Bahá’í News/Issue 47/Text
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is
of the United States and Canada
They that valiantly labor in quest of God will, when once they have renounced all else but Him, be so attached and wedded to that City that a moment’s separation from it would to them be unthinkable. They will hearken unto infallible proofs from the hyacinth of that assembly, and receive the surest testimonies from the beauty of its rose and the melody of its nightingale. Once in about a thousand years shall this City be renewed and readorned. Wherefore, O my friend, it behooveth us to exert the highest endeavor to attain unto that City, and, by the grace of God and His loving-kindness, rend asunder the “veils of glory;” so that we may, with inflexible steadfastness, sacrifice our withered soul in the path of the New Beloved.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY TO ISSUE A SERIES OF SPECIAL LETTERS[edit]
Cooperation of Local Assemblies Requested that Believers May Consult on National Subjects at 19-Day Feast
The following action was taken by the National Spiritual Assembly at its recent meeting, in order to keep the local Bahá’í communities more fully informed about the important questions before the body of American believers, and to make possible the utmost power of collective action: It was voted to resume the policy of issuing, at frequent intervals, general letters dealing with important Bahá’í questions, which Local Spiritual Assemblies are requested to present to the friends of each Nineteen-Day Feast. Since the matter of continuing Temple construction after the present contracts are finished is so imminent, several letters will deal with the needs of the National Bahá’í Fund.
The new office of Financial Secretary was created, the function of which is to interpret the needs and policies of the National Bahá’í Fund to the
|
(Mrs. Ruth) White’s base, preposterous imputations should be entirely ignored. Her machinations can never succeed impede onward march of Cause. Present agitation will assuredly die down. Appeal American Bahá’ís, New York believers in particular, recall these days of stress sacredness of their trust, nobility of their calling. Slightest evidence internal division highly detrimental. Have just completed rough rendering of most detailed authentic narrative early days of Faith trusting its eventual publication may serve heighten enthusiasm deepen faith American believers. Haifa, October 24, 1930. |
believers of the United States and Canada, and in general to deepen our collective understanding of the nature and significance of the Fund. Mr. Carl Scheffler was elected to this office.
The first letter in this series, dated December 24, 1930, is quoted below, that believers not members of established Bahá’í communities may share the information and respond to the appeal.
“At the last meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly the sum of five thousand five hundred and seventy-five dollars was voted for a partial installation of the ventilating system in the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár.
“This amount was the last measure of our achievement in this stage of the Temple construction work. The entire Temple Fund of Four Hundred Thousand dollars is now expended and in addition to this our contracts have required Seven Thousand Two Hundred Fifty-one dollars and forty-eight cents. Moneys collected this year have been spent. By the first of March not one cent will remain in the Temple Fund—the present contracts will have been completed and unless the believers find some way to resume contributing to the Fund the enterprise must again stop.
“This is so critical a matter that every believer should give to its most earnest consideration. Even though the business conditions in our country and in the world generally are such as to make it more difficult to contribute to the fund, it must be realized that our buying power is increased in the same proportion and we may well consider that through the savings that have been effected the Fund this year has been augmented by over twenty thousand dollars and this money has been spent to the advantage of the Temple.
“It behooves us therefore to again bring into activity the same faith that enabled us in a short period to accumulate the Four Hundred Thousand dollars, in order that the work of exterior ornamentation and landscaping may be undertaken.
“The National Spiritual Assembly therefore proposes to every believer prayerful consideration to the end that he will begin now, if he has not already done so, to give systematically to the unlabelled general National Bahá’í Fund. From this Fund the National Assembly appropriates as much as possible to the Temple Fund.
“The great Fund that enabled us to resume construction was brought together through a special effort, but now the character of the building work will change. Its development will of necessity be slower because of the intricate detail of the ornamentation and this gives to us the chance to carry on more slowly but steadily, providing we have a regular systematic influx of contributions.
“The visible progress of the erection
of the Building has already created a
great outburst of enthusiastic comment.
The Master's promises regarding
its potency in the spread of the
Cause are being realized. It has awakened
the great mass of the public who[Page 2]
already are in sympathy with the glorious
principles of the Cause, so that the
time of harvest for the teachers of its
great Message is here. Lack of funds,
however, seriously handicap your National
Assembly and the Teaching
Committee and unless the believers respond
immediately that committee’s
plea for more funds to enable the
teachers to meet the crying need in
many centers of new and glorious opportunity
will have to go unanswered.
“In the Guardian’s most recent communication are the following words: ‘The progress of the Temple work is already reacting most favorably on the believers throughout the East, and will through them bring about a great reaction in favor of the Cause. I would appeal to all American Believers for concentrated and sustained effort in the prosecution of this great and holy enterprise. May the Beloved bless their high endeavors and fulfil their hearts’ desire.’ ”
- Yours faithfully,
National Spiritual Assembly
- of the Bahá’ís of the United
- States and Canada,
- By: CARL SCHEFFLER,
- Financial Secretary.
