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No. 465

BAHA’I YEAR 126

DECEMBER, 1969

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The Universal House of Justice Announces Contracts for Panama Temple

JOYFULLY ANNOUNCE AWARD FOUR MAJOR CONTRACTS TOTALLING FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY FOUR DOLLARS ERECTION SUPERSTRUCTURE PANAMA TEMPLE. URGE ENTIRE WORLD COMMUNITY FOCUS PRAYERS DEDICATE RESOURCES RAPID COMPLETION HISTORIC PROJECT GLORY BAHÁ’U’LLÁH. The above cablegram from the Universal House of Justice addressed to all National Spiritual Assemblies was dated October 22, 1969.

50th Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablet to the Hague

December 19, 1969 will mark the fiftieth anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablet to the Central Organization for a Durable Peace at the Hague. “There is not one soul whose conscience does not testify that in this day there is no more important matter in the world than that of Universal Peace,” the tablet states. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá praised the members of the Organization as “pioneers among the well-wishers of the world of humanity.” It is hoped that the friends will be able to observe this anniversary in some way that will boost their proclamation of the message of peace brought by Bahá’u’lláh. An article on the Tablet to the Hague will appear in the Winter issue of WORLD ORDER MAGAZINE; it will also be published in a pamphlet by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

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Let There Be Light

On October 8, 1969, the Mayor of Wilmette, Kenneth Santee, threw a switch which turned on the new exterior floodlighting system at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. Alongside the Mayor was the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, Glenford E. Mitchell.

Observing the historic ceremony were officials of the Village of Wilmette representing education, police, fire department, recreation, planning and other village departments. In addition there were representatives of the manufacturers and installers of the new lighting system. Bahá’ís from the National Bahá’í Center were also present at the event which took place at the entrance walk to the House of Worship.

The ceremony was opened by the prayer for mankind read by Miss Gloria Woodson. This was followed with a short talk on the significance of the occasion by Glenford E. Mitchell and then remarks by the Mayor of Wilmette, who expressed the pride of the Village of Wilmette in having the world-famous Bahá’í House of Worship in its area.

The photograph shown indicates the effectiveness of the new flood lights which have five times the intensity of the old and yet use less electric current. At the time the picture was taken the cleaning of the dome, first told of in the October BAHÁ’Í NEWS, had been completed. The level immediately below, known as the clerestory, was cleaned before winter set in, with the balance of the structure scheduled to be done next summer. The dome has also been coated with a colorless acrylic sealer which should help to maintain its present appearance for a period of years.

[Page 3] Dr. Muhájir being met by Intercontinental Board of Counsellors, Auxiliary Board members and believers from Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia at airport in Quito, Ecuador for International Conference.

Five Andean Countries Host Counsellors’ Conference

Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Muhájir and the Continental Board of Counsellors for South America were meeting in Bolivia when news reached them that the National Spiritual Assembly of Ecuador had set the goal of 9,000 new believers to be reached before the Bolivian Continental Conference to be held in August, 1970. Thus Quito, Ecuador was chosen as the site of an international conference of the five Andean countries which was then being considered by the Hand of the Cause and the Counsellors in their deliberations. On August 8-11 representatives of Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela; Auxiliary Board members Leonor Porras, Habib Rezvani, Peter McLaren and Charles Hornby: believers from many communities in Ecuador in addition to Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir and Continental Board of Counsellors members Donald Witzel and Athos Costas met in Quito for an intensive program of consultation and planning on teaching the masses on a “large scale”, proclamation of the Faith, and Bahá’í education.

Teaching Plan Initiated

Several believers responded to the call for international traveling teachers, and ultimately Raúl Pavón and Jerry Bagley of Ecuador were committed to a total of more than two months’ assistance to the National Spiritual Assembly of Peru, interrupting their own expansion plan to help initiate a large scale effort beginning the first part of September in Peru. If plans materialize, at least two neophytes in mass conversion will come back to Ecuador from Peru for further experience in expansion and consolidation.

Ground work for the pooling of teaching materials from the various Latin American countries was laid. Doris de Sanchez, who had traveled the mountain roads to Quito from Bogotá, Colombia by bus with the veteran

[Page 4] Brazilian pioneer, Olavo Rovaes, related the success that they had had there with regular Saturday classes for children for the past three years, to the extent that several children of less than fifteen years of age are prepared to teach and two have made a trip to other cities and conducted public meetings. Ecuador anxiously awaits her return in December to help train youth educators.

