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No. 463

BAHA’I YEAR 126

OCTOBER, 1969

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Announcements from The Universal House of Justice

Appointments to Continental Boards of Counsellors The following message from the Universal House of Justice was sent on July 10, 1969 to all National Spiritual Assemblies. Dear Bahá’í Friends, With great joy we announce that we have decided to increase the total number of members of the Continental Boards of Counsellors for the Protection and Propagation of the Faith to thirty-eight by adding John McHenry III to the Continental Board of Counsellors in North East Asia and Mas’úd Khamsí to the Continental Board of Counsellors in South America, raising the number of Counsellors on each Board to three and four, respectively. We also rejoice to announce the appointment of Mrs. Shirin Boman to the Continental Board of Counsellors of Western Asia to fill a vacancy on that Board. The devoted efforts of all eleven Continental Boards of Counsellors during the first year of their service to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh have been most exemplary and praiseworthy. We are deeply grateful for the loyalty, steadfastness and devotion which have characterized the activities of all members in reinforcing the vitally important work of the Hands of the Cause of God. Please share these glad tidings with the friends. With loving Bahá’í greetings, THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

Seventh New National Spiritual Assembly in Africa next Riḍván

The following message was sent to all National Spiritual Assemblies August 11, 1969:

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

In the brief space of time following the announcement of the formation of six new National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa next Riḍván, the succession of victories, resulting from the prodigious efforts exerted by the devoted friends, impels us to announce that a seventh National Spiritual Assembly will be formed in Africa at Riḍván, 1970. The new National Spiritual Assembly including Congo (Brazzaville), Chad, Central African Republic and Gabon, will have its seat in Bangui. This will leave Uganda with its own separate National Spiritual Assembly.

Please share this joyous news with the believers. We know the friends throughout the world join us in our supplications for the continued, uninterrupted prosecution and speedy fulfillment of the goals, terminating in the ultimate triumph of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,
THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

[Page 2]

First National Convention—Papua and New Guinea

The first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Papua and New Guinea opened the morning of April 21 with a session of devotions at 9 a.m. When devotions concluded the convention was officially opened by the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, Stanley Bolton, who presented greetings from that Assembly and the letters of greeting from other national spiritual assemblies who expressed their happiness at the formation of yet another pillar of the ‎Univeral Universal‎ House of Justice. So many letters of greeting were received that their reading was spaced through the whole convention.

As the roll of delegates was called, each of the thirty-one present came forward and was presented by name to the convention. A convention program, written in Pidgin, was given to everyone present. Three delegates were unable to attend.

David Podger a delegate from Port Moresby, elected convention chairman, welcomed Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone, Board of Counsellors member Miss Thelma Perks, Auxiliary Board member Miss Violet Hoehnke, delegates, and guests to the convention. Michael Homerang was elected convention secretary.

As representative of the Universal House of Justice, Collis Featherstone presented the message from the Universal House of Justice, a translation into Pidgin already having been prepared. The Motu speaking delegates from Papua were given an oral translation into their language by Mrs. Sue Podger.

In the afternoon Stanley Bolton presented the general Riḍván message from the Universal House of Justice to all Bahá’ís, a Pidgin version was circulated and read, and the Motu speakers also received a translation. Miss Thelma Perks presented a letter of greetings from the Australasian Continental Board of Counsellors.

On that and succeeding evenings a meal was served in the convention hall for all delegates and friends who wished to come.

On the morning of April 22 reports of goals, methods, and plans of the Regional Teaching Committees of New Ireland, North East New Guinea, and Papua were presented by Kapinias Lundeng, Lawrence Kumo, and Sue Podger, respectively.

Election on Second Day

The election of the new National Spiritual Assembly took place midmorning, with the following results: John Francis, Noel Bluett, David Podger, Sue Podger, Margaret Bluett, Michael Homerang, Rodney Hancock, Violet Hoehnke, and Frank Wyss. Auxiliary Board member Violet Hoehnke expressed a desire to remain on the Auxiliary Board and Gas Dau was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly in her place.

A report from the teaching committee of Bismarck Archipelago and New Guinea was presented by Frank Wyss. He reviewed the growth of the Faith in Papua, and New Guinea over the last year, noted the production of histories of the Báb and of Bahá’u’lláh in Pidgin and of a small booklet of prayers in the same language, mentioned the successful summer school held in Medina, the overseas traveling teachers who had come during the year, reported the current status of the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, expressed the hope that the Spiritual Assembly of Baluan would form, and concluded with a plea for more traveling teaching by believers within Papua and New Guinea. General discussion of teaching by all delegates followed Mr. Wyss’ report. Talasea delegates reported the widespread interest in the Faith in their part of New Britain. Miwa Enahai from Port Moresby told of the great interest in the Faith by the remote Pawaia people in Papua, and of nineteen villages which would be receptive to the Faith if taught now. John Francis spoke next and called on the Chimbu people who had learned of the Faith in Papua to assist.

At the first Convention in New Guinea. Convention chairman speaking and acting chairman Mr. John Francis is seated.

[Page 3] Members of National Spiritual Assembly of Papua and New Guinea. Left to right, back row: John Francis, Sue Podger, Frank Wyss, David Podger, Gus Dau, Michael Homerang, Rodney Hancock. Two members absent overseas were Noel Bluett and Margaret Bluett.
Seated: Stanley Bolton, Chairman of National Spiritual Assembly of Australia; H. Collis Featherstone, Hand of the Cause; Thelma Perks, member of Continental Board of Counsellors.

On the final day, Proclamation Committee secretary, Rodney Hancock, presented his report. Presentations had been made to the Administrator, to some Departmental Heads, to some District Commissioners, and good newspaper publicity was received concerning the convention. The delegates recommended that the next Proclamation campaign be directed to local government councils in the Territory. It was also recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly seek means of obtaining further publicity for the Faith by newspaper and radio.

Stanley Bolton gave a talk on finance and giving. After his talk, delegates expressed their thanks for the financial assistance given in the past by the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and spoke of the need for the community to participate more in giving. Mr. Collis Featherstone related some stories of giving from South America. Discussion turned to the question of deepening the community and the need to quickly develop the teaching institutes. There was consultation on the problems of marriage and burial as related to the customs of the area.