- By: CARL SCHEFFLER,
THE TEMPLE IS ARISING[edit]
The eye of faith is now supplemented by the eye of vision. As one approaches the Temple site, the structural framework of the Temple bursts upon the vision and one is immediately impressed with its remarkable proportions and innate dignity.
As this statement is being written, the structural steel of the graceful dome is being riveted up, and the erection of the glass dome will soon be under way. The lovely arches of the first story with the pylons at the corners suggest the massiveness and majesty of the completed structure. The concrete up to and including the first gallery floor has been poured and the carpenters are now at work on the formwork of the first story.
As the observer approaches the building, the surface of the concrete frame work is noted as being remarkably uniform and smooth. The contractor is making a special effort to secure not only a uniform exterior surface, but also concrete masonry of unusual density and strength. The entire structure is being built in as permanent a nature as possible, so that it will not only be beautiful but enduring.
Sub-contracts for about 85 per cent of the entire superstructure framework have been awarded and remarkable progress has been made on the
Construction of Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, Photograph No. 4—October 28, 1930
construction work. So far actual
building operations have been suspended
only four days due to severe
and unfavorable weather conditions.
The savings that have been effected in the awarding of the sub-contracts will make it possible to go ahead and install the necessary heating to protect the structure during the winter and coming spring. It is hoped that through continued efforts and sacrifices of the friends throughout the world that funds may flow in so that the wishes of our beloved Guardian may be fulfilled and the work be continued until the entire structure, including the exterior ornamental surface, is completed.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY,
- By: Allen B. McDaniel.
“THE SACRED BASIC PRINCIPLES OF BAHA’U’LLAH”[edit]
A Letter from the National Spiritual Assembly for Guidance of Local Baha’i Communities
Dear Friends in El Abhá:
“If thou desirest to be confirmed in the service of the Kingdom of God, live in accord with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, and that is: real love for the world of humanity, and the utmost kindness for the believers of God. This real love, like unto the magnetic power, attracts the Divine confirmations.” —(ABDUL BAHÁ.)
We realize the vital importance—in these early days when the concept of the Bahá’í World Order is gradually penetrating into the thought and knowledge of all types and classes of world thinkers—of preserving intact the sacred basic principles of Bahá’u’lláh, fortifying them against compromise, and demonstrating to the world that these are truly divine remedies for the spiritual and mental diseases of the body politic. Among these great principles, two stand out pre-eminently at this time as essential to the successful establishment of the Bahá’í Cause in the West. Each of these two principles is supplementary to the other, and the failure or weakening of one can seriously, if not dangerously, affect the application of the other. These two principles are like unto the body and soul itself, neither of which is capable of performing its true function without the ever-present assistance of the other.
(1) The administrative order (one
of the two principles referred to), is
the indispensable instrumentality
through which the glorious spirit of the
Bahá’í Cause finds expression. This
spirit, in turn, is the second principle
referred to. Should we build up the
administrative world order to a point
of absolute perfection but at the same
time allow it to be hampered or disconnected
from the channels within,
through which channels the Holy Spirit
of the Cause pours forth, we would
have nothing more than a perfected
body out of touch with and cut off
from the finer promptings of the soul
or spirit. If, on the other hand, the
influxes and goings forth of the spirit
are scattered, diffused and subjected
wholly to the more or less imperfect[Page 3]
guidance and interpretation of individual
believers, lacking both the wisdom
secured through consultation and also
the lights of real unity which shine
through consultative action and obedience
thereto—a disordered and disorganized
activity would be witnessed,
which would but dimly reflect the divine
purpose for this age, which is no
less than the establishment of the reign
of divine love, justice and wisdom in
the world, under and in conformity to
the Divine Law.
In short, such conditions would create countless individual interpretations and, in the end, multitudinous sects and denominations, such as have been witnessed in the former religions, each claiming to possess a greater truth or guidance than any of the others.
It is manifest, therefore, that neither one of these two great principles is sufficient unto itself but must be combined into an ordered unity, each perfectly supplementary to the other and neither permitted to interpose any rigid barriers to the proper functioning of the other.
In the body of man, which is the true divine example or parallel, the spirit, when in ideal control of all the lesser parts of the organism, finds the utmost harmony throughout the whole body—each part is in perfect reciprocity with the other parts. The commands and impulses of the spirit are obeyed by the body and the body in turn in its actions and function identifies and determines the expression the spiritual impulses shall take. This is divine unity—and this law being universal and found in every created object in the universe, has full application to the universal Bahá’í organism made up of believers everywhere, which has been established by the Manifestation of God.
