Bahá’í News/Issue 481/Text
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| No. 481 | BAHA’I YEAR 128 | APRIL, 1971 |
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Riḍván 1971: Eight New National Spiritual
Assemblies to be Elected
February 1, 1971
HAPPY ANNOUNCE FOLLOWING HANDS CAUSE WILL REPRESENT UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTIONS COMING RIḌVÁN AMATU’L-BAHÁ RÚḤÍYYIH KHÁNUM IVORY COAST UPPER VOLTA MALI ZIKRU’LLÁH KHÁDEM TRINIDAD TOBAGO ADELBERT MÜHLSCHLEGEL LESOTHO ‘ALÍ MUHAMMAD VARQÁ CONGO—BRAZZAVILLE GABON ENOCH OLINGA BOTH SUDAN CHAD COLLIS FEATHERSTONE BOTH SOLOMON ISLANDS SOUTHWEST PACIFIC OCEAN. CONFIDENT PRESENCE PARTICIPATION THESE STANDARD BEARERS NINE YEAR PLAN HISTORIC FIRST CONVENTIONS WILL ATTRACT DIVINE BLESSINGS ASSIST NEW NATIONAL COMMUNITIES BEFITTINGLY ASSUME SACRED RESPONSIBILITIES. —UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
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Riḍván 1972: Formation Nine Additional National Spiritual
Assemblies Raises Total to 110
February 11, 1971
ANNOUNCE ALL FRIENDS FORMATION DURING RIḌVÁN 1972 NINE ADDITIONAL NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES RAISING TOTAL NUMBER PILLARS UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE TO ONE HUNDRED AND TEN. THREE IN AFRICA MALAGASY REPUBLIC REUNION SEYCHELLES THREE IN EAST PAKISTAN NEPAL SINGAPORE ONE IN AUSTRALIA NORTHWEST PACIFIC OCEAN COMPRISING GUAM CAROLINES MARIANAS MARSHALLS TWO IN EUROPE ICELAND AND REPUBLIC IRELAND. FOUR OF THESE SEYCHELLES EAST PAKISTAN SINGAPORE NORTH-WEST PACIFIC CONSTITUTE SUPPLEMENTARY ACHIEVEMENTS NINE YEAR PLAN. URGE PIONEERS SCHEDULED ALL THESE AREAS SETTLE POSTS WITHOUT DELAY. CALL UPON RESPECTIVE COMMUNITIES BRACE THEMSELVES EXERT SUPREME EFFORT FAST FLEETING WEEKS BEFORE COMING RIḌVÁN ESTABLISH AS MANY ASSEMBLIES AS POSSIBLE THEREBY BROADENING STRENGTHENING FOUNDATIONS PROJECTED NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. FERVENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES FOLLOWERS MOST GREAT NAME MAY SEIZE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES PRESENT HOUR AND SPARE NO EFFORT UNTIL GOALS PLAN ARE FULLY ACCOMPLISHED THEREBY ATTRACTING TO THEMSELVES AND THEIR COMMUNITIES INESTIMABLE BLESSINGS ANCIENT BEAUTY. —UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
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New National Spiritual Assemblies To Be Formed[edit]
| 1971 | 1972 | Supplementary to Original Plan |
| Ivory Coast, Upper Volta, Mali | Malagasy Republic | Seychelles |
| Trinidad, Tobago | Reunion | East Pakistan |
| Lesotho | Seychelles | Singapore |
| Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon | East Pakistan | Northwest Pacific |
| Sudan | Nepal | |
| Chad | Singapore | |
| Solomon Islands | Northwest Pacific | |
| Southwest Pacific | (Guam, Carolines, Marianas, Marshalls) | |
| Iceland | ||
| Republic Ireland |
Message of Universal House of Justice to Monrovia Conference[edit]
The emergence on the African Continent of a widely spread, numerous, diversified and united Bahá’í community, so swiftly after the initiation of organized teaching plans there, is of the utmost significance and a signal evidence of the bounties which God has destined for its peoples in this day.
The great victories in Africa, which brought such joy to the Guardian’s heart in the last years of his life, resulted from the self-sacrificing devotion of a handful of pioneers, gradually assisted by the first few native believers, all laboring under the loving shadow of the Hand of the Cause Músá Banání. From their efforts there has been raised up an increasing army of African teachers, administrators, pioneers and valiant promoters of the Divine Cause, whose main task is to bring to all Africa the bounties conferred by the Word of God, bounties of enlightenment, zeal, devotion and eventually the true civilization of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order.
Many of the gravest ills now afflicting the human race appear in acute form on the African Continent. Racial, tribal and religious prejudice, disunity of nations, the scourge of political factionalism, poverty and lack of education are obvious examples. Bahá’ís have a great part to play—greater than they may realize—in the healing of these sicknesses and the abatement of their worst effects. By their radiant unity, by their bright and shining faces, their self-disciplines in zealously following all the requirements of Bahá’í law, their abstention from politics, their constant study and proclamation of the Great Message, they will hasten the advent of that glorious day when all mankind will know its true brotherhood and will bask in the sunshine of God’s love and blessing.
That the African believers are fully capable of taking their full share in building the Kingdom of God on earth, their natural abilities and present deeds have fully demonstrated. An African Hand of the Cause of God, even now in the course of a brilliant, triumphal teaching tour of the planet, African Counsellors, Board members, national and local administrators and an ever-increasing army of believers testify to the vigor and immense capacity of this highly-blessed continent to serve its Lord in the great day of His appearance. That the African believers, so beloved by the Guardian of the Faith, will rise to the challenge facing them and earn the gratitude and goodwill of all mankind by their deeds of dedication and self-sacrifice is the longing of our hearts.
May this Conference become a sun from which will stream forth to all parts of the vast continent rays of spiritual energy and inspiration, galvanizing the friends to action in the fields of teaching and pioneering in such manner that they will rapidly achieve all the tasks assigned to them under the Nine Year Plan.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hands of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and Dr. Ramatu’lláh Muhájir, second to her right; with Vice President Tolbert of Liberia (in dark suit); Dr. William Maxwell, Continental Board of Counsellors for North West Africa, extreme left; with Persian and African believers.
Continental Conference in Monrovia, Liberia[edit]
From January 1-3, 1971, the “highly blessed continent” of Africa witnessed a gathering and mingling of people from different racial, religious and national backgrounds in a spirit of sincere love, radiant unity and true brotherhood. This was the Continental Conference of Africa called by The Universal House of Justice. Such gatherings are rare in the history of Africa. An earlier conference was in East Africa, at Kampala; this time, it was transferred to West Africa. Surely it showered blessings upon the whole of Africa and it may open the way for mass conversion in many African countries.
A few days before the Conference the words “Bahá’í Continental Conference of Africa,” on large banners, caught the eyes of people from the airport for a streamer was across the top of the Ducor Intercontinental Hotel, the highest building in the city. Posters, 500 of them, were seen on walls all over Monrovia. Radio and television announcements began telling about the approaching Conference. The Liberian Star, Monrovia’s leading newspaper, began to publicize the Faith. On December 18, it had a release in which there was an introduction to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and a brief history of the Faith. Another article appeared on December 29. After the press conference of Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum the whole center spread was devoted to the Faith which headlined “Human Society Approaching World Unity”, and with sub-heads “A Message of Love, Peace and Unity.” Other newspapers also carried good stories about the Faith. Radio and television publicized the Faith. Rúḥíyyih Khánum had one television interview and two on radio. On December 28, she gave a press conference attended by fifteen newsmen. It was scheduled for twenty minutes but it was prolonged to an hour and thirty minutes. At the end, it had nearly changed into a fireside. For an entire week Liberians heard about the Faith over the air, through television and in the press. In fact, the topic of many non-Bahá’í gatherings was the Bahá’í Faith.
Friends from thirty-seven countries, from Hawaii to Persia, arrived in Monrovia by air and by land. Some of the African friends arrived in Monrovia singing “Alláh-u-Abhá” while passing through the streets.
Pre-Conference Unity Feast[edit]
The place chosen for the Conference was the campus of the University of Liberia, which became a spiritual meeting place. Here on Thursday evening, December 31, a Unity Feast was held, hosted by the Bahá’ís of Monrovia and presided over by Mrs. Georgia M. Sanchez, Chairman of the Monrovia Bahá’í Assembly. Six Counsellors, nine Auxiliary Board members and National Spiritual Assembly representatives of various countries were introduced. The Unity Feast as well as the entire Conference was blessed by the presence of Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, the special representative of the Universal House of Justice. Mr. Oloro Epyeru, member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for East and Central Africa, was not present due to illness. Dr. Muhájir prayed for his health. Beautiful Bahá’í songs were sung by groups from Nigeria, Uganda and Ghana.