The Importance of Winning the Indians

The Proclamation Committee of the conference placed particular emphasis on the development of well organized correspondence courses for inquirers and Bahá’í deepening. Patricia Conger outlined Ecuador’s plans for using this medium for proclamation. Dr. Muhájir mentioned that 600 people have entered the Faith in India through their correspondence course. He also encouraged the national representatives to develop plans for reaching the black people in their areas as well as the Indians. Shoghi Effendi often spoke of the Indian and Negro in connection with mass conversion in Latin America.

Dr. Muhájir said: “The Master has mentioned 120 countries in His Divine Plan, but He has chosen the Indian people and emphasized that we should teach them and we should give them special attention. The beloved Guardian wrote in 1946 when there was only one regional national spiritual assembly for all of Latin America: ‘A special effort should be exerted to secure the unqualified adherence of members of some of these tribes to the Faith, their subsequent election to its councils, and their unreserved support of the organized attempts that will have to be made in the future by the projected national assemblies for the large scale conversion of the Indian races to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.’ ”

The Hand pointed out that the first steps of these instructions of the Guardian have been carried out: the projected national spiritual assemblies were elected in 1961; contact has been made with many tribes and some have been enrolled in the Faith; they have been elected to local and national spiritual assemblies (each of the national spiritual assemblies of the five countries represented has Indian members). “But,” he said, “the ‘large scale conversion of the Indian races to the Faith’ is still missing, and that is the purpose of this conference.”

Mobilization after the Conference

The active Ecuadorian teachers in the indigenous field were mobilized almost immediately after the conference and moved south, “like an army” as Raúl Pavón later said, into the province of Azuay and the city of Cuenca for the National Spiritual Assembly’s planned “week of expansion.”

Each morning the twenty or more participants gathered to divide into teams and be assigned their areas, and to turn in their reports and lists of Bahá’ís found the day before. The surprising thing for everyone was that many of the new believers were not indigenous but white campesinos (country people). By the end of the week these devoted “soldiers” had a happy report to send to the Universal House of Justice, and for the first Summer School of Ecuador, of 494 new believers in the province of Azuay.

Summer School Sparks Youth Participation

Counsellor Donald R. Witzel, Auxiliary Board member Charles Hornby and seventy other Bahá’ís participated in the summer school, twenty-two of them youth. The youth promptly organized, mapped out their teaching plans and raised funds. And thus two more startling events took place before astonished eyes: the vigorous activity of Bahá’í youth and particularly of young women of Latin America, who must join their courageous sisters in other continents in service to Bahá’u’lláh as anticipated by the beloved Guardian. The Universal House of Justice answered a cable from the summer school as follows:

DELIGHTED NEWS EXPANSION AZUAY SUCCESS SUMMER SCHOOL.

PRAYING ATTAINMENT ALL GOALS LOVING REGARDS.

For the Ecuadorian National Spiritual Assembly and the believers, this was just the beginning of a year-long expansion program to attain the goal of 9,000 new Bahá’ís by the Continental Conference next August, and at the same time persist with consolidation in order to have seventy-five indigenous local spiritual assemblies next Riḍván, including those gained in previous years.

During all these activities in Indian teaching, the city of Cuenca was not neglected. Provincial and Federal authorities were advised of the Indian teaching activities, a public meeting was held at the Chamber of Commerce which was attended by all seventy believers from the summer school and some eighty inquirers, who heard an excellent presentation of Bahá’í teachings by Ing. Ramón Armas of Guayaquil. There was also newspaper, radio and T.V. coverage.

Participants in a two-day teaching institute held by the Bahá’í community of Nicaragua in Managua. Auxiliary Board member Rodrigo Tomás assisted in the teaching institute, along with several students who had been chosen for this event. Subjects developed included The Dawn-Breakers, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Covenant, and Administration.

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New Center Dedicated in Japan

Tomikawa, a remote farming village along the southern coast of Hokkaido, Japan, was the scene of some unusual activities August 23-24, when the newly built Bahá’í Center was dedicated. The beautiful location is high on a hill overlooking the town and valley below. About 100 Bahá’ís were present, many coming from the main island of Honshu. A youth conference was held the day before the dedication and a one and a half-day summer school followed the dedication ceremonies. Local Bahá’ís gave talks on subjects such as Giving to the Fund, Bahá’í Administration, and History of the Faith. For some it was the first time they had ever spoken before a large gathering. This picture, taken in front of the Bahá’í Center, shows Continental Board of Counsellors member Rúhu’lláh Mumtází and Auxiliary Board members Hideya Suzuki and Kazutomo Umegae sitting at the left of the woman holding the Greatest Name.

