Bahá’í News/Issue 459/Text
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| No. 459 | BAHA’I YEAR 126 | JUNE, 1969 |
A view of Foundation Hall during the sixtieth National Bahá’í Convention
Nine Conferences Inspire Rededication[edit]
Over three thousand Bahá’ís and their guests, from 46
states, 9 provinces of Canada, 2 territories, 2 islands of
the Pacific, and 9 foreign countries gathered together
from December 6, 1968 to March 2, 1969, throughout
Canada and the United States for a series of nine
momentous week-end deepening conferences.
Arranged by the newly appointed Continental Board of Counsellors for North America and carried out in collaboration with the National Spiritual Assemblies of Canada and the United States, the conferences were held in Montreal, Quebec; Oshawa, Ontario; Atlanta, Georgia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Los Angeles, California; St. Louis, Missouri; Phoenix, Arizona; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Vancouver, British Columbia.
The conferences were inspired by the 1967 Riḍván Message from the Universal House of Justice in which that supreme body called upon us to deepen ourselves in the fundamental teachings of our Faith; namely, “What is Bahá’u’lláh’s purpose for the human race? For what ends did He submit to the appalling cruelties and indignities heaped upon Him? What does He mean by ‘a new race of men’? What are the profound changes He will bring about?”
Purpose: A Campaign of Deepening[edit]
Choosing as their theme “The Spiritual Descendants of the Dawnbreakers” the Continental Board of Counsellors, through these nine historic conferences, launched a massive campaign of deepening.
Bahá’í chorus adds to the joy of the St. Louis Conference.
At the Conference in Philadelphia, Hand of the Cause John Roberts, center, with those who participated as speakers.
All of the conferences except the one in Phoenix,
Arizona, were blessed by the presence of a Hand of the
Cause; Mr. Zikru’lláh Khádem, Mr. John Robarts or
Mr. William Sears. They were joined by members of
the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America: Lloyd Gardner, Mrs. Florence V. Mayberry, Miss
Edna True and their Auxiliary Board; Ted Anderson,
Howard Brown, Fred Graham, Albert James, Chester
Kahn, Curtis Kelsey, Mrs. Javidukht Khádem, Dr.
Peter Khan, Mrs. Jane McCants, Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, Mrs. Peggy Ross, Mrs. Velma Sherrill, and
Dr. William M. Tucker.
The National Spiritual Assembly of Canada was represented at the conferences by: Tom Anaquod, Angus Cowan, Roland Estall, Douglas Martin, and Ed Muttart. Representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States were: Franklin Kahn, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, Jack McCants, Glenford Mitchell and Paul Pettit.
Program of the Three Day Sessions[edit]
Eight of the conferences were preceded on Friday evening by sessions on “The Local Spiritual Assembly” or “Building the Bahá’í Community”. These pre-sessions prepared the believers spiritually and mentally for the conferences since they were conducted by the Hands of the Cause who emphasized the following points:
It is the duty of every believer to serve on a local spiritual assembly if elected.
The spiritual assembly must face its responsibilities and the believers must abide by its decision since it is the foundation of the World Order.
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The Continental Board of Counsellors’ Conference in Los Angeles was attended by over 800.
The power of the Supreme Concourse is available to all the believers and it will enable an assembly to win great victories.
Since it was impossible for a Hand of the Cause to be at Phoenix, their special session on Friday evening began with moving prayers for the Bahá’ís of the Middle East and for Bahá’ís everywhere laboring to erect the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Auxiliary Board member, Dr. Peter Khan, then spoke on the principle of organic unity and showed how it provides the basis for the functioning of local spiritual assemblies and Bahá’í communities.
The conferences were opened on Saturday morning by the Host assemblies, and featured moving addresses by the Hands of the Cause. In Montreal, the conference was doubly blessed since it was attended by both Mr. Khádem and Mr. Robarts.
In Phoenix, Board of Counsellor member, Miss Edna True, opened the conference with a loving message of welcome, followed by talks on the development of the Institution of the Hands of the Cause by the Auxiliary Board members.
The first part of each Saturday afternoon session was devoted to addresses on “The Covenant and God’s Manifestations” and “ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Divine Architect”.
After refreshments were served, “Perspectives of the Nine Year Plan” were presented by a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada or the United States, followed by a very informative question and answer period.
At the mid-point of the conferences, Saturday night, the friends had the great bounty of spending “An Evening With the Hand of the Cause”. This session was opened with a musical program provided by Bahá’í artists who throughout the conferences lent so much to the spirit of love, harmony, and unity by singing and playing many beautiful songs.
The Hands of the Cause spoke on different subjects during this wonderful evening. Mr. Sears, in his presentation, hailed the formation of the Continental Boards of Counsellors as a step which would insure the continuation of the functions of protection and propagation throughout the Bahá’í dispensation. Most of these sessions turned into question and answer periods on such subjects as pioneering and teaching.
The final day of the conferences opened on Sunday morning with a panel speaking on “Bahá’í Institutions: The Guardianship, the Universal House of Justice, The Hands of the Cause, and the National Spiritual Assembly”.
The Panel was followed by a study of “The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh” in which the speakers briefly reviewed Bahá’u’lláh’s major books as outlined by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, in God Passes By.
Most of the conferences closed the morning session with presentations on “The Path To True Liberty” with the speakers pointing out that only through obedience to the Bahá’í laws can an individual attain unto true liberty and progress toward God.
Hands Speak on “Building A New World”[edit]
It was with hearts overflowing with gratitude that the friends gathered for the final session to hear “the Chief Stewards of Bahá’u’lláh’s embryonic World Commonwealth” speak on “Building a New World.”
Mr. Khádem said in Montreal that “with such apparent love and understanding of our weaknesses we shall do the work the rulers of the world failed to do, with Bahá’u’lláh’s help.”