Beginning of the Conference[edit]
On Friday morning, January 1, the Conference began with prayers. At the same time prayers were being said by members of The Universal House of Justice at the Holy Shrines; also friends at the Singapore Conference in the Far East joined in asking Bahá’u’lláh to shower His inspiration and confirmation upon the Bahá’í world for the fulfillment of the Nine Year plan and the victory of the Cause of God. The devotional service began by a prayer by Hand of the Cause Rúḥíyyih Khánum and ended with one by Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir, who also read the message from The Universal House of Justice. This message touched the hearts with such phrases as “... the African believers are fully capable of taking their share in building the Kingdom of God on earth ... an ever-increasing army of believers testify to the vigor and immense capacity of this highly-blessed continent to serve its Lord in the great day of His appearance.” Dr. Muhájir remarked that in the latter days of the Guardian’s life, when the black race began coming under the light of Bahá’u’lláh, Shoghi Effendi said that it was a sign that the other races would also enter the Faith. He added that this is the year of proclamation and The Universal House of Justice has told us that the message of God must go both to the heads of state and to the masses.
Dr. Muhájir then introduced Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum who was the heart and spirit of the whole gathering in a continent which she loves dearly and has served energetically. Dr. Muhájir read in Persian, two Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed to her mother about Rúḥíyyih Khánum when she was a small child, in which the Master likened her to a flower and cherished the hope that this flower might bloom with fragrance and beauty; the spiritual character of Amatu’l-Bahá was clearly foreseen.
Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke about mass conversion and pointed out that the continent of Africa was dearly loved by the Guardian. She said that anyone who visits the Shrine of Shoghi Effendi in London will see a column with a globe of the world on the top, and on top of the globe is an eagle which faces toward Africa. This is a sign of the Guardian’s love and great hopes for Africa. The victories in Africa brought joy to the Guardian’s heart. “In this gathering” she said, “there are Bahá’ís who accepted the Faith in a few moments and now are numbered among the Counsellors, Board members and administrators of the Faith. The next generation will be trained under the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. In the early history of the Faith many became Bahá’ís and gave their lives who did not know how to read and write.” She added: “The standards of the Bahá’ís are not the standards of the world. The judgment of Bahá’u’lláh is not the judgment of the world.” She stressed “in places where mass conversion is in process, we must be patient. When a child is born, it must be taken care of until it is grown and mature.”
In the afternoon session, representatives of the African National Spiritual Assemblies gave reports of their achievements of assigned goals under the Nine Year plan. Dr. Muhájir said: “I am assured that Africans can do more than what has been assigned to them.” He insisted that the friends try to begin mass conversion in every African country.
A preview of a slide program prepared by The Universal House of Justice entitled “Bahá’ís in The Holy Land” was shown by the representative of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States, Mrs. Eunice Braun, who also demonstrated new African teaching aids, Picture Lessons in French and English, on behalf of International Audio Visual Center.
There were several consultative sessions with the Hands of the Cause, Counsellors, Auxiliary Board Members,
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National Spiritual Assembly representatives and
travelling teachers about fulfilling the goals. Nine of
the African National Assemblies pledged the fulfillment of their goals in advance.
On Saturday, January 2, Rúḥíyyih Khánum again spoke about mass conversion. She stressed the point that nothing can take the place of the Words of Bahá’u’lláh stating that they are the refuge for mankind. She reminded Conference participants that the Guardian has told us many times that we must teach with the methods used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. We should read His talks. They are simple and clear—like pure water. She cautioned that we should realize the administration is the means, not the end. She said that Shoghi Effendi has told us again and again that he was not omniscient, but shared with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá infallibility in interpreting the Words of Bahá’u’lláh. “Over and over” she continued “I have seen the flashes of lightning when he was warmed by a power that was not his own. I saw that he was always guided by God. He knew some things that he had no way of knowing. No one can claim to have the station of the Guardian. We are so far from the station of Shoghi Effendi that in comparison with us he is a sun and we are the dust.”
Suddenly, at 9:30 a.m., Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s talk was interrupted by the telephone call from Singapore—friends from the opposite side of the planet, Bahá’ís from the yellow race sending a message of love and unity to a Conference in Africa. It was like a miracle. It was a time of witnessing the fulfillment of the prophecies of the ancient seers—the hearts of people of different colors and continents beating with love for each other, even though they had never seen one another. Hands of the Cause Enoch Olinga and Dr. Muhájir exchanged greetings with those in Singapore on behalf of the African Conference.
The United Nations’ West African Representative visited the Conference and expressed his appreciation of the role of the Bahá’ís in the promotion of human rights. He also referred to the Bahá’í International Community’s newly-acquired consultative status in the United Nations. Dr. Muhájir presented him with a copy of Foundations of World Unity. This session was continued by further consultation with Zora Banks who was especially invited by The Universal House of Justice because of her position with the United Nations in New York, to help the friends in strengthening the relationship between their National Assemblies and the United Nations branches in their countries.
Vice-President of Liberia[edit]
On Saturday, January 2, at noon, Dr. William R. Tolbert Jr., Vice-President of Liberia, on behalf of President Tubman (who was ill), addressed the Conference. He said that the President had asked him to assure the Bahá’ís of his satisfaction even delight at
Friends representing various nations waiting in the “receiving line” for Vice President Dr. William R. Tolbert, Jr., on behalf of President Tubman of Liberia.
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the choice of Liberia as the site of such a historic Conference. He said: “This is the first time in history that
the East and West have come together ...” He expressed his hope that “all points will meet, to the glory
of God and the unity of mankind.” He mentioned the
Bahá’í principles of the unity of mankind, the abolition of all type of prejudices, the equality of all men
before God, and justice. He added: “At no other time
in the history of our world can love among mankind
be considered more urgent than today. In a time when
the world is in turmoil we cannot help but keep the
teachings of the Founder of your Faith in view.”
In the introduction of the Vice-President, Dr. William Maxwell, member of the Continental Board of Counsellors of North-West Africa, pointed out that Dr. Tolbert was a former President of the World Baptist Alliance.
In responding to the Vice-President’s address, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke of her hope that Africa may fulfill her destiny, free from the cancer of materialism which is eating into the vitals of mankind. The friends began singing “Alláh-u-Abhá” and the souls of the participants seemed to soar into a realm where the glory of God was enthroned in everlasting sovereignty while all the emperors and rulers of the world bowed down before It.
That afternoon a reception was given at the Intercontinental Hotel for government officials, newsmen and foreign ambassadors in Liberia who mingled with the friends in a cordial atmosphere. That evening the Mayoress of the city of Monrovia, Mrs. Ellen Sandamanie, addressed the Conference. She expressed her wish that the Bahá’í Faith could bring peace for all mankind and hoped the Conference deliberations would be guided by prayer. At the end of her talk she cordially invited the friends to a civic reception in the City Hall in honor of the Bahá’í delegates.
Some of the youth attending the conference. Front row, kneeling, from left to right: Mr. Edwin Huff, Liberia; Mrs. Eleanor Brown Sanchez, U.S. pioneer to Liberia; Miss Satora Hill, Liberia and others with small Persian children.
Cable From the Universal House of Justice[edit]
A cable outlining the events of the Conference had been sent to the Universal House of Justice, and the following inspiring reply was received:
HEARTS UPLIFTED SPIRIT GENERATED CONFERENCE HONORED PRESENCE AMATU’L-BAHÁ AND OUR REPRESENTATIVE HAND CAUSE MUHÁJIR ATTENDANCE MANY COUNTRIES PRESENCE HIGH OFFICIALS ATTESTING PROCLAMATION FAITH HIGHLY COMMENDABLE DELIGHTED PLANS TRAVEL TEACHING DETERMINATION WIN ALL GOALS ASSURE YOU ARDENT PRAYERS BOUNTIFUL CONFIRMATIONS LOVING REGARDS
Many encouraging cables were received earlier
from various parts of the world. Messages were also
sent to President Tubman of Liberia, the Singapore
Conference, and Hand of the Cause Músá Banání.
Flowers had been sent to the Holy Land, the Most
Holy Shrine in Bahjí and to the Shrine of the Báb as
well as to London for the Shrine of Shoghi Effendi, the
true conquerer of Africa.
The Last Day of the Conference[edit]
On Sunday, January 3, Dr. Muhájir talked about teaching possibilities in Africa. He informed the friends that forty-one countries and twenty-two territories in Africa have now been opened to the Faith. Africa was the first place to begin mass conversion. He asked “Why are we in a hurry to teach the Faith in Africa?” and answered his question “because Shoghi Effendi has told us that Africa is a swiftly-awakening continent. So it may awaken to spirituality or to materialism.” He added: “We have come together to consult on how to conquer this continent spiritually.” He stressed the point that mass conversion must begin in every country of Africa, that the Message must go to the tribes and townsmen, literate and uneducated, young and old. He added that mass conversion might begin in many countries as a result of this Conference. Dr. Muhájir continued: “Shoghi Effendi said to Mr. Nakhjavání to teach the youth before they get involved in politics.”
A special message was presented from the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States concerning the close linkage of the Bahá’ís of America with the Faith in Africa and assuring their full support.
Mr. Habib Sabet, representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran said that the number of Bahá’ís in Africa should be doubled. “We must give all facilities and assistance for teaching activities” he said. Mr. Sabet and Mr. Salim Noonoo then appealed to the friends for donations to the Fund and a considerable sum was given.