This picture shows Auxiliary Board member Kazutomo Umegae speaking. Mr. Umegae is of Ainu ancestry. He and his father, Mr. Moritake, an Ainu village chief, were in the first group of Ainu in Hokkaido to accept the Faith in 1961.

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BOOK REVIEW

SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS

BY ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ

Collected and translated by Laura Clifford Barney.

1964 edition, 350 pp., index

Review by Annamarie Honnold

Some Answered Questions is unique in all religious literature. It contains the answers, authentic and approved, to questions a western pilgrim asked of the Son of a Manifestation of God. Here, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, eldest Son of Bahá’u’lláh, Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, explains numerous subjects which troubled man in 1908 and which remain unresolved in the mind of contemporary man. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá communicates with authority — the very quality society both shuns and seeks.

A great variety of questions find answers; perplexing Biblical passages, explanations. To mention but a few: What is man? Is there a God? How can we know the Creator? Can God talk with men? What is meant by the Trinity? How can one understand the “Return” promised by the Prophets? What is meant by “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church”? What of immortality, free will, healing, reincarnation? Why follow the authority of the Word of God given through a Divine Spokesman?

The Master’s “Tired Moments”

The chapters actually consist of “table talks” between ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Laura Clifford Barney. Admittedly, these fell during His “tired moments”—between periods of work. These informal discussions “took place during the difficult years, 1904-1906, when He was confined to the city of ‘Akká by the Turkish government and permitted to receive only a few visitors. At the time He was under constant threat of removal to a distant desert confinement.” Yet, Laura Barney was permitted several visits — and thanks to her prodigious efforts, we benefit as well.

Laura Barney was keen to have these precious sessions recorded accurately — one of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s sons-in-law or a member of His secretariat was always asked to be present. Later ‘Abdu’l-Bahá read the transcriptions, “Sometimes changing a word or a line with His reed pen, then signed and stamped each one with His seal.” Miss Barney then translated the talks into English. Finding the answers exceedingly valuable, she felt impelled to ask permission to publish, that others might share her spiritual treasure. In 1908, the book was “published simultaneously in French, English and Persian.” Even the Master must have been pleased with the results for He is known to have referred other pilgrims to it. [Note George Latimer, The Light of the World, 1920.] Excerpts were subsequently published in small booklets: Some Christian Subjects (London 1946) and Christ’s Promise Fulfilled (Wilmette, 1954), with an introduction by George Townshend, then Canon of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.

Although it is over sixty years since this book was first published, this Bahá’í classic will prove a most gratifying discovery for the many new Bahá’ís and for religious scholars. Small wonder that it is even now in its eighth English edition. The publications have changed only in minor ways. The book still contains Miss Barney’s 1907 introduction. In addition the reader will find an excellent table of contents — for convenience, “talks” are compiled in orderly fashion, a second introduction with a brief history of the Bahá’í Faith, a publisher’s preface, and most important of all, an excellent index. Even the jacket is an invitation to seek the wisdom of the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who “breakfasted at the home of the Treasurer of the United States” and spoke to a scientific organization at the invitation of Alexander Graham Bell and of Whom Stanford University’s President said that “He trod the ‘mystic way with practical feet.’ ”

Interpreter of the Word

A glance at the table of contents reveals a fraction of the vast scope of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh for a new world order. These the Master had to interpret to His contemporaries. This was accomplished without invalidating ancient religious truths which were essential to man’s well-being. Listed in five divisions, the chapters often begin with a question. A few highlights follow.

Part I concerns itself, logically enough, with “the influence of the Prophets in the evolution of humanity.” If this comes as a surprise to the reader, he should acquaint himself with Arnold Toynbee’s A Study of History as well as with his book review of Ninian Smart’s The Religious Experience of Mankind (The New York Times Book Review, February 9, 1969). Toynbee writes, “It is a history of mankind centered on religion, not on war and politics ..., and not on economics....” He continues by saying that “As recent as, say, sixty years ago, the writing of this book would have been impossible.” This, because of ignorance, prejudice and animosity. But ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was no ordinary mortal — more than sixty years ago He knew the impact of religion on history.