In the evening of April 23, replies from the Universal House of Justice and from the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land to the cables sent from the convention were read, giving much pleasure to all present. Closing addresses were given by Stanley Bolton and Thelma Perks. A moving final address was given by Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone in which he lovingly urged the delegates to take home the stories and the spirit of the convention.

Although not appearing on the formal program, the between-sessions mingling of the friends over meals and cups of tea during the period, and the ever friendly presence of the Hand of the Cause and of the Board of Counsellors member Thelma Perks mingling with delegates and observers, established a foundation of accord that stayed secure throughout and grew, as the convention progressed, into a happy unity of thoughts and feelings, taking final shape as a strong dedication to succeed in all our endeavors for the Faith.

Preconvention School Held

A two-day preconvention school was held April 19-20, attended full time by thirty-one delegates. Subjects treated were a general description of the convention, the work and responsibilities of a national office, the work of convention chairman and secretary, and desirable qualities in national assembly members. The evening of April 20 all the friends present joined in celebrating the first day of Riḍván. The Tablet of Visitation of Bahá’u’lláh was read and, following the conclusion of devotions, the friends viewed the slide series “Carmel, The Mountain of God,” which had been translated and recorded in Pidgin.

Two Hands of the Cause visit Highlands, New Guinea. Dr. Muhájir and Collis Featherstone are shown in center with Mrs. Margaret de Jonghe and the Bahá’ís of Kiogato Village.

[Page 4] Bahá’ís of Lau Lasi, Langa Langa Lagoon, Malaita, Solomon Islands. Mr. Fassey, pioneer on Malaita Is. at right standing.

Impact of Faith on South Pacific Noted by Traveling Teacher

One of the longest teaching journeys undertaken in the South Pacific, covering some 25,000 miles and lasting approximately six months with seventy-two communities visited, was completed recently as Edgar A. Olson returned home to Guam in the Mariana Islands of the mid-Pacific. It was arranged by the Pioneer Committee of Australia in conjunction with the national and local assemblies involved. “Olie”, as he is widely known, moved from Delaware in the U. S. to the Marianas goal area during the Ten Year Crusade.

First call on the journey was Manila, an overnight transit stop where a large fireside gathering was arranged. Next came New Guinea where teaching activities were carried on in nine villages over a period of three weeks. Here as elsewhere when needed, a local interpreter accompanied Olie on the trips to the outer islands. Discussion groups met night after night inside huts or on porches, sometimes in circles squatted on the beach, or standing in the heat of the sun or the evening’s moonlight. Sometimes the traveler with other Bahá’ís would walk through the bush at night to visit a neighboring village. At times Bahá’ís came from a distance by canoe to join with the friends for an evening’s discussion and fellowship.

Chiefs Welcome Visitor

In the Solomons, as in New Guinea, a continuous schedule of visits to different island communities was followed. At a distant village in Marau Sound on Guadalcanal where Bahá’ís were thought to be living, none was found, but the chief welcomed the visitor and his interpreter Hamuel, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Solomons. Within forty-eight hours, eight different firesides were held. Busy day and night schedules also filled the visitor’s time in New Hebrides. One new island visited was North Efate. Returning to Port Villa, a stop was made in the Village of Bounagis where the chief called together the men of the village and for two hours or more sat in a copra shed while the Faith was explained.

Good Publicity Gained

After a brief stop in New Caledonia, the traveler reached Australia where meetings and firesides were arranged. Mention of the Faith was made also in interviews by the press, and by radio and over television. Next came Tasmania and New Zealand, again with incidental publicity for the Faith. In American

[Page 5] Hau Hui Bahá’í Community, Malaita, Solomon Is. Right to Left. Miss Beng Liew, Bahá’í school teacher, Mr. Bruce Saunders, National Spiritual Assembly member, Mr. Hamuel Hohania, National Spiritual Assembly member of Hau Hui Community.

Samoa the Bahá’í from Guam was interviewed for the government newspaper. Western Samoa was next, then Tonga where he was interviewed over government radio.

Among highlights of the trip was a lively fireside evening Olie spent with the students from the U. S. Trust Territory — the Marshalls, Carolinas and Marianas — who are attending medical college in Suva, Fiji Islands. An interesting encounter was made in the Gilberts with an elderly Catholic priest who knew of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The journey continued by boat to the Marshalls, then to Hawaii, for a visit to some outer-island communities. The South Pacific circuit ended on June 12, 1969, two weeks short of six months from time of departure.

All Means of Travel

Almost every kind of conveyance was used in the course of the trip, including dugout and outrigger canoes, jeeps, trucks, buses and even “mini” automobiles and planes ranging from small single-engine craft to jets.

Throughout the region the traveling teacher found love and kindness among the Bahá’ís and sincere devotion to the Faith. He also discovered that the believers in some of the most remote villages knew and were practicing the principles of Bahá’í administration with understanding.

The impact of the Bahá’í Faith upon life and conditions in the islands was evident. Wherever there was a Bahá’í community, cleanliness was more noticeable. In one village where the Bahá’ís were firmly established, it was noted that drinking and inebriation had become almost non-existent, in contrast to the prior situation. Opposition to the Faith was encountered occasionally, sometimes at meetings. In most cases, however, wherever the people heard of the Faith, they wanted to hear more, and were especially interested in Bible subjects and prophecies. So-called pagans showed great interest. Everywhere, in the proclamation efforts, the emphasis was upon Bahá’u’lláh as a Messenger of God — the One awaited by all the peoples of the world.

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August, 1969 BAHÁ’Í NEWS mentions a teaching trip made by Edgar Olson of Guam while visiting the Solomon Islands and refers to him as a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh. This is incorrect. Mrs. Edgar (Cynthia) Olson is a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh.