Mr. Hasan Sabri, Secretary of the Continental Pioneer Committee for Africa, gave the historical background of the progress of the Faith in Africa. He said that Africa was consecrated by the footsteps of Bahá’u’lláh during His brief stop in Egypt. The first National Spiritual Assembly was formed in Egypt in 1950; at that time there was one Assembly in the Sudan, one in the process of forming in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The first pioneer to arrive in East Africa, in January 1951 was Miss Claire Gung, called by the Guardian “The Mother of Africa.” Today there are twenty-two National Assemblies in Africa and all African countries except Guinea have been opened to the Faith. “There are 170,000 Bahá’ís in Africa” according to Mr. Sabri, “therefore Africa can no more be called the Dark Continent, but the Continent of Light.”
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When Mr. Sabri raised the call for pioneers, eighteen
African Bahá’ís, mostly youth, stepped forward and
expressed their desire to pioneer. Rúḥíyyih Khánum
called this “the crown of the Conference—these African
Bahá’ís who volunteered to pioneer.” She called the
Conference “rare” because of the unprecedented publicity in radio, television and press; also the attitude of
the officials towards, and their praises of the Bahá’í
Faith. She ended her remarks with “We will depart as
‘Abdu’l-Bahá says, ‘One soul in many bodies.’ ”
Post-Conference Activities[edit]
That evening there was a public meeting in Monrovia’s Centennial Pavilion. Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke to an interested audience on “The Spiritual Destiny of Africa” and answered thoughtful questions afterwards.
The friends departed from the Conference determined to promote their beloved Cause in their respective countries and territories with renewed energy and enthusiasm like flames to set afire the cold hearts of their fellow countrymen. A tribal chief expressed determination to bring his whole area under the light of Bahá’u’lláh. The sixty pioneers who honored the Conference with their presence, these champion-builders of the World Order, felt in their hearts a part of the results of self-sacrifice and service of the early pioneers and they too returned to their posts with enthusiasm and determination to win more victories for the Cause. Those residing in Liberia feel the vigorous spirit of the Faith encompassing the country.
Three days after the Conference, Rúḥíyyih Khánum had a forty-minute audience with the President of Liberia, Dr. William V. S. Tubman, with whom she was acquainted from his visit several years ago at the World Center and the Shrine of the Báb.
Monrovia Press Report[edit]
The Vice-President of Liberia, Dr. William R. Tolbert, formerly President of the Baptist World Alliance, in addressing the Monrovia Bahá’í Conference according to the Liberian Sunday Digest front page account (January 3, 1971) “expressed the hope that the results of the Bahá’í Conference will be far-reaching and beneficial to mankind. Dr. Tolbert noted that it was because love dominated the consciousness of Bahá’u’lláh that He wrote letters to the Kings and rulers of the earth admonishing them to promulgate the law of God.”
At the top of the front page in the same publication was the headline “The Bahá’í World Family”. This article begins: “By virtue of its creative, regulative and ennobling energies, the Bahá’í Faith has gathered people of different races, nationalities and creeds beneath its shadow. It has changed the hearts of these followers, dissolved their prejudices, calmed their worldly desires, enlightened their minds, ennobled their motives, coordinated their efforts and changed their outlook.... The universal and high degree of love which the followers of Bahá’u’lláh feel for their fellow men, regardless of race, class, creed or nation is neither a mysterious nor artificial thing. It is spontaneous and genuine.... To the Bahá’ís, it can be truly said that ‘every foreign land is a fatherland,’ for their citizenship is in the Kingdom of Bahá’u’lláh (the Glory of God.)”
Mrs. Georgia Sanchez, Chairman of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Monrovia.
A Follow-up of the Monrovian Conference[edit]
The plane that I had been scheduled to take from Monrovia, Liberia was cancelled. After consultation with Dr. Muhájir a four-day stop-over in Ghana seemed highly feasible. However, by the time we had reached this decision the Embassy had closed and I had no visa to Ghana. A Bahá’í youth from Ghana, who had been directing me around Monrovia that day, caught sight of the secretary to the Ambassador from Ghana stopping before us. We got his attention and spoke to him about the possibility of securing an in-transit visa so that I could take the plane that evening. He informed us that everyone had left the Embassy, that I would need a visa, that I could be turned away in Accra, but that I should tell authorities that I had spoken to him after hours.
The welcome in Accra airport, even at that late hour, was cordial. I was given permission to enter the country, while all the returning Bahá’ís to Ghana were standing around en masse!
Mr. Prince Abaidoo from Akim-Oda, who had just completed his first flight by attending the Monrovian Conference, had been so inspired that he left early the next morning to arrange for the first visitor to his community.
Akim-Oda in the Eastern Region, is more than 100 miles from Accra and is accessible by bus ... roughly three and a half to four hours ride. During my journey some of the passengers became interested in hearing about the Faith and all were directed to their nearest communities. One young lady remained with me to meet Prince Abaidoo as he came to greet me at the bus-park.
Prince was really radiant and the response of the people everywhere was quite fantastic. We were almost skipping with joy through the streets, in the market-places, into the shops telling the people about Bahá’u’lláh.
Then I was shown to the Public Works Rest House, as the only guest, where I was to spend the night. Prince had arranged for the cook to prepare my meals from the food which I would purchase. This proved to be quite comfortable, convenient and reasonable.
More than sixty adults and children came to the Bahá’í home that evening, with the Bahá’ís remaining
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after the fireside for consultation on teaching the Faith.
“Whomsoever Thou willest Thou causest to draw nigh unto the Most Great Ocean, and on whomsoever Thou desirest Thou conferrest the honor of recognizing Thy Most Ancient Name.” The next morning, a seeker came bright and early to sign his declaration card in my presence.
In this happy mood we began our teaching day holding impromptu meetings at the Public Works offices, the Post Office, shops on the main street, walking on several miles to the school where Prince teaches, telling a class of nineteen students about Bahá’u’lláh, down the hill to the lumber mills spreading the Glad Tidings, until it was time to catch the bus back to Accra.
Bahá’í youth and children at Akim-Oda, Ghana with visiting American pioneer, Zylpha O. Mapp, seated holding child.
Akim-Oda, Ghana: the two ladies kneeling in front holding the
Greatest Name are both members of the Local Spiritual Assembly. Prince Abaidoo, Secretary of the Local Spiritual Assembly,
is at the extreme right in the back row. Seated in the middle is
Zylpha O. Mapp, pioneer from the United States of America, en
route to her post in Uganda.
At the Bahá’í Center in the early evening, the
younger believers were encouraged to teach the seekers present. Later as other Bahá’ís came and travelling
believers from Persia and elsewhere arrived there was
a great exchange of Conference happenings. We made
a tape of greetings to Uganda from Ghana with special
messages to Hand of the Cause Músá Banání and Mamajan and Elizabeth Olinga. This beautiful spirit sustained us all.
Yesterday, I received a letter from Ghana which stated: “Many thanks for your kind conversation and hospitality. I appreciated your way and manner you approached me on the bus. Also I have much pleasure in accepting your doctrine. Mr. Abaidoo, the school teacher here, has been to this school twice for discussions. I have declared membership ... I am going to do everything we Bahá’ís do.” ... Esther Quao (the young lady on the bus to Akim-Oda)
Post-Monrovia Teaching Conference at Oron, Nigeria[edit]
Oron, Nigeria: some delegates of national and local assemblies who attended the Monrovia Conference.
First Incorporated Assembly in Rhode Island Another Goal Fulfilled[edit]
Members of the newly incorporated Assembly of Providence
Rhode Island are: (standing, left to right), Dr. Iraj Mottahed,
Chairman; Mrs. Alegra Jones, Vice Chairman; Miss Jeannette
Wilson, Mrs. Edith Carpenter, Mr. Elmer Carpenter; (seated,
left to right), Miss Rondelle Stokes, Treasurer; Mrs. Dorothy
Champ; Mrs. Beth Newport, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs.
Mildred Sayles, Recording Secretary.
Costa Rica is Winning its Nine Year Goals[edit]
The small central American country of Costa Rica seemed to lie dormant even though the seeds of the Faith have been well sown over a period of many years by pioneers old and new with much help from the native believers. Suddenly as has happened around the world recently, growth! New believers spring forth wherever one goes. On the Pacific peninsula of Nicoya in the Guanacaste area we have a gratifying number of new Bahá’ís, over 200 in less than two months. These are in large and small groups in many villages and will make a substantial number of new assemblies.
In the Indian region of Talamanca new groups have appeared and most warming to our hearts is that our Indian friends are going out to teach the Faith in other parts of the country. On the Atlantic coast where a goodly number of Negro people live, several large groups have come in, assuring new Assemblies by Riḍván.
In the Central area where most of the cities are located there is awakened a new spirit. People are responding to the proclamation efforts and are seeking the Faith. All hearts are cheered by the glad news brought by pioneers and native teachers after each teaching trip to the National Spiritual Assembly. It is fairly assured that Costa Rica will win its Nine Year goals this year.
The long awaited and much struggled for goal of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly has at long last been accomplished and Costa Rica hopes that all else will follow in the same spirit of this cherished goal.