Therefore, we would emphasize, it behooves all of us—all Assemblies and all believers generally—if we would render the highest service to the Divine Cause in our generation, not only to realize but to apply in our Bahá’í service the most perfect coordination and unification of these two great principles in every Bahá’í contact, whether in the processes of consultation or in our mutual dealings with each other.
(2) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá once said that the American people because of the system of partisan politics developed an individualism which made it very difficult for them to take counsel together and abide by the results of that counsel. The interruptions of governmental process through the necessities of elections and destructive criticisms by members of one party to the other party, had created a condition wherein true consultation was well-nigh unknown. We know that the Master’s criticism was only too true.
(3) The Bahá’í administration is a most advanced step forward toward the elimination of this condition. The National Spiritual Assembly stands squarely behind every essential element of Bahá’í administration, but while no relaxation should he suffered in the application of the administrative principles at any time, we deem it to be doubly important, in these days when this divine method of dealing with religious problems is becoming rooted in American institutions, that those coordinate elements which have been so emphasized by our Guardian in connection with the administration should be most conscientiously applied. We would refer for a moment to the need of having ever in mind the indwelling spirit of the administration, which is the real life and purpose of Bahá’u’lláh's revelation, and is, in reality, the effulgence of the Holy Spirit, itself. Without this Spirit, reflected in every administrative act, the body of the administration becomes rigid, opaque and lifeless, for the Sun of Divine Love finds no responsive mirror upon which to reflect its life-giving rays. This Holy Spirit is the greatest bestowal of God in this age, and for this, the Founders of the Cause, and the martyred believers, endured countless afflictions at the hands of a world that knew not this holy potency. In every administrative act, this Spirit should illumine and warm the believers who are affected. On Page 19 of Bahá’í Administration, Shoghi Effendi says we are expected “to obliterate as much as possible all traces of censure, of conflicting discussion, of cooling remarks, of petty unnecessary observations that impede the onward march of the Cause, that damp the zeal of the firm believer and detract from the sublimity of the Bahá’í Cause in the eyes of the inquirer.” On page 22, quoting from the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, our Guardian draws our attention to these words, referring to members of Assemblies—
“They must in every matter search out the truth and not insist upon their own opinion, for stubbornness and persistence in one’s views will lead ultimately to discord and wrangling and the truth will remain hidden. The honored members must with all freedom express their own thoughts, and it is in no wise permissible for one to belittle the thought of another. Should the least trace of estrangement prevail, the result shall be darkness upon darkness.”
Again on Page 30, quoting from Abdul Bahá, it is stated—
“It behooveth the loved ones of God to be enamored of one another and to sacrifice themselves for their fellow-workers in the Cause. They should yearn towards one another even as the sore athirst yearneth for the Water of Life, and the lover burneth to meet his heart’s desire.”
On Page 33, our Guardian says, in speaking of Spiritual Assemblies—
“They must endeavor to promote amity and concord amongst the friends, efface every lingering trace of distrust, coolness and estrangement from every heart, and secure in its stead an active and wholehearted cooperation for the service of the Cause.”
On Page 36, he warns us against extreme orthodoxy on one hand, and irresponsible freedom on the other, lest these cause it (“the Cause”) to deviate from the Straight Path which alone can lead it to success.
As bearing upon this delicate balance that must be maintained, which we referred to in the opening paragraphs of this letter, our Guardian on Page 54 tells us—
“At the very root of the Cause lies the principle of the undoubted right of the individual to self-expression, his freedom to declare his conscience and set forth his views.”
|
Address for Correspondence News Editor Office of the Secretariat Evergreen Cabin West Englewood, New Jersey BAHÁ’I NEWS is the official organ of the American National Spiritual Assembly. Its cost is defrayed from the National Bahá’í Fund and copies are distributed free of charge to recognized believers throughout the United States and Canada, and to National and Local Spiritual Assemblies in other lands. News articles and reports of general Bahá’i interest and value are requested from Assemblies, National Committees and other representatives of the Cause. The Guardian’s statement concerning the purpose and scope of this publication can be found in the volume entitled “Bahá’í Administration.” |
And again—
“Let us also bear in mind that the keynote of the Cause of God is not dictatorial authority but humble fellowship, not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving consultation. Nothing short of the spirit of a true Bahá’í can hope to reconcile the principles of mercy and justice, of freedom and submission, of the sanctity of the right of the individual and of self-surrender, of vigilance, discretion and prudence on the one hand, and fellowship, candor and courage on the other.”
And as to the duties of elected representatives, he says, on Page 55—
“They should approach their task with extreme humility, and endeavor, by their open-mindedness, their high sense of justice and duty, their candor, their modesty, their entire devotion to the welfare and interests of the friends, the Cause, and humanity—to win, not only the confidence and the genuine support and respect of those whom they serve, but also their esteem and real affection. They must, at all times, avoid the spirit of exclusiveness, the atmosphere of secrecy, free themselves from a domineering attitude, and banish all forms of prejudice and passion from their deliberations. They should, within the limits of wise discretion, take the friends into their confidence, acquaint them with their plans, share with them their problems and anxieties, and seek their advice and counsel.”