The Light of Reason

In Part I basic concepts are considered in the light of reason. Some Answered Questions begins with an essay on universal law as found in nature and proceeds to the proofs of the existence of God Himself. The reader is then introduced to the need of a Divine Educator. A number of these Teachers, beginning with Abraham are discussed in the light of Their accomplishments. From

[Page 7] such Souls men obtain their only real wealth. But to find, the seeker must have certain qualities. Strange as it may seem, he must be free of both love and hatred for human beings — love and hatred can prevent recognition of the truth.

Christian Subjects

As a western pilgrim was questioning ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, it is understandable that the approach is Judaic-Christian. Part II deals with Christian subjects which today require clarification. Within modern Christianity the rational mind faces stumbling blocks. A number of these are surmounted: religious symbolism, the concept of the Holy Spirit, baptism, the Trinity, and the “return” or second coming of Christ. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sings the praises of Christ Who “hurt no one.” In our time with Christianity divided into hundreds of sects, with the ecumenical movement spreading and papal authority questioned, the Master reminds us that “... the instructions of Christ are one thing, and the manner of the Papal government is quite another: they do not agree.”

The Manifestation of God

In Part III we are introduced to rational explanations of that little understood Being, the Prophet or Manifestations of God on earth. The chapter on “The Divinity Can Only Be Comprehended Through the Divine Manifestations” is convincingly presented. “Verily that which surrounds is greater than the surrounded, and the surrounded cannot contain that by which it is surrounded, nor comprehend its reality.” “Minds are powerless to comprehend God ...” “Divine Beings ... are the true mirrors of the sanctified Essence of God.” He recognizes, of course, both the human and spiritual conditions of the Divine Manifestation. Furthermore, He speaks of two classes of Prophets: the independent Lawgiver such as Moses, Jesus, or Bahá’u’lláh, Who is followed; and the dependent promoters — an Isaiah or a Jeremiah — who are followers.

The Station of Man

Part IV, on the other hand, discusses aspects of the ordinary human being, again little understood. Here is ample opportunity to discover who man is and where he is going. Speaking of the modification of the species, we learn that “... man ... gradually grew and developed, and passed from one form to another, from one shape to another, until he appeared with this beauty and perfection, this force and this power.” Some eyebrows may be raised on reading that “... from the beginning of man’s existence he is a distinct species.” Notwithstanding Darwin’s theory of the nineteenth century, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated unequivocally that “Man was always a distinct species, a man, not an animal.”

As for man and His God, the Master waxes eloquent on the impossibility of man comprehending the essence of His Creator. “Knowing God ... means the comprehension and the knowledge of His attributes, and not of His Reality.” The importance of recognizing the Manifestation is made abundantly clear: “... if man attains to the knowledge of the Manifestations of God, he will attain to the knowledge of God; and if he be neglectful of the knowledge of the Holy Manifestation, he will be bereft of the knowledge of God.” Man while on earth is granted a degree of free will, even while he is a captive in the mighty hand of God.

The materials in the final section of the book are a rewarding miscellany of subjects reflecting the wide interests of the compiler. Whether concerned with practical problems of strikes or the theory of pantheism, the answers are persuasive. Somehow one senses that God supplies man — unready and unwilling though he be — with a remedy for his problems, long before he is even aware that he has a serious problem. Today we have a growing crime rate; we hear cries for law and order. Long ago The Master urged us to “educate the masses ...” and to apply justice. Said He, “... the communities must think of preventing crimes, rather than of rigorously punishing them.”

In our time when humanitarianism and humanism are better understood than Divinity, it challenges our thinking to read, “... if to the knowledge of God is joined the love of God, and attraction, ecstasy, and goodwill, a righteous action is then perfect and complete. Otherwise, though a good action is praiseworthy, yet if it is not sustained by the knowledge of God, the love of God, and a sincere intention, it is imperfect.” Might this not hold the key to a secure man and a stable society? Inner worlds lie waiting to be conquered — as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states, “Man is in the highest degree of materiality, and at the beginning of spirituality....”

The Perfect Teacher

Throughout this unusual book the reader is impressed with the knowledge and character of the Master. With a wisdom gleaned from His Father, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had no formal education. He was both practical and spiritual. He spoke of what was feasible. Kind at every turn, sure of the perfect way, He could yet say, “We do not oppose any one’s ideas, nor do we approve of criticism.” Here, simply, without poetry or oratory, He patiently, conscientiously taught one eager seeker — and thus will reach thousands today and millions tomorrow around the globe. He educated the whole man, telling us “we need an educator who will be at the same time a material, human, and spiritual educator....” Studying the book we realize that He Himself — interpreting the Word of Bahá’u’lláh — was indeed such an educator.