Pioneer in Costa Rica Braves Dangers[edit]
Miss Badri Djazayeri, a Bahá’í pioneer from Persia, recently completed a teaching tour of the interior of Costa Rica to spread the message of Bahá’u’lláh, and to encourage the believers. Walking, at times, through dense jungle, filled with wild animals and snakes, Miss Djazayeri visited the villages of Fields, Sureka, Amubre, Coen and Bambú. Many of these villages have no resident pioneers nearby and depend entirely upon traveling teachers for communication with the Bahá’í World.
The teaching trip began in the city of Limón. Here Miss Djazayeri helped distribute posters and flyers to advertise a musical program being given by the Dryer family, Bahá’ís who are also travel-teaching. The largest hall in the city was filled and at the end of the evening there were sixteen new Bahá’ís, and eleven requests for Bahá’í correspondence courses. Most of these people were youth and this is considered an excellent response because the local area is filled with crime and religious fanaticism. The day after, our pioneer prepared to walk to Coen—some 30 kilometers away.
While in the village of Coen, Miss Djazayeri participated with the friends in celebrating Bahá’u’lláh’s Birthday. All the Bahá’ís took the day off from work and received the traveling pioneer with great expressions of happiness and love. While Miss Djazayeri was there a youth conference was held with forty-eight youth and forty-two youthful adults attending. The conference was a great success and the teaching activities resulted in thirteen souls being enrolled under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh. Along with studying the other Manifestations of God, the conference concentrated on the lives of the Central Figures in the Faith and on the early martyrs such as Mullá Husayn, Tahirih, and Bádi.
Several days later a group of youth accompanied her to the banks of the Sixaola river and with great love bid her farewell with the words: “Badri, come back soon.” After passing the village of Sureka the river became treacherous because of the torrential downpour, and Miss Djazayeri was forced to abandon her boat. At first she tried to take the path by the river but since it soon became flooded she struck off into the jungle and followed the river while keeping to the high ground. When she became mired in mud she took off her shoes and walked two and one half hours to the next town of Bambú alone, except for the Tablet of Aḥmad.
Once in Bambú Miss Djazayeri asked for assistance and soon found herself in a helicopter flying toward her destination in Limón. Upon entering the helicopter the pilot told her that it was a very dangerous time to fly. Her response was to say the ‘Remover of Difficulties’ nineteen times and to inform him that she had eliminated the danger. When he asked her if she was frightened Miss Djazayeri’s answer was “no”, that they were under the “love and protection of Bahá’u’lláh.”
After an uneventful half-hour flight they alighted safely in the city of Limón and she was met by a group of North Americans. When they were astonished at the danger and hardships which she had to endure, Miss Badri Djazayeri, from Persia, simply told them that was the job of a Bahá’í pioneer.
Costa Rica: an Indian group in Coen in
Talamanca who have arisen and volunteered to go out and teach the Faith in
other parts of the country.
World Religion - Basis for True Equality[edit]
The above theme for the 1971 observance of World Religion Day, January 17, provided an opportunity for Bahá’ís in many localities throughout the United States to proclaim the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh as the quickener of souls and the unifier of races and nations.
Winter Fun Festival[edit]
One of the most unique observances held to celebrate World Religion Day was a Winter Fun Festival sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Libertyville and Waukegan, Illinois. About eighty people, of whom approximately half were non-Bahá’ís, attended this junket at the State Beach Park Lodge in Zion, Illinois.
Activities were planned to appeal to everybody, and the fiesta got under way with breakfast at ten o’clock that Sunday morning. This was followed by a showing of the film “It’s Just The Beginning.” Following the film, the Bahá’ís and their guests enjoyed music by local talent and participated in the group singing.
Since the weather was perfect for outdoor sports, there were nature trail hikes, beach-combing, tobogganing, and swimming—in the indoor pool. While, others joined small discussion groups in the Lodge, overlooking a beautiful view of the lake and snow covered landscape, for one-and-a-half hours to converse on such subjects as “Marriage,” “True Equality,” “Education,” and “What is a Bahá’í?”.
Everybody left this gala affair in high spirits, and our hats off to Libertyville and Waukegan for a job well done!
World Religion Day Proclamations[edit]
Communities successful in obtaining World Religion Day Proclamations from Mayors are as follows: Healdsburg and San Fernando, California; Meriden, Connecticut; Key West, Florida; Evanston, Illinois; East Lansing, Lansing, Lincoln Park, Wyandotte, and Kalamazoo, Michigan; Kalispell and Whitefish, Montana; Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada; Astoria, Oregon; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee; and Killeen-Ft. Hood, Texas.
When Mayor Paul Macey of San Fernando, California signed
the Proclamation, Marcia Day, left, presented him with The
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh as Larry Day, left, and Jerry Sinclair, right, watched.
Mr. Clarence Farmer (center) chairman of the Commission for
Human Relations and representing the Mayor of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, presents the Bahá’ís with the World Religion
Day Proclamation. From left to right: Beth Kirsch, Joy Victory,
Clarence Farmer, Mrs. Dorothy Fisher and Max Haupt.
Other Observances[edit]
Although details are not available, reports have been received that the following communities sponsored or supported World Religion Day observances: Rogers, Arkansas; Beverly Hills, Chico, Cypress, Glendale, Healdsburg, Inglewood, Oceanside, Pismo Beach, Santa Clara, and Victorville, California; Denver, Colorado; Newark, Delaware; Fort Pierce, Key West, Miami, Orlando, Pompano Beach, Sarasota, and South Dade, Florida; Belleville, Bloomington, Downers Grove, Edwardsville, Evanston, and Rock Island, Illinois; South Bend, Indiana; Cedar Falls and Muscatine, Iowa; Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana; Baltimore and Montgomery County, Maryland; Belchertown, Boston and Hyannis, Massachusetts; East Lansing, Flint, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Lincoln Park, and Newaygo, Michigan; Webster Grove, Missouri; Billings, Butte, and Deer Lodge, Montana; Hastings, Nebraska; Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada; Peterborough, New Hampshire; Bergenfield, Dumont, North Plainfield, and Riverton, New Jersey; Roswell, New Mexico; Amherst, Brockport, Broone County, Buffalo, Greenburgh, Hamburg, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Mexico, Oswego, Rye, Scarsdale, and White Plains, New York; Columbus, Fostoria, Urbana, and Warrensville, Ohio; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Ashland, Astoria, and Eugene, Oregon; Philadelphia and State College, Pennsylvania; Fort Hood, Killeen, and San Angelo, Texas; Ogden, Utah, Rochester, Vermont; Bremerton, Everett, Spokane, and Tacoma, Washington; Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; and Casper and Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Publicity[edit]
According to reports received, some 1,181 column inches of gratis publicity in 140 newspapers were received; about one hour and forty minutes of radio time donated, and several displays placed in libraries.
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Some of the friends at the World Religion Day celebration in
Las Vegas, Nevada. Left to right: Gloria Carter, Jack Harris,
Flavia Harris, Stan Shelton, Irene Vanderhoof, Barrie Bailey,
and Margy Marzoline.
Members of the Warrensville Heights, Ohio community who
witnessed the declaration of Mrs. Laura McCauley at their
observance of World Religion Day.
Bahá’ís receiving World Religion Day Proclamation from Mayor Gerald Graves, Lansing, Michigan. From left to right: William Smith, Joanne Branklin, Mayor Gerald Graves, Linda Kujat, and Tom Kujat.
Mayor Frank A. Sedita of Buffalo, New York presents World
Religion Day Proclamation to Mr. Gregory D. Wooster, Chairman of the Buffalo Bahá’í Assembly. Accompanying Mr.
Wooster is Miss Sherri Richardson and Mr. Michael Miller.
Mayor Harry Steinback of the City of Astoria, Oregon hands signed World Religion Day Proclamation to Mr. Robert A. Lindstrom, Chairman of the Astoria Bahá’í Assembly.
Oceanic Conference - Singapore[edit]
When the Oceanic Conference of the South China Seas was first announced by The Universal House of Justice, it was scheduled to be held in Djakarta, Indonesia, and Malaysians were complacently planning to attend and enjoy it. Then a few months before the due date, a telegram from The Universal House of Justice intimated that a change would probably have to be made, with a suggestion that Malaysia would be the most suitable venue! The communication expressed such confidence in the National Assembly’s capacity to make all arrangements, that the Assembly was both elated and humbled. Wheels began to turn immediately.
After an exhaustive and frustrating search, a suitable location was found in Kuala Lumpur, the federal capital of Malaysia. But fate stepped in—official permission from the government was not forthcoming owing to emergency conditions in the country, and so the site had to be changed to Singapore. History was repeating itself in a strange manner—for in 1958 a Continental Conference called for by the beloved Guardian and scheduled for Djakarta had to be hurriedly transferred to Singapore, and took place in the Victoria Memorial Hall, the very place selected for this Oceanic Conference.
Two hundred and fifty miles and an international barrier separated Singapore from Kuala Lumpur, but teams of active Bahá’ís overcame passport and financial problems and made dozens of journeys up and down by car, scooter or train to see to the physical arrangements of the Conference. The National Coordinating Unit (a specially appointed arm of the National Spiritual Assembly to activate all Area Teaching Committees in the country) geared its program to the Oceanic Conference, and nation-wide appeals for home-front pioneers to assist the Singapore Bahá’ís resulted in a stream of friends taking up residence in Singapore to help with pre-conference proclamation.