We are quoting these several references as a reminder and aid to all established Assemblies, since various problems are found to a greater or lesser degree in various centers. These injunctions and their observance constitute the divine remedy as applied to the internal affairs of our administrative processes, and we are assured that their due application will open the paths of harmony, happiness and the successful advance of the Cause in the western world.
(4) Our Guardian’s letters on administration are replete with clear and unmistakable references to the authority and jurisdiction which rests in every local Assembly over the affairs of the Cause in its vicinity. Every believer who is a member of a local Bahá’í community is under a paramount spiritual duty to cooperate in his or her Bahá’í activities with the duly expressed decisions of a Spiritual Assembly. The paramount obligation of every individual believer is to maintain unity. It is the obligation of a believer in a community to bring any matters of complaint or misunderstanding
Construction of Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, Photograph No. 5—October 31, 1930
first to his Local Assembly. The
believers on their part will realize that
the law of God is a just law, and that
in this day, it has extended its provisions
to every important matter. Thus,
not only is every individual believer
entitled to the right of electoral franchise
in the choice of his local Spiritual
Assembly but also in cases where
he feels aggrieved at the decision of
a body, a right of appeal to the National
Spiritual Assembly is provided.
Through these means, ultimate justice
is assured. The whole fabric of
Bahá’í administration rests upon the
acceptance by the friends of the considered
decisions of their Local Assemblies,
and this is the very essence
and root of the law of consultation
which Bahá’u’lláh has called us to obey.
It follows from this that there can be
no such thing as non-cooperation with
an elected local Assembly inasmuch as
such a procedure utterly defeats the
central purpose of consultation. Any
cause or causes, which might otherwise
tend to create an attitude of non-cooperation
on the part of a believer,
should be at once placed before the
Local Assembly, in the spirit of Bahá’í
frankness and trust—meanwhile preserving
full cooperation, and awaiting
the just decision of the Assembly.
Grievances when made a matter of appeal
to the National Assembly, following
an adverse decision of a Local Assembly,
should have a substantial basis,
affecting the welfare of the Cause, and
should be frankly and definitely stated
in writing, and sent to the National
Secretary.
(5) These matters now being defined, and assuring you that the National Spiritual Assembly will defend and safeguard to every necessary extent these vital requisites of Bahá’í life—we would point out to Assemblies our feeling that one of their essential duties during periods of confusion and unrest, such as the present, is to win the confidence and loyalty of every declared believer. We would urge you this year especially to make it your paramount obligation, individually and collectively, to show an attitude of love, compassion and of happiness and harmony toward the beloved of God, without exception. We feel that Bahá’í administration in no sense affords any excuse to confuse the element of loyalty to the representative bodies with irritating discourtesies or an overbearing disposition, or a negative, cold and slighting attitude, under any circumstances, on the part of the Assembly itself.
(6) Any failure of either of the two principles first alluded to, whether firmness in the administration or a lack of the spirit of Bahá’í love, fellowship and happiness in carrying out the measures of the administration, can only serve to prolong and confuse the solution of such a problem as we have encountered. The true balance between these two principles must be invariably found before such a problem or, for that matter, any other problem can be efficiently and promptly settled. Otherwise, justice finds defeat, and needless suffering results.
It is certain that this experience has[Page 5]
had its value in a better understanding
of all factors which must be considered
in dealing with the greater problems
that will confront the Cause in the
future. It is doubtless too much to
expect that any Assembly, whether
National or Local, in this early dawn
of the establishment of the Bahá’í
World Order, with the added factor of
the necessity of educating and informing
the whole body of believers, could
hope to solve complex problems with
the utmost simplicity and expedition.
(7) It is our ardent hope that from this hour, the bonds of true union, fellowship and an ever-increasing harmony and happiness will be consciously realized in our common problems, and that the National Spiritual Assembly, together with all the local representative bodies in the west and the great body of believers in every section will, in the words of our Guardian “form one united front and combat wisely and tactfully every force that might darken the spirit of the Movement, cause division in its ranks and narrow it by dogmatic and sectarian belief.”
Let us take home to our hearts, anew, this following picture of reality our Guardian has given us, which affirms the presence of God in the Kingdom He is establishing—to a world that has labored vainly to reduce Him to a mere shadow. Our Guardian says:—
“Are we to doubt that the ways of God are not necessarily the ways of man? Is not faith but another word for implicit obedience, whole-hearted allegiance, uncompromising adherence to that which we believe is the revealed and expressed will of God, however perplexing it might first appear, however at variance with the shadowy views, the impotent doctrines, the crude theories, the idle imaginings, the fashionable conceptions of a transient and troublous age? If we are to falter or hesitate, if our love for Him should fail to direct us and keep us within His path, if we desert Divine and emphatic principles, what hope can we any more cherish for healing the ills and sicknesses of this world?”