Mr. Robarts commented in Saskatoon that “all development comes in three stages: pre-natal, earthly, and eternal, and that recognition of the purpose of the earthly existence was a beginning to building a new world.”
Mr. Sears, speaking on “The Spiritual Descendants of the Dawnbreakers”, closed the conference in Los Angeles with these words: “May this present conference be set ablaze as we leave here by the memory of these heroes and heroines. Perhaps we can make a new beginning, a living sacrifice for these Dawnbreakers who nourished the tree of our blessed Faith with their
[Page 4]
blood and stained the sands of Persia red that we might
grow and prosper in this far off land so protected.”
The conferences inspired the Bahá’ís to increase their knowledge of the Faith, their involvement in its activities, and their allegiance to its institutions. They left them determined to become “a new race of men” so they could turn into reality the goals of the Nine Year Plan.
This was brought about by many different factors; paramount among them was the presence of the Hands of the Cause who through their spiritual inspiration, loving guidance and profound knowledge provided the believers with a direct and positive connection with the Founders of the Faith.
It was further enhanced by the inspiring addresses and actions of the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America whom many of the believers were meeting for the first time.
The presences of members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Canada and the United States created a feeling of unity between these national bodies and their national Bahá’í communities and the excellent contributions of these representatives further increased the high spirit of the meetings.
The conferences were a vivid portrayal of the organic unity of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh since they showed the Hands of the Cause, the Continental Board of Counsellors, their Auxiliary Board, national and local spiritual assemblies functioning in perfect harmony and unity. This brought to the forefront the importance of the institutions of the Faith, and helped the Bahá’ís realize their position as members of a divinely ordained world order.
During the conferences as the spirit increased it manifested itself in many different ways. There were eleven declarations in Philadelphia, six in Vancouver, three in Oshawa, one each in Montreal, Saskatoon and St. Louis, for a total of twenty-three. Generous contributions were sent to the National Bahá’í Funds of Canada and the United States from a number of the conferences.
The conference in Vancouver was by far the largest ever held in Canada with over 462 Bahá’ís participating. However, it did not seem to matter if the registration was small, as in Saskatoon where the attendance was 171, or large, as in Los Angeles with 819, the spirit was the same; one of joy, love and re-dedication.
Some Comments[edit]
To convey how successful the conferences were and what a profound effect they had on the friends, a few comments are quoted:
“The best thing that has happened to Philadelphia since ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit.”
“I signed my card eleven years ago but feel I started to become a Bahá’í this past week-end.”
“Heaven on earth came to Philadelphia for a few blessed hours.”
“The love generated by all those Bahá’ís gathered together for all those sessions was something I shall never forget. That hall seeemed literally to vibrate with happiness.”
The effect of the conferences can be summed up by these words of a Bahá’í who wrote that it was “neither inspiration nor stimulation alone; rather it was inspirational stimulation, leading to a re-dedication of self, will, heart, and life to this Cause!”
Continental Board of Counsellors’ Conference in Vancouver, Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 1969
New Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Canada[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Canada have purchased a new Temple property and Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Markham Township, just northeast of metropolitan Toronto. The land is just over sixteen and a half acres, beautifully contoured and wooded, with large open areas including a fine house with surrounding area most attractively landscaped. It will provide a very suitable Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and center for many Bahá’í undertakings. Pictures are shown here.
High Level Proclamation Continues in India[edit]
Ever since the outstanding proclamation of the Faith that occurred during the holding of the Intercontinental Conference in New Delhi, India, in October 1967, the Bahá’ís have been indefatigable in their presentation of the book The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh and certain other titles to outstanding leaders and dignitaries of that land. This aspect of Proclamation, inaugurated as a new dimension of Bahá’í activity by the Universal House of Justice, is again illustrated in a number of photos on this page.
His Excellency Dharma Vira, Governor of West Bengal looking at the book Great Themes of Life presented, to him by Bahá’ís of Calcutta.
Members of the local Spiritual Assembly of Calcutta present Bahá’í books to His Excellency Dharma Vira, Governor of West Bengal.
Indian pioneer Miss Zarangiz Aftabi presented The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to two officials of Goa. She is shown above with Mr. Anthony D’Souza, Minister of Law and Industry and below she is shown presenting the book to Professor G. Mayenkar, Minister of Education.
Bahá’ís of Hyderabad present The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh
to the Governor of Andhra, His Excellency Khandubhai Desai.
THREE LIVELY CONFERENCES HELD IN SWEDEN[edit]
The enthusiastic response to a teaching conference in Vasteras, Sweden, on November 9 and 10, sponsored by the National Teaching Committee, sparked two additional conferences held in Uppsala, January 4 and 5, and in Goteborg, February 22 and 23. Between 40 and 50 Bahá’ís and their guests attended each conference. Among the variety of subject matter presented were: Prayers and Meditations, Bahá’í History, A Bahá’í in Today’s Society, Bahá’u’lláh’s Proclamation, Administration, and Child Education. Each presentation was well received and followed by a lively discussion.
Among the highlights were the eager participation of youth and the presentation of serious programs as well as music, and an excellent article that appeared in the Vasteras newspaper written by the cultural editor, a former clergyman, who stated that the Faith was very close to his heart.
Bahá’ís came from eleven different cities to participate in this happy learning experience, in the Unity Feasts, and to participate in the music.
NORWAY PROCLAMATION PROGRESSES[edit]
An interview on the Bahá’í Faith appeared recently in a weekly magazine published in connection with the newspaper Aftenposten, which has the largest circulation of any newspaper in Norway (over 233,000) and reaches all parts of Norway. This was the widest proclamation of the Faith that Norway has ever had. The interview, covering three pages, was with a young Oslo Bahá’í, Gunnar Lange-Nielsen, and was illustrated with colored pictures which he took of the Shrines of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh while he was attending the International Convention. Headings in the article were on the History of the Faith; Administration; Why a Bahá’í; God’s Messenger for our time; and the Bahá’í Faith in Norway. A large picture of Gunnar appeared on the first page of the article under the title: “The Bahá’í Faith has 80 followers in Norway.”