Pre-Conference Arrangements[edit]
It was beloved Hand, Dr. Muhájir, who headed a
January 1-3, 1971[edit]
mammoth proclamation program. He suggested that Malaysia should emulate Japan which had distributed 300,000 pamphlets at the Osaka Expo. Such fantastic figures had not been considered by the Malaysian Bahá’ís, but with supreme faith in the guidance of the beloved Hand, the community plunged into its biggest ever proclamation project. Nation-wide co-operation was achieved and universal participation became a reality, as local spiritual assemblies and area teaching committees undertook to cover their respective areas and blanketed Malaya and Singapore with a total of 435,000 pamphlets in English, Chinese and Tamil. All age groups assisted in the project which covered thousands of families living in crowded flats or scattered residential areas, shopping centers, fairs and ferries. About 3,000 reply cards have been received to date.
Over a thousand commemoration booklets of Tomorrow & Tomorrow were mailed to selected heads of state and high ranking dignitaries throughout the country. In Singapore, the pamphlets also carried invitations to a public talk by Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga and a welcome to a grand Bahá’í Exhibition.
Pre-conference sessions included a Proclamation Seminar at which delegates from the different participating countries gave suggestions arising out of the successes in their respective countries. A whole day of consultation with Counsellors, Auxiliary Board members and National Spiritual Assembly representatives was honored by the presence of two Hands of the Cause, Enoch Olinga, official representative of the Universal House of Justice; and H. Collis Featherstone, representing the Hands of the Holy Land.
In accordance with instructions from the Supreme Body several workshops were held on subjects of special interest such as Child Education, Teaching the Chinese masses, University Societies and Funds. These took place throughout the conference and the days preceding it.
The Unity Feast held on the eve of the opening day was indeed a Feast for the soul! The hall was filled with brilliant color, friends from every land, and
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radiant faces that literally shone with love and joy.
After prayers were said in many languages and dialects,
the beloved Hands Enoch Olinga and Collis Featherstone conveyed loving greetings to the enraptured audience. When the closing prayer ended—all heaven
broke loose—as everyone mingled together and the atmosphere was reminiscent of the London Congress of
1963. There were Bahá’ís from over twenty different
countries, as far-flung as Alaska, Ethiopia, Turkey and
Arabia. The nearby countries like Indonesia and
Thailand had larger delegations, and the friends from
Laos and Thailand had chartered a bus. Friends from
Japan, Hawaii, and the Philippines came in large numbers.
Aboriginal believers from the heart of the Malaysian jungles, and Iban tribal believers from the longhouses of East Malaysia added a special lustre to the many-splendored garden of flowers. It was a dazzling spectacle, and several friends were moved to tears; overwhelmed by the sheer joy of the occasion.
The Conference Opens[edit]
The conference opened on the 1st of January 1971, in the carpeted and air-conditioned hall of the Victoria Memorial Theatre, and Dr. John Fozdar, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the host country of Malaysia, welcomed delegates from the participating countries of Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Laos, Philippines and Indonesia, and the friends from the many other countries who had travelled thousands of miles to be at this historic Oceanic Conference of the South China Seas. In a few well chosen words, he drew a dramatic picture of history in the making, right before the eyes of the friends. Hardly twenty years ago, there were only a handful of believers in these vast regions, and only one Regional Spiritual Assembly to care for Portuguese Timor, Indonesia, Malaya, Singapore, Borneo, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Today there are National Spiritual Assemblies in seven of these countries. Some of those early pioneers were present in the hall.
Dr. Fozdar declared that in those days of the Ten Year Crusade there was a spiritual competition between the African Continent and the Pacific regions, and ultimately, victory went to Africa, largely because of the incredible achievements of one man. For these stupendous feats, the beloved Guardian conferred upon him the title “Abul-Futuh”, the Father of Victories. With those words, Dr. Fozdar called upon Enoch Olinga, the Father of Victories, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh and Hand of the Cause of God, to address the Conference. It was a very moving moment.
When the thunderous applause finally died down, the beloved Hand with deep humility thanked the
Photographs, top to bottom:
Little children spent hours helping to insert post paid reply cards into the thousands of pamphlets that were distributed in Singapore prior to the Oceanic Conference, Jan. 1971.
Mr. Inbum Chinniah, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia welcomes Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga on arrival at the Oceanic Conference Singapore. Mr. Chinniah is armed with a walkie-talkie through which the hundreds of friends waiting in the Victoria Memorial Hall were kept informed of the Hand’s arrival.
Some of the young artists pose in front of their paintings at the Bahá’í exhibition which was held in conjunction with the Oceanic Conference in Singapore.
Carol Ang of Malaysia reading out one of the nine resolutions that were presented by the youth believers to The Universal House of Justice. Standing at the table (left to right) are Arumugam, chairman and Govind, secretary, of the National Bahá’í Youth Council.
[Page 15]
friends, and then presented the special message from
the Universal House of Justice. The message called for
a three-pronged campaign to achieve immediately a
huge expansion of the Cause in this region, to far exceed the goals of the Nine Year Plan, the raising of a
corp of travelling teachers who will visit all communities and groups to deepen and consolidate Bahá’í life,
and the rising of Chinese-speaking believers as pioneers and travelling teachers to proclaim to the Chinese
masses. The message announced in conclusion, a supplementary goal to the Nine Year plan of Malaysia, namely
the establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly of
Singapore by Riḍván 1972. This announcement came as
a surprise, and the delegates broke into spontaneous
applause.
The friends made pledges of effort and sacrifice to exceed the goals of the Nine Year plan. The next two days of the Conference saw young and old Bahá’ís, veterans and new declarants, inspired and moved to action in many directions, as pioneers from different countries added their experiences to the wealth of guidance from the beloved Hands, Continental Counsellors, and Auxiliary Board Members who addressed the friends. Mr. Olinga compared the Bahá’ís to an army of light, and observed that the general of an army has the greatest concern for the soldiers in the front line. There were numerous signs throughout the Conference that the beautiful garden of God has indeed transformed itself into an army of God. Many friends went up to the front to volunteer to pioneer. Mr. Olinga invited to the platform all members of National Assemblies, Counsellors and Board members, greeted each one affectionately and introduced each one to the gathering. There were five Continental Counsellors, eleven Auxiliary Board Members, and thirty-five Assembly Members representing fourteen countries.
Pioneering[edit]
The next day during the session on pioneering, Mr. Olinga called to the stage all those who had pioneered, and asked a few to speak of their experiences. Among them was a crippled believer and another in a wheel chair, whose simple words touched the hearts of the friends. Later he made a call to everyone to join the heroic group of pioneers. They presented a majestic spectacle stretching in a great arc across the famed stage of the Victoria Memorial Hall.
Then followed the most thrilling moments of the Conference, when onto the platform trooped the young and the not-so-young believers, scarcely knowing whether their offer to pioneer will be accepted by Bahá’u’lláh. There were more than sixty who answered the call, not including the children in families. Among those who rose to pioneer was the Secretary
Photographs, top to bottom:
Several groups of Bahá’ís chartered buses to the Conference in Singapore. Seen here is the group from Alor Star way up on the Northern border of Malaysia. Their banners attracted attention all along the 600 mile journey.
A happy group of Laotian believers of the Meo and Yao tribes, seen here with friends from East and West Malaysia. The Laotian delegates came by chartered bus right through Thailand to Singapore.
Aboriginal youth from the jungles of Malaysia who attended the Singapore Conference seen here taking part in the Youth Session.
Counsellor Dr. Chellie Sundram explaining an exhibit on the “Institution of the Hands” at the Bahá’í Exhibition held in conjunction with the Oceanic Conference in Singapore.
[Page 16]
of the host Assembly, Mr. I. Chinniah, his wife and
four children. The faces of the pioneers appeared to
shine with the knowledge of self-discovery and resultant happiness.
Mr. Olinga said later “we must be light as the air, not heavy, we must be detached from all things save God.”
V.I.P. Reception[edit]
A reception was held one evening for the VIPs of Singapore to meet Hand of the Cause Mr. Olinga and the visiting delegates from all over the World. The response from the public was disappointing, but the Bahá’ís who gathered for the party, resplendent in vivid national costumes, had a marvellous and delightful get-together and dozens of colorful photographs were taken. The reception was held on New Year’s Day which was probably why the invited dignitaries were not able to attend. However, everyone of them had been made aware of the Oceanic Conference and informed of the Faith through a gift presentation of a Bahá’í book.
Public Talk[edit]
Beloved Hand of the Cause Mr. Enoch Olinga was the speaker at a public talk which was widely advertised through personal invitations and posters on buses throughout Singapore. The subject was “A Ray of Hope for Everyone”. Professor Bausani of Italy was the Chairman for the meeting which was very well attended.