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Central East Africa Receive Counsellors’ Visit

A twelve day period, June 28-July 9, including the anniversary of the first meeting of the Continental Board of Counsellors of Central and East African zone, (July 8th) witnessed a full-scale gathering of Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members, first in Addis Ababa and later in Nairobi. Consultations took place between the Counsellors and Board members and also the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of North East Africa. During part of the time, all five Counsellors — Oloro Epyeru, Kolonario Oule, and Mrs. Isobel Sabri from Uganda; Dr. Mehdí Samandarí from Somalia; and Aziz Yazdi from Kenya, met with nine of the eleven Board members of the zone: Dr. Hushang Ahdieh, Eritrea; Festos Mokalama, Kenya; Jawad Mughrabi, Central Africa; Peter Mutabazi, Uganda; Samuel Obra, Kenya; Mrs. Ola Powlaska, Congo; Salatier Shabani, Burundi; Soloman Tanyi, Cameroon Republic and Belete Worku, Ethiopia.

While they were in Ethiopia, a most inspiring teaching conference was held, during which participants learned much from the vast experience of mass conversion teachers from Uganda, Kenya and the Congo. A fireside was conducted at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds by three of the visiting Board members, Mrs. Powlaska, Festos Mokalama and Jawad Mughrabi, which produced lively discussion; and for three days, the four Counsellors and eight Board members mostly accompanied by a local friend scattered throughout Eritrea and Ethiopia on teaching trips, giving great impetus to the teaching and consolidation work. One declaration was brought back from Jimma. A public meeting was held in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds which was filled to overflowing when Dr. Mehdi Samandarí spoke on The Purpose of Man’s Creation. There were two declarations at the end of the meeting. Most meetings were enlivened with songs by

Board of Counsellors and Board members in Nairobi, July 4-7, 1969. Left to right, front: Counsellors Dr. Mehdí Samandarí and Kolonario Oule, Board member Mrs. Ola Powlaska, Counsellors Mrs. Isobel Sabri, Oloro Epyeru; rear: Board members Belete Worku, Salatier Shabani, Peter Mutabazi, Jawad Mughrabi, Soloman Tanyi, Festes Mokalama, Counsellor Aziz Yazdi and Board member Dr. Hushang Ahdieh.

the friends from Kenya, Uganda and Congo.

During the period in Ethiopia, all were the guests of the Addis Ababa community who showed deep love and hospitality to their guests, appreciation for the bounties they received from the visit and renewed dedication to winning the goals of the Nine Year Plan.

The talks and discussions continued in Nairobi on the institutions of the Universal House of Justice, Hands of the Cause, Counsellors and Auxiliary Boards with many points clarified. Practical plans were formulated for the next three to six months for both Counsellors and Board members, in accordance with the wish of the Universal House of Justice.

Social gathering in Addis Ababa for the Continental Board of Counsellors and Board members of Central and East Africa; National Assembly of North East Africa and friends.

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Bahá’ís of Chad Welcome Counsellor Member

Left: Dempsey and Adrienne Morgan, pioneers to Chad, Cleophas K. Vava, the first Bahá’í in Fort Lamy, with Counsellor Mehdí Samandarí. Right: On the ferry boat from Chad to Cameroon, Dempsey Morgan and Counsellor Mehdí Samandarí.

Left: Bahá’ís of Fort Lamy, Redina quarter. Right: Bahá’ís of Fort Lamy in Muslim quarter.

Bahá’ís of Fort Lamy and friends.

[Page 8]

Mozambique Scores a Victory

Planting cypress trees on newly acquired land for a Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Matola, Mozambique, a joyful occasion for all.

On June 29, 1969, an historic event in the Bahá’í history of this country occurred. After long negotiation, the local Spiritual Assembly of Matola, Mozambique, in collaboration with the Goals Committee, now have a piece of land where a Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds will one day be built. The plot of land is near Matola Rio. This is a supplementary goal granted by the Universal House of Justice at the request of the friends.

At 10 a.m. the friends gathered together and walked to the plot. Cypress trees were planted to mark the spot, then prayers and readings in many languages were followed by Bahá’í songs. The occasion was unique. Ten years ago it was impossible for the friends to recite Bahá’í prayers even in their own homes. Today they can pray openly and also sing aloud Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá. To close the celebrations fruit and refreshments were served to all the friends. This was a happy day!

Mozambique Bahá’ís Hold Conference

The second conference held at Chamanculo, Lourenço Marques, June 15, 1969, was conducted by the Goals Committee of Mozambique, with people coming from Boane, Machava, Matola, and Machaquene, receiving a warm welcome from the friends of Lourenço Marques.

This all-day conference was divided into two parts. The morning session was directed to devotions and the spiritual uplifting of the friends, with Mrs. Fernanda Moreira acting as chairman and Francisco Novais as secretary. “At 10 a.m. a group of the friends from Matola came in, singing their song, ‘Tokozani Siya Ngena Thina Ba Matola,’ ” writes Rudolfo Duna. “This was really the spirit of the festival of the conference. As you all know, my pen cannot adequately express the real happiness of this day, but all the same this was the day for the friends to come together from various centers, and to be together and share the fellowship, to

The Local Spiritual Assembly of Lourenço Marques, Mozambique, formed April 21, 1969. Left to right, rear: Rafael Mafuana; Jose Rodrigues; Rudolfo Duna, chairman; Justino Moreira, recording secretary. Front: Mrs. Fernanda Moreira, corresponding secretary; Miss Rosie Mary; Mrs. Emilia Rodrigues; Mrs. Angelica Duna, treasurer; Mrs. Hagar Langa.

pray and consult about solving the problems of teaching others about our beloved Faith. The second part of this conference was directed towards consolidating the spirit of the believers and giving them a happy time. So, a play had been prepared by Mrs. Angelica Duna and the friends. It was about teaching the Faith in the home of an inquirer. At last, a question arose, ‘Why don’t Bahá’ís baptize?’ Well, why don’t we? This question was then put forward for anyone to answer. Mr. Justino Moreira answered it in Portuguese and his reply was translated into Shironga. The highlight of the day was the presentation of the Faith by Jose Rodrigues, who spoke about progressive revelation. Many questions were put to him and all were well answered.”

[Page 9] Bahá’í Summer School at Juneau, Alaska. June 21-25, with visitors from the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Canada and the U.S.

Twelfth Alaskan Summer School Radiates Warmth, Knowledge

The Twelfth annual Alaska summer school, held in Juneau, June 21-25, registering seventy-three persons, was a joyous learning experience for all. Visitors were attracted from the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Canada, the U.S. as well as Alaskan communities.