Other good publicity on the Faith was an article by a journalist, Nina Arkina, who wrote of her visit to the World Center in Magasint for Alle, a weekly journal of high standard. The article was an accurate, sympathetic presentation of the Faith and appeared without any effort on the part of the believers for this publicity.
International News Briefs[edit]
Finland[edit]
Bahá’í students at Helsinki University had an opportunity to participate in a panel discussion on Human Rights recently. Two hundred people listened to the discussion in which representatives from many countries took part, each student representing his own home country. Bahá’ís who participated were Fred Perry, Chandrika Kainari, and Samuel Vanthorn, representing the U.S.A., India, and Viet Nam, respectively. Copies of the speeches were also mimeographed in the Swedish language and given to members of the audience, with additional copies made available for future school discussions.
The Bahá’í talks made a deep impression on the audience and in the “coffee break” discussion that followed, with newspaper and TV reports also making a positive account in their references to the Bahá’í Faith.
At the Teaching Conference held in Uppsala, Sweden.
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Members of the panel and part of the audience who attended
World Religion Day meeting at the University College, Nairobi,
Kenya, on January 19. Left to right: Ben Levy, Mrs. Catherine
Mboya, Aziz Yazdi, Mrs. B. Maani, Mehraban Sohaili, Zablon
Bolo, chairman. This picture was first published in the East
African Standard and is reproduced with their permission.
Press Symposium in Kenya[edit]
The March 1st Press Symposium of the National Spiritual Assembly, arranged by the Public Relations Committee, was a happy and successful occasion in Nairobi. The speaker, Mr. Samuel Obura from Kisumu, was very convincing in his portrayal of “The Era of Unity”, and the audience responded with stimulating questions. Two members of the press listened intently, and on March 5 an excellent article about the event appeared in the Daily Nation. On the following day the same article, in Swahili, was published in Taifaleo. National Spiritual Assembly members from both Kenya and Tanzania were present as well as guests from New Guinea and Australia, Mr. and Mrs. Bluett and a number of not-yet Bahá’ís.
The purpose of holding this press symposium was to facilitate reaching the masses by first familiarizing reporters with the teachings of the Faith.
Prior to this event members of the Public Relations Committee and other Bahá’ís from Nairobi held a briefing at an informal dinner for members of the press. As a follow-up Committee members again met with Mr. Boaz Omori, Editor in Chief of the Nation/Taifa group and Mrs. George Nbugguss, Managing Editor of Taifaleo, for further discussion of the Faith.
Bolivian Judge Asserts Appreciation of Bahá’í Principles[edit]
Dr. Jorge Mendez Fernandez, one of the nine Supreme Court judges in Bolivia who received a copy of the Bahá’í Declaration for Human Rights, responded with an appreciative letter in which he first quoted almost entirely from Bahá’u’lláh,“... that all nations should become one in faith and all men as brothers ...” He was impressed that the National Spiritual Assembly of Bolivia had expressed themselves publicly in favor of human rights. He spoke of the fact that Bahá’u’lláh, and later His Son, pronounced and diffused these principles in times of resistance to them. He also expressed the hope that more people will assimilate the principles of the Bahá’í Faith and act in conformity with their goals to achieve internal peace, peace in their homes, and Universal Peace.
Study Course Held in Bolivia[edit]
Seven Departmental Study Courses, each of six days duration, were held in Bolivia during the months of January through March, 1969. The photos show (left) the group attending January 18-23 and (right) the group attending March 22-26 in the Department of La Paz. The students attending these courses were all volunteer Bahá’í teachers.
BAHÁ’Í BOOK PUBLICIZED IN BRAZIL BY LITERARY PANEL[edit]
The atmosphere for the introduction of the book Prescription for Living in the Portuguese language had already been prepared when Rúḥíyyih Khánum, Hand of the Cause of God, visited Porto Alegre in January last year. The Bahá’ís of Porto Alegre first presented this newly published book to a small group of writers and educators, who were then invited to a dinner where their recommendations for the best way of offering the book to the public were sought. The group spontaneously determined to hold a public meeting at which a panel of some of their own number would each express his own views on the book.
None of the panelists was a Bahá’í but the meeting was sponsored and organized by the Bahá’ís, with much publicity. The television station repeated the films taken at the time of the visit of Rúḥíyyih Khánum. Reporters, television cameramen, and professional photographers all worked the night of the meeting for the circulation of this valuable book and its propagation for the benefit of the Faith.
Panel of five outstanding intellectuals of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil delivering an enthusiastic analysis of Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s book Prescription for Living: From left to right: Prof. Moacyr Santana, noted poet and orator; Prof. Carmen Viana, poet and writer; Dr. Carlos Santos, chairman of the State Congress; Prof. Dea Figueiredo, educator and President of the Feminine Literary Academy; Prof. Zilah Totta, outstanding educator and former State Secretary of Culture and Education.
NEW ZEALAND SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
At the New Zealand Summer School held early in January at a Maori Marae or court. As described in Bahá’í News, May, p. 6, the school benefited by the presence of Auxiliary Board member Mosese Nokafonu, shown above, third from left. Ephraim Te Paa, the Bahá’í who secured the marae for the use of the Bahá’ís, is shown standing in the rear. Three youth declarations were made at this momentous school. A successful public meeting, held in the nearby town of Kaitaia was attended by a number of Maories, including three chiefs.