Bahá’í Exhibition[edit]
A unique feature of the Conference was an elaborate Bahá’í Exhibition which was held in the spacious Exhibition Hall of the Victoria Memorial Building. Its theme was ‘A Ray of Hope for Everyone’ which was the theme of the public talk by Mr. Olinga. The exhibition was designed to present the magnitude of the Faith by illustrating (1) The Central Figures of the Faith, (2) its noble Institutions, (3) the Divine Prescription for living offered to the individual, the community and the world, (4) the global enchantment of the Bahá’í Faith. These themes were presented through twenty-five beautiful and striking displays of different kinds which were so designed as to be of interest both to Bahá’ís and enquirers. They included large and colorful panels of brief selected quotations
Photographs, top to bottom:
Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga greets Mrs. George Lee of the National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia. Mrs. Lee is one of Singapore’s earliest believers. Extreme right is Mr. Rusi Irani pioneer to Brunei, and beside Mrs. Lee is Auxiliary Board member, Ferridoun Missaghian of Laos.
Trans-continental telephone hook-up. Dr. John Fozdar, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia on the platform of the Victoria Memorial Hall speaking to Monrovia, Liberia, where the Continental Conference for West and Central Africa was being simultaneously held. Looking on are Inbum Chinniah, National Secretary, National Spiritual Assembly, Malaysia; Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga and Counsellor Mr. Momtazi from Japan.
Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga and friends at the Bahá’í Exhibition, Oceanic Conference Singapore. Extreme right is Counsellor Dr. Chellie Sundram, designer and executor of the exhibition. Beside him is Counsellor Yan Kee Leong.
Mr. Mehnet Ali Agorh of Istanbul, Turkey (left) and Joyce and Fred Norman of Alaska at a session during the Oceanic Conference, Singapore.
[Page 17]
from the holy writings, and also the Unity Prayer at
the entrance to the hall. Big striking paintings of the
Houses of Worship were a focal point, as was an extensive exhibit on the Institution of the Hands. Thirty-one photographs were presented (reproduced and
enlarged from the Bahá’í World volume) and against
each picture a short history of each Hand was given.
The global progress of the Faith was demonstrated through maps and pictures, while a ten-foot high mural of the Shrine of the Báb dominated the exhibition hall. Bahá’u’lláh’s Proclamation to the Kings, and the six Intercontinental Commemoration Conferences were presented in an appealing manner. The relationship between the United Nations and the Bahá’í Faith was explained through a very extensive exhibit stretching into three separate panels, in which Bahá’u’lláh’s blue-print for a World Commonwealth was given in brief captions, and the similarity of the UN Charter on Human Rights was compared with illustrations. A colorful section that brought forth many “oohs” and “ahs” from the audience, was the Bahá’í Children’s Art section where a selection of children’s paintings were artistically displayed, together with short quotations from the scriptures which had inspired them, all from the Hidden Words.
A popular attraction was the continuous screening of a series of pictures on a back-projection screen that enabled color transparencies to be viewed in normal room light. There were two separate programs, one of Bahá’í Holy places and ‘Diazos’ of thirty-six selected Bahá’í Writings. The other was of four sets of beautiful scenes which formed the background to illustrate Bahá’u’lláh’s oft-quoted “Blessed is the spot and the house ...”.
Mr. Olinga declared that he had not seen anything in the world to compare with this exhibition, and he was sure “the designer had been guided by the Holy Spirit to produce such a magnificent, dignified and beautiful exhibition”. The designer and executor was Continental Board Counsellor, Dr. Chellie J. Sundram, who had worked for three months continuously with a small group of helpers in Penang, to create the exhibits, and then crate and ship them down to Singapore five hundred miles away.
A continuous stream of enquirers visited the Exhibition, and there were some declarations resulting from follow-up sessions.
Photographs, top to bottom:
Continental Counsellor Mr. Momtazi of the N.E. Asian Zone at the speaker during the pioneering session of the Singapore Conference about Mrs. Louise Calley who although physically handicapped and in a wheelchair was a source of inspiration to others. Mr. & Mrs. Calley are pioneers in Japan from U.S.A.
Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga with Luke Lee, a blind Malaysian believer who volunteered to pioneer. His offer has been processed by the National Spiritual Assembly and Luke is leaving for Sarawak where he can earn a living by weaving baskets.
The Oceanic Conference was a meeting place for many old friends from far flung countries. Here veteran pioneers Prof. Avaregan from Italy (left) is delighted to see another veteran pioneer Mr. Tehrani who has been in Japan for the last 13 years.
Beloved Hands Enoch Olinga and Collis Featherstone during the session for consultation with the Continental Board Counsellors, Auxiliary Board Members and National Spiritual Assembly Representatives prior to the Oceanic Conference.
Some of the friends of the Oceanic Conference in Singapore who came up to answer the call for pioneers. They are seen here filling out forms for pioneering, on the platform at the Victoria Memorial Hall.
Youth Sessions[edit]
Another highlight of the conference was the Youth Session on the final day. Youth representatives from all the countries were presented on stage with each giving inspiring reports. Theirs was the voice of confidence and courage, of strength and sacrifice. The climax was the presentation of nine resolutions written on colored banners which were sent to the Universal House of Justice. In addition, a carefully worded pledge of loyalty was read out, and this was also entrusted to the beloved Hand to present to the Universal House of Justice.
The story of a Malaysian youth, C. S. Maniam who gave up his life just before the Conference when he contracted malaria, added a sad note to the otherwise exuberant youth session. It was related how Maniam was in the deep jungle urging the aboriginal believers to attend the conference, when he fell sick and died a week later in hospital. A prayer was said for him. He was indeed a descendant of the Dawn-breakers.
Other Sessions[edit]
The Conference program was so arranged as to give the participants a picture of the significant role each has to play in these historic days. Beloved Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone spoke on “The Individual in the New World Order”; Professor Bausani of Italy spoke on the “Principles of Education from a Bahá’í Point of View”; thus leading up to the subject “A New Race of Men” which was covered by Mr. Philip Marangella of Japan. The Bahá’í Fund was dealt with by Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Shirin Fozdar and when the call for contributions was made over $38,000 was pledged or paid by the participants.
Trans-Continental Telephone Call[edit]
While hundreds of friends were enjoying the Oceanic Conference of the South China Seas in Singapore, other Bahá’ís were attending the Continental Conference of West and Central Africa, being held simultaneously in Monrovia, Liberia. A dramatic telephone hook-up was arranged to take place on the second day of the Conference. Dr. John Fozdar, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia, conveyed the greetings of the friends in Singapore, and then Mr. Olinga, spoke to Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum. Although the amplifier failed at the critical time and the eager friends in the Hall could not hear the voices from the other side, everyone shared in the excitement of this modern miracle, as every heart was in tune with the spirit of the day.
Inspiration of the Conference[edit]
The Conference had indeed been a spiritual feast from beginning to end. The Beloved Hands Olinga and Featherstone had been channels for such spiritual love and inspiration that the friends were raised to new heights of dedication, and humbled at the importance of the role they have to play. Mr. Olinga expressed it, “Bahá’ís are important because the world needs the Bahá’í teachings. He who dedicates himself to the service of humanity is important. Those who are engaged in leading the people and nations to love and goodwill, they are important. This importance is not from us. It is bestowed on us by God, and we must strive daily to acquire the capacity to serve better. We must be humble before Him and if we surrender our will to His will, He will bless and guide us”.
Bahá’í Week in East Lansing, Michigan[edit]
The East Lansing local Spiritual Assembly and the Michigan State University Bahá’í Club co-sponsored a nine day “Bahá’í Week” from January 8-17.
Wednesday, January 6. Three representatives of the local Spiritual Assembly met with Mayor Gordon Thomas of East Lansing, presented him with The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh and the Bahá’í statement on “Loyalty to Government” and he in turn signed a proclamation naming January 17 as World Religion Day in East Lansing. Two papers carried pictures and another article on the presentation and proclamation.
Friday, January 7. A welcoming party-fireside was held for early conference arrivals.
Saturday, January 9. Two-hundred people, nearly 100 non-Bahá’ís came to Erickson Hall on the Michigan State University campus to attend an all-day and evening conference entitled “Who is Bahá’u’lláh?” Special articles on the event appeared in three newspapers and the M.S.U. paper had a special article with a picture of Dr. Peter Khan and Dr. Janet Khan in the following Monday edition entitled “Unity: Cornerstone of the Bahá’í Faith.”
Sunday January 10-16. A special display case in the M.S.U. Union was set up with a large “Bahá’u’lláh” poster for the entire week. Firesides were held on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. A three-minute television interview was broadcast on a Lansing television station to advertise World Religion Day.
Sunday, January 17. A World Religion Day panel discussion was held. The event was carried in three newspapers. The newspaper publicity for the week totaled seventy-five inches. Thirty-eight people, including eighteen non-Bahá’ís attended.
Lansing’s first state-wide youth conference used the direct teaching method, centering it around the mission and station of Bahá’u’lláh. The two main purposes of the conference were: to deepen Bahá’ís in their love and understanding of Bahá’u’lláh and to make His Mission known to as many residents as possible.
Public Information Representative Thomas Sharrard writes: “The idea of assembling large numbers of Bahá’ís for the unity, spirit and promotion of the Faith cannot be underestimated. The more people you get together, the more nationally prominent your speaker, the more press coverage and public interest you can arouse. We are already making plans for another conference.”