Auxiliary Board member Curtis Kelsey brought warm inspiration to all with his much-loved stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His way of reaching and teaching all people. Elena Marsella brought alive the religions of past ages with her topic, “Great Religions of the Past.” Bill Van Zoest gave a class on “Tablets of the Divine Plan,” which complemented Curtis Kelsey’s presentation. Leslie and Ruth Hawthorn, who pioneered in Africa, taught “Deepening the Spiritual Life,” and their forty years of service as devoted Bahá’ís well qualified them to teach a course of such depth. They also shared slides of Uganda.

“Teacher Training” was a subject for discussion led by Ron and Lois Schnieder, utilizing slides taken on a ’round the world trip as part of the crew traveling with Russ Garcia for nine months. Sheila Rice-Wray, pioneer to Latin America for some twenty years, and member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Dominican Republic, shared delightful pioneering experiences with the students. Her unexpected presence brought much joy to the school, as did the presence of Mrs. Curtis Kelsey, who taught the Faith by her radiant example. Alaskans were also happy to have their own Auxiliary Board member present at the school sessions.

First Assembly Formed in Orkney Islands

Off the north coast of Caithness in Scotland lie the Orkney Islands. The opening of these islands was a goal assigned by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, for the Ten Year Crusade. The Universal House of Justice named one assembly as a goal for the Nine Year Plan. This has now been formed in Kirkwall, the county town, on the largest island called Mainland. It is low, rolling country, largely farming area, but with many moors and lakes.

The Orkneys are the Orcades of classical literature. Mentioned in the great Viking sagas, they were ruled by Norway and Denmark for several centuries and annexed to Scotland in 1472. Of the seventy islands, only twenty-four are inhabited, some only by the occupants of a single farm. On many of the islands spectacular cliffs have been formed by the sea and wind eroding the red sandstone and gray limestone.

Bahá’ís throughout the world will rejoice with the pioneers and their new Orkney friends in this victory. Among the believers are four Orkadians: Moira Macleod, Ian Macleod, Ernest Bertram and Violet Bertram.

Orkney Islands, left to right, front: Shezagh King, Daryoosh Mehrabi, Adele Senior; rear: Jacqueline Mehrabi, Moira Macleod, Ernest Bertram, Parvin Jahanpour, Eric King, Violet Bertram.

[Page 10]

Bahá’í Exhibition Tours Swiss Cities

Bahá’í traveling exhibitions in Switzerland were visited by some 4,500 persons in 1968 and 1969. Below: The “Santis” boat on Lake Zurich, featuring the Bahá’í exhibition.

A Bahá’í traveling exhibition prepared by Austrian believers was staged in several Swiss German-speaking cities in April and May 1969. In Zurich, large posters, movie theater slides, newspaper advertisements and hundreds of invitations announced the exhibition under the title Biographie der jüngsten Weltreligion (Story of World’s Youngest Religion), on a boat moored on Lake Zurich’s busiest promenade. Within five days, over 1,000 persons, among them many youth, viewed the exhibit. A press conference resulted in good coverage in newspapers including the students’ periodical, and, for the third time in two years, in a short television program. Slide programs were shown continuously to interested visitors. Many remained to read the literature in many languages in the boat’s improvised reading room.

A well-known pacifist, Max Daetwyler, called familiarly the Swiss apostle of peace, offered a gift of money. When it was explained to him that contributions are accepted from Bahá’ís only, he placed advertisements signed by him recommending the exhibition, in a publicity sheet distributed in all Zurich households. A Russian Orthodox priest recalled hearing first of the Bahá’í teachings through a faithful believer of Russian origin who had passed away. Some visitors mentioned their meeting with Professor Auguste Forel, the noted scientist and recipient of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s letter. A young tourist guide who used to pass three times daily in front of the boat featuring the exhibit described how American tourists on his bus knew about the Faith and had urged him to visit the exhibition.

The exhibition was later displayed in nearby Wettingen, a goal town, and in the Casino of Basel, where among the 500 visitors Marcus Bach, the noted theologian and Mark Tobey, the American Bahá’í painter, praised this public presentation of Bahá’í principles. A young Protestant minister, who had visited the Bahá’í exhibit, invited a believer to open a series of talks on non-Christian religions to a religion class at Oberwil in the suburbs of Basel. In Bern in like manner, high school students saw the display presented for one week in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. The exhibition’s last stop was the historic city of St. Gallen where Christianity was first introduced in the country by Celtic monks. The friends of the St. Gallen area had expended great efforts to have the exhibition in one of the best halls of

[Page 11] this center now famous for its textiles and embroideries. Five hundred and thirty newcomers had the opportunity of acquainting themselves with this, our youngest world religion. Rüdiger Wohlwend, a faithful ‎Liechstenstein Liechtenstein‎ believer, in spite of strong underground opposition from church authorities in the Principality, came with personal friends to nearby St. Gallen to show them the nicely arranged panels of the exhibition which covered the history, the teachings and various activities of the Faith. Follow-up public talks and house meetings were held and will take place later in the fall in each of these cities.

Right: Mark Tobey, the famous American painter who is a member of the local Assembly of Basel, joyfully joined hands with Swiss and Iranian believers to mount a Bahá’í exhibition in Basel, May 1969. Above: Poster announcing exhibition, in the streets of Zurich. Above right: Max Daetwyler, the Swiss Apostle of Peace, praised the Bahá’í exhibition.

[Page 12]

Goals Committee Members Visit South America

Two representatives of the United States International Goals Committee, Mrs. Maurine Kraus and Mrs. Louise Wold, took a one month trip (February 23-March 25, 1969) through South America to gain first hand knowledge of conditions and pioneer needs and to consult in person with members of the national spiritual assemblies.

The brief stay of a few days in each of the ten countries visited brought results which the travelers sum up as follows:

“1) The meetings with the national spiritual assembly members in every one of the ten countries revealed a warm, enthusiastic appreciation of our visit, a desire to share information concerning the grave needs within each country and the plans formulated to meet the goals; 2) For the Committee this trip was an invaluable experience of on the spot observations of the countries, the terrain, the peoples, living conditions, teaching methods affecting the lives of the pioneers, all of these both within the cities and in the mass conversion areas of Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia; 3) The visit with our many pioneers was a rewarding experience and provided opportunity to express our love and deep interest in their welfare and dedicated work.”