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U.S. National Bahá’í Convention (photograph by Oscar, Chicago, Illinois)
U.S. National Bahá’í Convention 1969[edit]
Delegates and Friends Respond to Call for Action[edit]
An unprecedented number of delegates and Bahá’í visitors gathered in Wilmette for the Sixtieth National Convention in a mood of confidence and high resolve. They came from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Portland, Maine, and many of the other over twenty-five hundred localities where Bahá’ís now reside, bringing news of an astounding wave of fresh victories for the Faith. The predicted disintegration of the old world order was evident on every side and the reality of the rising World Order of Bahá’u’lláh seemed clearer than ever before.
The delegates were further confirmed when they heard what so many had sensed or experienced at home announced on a global scale in the majestic phrases of the Riḍván Message of the Universal House of Justice. The Message spoke of “great strides,” “magnificent achievement”, and “the accelerated pace of expansion and consolidation”. The Universal House of Justice reviewed major developments strengthening the fabric of the Cause — the appointment of the eleven Continental Boards of Counsellors, and the formation of additional National Spiritual Assemblies. As recently as the Palermo Message of August, that Supreme Body called for the dramatic upsurge of activity necessary to accomplish the goals of the Nine Year Plan. Now they spoke of complete victory — that “happy consummation, now faintly discernable on the far horizon.” As always, however, victories resulted in a plea for a redoubling of efforts. The House of Justice called for “a sacrificial outpouring by the friends of contributions in support of the Funds of the Faith, and the raising up of a mighty host of pioneers.”
Report of National Secretary[edit]
This same spirit of ever-growing power, vitality and confidence was reflected in the convention reports of the National Spiritual Assembly and its subsidiary committees. Glenford Mitchell, on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly, reported a dramatic increase in enrollments — 35 per cent over last year’s increase among adults, and 89 per cent among youth. A net gain of forty-seven local spiritual assemblies was reported, and this year’s goal of 2,400 localities was surpassed by 117! For the first time over a million dollars was contributed to the National Fund, and the proclamation campaign began to really take hold. The activities of the Faith in the Human Rights field resulted in a rising stature in the public eye and massive dissemination of the Teachings. All over the country Bahá’í publicity was more easily obtained, and the National Office began systematically to develop this opportunity to convey the Message to the masses.
Mr. Mitchell told also of some of the day to day realities in the administration of the Faith. He stressed the reassurance that comes from the constant guidance of God’s infallible House of Justice, of the voluminous flow of correspondence, totalling over 280 major letters from the House of Justice during the past year. He spoke of the constant efforts to make the National Center more efficient and to perfect the machinery of
Hand of the Cause William Sears introduces members of Board
of Counsellors Miss Edna True, Mrs. Florence Mayberry, with
Auxiliary Board members Mrs. Javidukht Khádem, left and
Albert James, right.
Bahá’í administration by combining the guidance of the
Writings and the directives from the House of Justice
with the best insights from the science of modern
management.
Next Year’s Budget Explained[edit]
Dr. Dwight Allen, national Treasurer, spoke urging the believers to rise to higher levels of sacrifice in order to provide the necessary material means and seize the opportunities which come with each victory.
Although contributions to the National Fund have risen steadily in the past years, there has been a yearly deficit. As a national community the believers have not yet realized their potential of giving.
Accordingly this year a new plan has been adopted in administering the Fund. The accumulated deficit of past years has been paid off by withdrawal of almost half of the capital investment funds of the American Bahá’í community. Area budget quotas were established and letters sent to local spiritual assemblies asking their reaction to the tentative budget and area quota figures. The result was a budget for 1969-1970, supported by an overwhelming majority of responses from local assemblies and adopted unanimously by the Convention delegates. The budget, totalling a million and a half dollars will require an across the board increase of 50 percent in contributions and will call for sacrifice, but the National Spiritual Assembly is convinced that this is the minimum amount necessary for response to the challenge of this hour.
Teaching on the Homefront[edit]
Members of the National Teaching Committee confirmed reports of progress and opportunity on the homefront. National Teaching Committee Secretary Richard Betts remarked that current enrollment rates mean, on the average, a declaration every three hours, day in and day out, and reminded the friends that the strengthening of the homefront is vital to support our international activities and to prepare for mass conversion. National Teaching Committee member Gary Hilaire
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Newly elected members of U.S. National Spiritual Assembly
are introduced to the Convention; Left to right: Dr. Dwight
Allen, Dr. Dorothy Nelson, Glenford Mitchell, Franklin Kahn,
Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, Dr. Sarah Pereira, Miss Charlotte
Linfoot, Dr. Daniel Jordan. Not shown, Jack McCants.
brought greetings from a people who have suffered
and hungered for the Word of God — a poignant reminder of the urgency of Indian teaching. In this he
was seconded by Eric Byrd, a youthful nondelegate,
who was permitted to speak during the consultation
period. He urged that Bahá’ís move rapidly in the field
of Indian opportunity before the onset of bitterness and
militancy. Lois Goebel explained the Community Development Program and efforts of travelling consolidation teachers in assisting local Bahá’í communities to
develop their full potential, to deepen and enrich their
community life and to handle the difficult problems that
are sent to test them and make them grow.
The entire Friday evening session of the Convention was devoted to the subject of Deepening and Consolidation. Dr. Daniel Jordan spoke of the National Spiritual Assembly’s great concern with this area, especially in view of the rapid increase in enrollments, and the imminence of mass conversion. He announced the National Spiritual Assembly’s decision to develop a new generation of audio-visual aids, starting with two models of miniature cassette tape recorders to be purchased in quantity for sale to Bahá’í communities, groups and individual believers. A whole host of new deepening materials, study lessons, and talks will be recorded on cassettes, and made widely available. Because these aids are light-weight and portable and extremely versatile, they will be useful for teaching trips, firesides, mass deepening and many other situations. Someday, doubtless, even messages from the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly will be distributed on cassettes. Also in the future, there will be arrangements for the dissemination of visual materials on a similarly massive scale.