We cannot close this statement without appealing to all the beloved of God to renew, in this critical period of humanity’s history, the altar flame of Divine love in each individual heart; to cleanse the chamber of the soul for His indwelling; to ever remember that God is concerned with the redemption of the wandering and straying sheep, and to show forth to all such the wondrous power of His Love and Generosity; holding fast to the divine principles without compromise or deviation, but making our service a benediction and a blessing to every inquirer and needy one, and demonstrating the security of our faith by the evidences of happiness, serenity and the bestowals of the Holy Spirit. This is the hour for a new and unprecedented delivery of the Great Message. Let us fortify our efforts by now realigning our nucleus, rank upon rank, in the bonds of the Divine Unity, each to each.
With loving greetings on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada,
- By: ALFRED E. LYJNT,
Is not the object of every Revelation to effect a transformation in the whole character of mankind, a transformation that shall manifest itself, both outwardly and inwardly, that shall affect both its inner life and external conditions? For if the character of mankind be not changed, the futility of God’s universal manifestation would be apparent.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
TEMPLE PROGRESS[edit]
“Seeing is believing” and if any doubt remains as to the rapidity of progress in the completion of the Temple, this can be set to rest by visiting the site or by looking at recent photographs; these shows surprising results from the activities of October.
A most notable feature is the smoothness and quietness of the operations, resulting from the working out of carefully considered plans matured during the past few years. It is comparable to the flowering of the century plant, apparently dormant, but which almost over night puts out beautiful blossoms.
Like Solomon’s Temple, there is no sound of hammers or confusion. Every piece of steel has fitted exactly into place and the protecting concrete has flowed smoothly into the forms.
Aside from the visible operations, there has gone on, under cover, and throughout the basement, a large amount of work in the way of plumbing and re-arrangements made necessary by the rapid work outside; at the same time there has been a minimum of interference with the use of the Foundation Hall. This work began early in September. By October 7, the derrick for hoisting the heavy steel frame was in place on the First floor. In two weeks enough of the frame had been erected to enable the derrick to be raised to the first gallery level, and in another two weeks it was again raised to the level of the dome.
The weather has been favorable—cold but clear most of the time, and the temperature has not been so low as to interfere with concrete placing, etc.
With the continuance of favorable weather conditions, the present progress of the Temple will result in the completion of the erection of the structural steel by the latter part of November, 1930. As the structural steel is placed the pouring of the concrete goes on; it is hoped to complete this masonry work before severe winter sets in.
The general contractor assures us that the entire superstructure as embodied in the present contract will be completed and ready for use before the next Annual Convention, which will be held in the Foundation Hall the latter part of next April.
- Very truly yours,
THE RESEARCH SERVICE, Inc.,
THE NEED, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING OF BAHA’I TEACHERS[edit]
A Report from the Teaching Committee
Beloved Bahá’í Friends:
The spread of the Cause, which is the immediate and vital concern of every sincere Bahá’í, is dependent upon the response of the body of believers to the call of the Guardian to
|
SECRETARIAT OF THE AMERICAN NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY Address: Baha’i Secretariat, Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, N. J. Members: For correspondence with Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, Alfred E. Lunt; for correspondence with Bahá’ís of other lands, and with non-Bahá’ís in the United States and Canada, Nellie S. French; editor of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, Horace Holley; Treasurer of the National Assembly and of the Trustees for the Benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly (Temple and Green Acre Funds) Roy C. Wilhelm; Financial Secretary, Carl Scheffler. |
teach the Cause. Of this “paramount duty of every Bahá’í,” Shoghi Effendi has said: “Are we fully aware of our responsibilities? Do we realize the urgency, the sacredness, the immensity, the glory of our task? I entreat you, dear friends, to continue, nay, to redouble your efforts, to keep your vision clear, your determination unshaken, so that the power of God within you may fill the world with its glory.”
Undoubtedly our most effective teaching potency is the radiance, public-spiritedness and trustworthiness of the individual Bahá’ís. Then too, every Bahá’í community teaches to the extent that it gives proof of its success as an experiment in the social laboratory by the triumphant fusing of its various elements into the unity of the perfectly functioning group mind. But in addition to the convincing evidence of deeds there is the need of promulgating the Cause by the spoken word. The desperate needs of the world stir us to a new comprehension of the amazing import of our Message. When shall we take upon ourselves the inevitable consequence of true conviction, namely, the generous sharing of that which we possess? Every life within the Cause must eventually find its fulfillment and destiny in this supreme service to humanity.