A few highlights of the trip:

Panama:

A visit to the Temple site with Mr. Paul Thiele showed where 36 feet of hilltop has been removed, a parking area constructed and a glimpse of the magnificent view from the spot where the Temple, when completed, will be seen from far and wide. There was a meeting with the pioneers now serving in Panama, marking the first time that all the pioneers had met together.

Colombia:

The travelers were met at the airport by the believers, an informative meeting was held with members of the National Spiritual Assembly, with emphasis on the need for young vigorous youth to help in the Guajira area where mass conversion is in process.

Ecuador:

A memorable visit to Otovalo, scene of Indian teaching. The account by Maurine Kraus follows:

“On Sunday, Dorothy Campbell, Jerry Bagley and I took a bus to Otovalo. It was an amazing, quite wild ride, through magnificent mountains, valleys, all breath-taking, with a sheer drop at the roadside — more curves and double-backs than seems possible. This ride was more dramatic than anything I have seen in the Alps and the Rockies. After four hours we arrived in Otovalo. It is an interesting, typically Latin, town of about 10,000 inhabitants.

“Monday, March 3, is probably one of the most unique days of my life. Raul Pavon came in the jeep to pick us up and the four of us set off through the wild

An Indian dwelling in Ecuador.

Indian Bahá’í instructors who teach their people throughout the area of Otavalo, Ecuador.

roads to the Indian villages where the Bahá’ís are. This was an indescribable experience, the glorious mountains and valleys, the rutty roads, some of them mud hard-packed, and a few with cobble-stone centers. We left the jeep and climbed up the path to the thatched mud huts of the Indians. These Indians are beautiful, so warm, so loving, their eyes speaking volumes of welcome and love as well as their words in Quechua, which

[Page 13] Vicenta Carillo, a 22 year old full time Indian Bahá’í teacher who for five years has traveled for the Faith.

Raul translated for us. We met a number of the Bahá’í Indian instructors. One was a girl of about 22 who accompanied us all during the day. It was overcast and drizzly, but we were able to get some slides and some songs on tape. At the second village we visited, about 20 children came from the school nearby with their teacher. We had quite a lengthy meeting inside from huts and outside, too, in the drizzle.

“The walking back and forth from the jeep up the steep hills and up the paths was very rugged. I took two tumbles, with no ill effects.

“Raul Pavon has been working with the Indians in Ecuador for a long time. His mother and father are at the Institute for training Indian teachers, outside of Otovalo. He speaks Quechua and is a very versatile young man. In the afternoon we set out for a village on the other side of the mountains. It was quite a journey over steep and rugged roads, constantly gaining height. Then we climbed on foot, straight up and reached the home of an Indian family by climbing high stone steps carved in the side of the hill. A family of potters lived there, a very large family. An Indian instructor of small stature met us here. He had evidently walked a long, long time to get there to meet us. This Indian potter and his son were busily engaged in their work. They couldn’t take time to stop at this point. The father was jumping up and down on his clay since it had to reach a certain point before he could stop — quite a dance as he talked. It was necessary to visit this family because of persecution by the other Indians. Jerry Bagley and Raul Pavon had a conversation with him in Spanish to build his morale and to encourage him to go on teaching. At last we got ourselves down the jagged rocks and to the jeep and set off, only to find at a turn in the road a large crowd of Indians — men and women who had dug a great trench in the road so that we could not pass. Jerry and Raul got out and a long, threatening time ensued. The Indians were angry. One had a machete and the leaders were drunk. They seemed to be provoked that the village political leaders had not been consulted for approval of teaching the Faith. The talk became angrier and angrier. The young Indian girl traveling with us and Dorothy and I kept singing softly “Alláh-u-Abhá” and saying the “Remover of Difficulties.” Finally, Raul and the little Indian instructor traveling with us were given a shovel and they began filling in the trench. Raul had stood his ground on the issue of the unlawful digging up of the road. It was no time to teach the Faith; it was a time to be firm. It was simply amazing that the jeep could jump that great ditch, but it did and off we went.”

Peru:

In Cuzco, Peru the visitors had another memorable day. The account continues:

“Cuzco was another unusual and different experience for us. We were met at the airport by four Bahá’í men, Cesar Rojas, and three of the Indian instructors. We found them holding up the Greatest Name so that we would recognize them. Cesar Rojas and his wife and five children live at the Institute some miles outside of Cuzco; Cesar Rojas is the teacher and pioneer there. We all squeezed into one taxi and rode some miles through the winding roads up the mountains to Pucyura, where the Institute is located. It is a sizable building lacking all modern facilities. In back of the building is a courtyard surrounded by old, low deserted buildings which are part of the property, where a large pig and a baby pig roamed. Directly beyond, the mountains ascend abruptly.

“A steep ladder leads up to the second floor which has a large area for a crowd of people and teaching. This large room has windows and daylight. At one end, are a number of triple-decked iron beds, a dormitory arrangement for accommodating people overnight.

“The instructors briefed us, laying out the plan for forming Assemblies by Riḍván in the area of Cuzco. They speak Quechua. On a blackboard in the large auditorium, they drew a map and pointed out exact locations and what was to be accomplished. It was really an excellent briefing and with interpretation we understood. These instructors travel miles and miles up and down the mountains, mainly on foot, and are out 15 and 20 days at a time traveling light, not even carrying food.

“Chinchero — This day was another experience. The taxi came for us in the morning. Cesar had made arrangements with great bargaining. There were seven of us in the car taking this trip and eight on the return trip. The taxi driver had brought his wife with his baby, non-Bahá’ís, and Maria took her baby. We drove up and up long and winding roads to the top of the world.

[Page 14] Finally we arrived at a high-up village called Chinchero. We left the car and walked up steep, stoney roads to the home of Bahá’ís. We were very short of breath — such altitude! We found that the Bahá’ís would have to have time to gather, which gave us an hour or two to walk up more steep, stony roads to the excavations and restorations — the famous restorations. Such rarified air, such dramatic mountains. God’s magnificent creation — beyond words to describe! You feel an extreme consciousness of His overwhelming and gigantic power. The excavations way up on these mountains showing the ancient culture and ruins are fascinating. This altitude is almost overwhelming combined with the exertion of climbing. Later we learned that we had been at an elevation of 13,000 feet.”