Wonderful as these mechanical advances are, however, they will deal only with the knowledge component of deepening. As the House of Justice is constantly reminding us, we must also mold our attitudes and behavior in accordance with the standards of Bahá’u’lláh. We still have a long way to go just to begin to reflect the attributes of God and to develop that force of attraction which is necessary if we are to lead others into the Cause of God. To grow continually we need only remain firm in our personal covenant with Bahá’u’lláh, for — he has promised us confirmations and tests for our education. In consultation, Hand of the Cause Mr. William Sears told us we must strive constantly to be worthy of the bounties showered upon us — we must be like the nightingales in the Garden of Riḍván, so enraptured with the roses that they sang constantly from dark to dawn.
The Saturday session opened with the election of the new National Spiritual Assembly by the delegates. During election, Bahá’í visitors were requested to gather in the Auditorium for prayers.
Prior to the opening of the scheduled report on international teaching, the Bahá’í youth gathered at the Foundation Hall rostrum in loving joyfulness and led all in songs. The atmosphere was one of a spiritual jam session with the youth directing the singing of Alláh’u’Abhá. They then triumphantly marched off with the song “We are the people of Bahá”.
The International Goals[edit]
The International Goals Committee, represented by Mr. William Wold and Mrs. Maurine Kraus, likened the work of filling goals all over the world to an iceberg, in that a large proportion, below water, does not show. Hundreds of applications have been processed, 225 pioneers went out, but only 107 could be counted as filling goals because many settled in areas where the quota had been met or where no U.S. goals were assigned. With the addition of 280 new pioneer assignments in the Fourth Phase of the Nine Year Plan, the Committee estimated, based on past experience, that about 630 pioneers will be needed to fill the 280 new plus 21 remaining goals assigned to the believers of the United States. Real pioneering, the Committee stressed, is putting down roots and planning to remain at least two years at one’s post. The Committee is “feverishly and fervently” doing all it can to offer help to those arising to pioneer, and asked that volunteers consult with the Committee.
Consultation on Saturday afternoon was on subjects raised by the delegates and included matters such as: pioneering in the South, teaching youth, youth teaching adults and youth, drugs, and the art and science of consultation. Hand of the Cause Mr. William Sears spoke of the Bahá’í community as being in the peaceful eye of a hurricane. As long as the focus is on goals, it won’t be caught up in the perimeter of this hurricane. He said that spiritual catastrophe is to know of Bahá’u’lláh and yet not let this knowledge predominate one’s life. Once again he stressed the reality of the Supreme Concourse hovering between heaven and earth, looking for instruments.
Hand of the Cause Addresses the Friends[edit]
At the Saturday evening session Mr. Sears introduced the members of the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America who were present at the Convention, Miss Edna True and Mrs. Florence Mayberry. With his inimitable captivating spirit Mr. Sears explained the function of these Boards as being the same as that of the Hands of the Cause and showed how the Message of Bahá’u’lláh will be perpetuated through these new instruments devised by the supreme Universal House of
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Clockwise, l. to r.: Hand of Cause William Sears, Dr. Firuz
Kazemzadeh, chairmen, seated; Glenford Mitchell, secretary;
Miss Charlotte Linfoot, assist. secretary; Jose Guzman, left,
from Mayaguez, with Ruben Betancourt, delegate from Puerto
Rico; Pouva Murday; Auxiliary Board member from Mauritius
in the Indian Ocean, Mrs. Leota Lochman, secretary, National
Assembly of Panama.
Justice. He urged the friends to love them as they have
loved the Hands and the beloved Guardian. In closing
the very moving session Mr. Sears read ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s
statement about the Covenant (God Passes By, p. 238)
“So firm and mighty is this Covenant that from the
beginning of time until the present day no religious
Dispensation hath produced its like...”
Youth Program[edit]
One of the most exciting sidelights of the convention was a program for youth on Saturday night. The many youth in attendance were addressed by Mr. Sears. He told that he was working on two new books, a sequel to God Loves Laughter to be called I was a Spy for God and another on the early history of the Faith to be called Three Forts, comparing the “untrained students” who arose to follow the Báb with the rebellious youth of today. He also told the youth that Hand of the Cause Rúḥíyyih Khánum was deeply moved by the enthusiasm and devotion of American youth and hoped to be able to share her excitement with them in person at the next National Youth Conference.
A stirring address was delivered by Pouva Murday, an Auxiliary Board member and Knight of Bahá’u’lláh for the island of Chagos in the Indian Ocean. He spoke to the youth directly and challengingly about their responsibility to teach the Cause. If, he suggested, it was necessary to start the Faith all over again with only those there in the room, could there be any doubt we could carry it all over the world and to other planets as well? Could not each one of us return to our homes and raise up an assembly of nine in three months? Such deeds of heroism are still needed to carry the Faith to the millions who have not yet heard of it. We should not waste our time with one or two stubborn friends, but should move like the wind scattering the seeds far and wide. We cannot afford to stand with our hands in our pockets, holding the seeds. If we do, there will be many souls in the ‘Abhá Kingdom asking why we didn’t tell them. Teaching the Cause of God is the passport to all the worlds of God. We must arise now — our destiny is waiting.
As if to confirm what Mr. Murday had said, Dr. Dwight Allen came over from the National Spiritual Assembly meeting to tell the youth what that body expected of them. It was very simple: the National Spiritual Assembly wants victories. It expects youth declarations to grow to over half of all enrollments and is counting on the youth to shoulder a growing share of the National Budget. For the period of September 1968 to April 1969, the youth contributions totaled almost $50,000; the goal for next year is four times that amount — $200,000. Comments from the youth included, “the impossible we do immediately,” “we have a world order to build,” and “it’s unrealistic — should be higher.” Dr. Allen also announced to great applause that the National Spiritual Assembly had decided to sponsor a series of area youth conferences in late summer 1969 to prepare for youth proclamation, and a second National Youth Conference in June of 1970. The youth session closed with a deeply moving theatre presentation called “Bahá’í is Beautiful” by two youth from New York which filled many eyes with tears. It took half an hour of prayer and song before anyone could tear themselves away from the unity and devotion of that meeting. It was yet another indication that the Bahá’í youth of America are coming of age.