Dr. Peter Khan, Auxiliary Board member and his wife, Dr. Janet Khan, as they begin the East Lansing Youth Conference.
Vietnam Visited by Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga[edit]
Hand of the Cause of God Mr. Enoch Olinga arrived in Saigon from Thailand on Saturday afternoon January 30, 1971, and was greeted at Tân Són Nhút airport by Mr. Nguyán-Văn-Loi Auxiliary Board Member, four National Spiritual Assembly members and other friends. In the evening the same day, Mr. Enoch Olinga met the Bahá’í friends of Saigon and Gia-Dinh who gathered at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and all were happy to receive from Mr. Olinga the warm love of the World Center and of all the friends in Africa, America, South-East Asia and in all the islands of the Pacific Ocean.
At a larger gathering on Sunday morning January 1 at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, Mr. Enoch Olinga kindled the great fire of service in the hearts of all the friends so that twelve of them stood up to volunteer to serve as travelling teachers. At this great occasion. Mr. Nguyen-Văn-Loi Auxiliary Board member also promised that he will spend more of his time to assist the friends in these teaching trips.
Mr. Enoch Olinga Hand of the Cause of God has also visited the Bahá’í school in the Eleventh Precinct of Saigon on February 1, in the evening. At this happy occasion he called the children to prepare themselves to pioneer in Africa and in other parts of the world when they grow up. He also gave an inspiring talk to the adult Bahá’ís and made them all happy and eager to serve more actively the Cause of God.
Mr. Enoch Olinga met with the National Committee for Teaching and Consolidation on Sunday afternoon and with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Viêtnam the next day. Mr. Nguyen-Văn-Loi, Board member, was present at both meetings. Mr. Enoch Olinga shared with the friends his precious experiences and gave advice based on the teachings and laws revealed by His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh.
Accompanied by Mr. Nguyen-Văn-Loi, Board member and Mr. Lê Lôc, Mr. Quang-Dính-Minh, Mr. Truông Liêm Dong, Mr. Lê Duy Thinh, National Spiritual Assembly members, and members of the Zone Teaching Committee of Công-Ly, Mr. Enoch Olinga visited Ninh-Thuân Province for four days. The Bahá’ís and sympathizers in this Province and the friends from Bính-Thuân, Bính-Tuy, Khánh-Hòa, Cam-Ranh have gathered at many Bahá’í centers to listen to his talks. Meetings have taken place in Phan-Rang, Thanh-Phong, Phuong-Cuu, Nhon-Son, Vân-Son, Du-Khánh, Long-Hái, Phú-Quí, Thái-Giao and especially Tá-Duong. Tá-Duong is a Bahá’í village with the village chief and the chairman of the people’s village council who are all Bahá’ís. The friends of this village greeted Mr. Enoch Olinga with the traditional musics of the Thuongs.
Mr. Enoch Olinga proceeded to Laos on February 6th and left behind him in Vietnam a great spirit of wisdom, love and service. The National Community of Vietnam is very grateful to Bahá’u’lláh for this bounty.
Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga with Mr. Nguyên-Văn-Löi, Auxiliary Board member and twelve new travelling teachers who
were raised up to serve the Cause after an inspiring talk by Mr.
Olinga on January 31,1971.
Bahá’ís of Saigon, Vietnam and Gia-Dinh who gathered at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds on January 31, 1971 to meet with Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga and Auxiliary Board member Mr. Nguyên-Văn-Löi.
Counsellor S. Appa’s Visit to Seychelles Islands[edit]
The Bahá’í community of the Seychelles will ever remember the visit of Counsellor S. Appa from October 17 to November 21, 1970, as he is the first Counsellor ever to visit this location. From the time he disembarked from his steamer to the day of his departure, he had hardly a day of rest. He visited each and every group of Bahá’ís. He visited the Islands of La Digue and Praslin communities. More than once he met with the Bahá’í youth, the local Assembly of Victoria and the Area Teaching Committee. He helped in forming a teaching plan with the emphasis upon ‘universal participation.’ He lovingly pointed out short-comings and explained the way the friends could achieve more speedy results in teaching. He himself conducted firesides, teaching by example and obtained declarations.
Mr. Appa was the speaker for a public meeting on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the United Nations. Two United Nations films were shown, along with the Bahá’í films “A New Wind.” A large audience attended with many non-Bahá’ís. Good newspaper reports were made, and a broadcast on Radio Seychelles was made about the U.N. meeting.
On the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, Counsellor Appa recorded a talk in French on the life and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh for Radio Seychelles which was broadcast.
The Counsellor visited Bahá’ís of La Digue Island and discussed prospects of reviving the Assembly there. He spent three evenings with the group at Anse Boileau, some seventeen miles west of Mahe. In one fireside there, three persons declared their Faith and two declared later, thus assuring an Assembly, the fourth on the Island of Mahe.
The high point of the visit of Mr. Appa was at the Teaching Conference sponsored jointly by the Board of Counsellors for Southern Africa and the National Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly of the Indian Ocean. From Mahe, La Digue and Praslin believers were present, eighty percent of them. Counsellor Appa spoke on the goals of the Nine Year plan. A message from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Indian Ocean was read from which we quote in part:
“... These two remaining years until the end of the plan are vital for the solid establishment and consolidation of the Faith in your area ... the time is terribly short ... your efforts will culminate in the formation of your own National Spiritual Assembly at Riḍván 1972.”
On November 21, Counsellor left the Seychelles for Mombasa en route to Mauritius. During the almost five weeks visit Mr. Appa endeared himself to each and every member of the Bahá’í community, old and young.
Believers at the first All Seychelles Teaching Conference during the visit of Counsellor S. Appa. (October 31-November 2, 1970)
Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone Visits Dacca[edit]
Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone, with his wife and son arrived in Dacca in the morning of January 12 by air from Rangoon after attending the Oceanic Conference in Singapore. They were warmly received by Bahá’ís awaiting them, and were garlanded by the Bahá’í children. Among those greeting the Featherstones were Auxiliary Board members Mr. Meharban Jamshedi and Mr. Amjad Ali.
In the afternoon a Teaching Conference was held in the Bahá’í Center. Two new believers present were dressed as Mullas, with long white beards; they had been serving as professional “Pesh Imam” before becoming Bahá’ís. Mr. Featherstone, said “Praise be to Bahá’u’lláh that these people are embracing the Cause” and kissed them both. About twenty persons from different villages were present.
In the evening Mr. Featherstone met with the entire Bahá’í Community of Dacca and Mirpur. The hall was full to capacity. He outlined achievements of the Nine Year plan and concluded with stories of some of the tribal areas previously visited.
At a public meeting in the afternoon of January 13, the hall was full to capacity and the talk received concentrated attention. Mr. Featherstone’s topic was “The Place of Religion in the Modern World.” The Chairman was Mr. Meharban Jamshedi. A local Doctor made his declaration that evening. Reports of the meeting were carried by two local newspapers the next morning.
Further activities of Mr. Featherstone included a meeting at the Bahá’í Center at Mirpur. At a meeting with the East Pakistan Regional Teaching Committee, the local Spiritual Assembly of Dacca and two Auxiliary Board members, Mr. Featherstone was assured that East Pakistan would be ready to fulfill the wishes of the Universal House of Justice to form its National Spiritual Assembly in 1972.
National Teaching Committee of Seychelles Islands: Counsellor S. Appa standing in center.
Bandung, Indonesia Conference[edit]
The Bandung Conference was held, on January 9 and 10 with seventy friends attending, many who had earlier attended the Oceanic Conference in Singapore. Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga; Mr. K. H. Payman, of the Continental Board of Counsellors; Auxiliary Board members Dr. Soraya, Mr. Salijanto, Mr. Surip Sukiman; Professor Avaregan, from Italy; and five members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Indonesia were present; also Mr. and Mrs. Ramer from Hawaii and Mr. and Mrs. Siwinski from Australia. Indonesian friends came from nineteen localities.
Some of the friends shared their experiences from the Singapore Conference. Mr. Payman, Counsellor, described the goals of the Nine Year plan.
Mr. Olinga called for pioneers and traveling teachers fourteen souls, one a woman, declared they are ready to go anywhere in homefront goals.
The spirit of the Conference will spread to every part of Indonesia and give momentum to complete the goals. A chain of local conferences were scheduled for the following month to be held in Semarang, Surabaja, Makasar and Padang.
The tense political situation limited the sending of telegrams and cables. The Bahá’ís of the Bandung Conference wish to convey to the Bahá’ís of the world a request for prayers for confirmation and removal of difficulties.
Celebration of Mark Tobey’s Birthday Helps Proclaim Faith in Seattle[edit]
December 11, 1970, was world-renowned Mark Tobey’s 80th birthday. As a salute to Mr. Tobey on this occasion four exhibitions of Mr. Tobey’s works were featured for a month in Seattle which Mr. Tobey called home and where he did much of his painting for many years. The most prestigious was an exhibition of eighty works at the Seattle Art Museum, mostly from the museum’s own large collection, and some from private collections. Published by the museum for the event was a beautiful catalogue titled “Tobey’s 80—A Retrospective” which makes brief reference to the Bahá’í Faith. The exhibition also resulted in a fine article on Mr. Tobey in the British art magazine Apollo, considered to be one of the most elegant publications of this type in the world. In this article there are several good references to the Faith.