Some Answered Questions is intended for the searcher with an open mind. The answers are unorthodox. The book will appeal to man’s reason rather than to his emotion. While it will enlighten the thinker who has a religious background, it will prove a stimulus to the agnostic and to the atheist. Its chapters emphasize man’s personal belief rather than his social behavior.

The book requires reflection — then it becomes water for the thirsting soul. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá declares, “Happy are those who spend their days in gaining knowledge, in discovering the secrets of nature, and in penetrating the subtleties of pure truth! Woe to those ... who have wasted their lives!” And elsewhere, “Blessed are those who reflect!”

Due to Some Answered Questions, Laura Barney is well remembered by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, in God Passes By, for hers was indeed an “imperishable service” when she collected and transmitted to posterity the “priceless explanations” she received from the Master Himself.

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Southern California Summer School

For the second consecutive year, the Summer School was held at Camp Osceola high in the San Bernardino mountains. There 192 full-time and 132 part-time students, for a total of 324, filled the school facilities to near capacity during the week of July 4th. This represented an increase in attendance more than double that of the previous year.

As before, classes were organized on three broad levels: for children, youth, and adults. Children’s classes were divided into four levels for ages 4 to 11, plus an additional class for junior youth (ages 12 to 14). Youth classes (ages 15 to 21) were held separately, or sometimes, in conjunction with adult classes.

Children’s classes covered the subjects: “The Heroic Age of the Bahá’í Faith,” “Bahá’í Obligations,” and “Bahá’í Justice,” as presented in the Advisory Committee on Education Lesson Plans. Youth classes were centered around the topics: “Faith in Action” given jointly for youth and adults, and “Youth for One World” reflecting the role of youth in the unfoldment of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Adult classes included: “Faith in Action,” a participation course; “The Growth of the Bahá’í Community,” in the light of Shoghi Effendi’s writings; “The Renewal of Character,” an exploratory class in spiritual psychology; “Open Forum,” a free discussion period; “The Creative Word,” a discussion of Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings; and “Teaching Techniques,” a panel discussion focused on teaching youth and minorities, and deepening within the community.

Evening programs featured a series of lectures on “The Great Religions,” recreational events, and special presentations given by guest speakers, including: Mrs. William Sears, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, and Mr. Poova Murday.

The high point of the program was the visit by Hand of the Cause Mr. William Sears, who showed slides of the Holy Land and spoke to the School on the bounties of serving the Cause through pioneering. Mr. Sears personally welcomed four new declarants into the Faith at the School.

At the Southern California Bahá’í Summer School

Minneapolis Learns “The Promised One Has Come”

The Bahá’í Community of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has launched a Proclamation program, using the theme “The Promised One Has Come.” Letters have been sent to 1500 clergyman in the city and suburbs quoting from the Bahá’í Writings, and offering the book The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh. So far about 25 have responded requesting the book.

To reach the leaders of the Negro Community, “An Open Letter to the Leaders of the Black Community” was inserted as a paid ad in the leading Negro newspaper. This letter also quoted from the Bahá’í Writings. In addition, a weekly ad appears in this same newspaper, using the same theme but a different message each week.

Plans are in the making for reaching the Indian Community, clubs, high school groups and business men.

A very attractive chart was designed and put together by one of the friends and was on display in the main hall of Coffman Union at the University of Minnesota.

Another portable display of contemporary design has been made with pictures of the four Bahá’í Temples and “The Seven Candles of Unity” in bold black letters. It is hoped that this display may be used in many places in the city and surrounding area.

To augment the Bahá’í Fund some of the friends have given time on weekends to cut firewood to sell. A pot-luck supper was recently held to which only Bahá’ís were allowed to contribute.

There have been sixteen declarations during the summer months, seven of them at one recent fireside meeting.

Prayer sessions for the success of the Proclamation effort are held at regular intervals.

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Victories in Salt Lake County, Utah

The Bahá’í Center in Salt Lake County, Utah (see BAHÁ’Í NEWS, October 1969, p. 21) serves as a focal point for believers and inquirers and attracts a steadily growing stream of new people. One room is set aside for reading and another, the living room, serves as a “coffee house” open five days a week. Providing the intimacy and informality which young people like, it is the scene of many firesides.