Some of this spirit was communicated to the general body of delegates and visitors on Sunday morning in a presentation which included a slide show on youth activities since the historic Universal House of Justice letter to youth in 1966. Following consultation on the
[Page 15]
Above: Dr. Dwight Allen, treasurer; and treasurer’s exhibit;
Child’s Way exhibit. Below: International Goals Comm. members William Wold and Mrs. Maurine Kraus; world map showing U.S. goals.
youth presentation, discussion turned to summer
schools. Dr. Allen reported the National Spiritual Assembly’s decision to appoint a National Schools Committee to coordinate curriculum development and the
use of teacher resources. This new committee will be
functioning by the summer of 1970 and expects to
prepare some standard core courses for use by all
schools within three years as well as assisting the local
school committees to improve and experiment with
their own programs. All of this would be aimed to
develop the Bahá’í schools into the centers of learning
which the Guardian said they could be.
Proclamation in the Campaign of Expansion[edit]
The final topic considered by the convention was proclamation. Salvatore Pelle spoke about the important role of proclamation in our campaign of expansion. He said that we must be audacious and outspoken in identifying ourselves and our beliefs because proclamation sows the seeds which later grow into seekers and enrollments. He also reminded us that proclamation is not a one-shot effort — we must maintain the intensity of effort in our follow-up for, once in the public eye, there can be no respite. We must above all else live the life, for the community will be watching us, and attacks will come. National Teaching Committee staff member Leonard Smith announced the plans of the 1969-70 national proclamation campaign based on “Youth for One World”. (YOW!) During this year the Message will be carried to youth in every strata and sub-culture, to schools, colleges, ghettos and centers of hippie culture. Lest the adults feel left out, Mr. Smith reminded them that youth is not chronological but spiritual. A presentation was also made on behalf of World Order as a method of reaching a special stratum of society — university students, teachers and graduates. Letters from readers indicated that the publication had not only enhanced the prestige of the Faith but had been instrumental in several declarations.
Close of the Convention[edit]
The Convention was closed by Mr. Sears. He said he had been very excited by the spirit of this convention and recalled his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. By the last night of his visit, he was so full of spirit that he begged Shoghi Effendi not to say anything inspirational, or he would explode. The beloved Guardian told him to wait till he got to Africa and to explode there. So, he said, the believers must go forth and channel their spiritual energy into heroic deeds.
It was on this note of “deeds not words” that the Convention ended. In fact, the deeds had already begun. In response to the Universal House of Justice call for a sacrificial outpouring of contributions to the Funds, the delegates had approved a truly challenging budget. Delegates and visitors had also contributed over $4000 which was to be sent directly to the World Center. The response to the call for pioneers had also been immediate. The friends flocked to the International Goals Booth and during the Convention the total number of volunteers rose steadily from 35 at noon on Friday to 48 by Friday evening, 75 by Saturday night and finally to 91 at noon Sunday. More pioneers and more funds are needed, but these valiant souls have set the spirit that will win the goals and “build up the present motion of the Cause into a great momentum whose force will carry the community of the Most Great Name to glorious victories in 1973 and onwards into the as yet unapprehended vistas of the Most Great Peace.” (Universal House of Justice Riḍván 1969 Message)
— A. L. LINCOLN
Convention[edit]
Speakers: left to right, top: Salvatore Pelle, Richard Betts, Gary
Hillaire of National Teaching Committee; below: Leonard Smith, Mrs.
Lois Gobel on National Teaching
Committee staff.
Youth: left: on the steps of House
of Worship; below; Susan Leich
and Joseph Mydell, of White Plains,
N.Y., whose dramatic presentation
highlighted the youth session; below, left: time out for songs; right:
at the exhibit near Foundation Hall.
NABOHR Wins Coveted Award[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly takes great pride in announcing that the North American Bahá’í Office for Human Rights (NABOHR) received a Silver Anvil from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for its outstanding program in support of International Human Rights Year 1968.
The award was presented at the 25th Annual Silver Anvil Awards Dinner of the PRSA at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on May 15. Receiving the award on behalf of NABOHR was Mrs. Juliette Buford, Director of the NABOHR Office.
The highly-coveted awards recognize and honor the most outstanding public relations programs planned and executed each year. The symbolic silver anvil was selected originally because the validity, quality and achievement of any public relations activity are ultimately measured on the anvil of public opinion.
The entries are measured against the following criteria:
PLANNING:
- Research—Thoroughness of advance study, determination of need, background development.
- Originality and Judgment—Strategy and techniques adopted, adapted or innovated in relation to the problem or objective.
- Scope—Completeness or comprehensive nature of the plan and importance of objectives.
EXECUTION:
- Quality—Professional handling, appearance and standards as applied to tools and techniques.
- Efficiency—Effectiveness of execution in terms of manpower and budget invested.
RESULTS:
- Realization—Partial or complete achievement of objective.
- Measurement—Efforts made to identify, analyze and qualify results.
Award winning programs are on file in the Information Center at the PRSA Headquarters in New York City.
This achievement of NABOHR in cooperation with the Public Information Department brings added prestige to the Bahá’í Faith, and the public acclaim generated by the annual PRSA competition will serve to promote our beloved Cause in a most meaningful way.
Both NABOHR and the Public Information Department would like to take this opportunity to express again their deepest appreciation to all the believers who worked so hard to make the Human Rights Year activities a triumph.