The prompt response of every center in the country to the appeal of the National Teaching Committee for District Teaching Conferences makes us thrillingly aware of a stream of lifegiving energy flowing through unobstructed channels, revitalizing us in the service of the Guardian. May we not bend the mighty energies of this emerging committee of the whole to this problem so intimately connected with the growth of every Bahá’í center? We cannot go far in any teaching objective, ''no matter how carefully planned or how faithfully followed, without more teachers. All over the country people of capacity are yearning to be convinced, every city contains enough prepared and waiting souls to swell our ranks to flood tide, when a band of dedicated, informed and practised teachers shall arise to carry on the attack.
“The Hosts of the Kingdom of Abhá are drawn up in battle array on ''the plain of the Supreme Apex and are expecting that a band of volunteers will step upon the field of action with the intention of service, so that they may assist that band and make it victorious and triumphant.”
The first move in preparing to meet this need will come when we all, in searching self-analysis, face the problem as it applies to us. To what extent are we as individuals or as local or inter-Assembly groups systematically preparing ourselves to spread the Cause? Are we striving to attract the divine confirmations through the efficacy of prayer? Are we making use of those aids to study, the Outlines and the Correspondence Course? Are we informing ourselves about world affairs and the fascinating trends of modern thought? Are we encouraging and inspiring others to do likewise?
It is easier to do these things in groups than by ourselves. Study classes within Bahá’í communities are of the utmost value as they furnish opportunities not only for the accumulation and arrangement of material but also afford the initial step in speaking. This practice in making five or ten minute talks in small intimate groups does overcome self-consciousness and increase fluency. Such a preparation inevitably leads to widening opportunities to spread the Cause. Speaking before the local community, taking part in inter-Assembly activities, traveling to more distant centers, follow in sequence as we gain in proficiency and experience. Some trained Bahá’í teachers find their most congenial service in work with individuals or in conducting study or informal discussion groups.
Those who would teach the Cause should keep ever in mind the high standard to be maintained. The qualifications of a Bahá’í teacher are here indicated: (1) Firmness in the Administration.
(2) Character. ‘Abdul-Bahá summons us all to be teachers while stating such necessary qualities of the effective teacher as detachment, radiance, humility, sociability, tactfulness, wisdom, firmness, understanding. He says. “The intention of the teacher must be pure, his heart independent, his spirit attracted, his thought at peace, his resolution firm, his magnanimity exalted and in the love of God a shining torch.”
(3) Knowledge. First, knowledge of God obtained from the deepening of our inner life. This knowledge must ever be on the increase if we are to impart the joy of knowing Him. Then, well-grounded knowledge in the Bahá’í Teachings and their application to world needs. Lastly, the knowledge of how to teach. The Master has set us this divine example of Bahá’í teaching. In the words of Shoghi Effendi. ‘“Let us bear in mind the example which our beloved Master has clearly set before us. Wise and tactful in His approach, wakeful and attentive in His early intercourse, broad and liberal in all His public utterances, cautious and gradual in the unfolding of the essential verities of the Cause, passionate in His appeal yet sober in argument, confident in tone, unswerving in conviction, dignified in His manners—such were the distinguishing feature; of our Beloved’s noble presentation of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.”
As difficult as seem these qualifications we have assurance of the certainty of the descent of the heavenly confirmations for those who arise to service through faith. It is our hope and expectation that in the coming months hundreds will awake to this clear call and prepare themselves to be teachers. In order that we may speed in every way possible the work of preparation a plan is being worked out by which all such volunteers may be given practical assistance through aids and outlines for study, teaching suggestions and personal counsel.
We urge all who so desire to get in touch with us at once.
- Faithfully yours in El Abhá,
- NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE.
- By: Doris McKay, Secretary.
INTER-ASSEMBLY CONFERENCES[edit]
Reported by the National Teaching Committee
Two inter-Assembly Teaching Conferences have been held on the Pacific Coast as follows: San Francisco, October 5th; Los Angeles, November 2. Of the San Francisco conference for Central and Northern California Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, secretary of the Pacific Coast Subcommittee writes in part:
“Invitations to an all-day conference and feast were sent to nearly twenty centers, including isolated groups. . . . A goodly percentage were represented and as the clans gathered the spirit of joyous reunions which always specializes the Bahá’í Association, mounted higher and higher. . . . Mr. Leroy Ioas, chairman of the Committee, presided.”
Among important points brought out
through informal discussion was a valuable
suggestion “How to Stimulate
Individual Teaching Work.” Emphasis
should be placed on “teaching of home
groups, made up of one’s friends and
acquaintances who could be carried
along in this study of the Cause until
they seemed ready for the regular Assembly
meetings. This was the suggestion
of Ruhi Effendi and seems to
us most valuable. It was decided that
each believer would try to gather such
a group at least once in nineteen days[Page 7]
in his own home. In this way not only
would numbers increase but development
of individual initiative would inevitably
follow such effort.”