The Bahá’ís have started regular classes for those wishing deeper study of the Faith, the sessions covering the major Figures of the Faith, its laws and administration.

A summer institute held over Labor Day weekend attracted thirty-five Job Corps members from Clearfield, several of whom have since declared. The Bahá’ís in the area find ample opportunity to meet often with these young men, who come from all over the United States, to become acquainted and to take them to Bahá’í gatherings.

World Peace Day — U.S.A.

Theme: “Youth — Builders of a New World”

A “Bahá’í Proclamation Day” was initiated in September 1959 to commemorate the first mention of the Bahá’í Faith in America, September 23, 1893. Since 1960 the day has been known as World Peace Day to spread the recognition of America’s spiritual destiny to raise the standard of peace in the world. Because the United States Bahá’í Community is this year observing Youth Year — with its overall theme “Youth for One World”, World Peace Day was dedicated to the youth of the world. Among the many World Peace Day reports were the following accounts:

“Give Peace A Chance”

About 200 people — most of them young, — attended the observance sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The program, which had as its theme “Give Peace A Chance,” was held at the North Carolina School of the Arts. It started with folk songs after which Mike McCandles told the purpose of World Peace Day, Mamie Johnson recited a prayer for unity, and several students from the Arts school performed and gave talks. Ralph Eanes, associate pastor of Burkhead United Methodist Church spoke emphasizing the need for love and unity, and said, “Unless this world that is shrunk and full of people can learn to live together, we will die.” Jack Guillebeaux, vice chairman of the Asheville Bahá’í Assembly, gave the basic teachings of the Faith and told the audience that the Faith offers answers to individual and world problems.

A Happy Report

The Bahá’ís of Ogden, Utah were joyous in their report of the Day’s successful activities in a place which has heretofore been difficult, but where barriers are perceptibly breaking down. A meeting was held with the best attendance yet and the Day’s activities were climaxed with songfest and dance — a happy way in which to mark hopes for world peace.

Perseverance is the Secret

A color slide program on the Holy Land was most favorably received at the observance sponsored by the Fresno J. D. (California) Community and its goal community of San Joaquin. The presentation was made by Mrs. Vera Longyear of Bakersfield. During the discussion following the presentation, one of the visitors remarked “I haven’t seen a program of slides on the Holy Land so thorough.” He was interested to know where Mrs. Longyear did her research, and to learn that she had been to the Holy Land on pilgrimage. Another comment made during the discussion was “the people in this area (San Joaquin) are hungry for the Bahá’í Faith.”

At the close of the meeting, the guests were invited to attend a special fireside the next night. Twenty-seven people, nineteen of whom were not Bahá’ís and mainly American Indians, attended this fireside at which Gary Clegg of Healdsburg presented a slide program on “The Indian Spirit, Its Prophecies, Its Fulfillment in Bahá’u’lláh!” Mr. John Cripe, of the Fresno J. D., said

[Page 10] Governor Lester G. Maddox of Georgia signs the fifth World Peace Day Proclamation to be obtained by the Bahá’ís of Georgia. Observing are: Left to right seated: Miss Bunny Belsky of Symrna, and Governor Maddox. Standing: (first row) Miss Joyce Hatch, Greenville, North Carolina; John Haynes, DeKalb, Dr. Leon Keon, Milledgeville, Curtis Montgomery and Mrs. Faith Brouhard, North Fulton County; an unidentified Youth: Mrs. Marion Hatch, Atlanta, and Miss Gigi Stevenson, Milledgeville. Second row: Phil Breitenbucher, DeKalb; an unidentified woman; Mrs. Martie Stevenson (hidden by Dr. Koen), Mrs. Taube Slate, Cobb County, Mrs. Leola Riley, Union City, Greg Eilers, Cobb County, Ben L. Weil, Smyrna, and Gene Stevenson, Milledgeville.

World Peace Day cont.

“We are beginning to see five years of prayer and work with the American Indians in this area produce very beautiful results.” He concluded by saying: “We think one of the secrets is don’t give up; Bahá’u’lláh will do the rest.”

Weekend of Non-Stop Teaching

A World Peace Day program with approximately one hundred persons attending was the climax of a highly successful weekend of non-stop teaching and proclamation by the Bahá’ís of Omaha, Nebraska. Featured speaker for the occasion was Miss Linda Marshall.