More information and photos will appear in the July issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
International News Briefs[edit]
Board Meets with National Assembly in Alaska[edit]
The first meeting was held recently of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska and the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America. This historic event in the unfoldment of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh will be the basis of many joint projects in the future.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Turkey for 1968-1969. Left to right, seated: Dr. N. Ozsuca, chairman; F. Naci, vice chairman; Mrs. M. Hidayet, J. Ghouchani, secretary; standing: M. Afnan, J. Drakhshan, A. Vekil, treasurer; Y. Zola,
M. Ozsuca.
International News Briefs (con.)[edit]
A Teaching Trip to Alaska[edit]
An extensive teaching trip to Alaska in March was made by Mrs. Velma Sherrill, member of the Auxiliary Board. She conducted many deepening sessions, addressed public meetings, held TV interviews and talked with prominent leaders.
Her tour included meetings in: Kodiak, Kenai-Ridgeway, Anchorage-Spenard, Palmer and the Matanuska Valley, Fairbanks and Tanana Valley, Juneau-Auke Bay-Douglas, Sitka, Petersburg, and Ketchikan as well as Whitehorse and Carcross in the Yukon.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska, held a second Winter Weekend, January 25-26 in Palmer, attracting thirty-five people from nine localities, including several interested guests, and concluding with a public talk.
New Zealand[edit]
The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh was presented to the Mayor of Auckland, D. M. Robinson, on December 17 by Jean Simmons and John and Celia Carr. Mr. Robinson, who had some knowledge of the Faith, entered into a discussion on the attribute of courtesy among public servants. The Bahá’ís were happy to quote Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery’s remark that New Zealand had an old world courtesy which he hoped it would not lose. Mr. Robinson stated that he would read the book and would also read the Hidden Words which he had received on behalf of the Lady Mayoress, Mrs. Goodwin.
Japan[edit]
A Winter School was held in Tomikawa, Hokkaido, where the Ainus, aborigines of Japan, reside. The two-day school, February 22 and 23, was attended by thirty-nine Bahá’ís, mostly Ainus, from Tomikawa, Shiraoi, Urakawa, Sapporo, and Tokyo. Auxiliary Board member, Mr. Umegae, and Mr. Moritake, both Ainus, spoke at a public meeting where there was one declaration.
International News Briefs[edit]
West Cameroon[edit]
Good news from Muyuka is that Mr. Richard O. Ashu lectured on the Bahá’í Faith at Fess Electronics College. The first talk was given on January 20 and was on the nature and purpose of religion, the unity of religion and of the Prophets.
Equatorial Guinea[edit]
The local Spiritual Assembly of Santa Isabel reports sending a local pioneer, Mr. Hans Ayukangu to Biapa where a new center has been opened on Fernando Poo island with a group of four.
The Lesser Antilles[edit]
In an effort to focus attention on the people who speak French and Patois, and to increase teaching activities in the French islands, a new committee has been created by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands. It is the National Committee for Teaching in French and Patois. It is expected that this committee will fill a great need in the French islands, the population of which outnumbers that of the English speaking islands in the area.
Mauritius[edit]
A new National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Port-Louis was dedicated in January. The former Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Belle Rose is being converted for use as a Teaching Institute, thus accomplishing another goal of the Nine Year Plan.
Laos[edit]
Mr. and Mrs. Missaghian, pioneers in Laos, recently traveled by motorcycle to two of the central provinces of Laos, Savannakhet and Thakkek, and to four Bahá’í villages.
Believers everywhere, especially in the remote villages, were encouraged to see Mrs. Guity Missaghian, the first woman pioneer whom they have received in their villages. At night, the sound of a drum echoed from a large clearing in the jungle, calling the villagers to gather, bringing men, large numbers of women, and children to once again hear about Bahá’u’lláh. Friends volunteered to carry on the teaching work and some believers offered to take the Message into the farthest part of the jungle.
Bahá’í in the News[edit]
Nigeria[edit]
On March 9, 1969, Nigeria’s national newspaper, the Sunday Times, launched a series of articles about the Bahá’í Faith. The material was prepared by a believer in Nigeria, under the direction of the local Spiritual Assembly of Lagos.
A full-page, banner headline announced: “The probing Sunday Times introducing Bahá’í the World’s Newest Religion.” Another full-page headline stated “Golden Rule from All of the Holy Books.” More articles will appear in the series.
Bahá’í Spirit Demonstrated in Varied Naw-Rúz Observances Throughout the United States[edit]
Bahá’ís and their friends enjoy a Naw-Rúz dinner and party at an art center in Ogden, Utah.
At the Naw-Rúz observance in Rogers, Arkansas
Bahá’ís of Corvallis, Oregon and the surrounding area celebrate Naw-Rúz.
[Page 19]
The reality of the power of the love of Bahá’u’lláh
was experienced by many non-Bahá’ís this Naw-Rúz as
the friends celebrated the 126th Bahá’í Year with a
diversity of programs geared primarily to teaching.
For example, the Maryland and Washington, D.C.,
Bahá’ís launched their Bahá’í Week proclamation with
a Naw-Rúz dance in Columbia. It was well attended by
over 200 persons of all ages, colors and cultures. It was
such a demonstration of the beauty of the Bahá’í spirit
that 25 youth who came with the intent of “crashing the
party” were so surprised by the gathering that they
wanted to know what it was all about. To one it was
“unreal”.
Likewise, the Bahá’ís of the Greater St. Louis area held an international potluck dinner in observance of Naw-Rúz during their proclamation effort. Mrs. Margaret Danner, poetess-in-residence at the Virginia Union University, Richmond, Va., presented a program of poetry at the dinner and addressed various college groups and firesides during her four-day stay. A dinner followed by a public meeting was the means whereby the Bloomington and St. Paul, Minn., communities observed Naw-Rúz. Fifty-seven persons heard Nuri Sabit of Scotland speak. The Waukesha, Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, Wisc., Bahá’ís held a potluck with Dr. Stanwood Cobb as guest speaker. He also addressed a youth gathering the following night and a public meeting on Sunday. Brattleboro, Vt., Bahá’ís report an evening of great joy and delight was experienced by nearly ninety persons from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont who attended a gathering at which the explanation of Naw-Rúz was given by George Goding.