Inter-racial Amity work in this district, it is thought, will receive much impetus through the forming of a District committee to carry on joint interracial activities. Berkeley, Oakland, Visalia and San Francisco are represented in this committee.
It was voted that the next conference for this district would be held in Oakland early in December. In concluding her report Mrs. Cooper said: “At 5:30 our conference adjourned to meet again at 6:30 for dinner at the Bellevue Hotel. During the day’s discussion all evidenced the keenest interest and a remarkable spirit of harmony prevailed. We are sure it will gladden the heart of the Guardian to learn that all questions were carried by unanimous vote, surely a proof of harmony.”
Mrs. Shahnaz Waite reported the Conference at Los Angeles, November 2nd at which Miss Julia Goldman of Honolulu was present, also a number of friends from the Bay District. Representatives were present from Glendale, South Gate, Pasadena, Long Beach, Santa Paula and near-by groups. Two sessions were held at the Beaux Arts Building. “The room was beautifully decorated with Persian prints hung upon the wall with a picture of the Temple and over it the Greatest Name. Baskets of flowers and palms added to the attractive appearance of the room.”
During the morning and afternoon sessions the following points of general interest were offered:
That the West Coast Teaching Committee is initiating these conferences in the hope that they will expand into future Regional Conferences.
That our aim in teaching must not only be to attract but to confirm souls. In this connection Mr. John Bosch said: “Shoghi Effendi has said we must increase the number of souls who will accept the Message in its entirety, also that the Principles of Bahá’u’lláh will civilize the world, but only the knowledge of Bahá’u’lláh and belief in Him will regenerate mankind. This, he said, is the purpose of all teaching, without which it bears no fruit.”
That attraction is made by the spirit of love and service on the part of the believers.
Miss Goldman said: “We should bring the spirit of the Cause into different organizations and groups. There are many methods of approach.
Construction of Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, Photograph No. 6—November 21, 1930
If a visiting Bahá’í comes to our Center it is an opportunity to invite friends in and over a cup of tea discuss the universal principles of the Cause. The guests feel the spirit of love and become attracted.”
That in connection with racial amity and other contacts work it is necessary to join organizations, make informal home contacts, inspire confidence.
That Bahá’ís should cooperate with international conferences—“The spirit of spontaneous service is always appreciated by others.”
It was moved that an inter-assembly committee be appointed to carry on the work of circuit teachers and expansion into new territory.
A unique feature of these two Western Conferences was the Feast, or Unity Dinner which followed. In San Francisco more than one hundred friends and guests were assembled. Distinguished music, words from the colored friends present and representatives of other races and nationalities, the accumulated influx of the Spirit from the hours of the conference contributed to an occasion of confirming power and charm.
A really brilliant program was arranged for the Unity Dinner in Los Angeles. Dr. Ali Kuli-Khan as chairman called on many Bahá’ís for short talks. Others on the program were Mr. Kiowara, Japanese secretary of the Japan-American Society of Los Angeles, Mr. and Mrs. Bass, well-known colored newspaper editors: Mr. Grainger, Executive Secretary of the Urban League. Music by Negro, Swedish and Japanese musicians.
A conference including most of the Bahá’í centers of the New England States was held at Boston, November 15th and 16th. The meetings were well attended by a representation of friends from Hartford, Springfield, Worcester, Portsmouth, Eliot, Boston. Guest speakers from outside the district were Mrs. Grace Ober of Pittsburgh, Pa; Hrs. Doris McKay of Geneva, N. Y., and Mrs. Jeanne Bolles. Miss Lorna Tasker, corresponding secretary for the district, was in charge of the meetings.
The first session, Saturday P. M.
in the charming environment of the
new Bahá’í Center dealt with Inter-Assembly
Cooperation. Exchange of
teachers and the development of
inter-assembly programs was discussed.
Mrs. Schopflocher told of teaching
methods in the Orient, recommending
that we “teach over a cup of tea.” She
described the happy combination of
hospitality and informal discussion
which characterizes the Oriental way
of introducing a guest speaker—said
that even beginners in the Cause are
encouraged thus to speak. She attributed
the rapid spread of the Cause in
the Orient to the general practice of
informal group teaching. It was suggested
that the informal method based
on discussion is more in accord with
the principles of modern education
than the platform method so generally
in vogue—that a new technique may be
evolving even applicable to large[Page 8]
groups in which a sense of intimate
contact with the audience is skillfully
maintained.