Upon arrival Friday, Miss Marshall was rushed to newspaper and television interviews, then to a forty-five minute radio program, at the close of which listeners were invited to phone in questions. Later that evening there was a well attended fireside.

Early Saturday, there were press interviews and an appearance for Miss Marshall in Lincoln. That evening the place for the “Glad Tidings” was an Omaha coffeehouse where teenagers responded with great enthusiasm.

Sunday’s World Peace Day meeting was scheduled in a room accommodating fifty people. When the guests filled the space to capacity the gathering was joyfully moved to a larger room in the basement. For many this was their first discovery of the Faith. Among the guests was a group of Bible students who kept the question period lively. The meeting finally adjourned to a fireside where a score of eager listeners continued to learn of the Faith.

Opens New Center

A gathering of approximately one hundred Bahá’ís, including Hand of the Cause William Sears, and friends attended the commemoration of World Peace Day sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Desert J. D. in cooperation with the Palm Springs, California Bahá’í Community.

Panelists discussing the theme “Youth—Builders of a New World” were Mr. and Mrs. Bob Garlington, Los Angeles: Miss Georgia Sanchez, Los Angeles; Charles Rhodes, Los Angeles; Reed Chandler, Palm Desert; Paul Bourque, Palm Desert; James Clayton, El Cajon, with Robert Hatcher of Altadena as moderator.

[Page 11] A stimulating discussion on the topic “Peace?” was presented by four panelists at the World Peace Day ‎obserance observance‎ sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Batavia, Illinois. Members of the panel were: (from left to right) Porter French, former Congregational minister; Anthony Donat, lawyer and former member of the Batavia Plan Commission; Harvey Bos, director of the Mid-County Area Vocational High School; and Robert Phillips, Youth and Student Activities, National Bahá’í Center. Mrs. Sigfrid Johnson (center) was the moderator.

Mayor Cooper signs the World Peace Day Proclamation for the Bahá’ís of Stoughton, Wisconsin. During the visit with Mayor Cooper the Bahá’ís presented the Mayor with a copy of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, which he accepted with gratitude and interest.

Panelists for the World Peace Day observance sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Mesa, Arizona, are (seated from left to right) Faithe Seota of the Pima Indian Reservation, and Ann Shutko; (standing from left to right) moderator Seymour Malkin and Willie Robertson. Pictured on the side is Miss Sharon Patterson, president of the Junior Achievers of the United States, of Phoenix.

Miss Linda Marshall, featured speaker at the World Peace Day observance in Omaha, Nebraska, greets friends.

Musical interludes were provided by Don Reed, Tony Driver and Kenton Dunbar.

World Peace Day was the climax of a week of proclamation as a result of which Desert Hot Springs was opened as a new center.

Proclamations

World Peace Day proclamations were signed by governors of ten States: Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota; and by mayors of six cities: Mesa, Arizona; Fresno and Whittier, California; Collinsville, Illinois; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Stoughton, Wisconsin.

Other Observances

Reports have been received that many additional ways of marking World Peace Day were used in other localities. These include: picnics, potluck dinners, receptions, firesides. The communities which observed the Day in some way number over seventy in twenty-eight States.

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In Observance of World Peace Day

Mayor W. W. Dumas presents World Peace Day Proclamation to Bahá’ís of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Mayor Sarah P. Taylor (center) of Fishkill, New York, receives a copy of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh from Mrs. Constance Nenni (left) and Mrs. Joanne Solicetto (right) as part of the World Peace Day observance sponsored by the Fishkill Bahá’í Community.

Children Observe Holy Day

Children of Van Nuys, California who participated in a Holy Day program early this year. The little girl in costume performed a Persian dance; there were Bahá’í songs, prayers and a story about Bahá’u’lláh’s Declaration.

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Assemblies formed: Puerto Rico, Eire, Honduras

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, formed at Riḍván 1969. With them are: Continental Board Counsellor from Mexico, Mrs. Carmen Burafato (front, second from right) and Jack McCants of the United States National Spiritual Assembly (rear, second from left). Members of the Assembly, left to right: Elipidio Arcaya de Jesus, Felix Ponce Laboroso (third from left), Norma Sunni DaVar, corres. secretary; Luis Santaliz; Sylvia Centeno George, recording secretary; Gilbert Camacho; Alice Morgan Burke, chairman; Tom Burke, treasurer; Milton Rivera Sepulveda (extreme right).