“We returned down the rocky roads to the home of the Bahá’í Indians. There we found a gathering of people and an Indian who wanted to declare. It was a good meeting, a loving exchange, and loving spirit evidenced.”

Bolivia:

With 208 local assemblies at the time of this visit and a goal of 600 for the Nine Year Plan, Bolivia has made a systematic plan for this accomplishment. They have 20 full time Bolivian instructors and 70 to 100 who can give shorter periods of time to teaching. The plan is for each teacher, accompanied by a pioneer, to visit 20 communities each month to teach and to find others who can be trained for this work. Strong pioneers are needed, with Scouting backgrounds to help with this rugged work.

A unique problem in Bolivia comes from the fact that in the Alto Plano area where there are many believers the Bahá’í population shifts because of the necessity of going to the valleys to sell the yearly harvest. Often this means the believers are away at Riḍván, sometimes for as much as six months. Many of the Indian believers are strong in the Faith and take the responsibility of leaving their votes to be sure of the election of their local assembly.

Chile:

Highlight of the visit to Chile was the drive to the Temple site outside Santiago. It is on a mountain with a magnificent view down a long valley and up to the snow-capped Andes. At present the site can be reached

An airport farewell at Cochabamba, Bolivia, to Mrs. Maurine Kraus and Mrs. Louise Wold from the United States. Included in the photo are pioneers from the United States, Persia, Argentina, and Costa Rica, as well as Bolivian Bahá’ís.

only with a difficult climb on foot, as the road to the top is not yet built. The acquisition of this site was certainly worth the long struggle and many problems encountered in getting it, for it will be accessible to the newer part of the city and about a ten minute drive from the Panamerican Highway.

Similar brief visits were made in Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil and Venezuela bringing the travelers to Puerto Rico where, at the end of the trip they could meet with those who have accomplished such spectacular teaching victories in the past few months.

Everywhere the visitors were shown such loving Bahá’í hospitality as to remind them that Bahá’ís are indeed one family. At this time, on the eve of the new assignment of goals by the Universal House of Justice this trip was most timely in establishing and cementing loving relations for the cooperative tasks in achieving the objectives of the Nine Year Plan.

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A Wide Range of Activities in Bolivia

“Club Deportativo Bahá’í Numero 1” (Bahá’í Sports Club, No. 1) in the Bolivian Indian community, Chacoma, Department of La Paz. Photo shows the football team with the organizers of this project. The team has won its first two games in competition with a city football team. They invited their opposing city team to their community, showing Bahá’í hospitality in a special barbecued lamb feast.

[Page 15] Bahá’í campesino community of Cocosilla, Department of La Paz, Bolivia, located near Lake Titicaca. This photo was taken during an all-day teaching visit by two Regional Teaching Committee members, who were received by a band playing native music as they passed through decorated arches erected in honor of the visitors; then they were carried on the shoulders of the friends to the meeting place. The women had prepared a big feast for the occasion.

Bolivian National Bahá’í Conference, July 23-27, 1969, held in Cochabamba, Bolivia, planned by Continental Board of Counsellors. The three Continental Board members, the pioneers, all native full-time instructors, some voluntary part-time native teachers, and other friends are shown in the photo.

[Page 16] Bahá’í campesino community of Amocala, Department of La Paz, Bolivia, gathered for a study course (July 1969).

Volunteer native Bolivian teachers of La Paz Department in a deepening class. (June 1969)

News Brief

Teaching work in French-speaking Switzerland has been augmented recently by traveling teachers. Hands of the Cause Dr. Ugo ‎Giarchery Giachery‎ and Jalál Kházeh have inspired the friends in many cities. S. K. Ghadimi of Liege, Belgium, made a teaching circuit which was announced on the radio and also had interviews on his recent trip to Canada. A two-week Bahá’í exhibition was held in the goal city of Fribourg in an art gallery. An artist friend of the Bahá’ís prepared a beautiful and colorful painting for the exhibition. La Chaux-de-Fonds, center of the watch industry, has recently been opened through the efforts of the Neuchâtel Local Assembly and the Bahá’ís in both cities are actively collaborating on a teaching program.

Brazil Bahá’í Youth Hold Congress

Nearly fifty Bahá’í youth from eight states of Brazil spent a week in their Fifth Annual National Youth Congress at the Y.M.C.A. encampment near São Paulo July 16-23, with the cooperation of National Spiritual Assembly members Mr. Rolf von Czékus and Mr. and Mrs. Rangvald Taetz, who acted as their coordinators and instructors. Main themes for serious study were Seven Valleys, “Soul, Mind, and Spirit,” and “Freedom from Prejudice.” Questions and answers brought out varied and profound teachings. Several youth were confirmed in becoming Bahá’ís.

A half-page of very favorable story with pictures appeared in a popular São Paulo newspaper after a reporter spent one day with the youth and sat in on the classes, and other excellent publicity appeared in newspapers both before and after the Congress.

The Bahá’ís of Brazil are putting much hope and faith into the future activities of these dynamic young people.

[Page 17]

Proclamation Conference in Lipari, Italy

Lipari, the capital of the Eolian Islands, had its proclamation conference on May 23, 1969. A large room in the city hall was offered by the Mayor who welcomed the speaker, Prof. A. Bausani, on behalf of the people of Lipari. Chairman of the conference was Miss Teresa Taffa, pioneer in Lipari for the last three years.

Present at the conference were the civil, military and religious authorities of the island as well as teachers, principals of several schools, representatives of the clergy as well as doctors and lawyers, in all over sixty people. The subject was on “the atomic age and the crisis in today’s society.” A lively debate followed and many questions were asked, especially by the clergy and those who had never heard of the Faith before. The newspaper of the south as well as the local one advertised the conference and commented on it. The conference was considered a success, especially considering the conservative attitudes prevailing in the all-Catholic island.

The following day Miss Taffa and Prof. Bausani presented the book on proclamation to the Bishop and to the Mayor of Lipari.