A suggestion for the inauguration of inter-assembly prayers was received with approval. The next morning at the home of Mrs. Harold Bowditch, Mrs. Hebe Struven, Mrs. Grace Ober and others spoke on “How to Make Bahá’í Contacts.” Concrete suggestions brought out through the discussion will be reported in a later issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
That afternoon at the Bahá’í Center an Inter-racial Amity meeting was held at which Archbishop Barrow of New York City was the principal speaker. A feature of unusual interest was an International Pageant written and produced by members of the Youth Group. After the meeting a Bahá’í Feast was enjoyed, shared by a large representation of colored guests of the conference. Attractive rooms, flowers, music, cordiality contributed to the eloquent charm of this public meeting.
The National Teaching Committee requests that the local and inter-assembly secretaries send in regular monthly reports of such activities as, Inter-assembly conferences and plans, the work of visiting teachers, youth group activities, contacts with outside groups and organizations, inter-racial activities. The purpose is that we may share such inspiring teaching news with all.
Such reports should be sent to Mrs. Doris McKay, Sec’y, Geneva, N. Y.
BUILDING THE TEMPLE[edit]
The believers who visited the Temple foundation hall during the recent Teaching Conference that was held there were greatly moved by seeing the structure rising as they watched, and while they attended the meetings of the Conference in the foundation below they could hear above them the rattle of the riveters’ hammers and the noise of the hoist that is rearing the noble edifice so that all eyes may see it as the great sign of God before them.
At the time this is written all of the steel ribs of the dome have been placed in position and as may be seen from the pictures the beautiful lines of the structure are easily discernible. Before long the steel ribs will be hidden from sight and the building entirely closed so that the friends may look forward to entering one of the nine great doors to send prayers of thanksgiving from that most unique shrine.
But much remains to be done. Let us recall that in the past, we have generally understood that with $400,000 we hoped to build the first story of the building. Now it has been given us to see the entire structure built with this same amount of money but there remains still the greater part of the work to be done. At its last meeting, the National Spiritual Assembly appropriated all that remained of the $400,000 plus the savings that have been affected in letting the various contracts (which amount to approximately $23,000) to a partial installation of the heating plant which is most necessary to preserve the structure from the attack of the elements during the winter. Now there remains the ventilating and lighting systems and then the long task of moulding the outer ornamental structure.
The believers must realize above all that the building has just begun and we must continue to give so that there may be no cessation of activity. The Plan of Unified Action must continue if we are not to face another discouraging period. The National Spiritual Assembly urges all believers, therefore, to consider carefully to the end that they may realize that what is now being accomplished is only just the beginning of our task and unless they continue to contribute the work must of necessity stop when this present contract has been carried out.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY,
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
Mrs. Belle B. Luxmore, for six years a member of the Akron, Ohio, Spiritual Assembly a generous and self-sacrificing Bahá’í, passed on to the greater life on December 24, 1929 while visiting her daughter at Pleasington, near Blackburn, England. She was buried at that place.
Mr. Howard Goodwin, a beloved member of the same Spiritual Assembly, but who was never able to serve after his election due to a stroke of paralysis, departed this life on March 29, 1930.
PUBLISHING ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]
“The Garden of the Heart” Compiled by Frances Estey
The edition is bound in rainbow color linen and has on its cover the Greatest Name in gold from a drawing of one of the doors of the Temple by Louis Bourgeois. It is illustrated with photographs of the Gardens the Ridván, Bahjí and the Master’s Garden at Haifa.
Mrs. Esty has achieved a great work in assembling the prophetic quotations from the Bible with those from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá all pertaining to the garden. Phrases filled with the symbolism so familiar to Bahá’í readers here seem to assume reality and one is filled with the sense of peace which comes from a moment spent in a garden, where the fragrance of the flowers and the songs of the birds fill the heart and the soul of man.
The proceeds from the sale of this book is Mrs. Esty’s generous gift to the Garden Fund of the Temple grounds.
Nothing could make a more lovely gift. The price is $3.00.
“Bahá’í Revelation” By Thornton Chase
Owing to the many demands that a cheaper edition of this valuable teaching book be put in circulation the Publishing Committee wishes to cooperate and assist all those who may heretofore have found the present edition too expensive by reducing the price to $1.00 (now listed at $2.00). The Committee hopes that all those who do not now own “Bahá’í Revelation” will avail themselves of this opportunity and stimulate the demand for this book.
“Book of Assurance”
In order to make way for the new translation of the Iqan by Shoghi Effendi, to be published in the spring, the friends may obtain copies of the former translation at the special price of $1.00. As soon as the new work is published, the present edition will be withdrawn from the Bahá’í catalog.
“Bahá’í World-Volume Three”
This official reference book, to be described in the forthcoming issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, may be obtained at the price of $2.50 per copy.
Believers should possess the two previous volumes, and the Publishing Committee announces a reduction in cost, as follows: “Year Book” (Volume One—1925-1926), $0.75; Bahá’í World (Volume Two—1926-1928), $1.50.
Order through your local Spiritual Assembly or from Bahá’í Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York City.