First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Erie, formed Riḍván 1969. Left to right, front: Mahin Sefidvash, Rustim Sefidvash, May Bowers, Vivien Watson. Rear: Adib Taherzadeh, Margaret Magill, Joseph Watson, Roberta Strain, Andrew Wortley.

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Honduras, elected at Riḍván 1969. Left to right, rear: Wanita George, secretary; Dale Sinclair, chairman; Julie Ruhe, Olinda Sierra, corresponding secretary; Jere McKinney, Parviz Rouhani; front: Christopher Ruhe, René Sánchez, vice chairman; Carlos Nasquez, treasurer.

News Brief

Some 300 people attended the World Peace Day public meeting September 21, 1969, in the Seychelles. The meeting, organized by the Area Teaching Committee, was presided over by Harry Mussard. Three local Bahá’ís spoke on the theme “Youth — Builders of a New World.” This was the most successful public function held so far in the Seychelles, with the press and radio giving good publicity both before and after the function.

Interest of the general public was heightened by the radio broadcast in creole the evening preceding the public meeting. Two young Bahá’ís took part in the radio program, which was titled “Dawn of World Peace.” Through this means the Faith was presented to thousands of people in all the islands forming part of the Seychelles Archipelago.

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News from Nepal

Some of the Bahá’í friends and visitors en route to a picnic in park near Kathmandu, Nepal. Photo at right shows a prayer group in the sun house of the garden, sent by Keith de Folo.

The Thornton Chase Memorial

At the Thornton Chase Memorial Service September 28, 1969 in Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California. This is an annual observance in memory of one designated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the first Bahá’í in America, whose grave the Master visited in 1912. Readings, music, both instrumental and vocal, and beautiful flowers brought the spirit of Thornton Chase close to the 200 Bahá’ís and friends who attended the gathering. It was followed by a social hour in a nearby park where a tree was donated in 1966 to the city in memory of Thornton Chase.

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Brazil

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Brazil, elected Riḍván 1969. Left to right, front: Rolf von Czékus, Recording Secretary: Vivaldo Ramos: Djalal Eghrari, Treasurer; and Robert Miessler. Rear: Shapoor Monadjem, Chairman; Mrs. Myriam Miessler, National Secretary; Mrs. Muriel Miessler, International Secretary; Mrs. Nylza Taetz; and Rangvald Taetz, Vice-Chairman.

Ninth Annual Brazilian Bahá’í Convention held in May 1969, at Hotel Fazenda Vila Forte, situated between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Seated in the center, just behind the small children, are Mrs. Leonora Armstrong, one of the original pioneers to South America, and Continental Board of Counsellors member Hopper Dunbar.

Letters to the Editors

Dear Friends:

No words of mine can adequately describe the joy I have felt upon reading the September issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS. Though I have been reading the NEWS for seven years, never, can I recall, has the magazine conveyed such joy, such spirit. Perhaps it is the isolation of this Vietnamese experience, but even here, I have felt through the pages of this paper, the upsurge of a great lift in spiritual awakening.

There is a new spirit settling upon the land of the U.S. and throughout the world and it has touched my soul to the core. I pray that the other American friends serving here have also had the bounty of receiving this wonderful publication.

Peace be upon you and may God continue to assist your efforts.

Your brother,
Paul Vaughn

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Convention in Colombia

Friends gathered at the teaching institute “Villa Rahmat” in Riohacha, Colombia for the eighth national convention in May, 1969.

Bahá’í in the News

Bahá’í House of Worship

Daily Visiting Hours 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Devotions 3 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday Public Meetings 3:45 p.m.

Lawyers Title News for October 1969, a monthly publication of Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation has in its Illinois Edition of the magazine a three-page spread on the Bahá’í House of Worship with two photos of the edifice. The article tells about the history of the building and its meaning.

The CHILD’S Way

Back Numbers Available

You can still complete your sets of The CHILD’S Way for Bahá’í years 118 through the first half of 126 (April, 1961 through September 1968). The issues were published bimonthly, six times a year, and covered the subject of training programs for Bahá’í teachers, non-Bahá’í materials suitable to use in classes, etc.

Price: $1.00 per set of six (please order by year)

Send orders with check to: Mrs. Jean Hutchinson; 1245 Shermer Avenue, Northbrook, Illinois 60062.

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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.