Proclamation Conference at Lipari — May 23, 1969. Speaker Prof. A. Bausani and pioneer Miss T. Taffa.

Fifth Annual National Bahá’í Youth Congress of Brazil, July 16-23, 1969.

[Page 18]

Bahá’ís of Mexico Hold Stimulating Convention

At the Ninth National Bahá’í Convention of Mexico, held in the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Mexico City, the National Spiritual Assembly, shown in the picture, was elected. Left to right, front: Miss Susan Millet; Mrs. Esther Krieger; Mrs. Soledad Bilbatua, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Eloise Cervantes, recording secretary; Jorge Coronado; rear: Rafael Goviros, coordinator; Harold Murray, treasurer; Mrs. Valerie Nichols; Mrs. Marylin Biermay. Kneeling in front are Auxiliary Board members Dr. Juvenal Gutierrez, left, and Celestino Simá of the Mayan peoples of Yucatán.

One of the notable aspects of the convention was the spirit of action that prevailed among the participants. A fund for five native pioneers was established. After consultation on the additional goal of the Nine Year Plan approved by the Universal House of Justice, the purchase or construction of three local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, some funds were subscribed and offers received for land donations.

National Spiritual Assemblies and Conventions

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Indonesia for 1969-1970. Left to right, seated: M. Suprapto, Mrs. G. Punjabi, treasurer; Maj. Suyuti, vice chairman; standing: E. Supa’at, Ing. Sayuti, secretary; K. A. Samami, Dr. M. Samandarí, chairman; L. Punjabi. Not shown, Mr. P. Dana.

The Convention of the Bahá’ís of Indonesia was held in Jatiroto, East Java, at Dr. M. Samandarí’s house.

[Page 19] National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Sweden 1969-1970. Left to right, front: E. Jazayeri, Hans Odemyr, Mrs. Mehri Afsahi; rear: Kaj Winberg, Sven Mards, Torleif Ingelog, Ake Johansson, Ruhi Golmohammadi.

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Belgium 1969-1970. Left to right, standing: André Jacobs, Roger Swinnen, treasurer; Amínu’lláh Samii, vice chairman; Mehran Faez, Shoghi Ghadimi; seated: Jean-Pierre Laperches, chairman; Miss Catherina Driesen, Mrs. Madeleine Bastogne, secretary; Gaston Mattheus.

Members of National Spiritual Assembly of Tanzania elected for 1969-1970: left to right, seated: Dr. M. Farhoumand, chairman; B. Sikazawe; M.D. Kalulu; Dr. J. Samandari, vice chairman; standing: R. Yazdani, treasurer; H. Akida, secretary; B. M. Barnabas, recording secretary; C. Wanyama; J. Kakungulu.

At the Convention in Tanzania: some of those who volunteered to pioneer. Kolonario Oule, member of the Board of Counsellors, is shown on extreme left.

Delegates to the National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Tanzania held April 25-27, 1969.

[Page 20]

Restoring the Original Beauty of the House of Worship

“Make a beginning and all will come right”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Bahá’ís visiting the Most Holy House of Worship in Wilmette, as well as those responsible for its physical maintenance, have regretted the inability to restore its original white quartz brilliance, dulled first by the dust storms of the nineteen-thirties and deteriorating further in the intervening decades.

One of the projects initiated this summer with youth from a summer project playing an important part, and to be carried out as long as weather permits during the rest of this year and the next, is the cleaning of the exterior of the House of Worship. It has been made possible by a process more economical than any known before. Its use has been approved by the firm that originally cast the exterior and by the cement association after being tested in its research facilities. The accompanying three pictures show dramatically the difference made by the new process. The cleaned areas will be maintained, moreover, with an acrylic sealer which lengthens the period of time before another cleaning will be needed.

This cleaning, combined with modern flood lighting being installed this fall, will bring a new nighttime beauty as well as increase the Temple’s prominence as a beacon for travelers whether by land, by water or by air.

From time to time additional pictorial reports will appear showing progress and bringing a better realization of some of the ways that the sacrificial contributions of the Bahá’ís to the National Fund are being utilized.

[Page 21]

North American Boards and United States National Spiritual Assembly

Hands of the Cause, Members of the Board of Counsellors for North America, members of the Auxiliary Board for Protection and Propagation in North America, and the members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States. July 13, 1969.

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States 1969-1970. Left to right. Mr. Glenford Mitchell, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Mr. Franklin Kahn, Dr. Dorothy Nelson, Mr. Jack McCants, Dr. Sarah Pereira, Dr. Dwight Allen, Dr. Daniel Jordan.

Auxiliary Board Member Addresses Church Congregation

Bahá’ís of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, had the rich bounty of being able to present Dr. Peter Khan, Auxiliary Board member, during a special Sunday service at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Rhinelander. Dr. Khan spoke on “Can Religion and Science Agree?” The service, held between regularly scheduled masses, closed with the priest reading the Bahá’í prayer for All Mankind. It was in this same church a year ago that the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh flowed with the reading of the same prayer.

The preceding evening Dr. Khan addressed many youth at the community’s coffee house, called Baliha’i, in the church cafeteria.

Preparations for the programs included two television interviews with Dr. Khan, distribution and mailing of about 800 announcements, placement of 80 posters, radio announcements, a full page ad and other newspaper articles.

For more than two years friendly relationships based on respect and love have been building between the Bahá’ís and the clergy and nuns of Rhinelander.

Center is Opened in Salt Lake County, Utah

Three of the Salt Lake County, Utah, Bahá’ís have rented a white frame house, hung out the sign “Bahá’í Center” and converted the living room and kitchen into a coffeehouse. Refreshments and programs with readings, music, and speakers are offered.

Bahá’í in the News

The Hartford Courant for August 14, 1969 in giving the account of the parade in New York to welcome the astronauts mentioned the placard along the route stating “This earth is but one country and mankind its citizens” and said that the quotation was from the Bahá’í writings.

[Page 22]

LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES: SEVEN NEW and ONE INCORPORATED

Springfield, Missouri. Left to right, rear: Khosrow Haqpejew, Manuchihr Kazemzadeh, Samuel Hazen, chairman; Myron Fridy, vice chairman; Ojen Zaeri; front: Miss Taranih Mavaddat, Sohrab Gandumi, treasurer: Mrs. Charlotte Van Hoose, secretary; Miss Gloria Fridy.

