’u’lláh engraved on it with the name and date, had the grave and ground beautified and then we all went out with greens and flowers and had a little memorial service there in honor of this beloved servant, who was one of God’s heroes.
The little Persian girl from Qasvin whom Mr. and Mrs. Singh have adopted, is very sweet and very bright. Her name is Victoria and I wish you could all meet her.
(7) SIMLA. This is one of the greatest summer resorts in India, situated high in the Himalayas, and it is also the summer seat of government. Here one meets prominent people from every city in India. The morning we arrived, we called upon the Minister of Agriculture, then upon the Minister of Education, and upon the Secretary of the Young Men’s Christian Association. My first lecture was in the Brahmo Samaj Hall before a group of thinkers from many parts of the Empire. This society hospitably gave a tea in our honor the next afternoon, inviting thirty friends. Suddenly at the tea, they received a telegram telling of the passing of their great teacher in Calcutta, so the meeting was turned into an hour of prayer and speaking on the Life after death. Mr. Bekhtiar prayed Bahá’u’lláh’s prayers in Persian and Mr. Singh and I spoke in English, the others prayed in Urdu and in English.
I attended a meeting of the Committee for the All—India Women’s Congress and gave them little Bahá’í booklets and copies of Qurratu’l-Ayn’s Poems. I met one of the owners of the “Statesman” (a Calcutta newspaper). He had met ’Abdu’l Bahá and loved Him, he said to send him an article and he would publish it. I met many club women and hope to arrange for a paper on the “Life of Qurratu’l-Ayn” which I am writing to be read by a Bahá’í at the All-India Women’s Congress and also at the All-Asian Women’s Conference which will be held in Benares the third week in January. Statesmen, professors, Muslims, Hindus were there and it was a problem, whether to stay a month in Simla or travel on to these other cities. Shoghi Effendi had told me to give as many public lectures as possible in India, and my inner guidance led me to remain only a few days in Simla and then journey on.