The Bahá’í Community of Flagstaff, Ariz., celebrated with a potluck supper at which time the city mayor was presented a copy of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh. The mayor was so moved by the presentation that he had every person there sign the book for him. Several gatherings were held in East New York State at Patchogue where over one hundred Bahá’ís and friends had a party with square dancing and dinner; at Garden City where a live band, an excellent dinner and a slide program showing nature scenes coupled with readings from the Hidden Words were enjoyed by sixty-five persons; and in Dutchess County, where youth provided a musical program following the dinner. A public celebration of Naw-Rúz was held in Rockland County, N.Y., where the CBS film “And His Name Shall Be One” was shown. At least half of the 75 persons attending were guests. The meeting was publicized through the newspaper, radio and many hand-written invitations.
Naw-Rúz in Indianapolis, Ind., was observed with a party attended by thirty persons at which the meaning of Naw-Rúz was explained and a slide program of the Bahá’í Holy Places in Haifa was given. Hartford, Conn., believers invited the friends from the surrounding area to join them in the biggest project ever undertaken in the area, a potluck attended by about one hundred persons. The program included music, singing, readings and a short talk. Bahá’ís in Virginia held parties and dinners at Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax City, and Fairfax County. “Religious Springtime” was the topic of the talk given by guest speaker George Frye at the Colombia, S.C., banquet attended by approximately forty persons, the majority being invited guests.
The friends and contacts of Rogers, Ark., and the surrounding area gathered for a potluck and program, consisting of prayers and the reading of words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on Naw-Rúz. A large, five-column banner headline publicized the Naw-Rúz observance of the Key West, Fla., group, which held a buffet dinner and talk on progressive revelation. Bahá’ís of the Greater Akron, Ohio, area jointly sponsored a covered dish dinner and program attended by seventy-five persons from ten cities. A Bahá’í children’s class provided after-dinner entertainment.
Many months of careful and persistent planning and publicity preceded a Naw-Rúz supper attended by nearly 400 persons at Sonoma State College, California. The dinner was open to all Sonoma State students and personal invitations were sent to all the college faculty. Dr. Akhtar Khavari spoke at the dinner, organized by the Sonoma State Off-Campus Bahá’í Club and the Bahá’ís of Sonoma County. The Ogden Bahá’í Community hosted Utah Bahá’ís and their friends for Naw-Rúz, attended by seventy-five persons.
Over seventy Bahá’ís from the Corvallis, Eugene, Albany, Portland and Salem, Ore., areas and friends gathered for a buffet dinner, and program of brief spiritual readings, community singing, a slide program with background music, readings from the Writings, and international folk dancing. The Bahá’í Community of San Leandro-Hayward J.D., California, invited the surrounding communities of Hayward, San Leandro, Livermore, Redwood City and their friends to an evening of dinner and entertainment, highlighted by singing by Bahá’í school children.
Bahá’í in the News[edit]
The Bible Advocate, a monthly magazine of the Church of God, Seventh Day, printed two brief paragraphs in the February 1969 issue telling of the two thousand Bahá’ís who visited the Shrines after the Conference in Palermo. Bahá’u’lláh’s imprisonment in ‘Akká was mentioned as well as the fact that Haifa is the World Center of the Faith.
The Design and Specification Handbook of Nelson-Harkins Industries of Chicago, Illinois who are manufacturers of directories, displays and bulletin boards on page 6 shows a photo of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette with its Directory Board which gives information on the Temple.
The Spanish magazine, Destino, published in Barcelona, Spain in December 7, 1968 issue has a four-page feature story on the Bahá’í Faith titled: “Encuentro Con Los Bahá’ís De Barcelona,” and is written by Roberto Saladrigas. The article is illustrated with pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Shrine of the Báb.
Riḍván 126 —[edit]
New Local Assemblies in United States[edit]
First local Spiritual Assembly of Toppenish, Washington,
(Yakima Indian Reservation) formed April 21, 1969. Left to
right rear: Duncan Brown, vice chairman; Thomas DeLay,
Janet Caudel, Lani Addison, Hal Addison, Arne Eklund, chairman; front: Joyce Eklund, treasurer; Annie Brown, Aletha
Brown, secretary.
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Richland County,
South Carolina, formed April 21, 1969. Left to right, front:
Thomas Jackson, vice chairman; Jim Harris, Kay Harris, secretary; rear: Harold Brooks, chairman; Nolan Jenkins, treasurer;
Dolly Crow, Helen Jackson, Adam Jackson, Benzena Hall.
Members of the first local Spiritual Assembly of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, formed April 21, 1969. Left to right,
front: Mary Ann Innace, Elizabeth Snyder, Michael McCandless, Ann Moore; rear: Arthur Blue, Joel Caverly, Mamie
Johnson, Farhad Golshani, Araj Bashiri.
|
Baha’i House of Worship
Wilmette, Illinois Daily Visiting Hours
Sunday Devotions
Sunday Public Meetings
|
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Zion, Illinois formed April 21, 1969. Left to right, standing; Mrs. Arnette Rauschel, Mrs. Jeannette S. Taylor, Victor Rauschel, Mrs. Burcey Lipscomb, Mrs. Mary Anne Qualls; seated: Mrs. Marcia Cote, Raymond Cote, Mrs. Sara A. Richards, Asa J. Taylor.
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; Mr. Rexford C. Parmelee.
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 60091, U.S.A.
Change of address should be reported directly to National Bahá’í Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A. 60091.