Burlington, Vermont. Left to right, seated: Phyllis Warren, recording secretary; Edward Jones, chairman; Elaine Williams, secretary; standing: John Williams, treasurer; Earl Warren, vice chairman; Gayle Hoover, Clyde Rogers, Patricia Jones, Ron MacInnes.

Bakersfield J. D., California

State College, Pennsylvania. Left to right, standing: Mrs. Beatrice Romaniec, recording secretary; Frank Talley, chairman; Anthony Rittenhouse, Beauris Whitehead; seated: Stephen Yamamoto, vice chairman; Mrs. Bonnie Talley, Dr. Mary Kate Yntema, corresponding secretary; William Shoemaker, William Rose, treasurer.

Elgin, Illinois. Left to right, front: Francis Monroe, Amber Spahn, Carol McMichael, Bob Eilers; rear: Louis Rohling Jr., Margaret Rohling, Eugene Granroth, Leslie Sites, Arthur Jacobsen.

[Page 23]

Presentations

Local Spiritual Assembly of Sabadell, Spain, left to right, first row: Basilio Perez, Marcos Alarcón, Frederico Perez, Antonio Sanchez; second row: David Fontanet, Filipe Bou, Luis Lorente, Señora Encarnación Asensio and Rufino Oruña.

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Stafford, England, also the first Assembly in the county of Staffordshire for the Nine Year Plan. Left to right, rear: Douglas Hodgson, Mrs. Amineh Golmuhamad, Mrs. Betty Goode, vice chairman, Kenneth Goode, chairman; front: Miss Parirukh Samandi, secretary; Mrs. Sylvia Hodgson, Mrs. Jean Pitcher, Mrs. Elsie Birt, treasurer; Miss Gloria Missaghi.

Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Billings, Montana at the time of incorporation, June 23, 1969, left to right, seated: Jack Saunders, Ivan Cottrill, Edwin Koyl, Joe Hartpence; standing: Barbara Jackson, Mary Cottrill, Glennis Erickson, Marian Boggis, Ruth Saunders.

Manitou, Colorado, Introduced to the Faith

Bahá’í posters invitations to fifty town leaders, press advertisements and the presentation of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to the town mayor promoted the recent three day Proclamation in Manitou, Colorado, which has been selected a goal city by the Suburban Colorado Springs Bahá’ís.

The press article covering the book presentation explained the purpose of Bahá’u’lláh in writing the kings and of the calamities which would befall the monarchs if they did not regard the human rights of their subjects. The article then went on to state, “All that was predicted has come to pass; the kings and most of the empires have faded away.”

The proclamation featured a varied program of music one evening, an open house one afternoon, and speakers on the topics of “Human Rights” and “Revelation, Not Revolution.” Thirty-six guests attended the activities.

The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh is presented to the Honorable William F. Czuleger, center Mayor of Redondo Beach, California by Mrs. Ruby Nelson and Stanley Shelton, chairman of the local Spiritual Assembly. The occasion was the meeting of the City Council May 26, 1969, and in response to the gift the Bahá’ís were given the opportunity to give a short explanation of the Faith to the audience. The mayor is friendly to the Faith and has attended several Bahá’í events.

Ralph Sumner, Mayor of Manitou Springs, Colorado, receives a copy of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh from Mrs. Wanden Kane, assisted by Miss Debra Jensen and James Milne.

[Page 24] Third Annual Kansas Summer Institute held July 4-6 in Salina, Kansas. Sponsored by the Kansas State Goals Committee the Institute was attended by 86 adults and 20 children.

“Portrait of a Bahá’í” Theme of Inspiring Kansas Institute

The third annual Kansas Institute, held in July 1969, was acclaimed by those who took part as the most successful yet, bringing to the friends an opportunity to learn how to practice the Bahá’í teachings in the everyday situations which face the average believer.

Mrs. Natalie DiBuono lead discussion on “Relationships with the public”; Albert J. Porter on “Relationships with the community” and Eileen Norman on “Relationships with the family”. Following the sessions there were open forum periods for answering personal questions. There were childrens’ classes with activities including stories of the Faith, Bahá’í prayer and arts and crafts.

Among the truths stressed were: the importance of living the Bahá’í life in daily activities; the necessity of obedience, and the all important truth that the public judges the Faith by the actions of the members.

The Bahá’í spirit of joy and good fellowship was enhanced by an evening of singing and one with a slide program and short dramatic skits.

Californians Proclaim the Faith by Radio

Bahá’ís of Monterey, California, have been working together on a radio proclamation campaign appealing to the large Spanish population of California by airing three fifteen minute programs, which are broadcast weekly over WCTY, an all-Spanish radio station. The Bahá’ís have also just completed the broadcast of “World in Harmony” which was aired over KDON, the station with the highest listening rating in the tri-county area. This series of 26 programs began in December, 1968, and is being followed up with four “In Praise of God” and four “Nobility of Man” broadcasts.

Also shorts of less than one minute were broadcast from “Bahá’í Meditations” by KDON and KSBW in Salinas as a public service.

The cooperative radio plan began with the Monterey County Proclamation Week last summer which included the half-hour program “The Promised Day Is Come” over KERR in Salinas and KRML in Carmel, followed by “In Praise of God” and “Nobility of Man” at both stations. The intercommunity county radio committee is composed of representatives from the Carmel, Monterey, Monterey-Carmel Judicial District, Salinas and Seaside local Spiritual Assemblies and the Salinas Judicial District group.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Becoming Your True Self. By Daniel Jordan. In this pamphlet, the author describes the nature of human potential and how the individual can become transformed into his true self and realize his fuller capacity through knowing and loving God. It brings out the teaching of Bahá’u’lláh that the highest expression of the self is servitude, the developing of all of one’s qualities into service to humanity through spiritual powers available to man. (Reprinted from World Order magazine. Produced in an attractive two-color, slimline format, 3⅝ x 8½, 24-page self cover.

10 copies       $1.00

Bahá’í Publishing Trust
110 Linden Avenue
Wilmette, Illinois 60091

(Order through your local literature representative)

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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.