Opening on the date of Mr. Tobey’s birthday there was a showing at the Henry Gallery of the University of Washington of sixty works from the Tobey collection owned by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur L. Dahl. On the Sunday following Mr. Dahl gave his lecture on Mr. Tobey illustrated by his set of slides and a movie about his relationship with Mr. Tobey. This lecture contained a good deal about the Bahá’í Faith and its influence on Mr. Tobey’s life and work.
Mr. Dahl was also interviewed by the art critic of the Seattle Times during which he made a number of references to the Bahá’í Faith through which he and Mrs. Dahl first met Mr. Tobey in the early 1940’s. A somewhat lengthy article resulting from the interview appeared in the Seattle Times December 14.
Taking advantage of this occasion, the Seattle Bahá’í community arranged a number of special programs and firesides for the public proclamation of the Faith to which the artist friends of Mr. Tobey were especially invited. Publicity was excellent in all media of communication.
New Zealand Visited by Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga[edit]
Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga, with Mrs. Tinai Hancock, a
Fijian believer and daughter. On right is a Maori believer, Mrs.
May Davies.
Public meeting held in conjunction with visit of Hand of the
Cause Enoch Olinga at Auckland. Panel members, left to right:
Mrs. Jean Simmons, John Griffin, Mrs. Gwen Venus, Mrs. Danielsen, Mrs. Helen Grigor.
Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga arrived at Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday, November 22, 1970, and
was welcomed at a meeting held near the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. After warmly greeting old and new friends, Mr.
Olinga spoke of the growth of the Cause throughout
the world, of the sacrifices which have been made and
are being made, and of the great bounty to not only
Bahá’ís, but the whole world, of having The Universal
House of Justice.
At lunch the friends were joined by Dr. Marcus Bach, eminent authority on comparative religion, and some of his Auckland hosts. The visitors were introduced to Mr. Olinga and were able to discuss some aspects of the Faith. It was a happy meeting which will be long remembered.
In the afternoon, Mr. Olinga travelled by plane to Christchurch in the South Island. Although his tight schedule allowed him only a few hours there, his arrival was noticed by a large number of people who made inquiries about the Faith as a result. The joy and excitement of the Christchurch believers and the happiness radiating from Mr. Olinga was rewarded with a declaration.
On returning to Auckland on Monday afternoon, Nov. 23rd, Mr. Olinga was interviewed on the radio and television. His radio time was extended allowing listeners to phone in for further information about the Faith. The message was given that Bahá’u’lláh is the Manifestation of God in this day.
That evening a widely publicized meeting was held, with about 250 persons attending. Songs by a group of children made a delightful prelude for the inspiring address of the Hand of the Cause. Present at this meeting was a Maori minister of religion, who had met Mr. Olinga during his earlier visit to Auckland, twelve years before.
On the last day of this visit, Mr. Olinga addressed the children of Pasadena Intermediate School and received a very warm welcome.
Mr. Olinga’s final engagement was as a guest of honor at a luncheon at the Royal International Hotel. Among the forty persons present was Mr. W. H. Tongue, the Deputy Mayor of Auckland. Mr. Olinga gave an impressive talk which brought a sincere response from his hearers. This concluding function planned by the National Spiritual Assembly left an impression of love and deep appreciation for the spiritual exhilaration brought by the Hand of God.
Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga addressing public meeting at Auckland, New Zealand. Chairman, Mrs. Swen Venus.
Tlingit Prince Has Bahá’í Funeral[edit]
David Johnson was a Tlingit Prince from Taku. He was also the first to become a Bahá’í in Kake, in southeastern Alaska. It was appropriate that he was also the first Bahá’í from Kake to have a Bahá’í funeral.
From the time he first became a Bahá’í, David was devoted and steadfast. Many people learned of the Bahá’í Faith through David. Many were given courage in their Faith because of him. In October 1970, David attended the Conference on Minority Teaching in Petersburg. During that conference he adopted and gave Tlingit names to two members of the National Spiritual Assembly: Robin Fowler and John Kolstoe.
Shortly after that conference a call went out for some Tlingit dancers to go to the area north of Fairbanks to take part in a Bahá’í proclamation team. David and two who had recently become Bahá’ís because of him—John Smith and Frank James—arose to serve. David was an inspiration to others. He stood up well despite his seventy-two years and the severe conditions which were encountered on the month-long teaching trip.
About six weeks after he returned from the proclamation trip, David was sent to the hospital in Petersburg. He was in a coma from which he never recovered and he died on January 30.
Since he had given John Kolstoe his own name in the adoption ceremony in Petersburg, John was immediately notified and went to Kake for the funeral. He arrived in Kake the day before the funeral, together with Harry Johnson and Peter Johnson, two of David’s children. Shortly after their arrival the weather closed in, making travel impossible for others who had planned to attend the funeral.
David was so dearly loved in Kake that the entire community worked together to complete the arrangements. The members of the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Alaska Native Sisterhood worked hard to build the casket and dig the grave, and provide food. Everyone expressed love for David in one way or another.
A touching ceremony was held the night before the funeral as the body was placed in the casket. At that time many more people learned a little bit about the Bahá’í Faith that David had accepted. An all night vigil was kept in the hall.
It was a cold, blustery February 2 when David’s friends came in great numbers to the ANB hall to attend the first Bahá’í funeral in Kake. Arrangements had been made so that both the Alaska Native Brotherhood and the Sisterhood could have memorial services just prior to the Bahá’í service.
The ringstone symbol, a gift from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of Kake, was displayed near David’s casket. It was used to illustrate what it was that this dearly loved one had come to believe. A replica of it will be carved in wood as a grave marker. Many were touched by the service. One non-Bahá’í said that during the service it was just as if David was standing next to the readers.
The pallbearers were especially attentive. Normally, the casket is taken to a dock where a boat takes it to the island graveyard. The pallbearer’s duty is done at the dock. However, for David, despite the cold, stormy weather, the pallbearers boarded the boat, crossed the choppy water and went all the way to the graveside in driving snow where they set the casket at rest.
By Tlingit tradition, there is a forty day mourning period following a death. For David that, too, was altered. The Bahá’í proclamation team had been in Southeast Alaska for some time. Their schedule was changed so they would be in Kake the day after the funeral. While this singing and dancing was contrary to tradition, it was appropriate for David. The program was dedicated to him and served as a memorial for him.
On that day following the funeral, nineteen enlisted under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh. Peter, David’s youngest son, was the first of these in the morning. While in the presence of his brother, Harry, who was already a Bahá’í, and John Kolstoe, he decided to take up his father’s faith. The other eighteen were moved to accept Bahá’u’lláh during the proclamation program in the evening.
What a fitting tribute to Tlingit prince David Johnson. Even in death he continued to teach.
In Memory of Floyd Hardin, Early Pioneer of World Language Movement[edit]
Bahá’ís and their friends who realize the importance of an international language will be interested to learn that Mr. Floyd B. Hardin, who passed away on January 13 at the age of 85 years after only a few weeks residence in Winnetka, Illinois, was an authority on world languages and the international language movement. He was the founder, publisher and editor of the International Language Review, which circulated in some fifty nations and served as a clearing house of all matters connected with the international language movement. At the age of about twenty he began to campaign diligently for the adoption of an international auxiliary language, subsequently became active in the Esperanto Society of the United States, and co-founder of the American School for Esperanto. Over the years he served as board member in a number of organizations working in the field of world language and communication. He wrote many articles and poems in Esperanto, and was also the author of other items in verse, some of which have been widely reprinted in anthologies of poetry.
Prior to becoming a Bahá’í Mr. Hardin was a clergyman of both the Methodist and Unitarian ordinations. He was born in Geneva, Illinois, the fifth generation, going back to the American Revolutionary War, in a line of Methodist ministers. At the age of sixteen he was licensed to preach. At the outbreak of World War I, dismayed over the mobilization of Christian against Christian, Mr. Hardin organized clergymen in a protest against war, resulting in his arrest along with other clergymen on the charge of unlawful assembly. After he served ninety days of the sentence, the California Supreme Court reversed the decision and the defendants were released.
As a member of the Bibliographical Center of Research at Denver, Mr. Hardin was author of a number of important bibliographies and of works on mathematics, philosophy and theology. Among the latter are War and the Moral Reconstruction of Theology (1918) and Outline of a New Theism. It was his search for spiritual truth which led Mr. Hardin in 1961 to accept and become a member of the Bahá’í Faith. In that year he married Mrs. Evelyn Lackey Bivins of Nashville, Tennessee, who became Mr. Hardin’s assistant editor for the International Language Review until the magazine was combined with another publication in 1969.
Mrs. Hardin is presently managing editor of the BAHÁ’Í News and the NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW.
ARKANSAS MASS TEACHING[edit]
A Mass Teaching Conference was held by the Arkansas State Goals Committee in Little Rock on January 23-24. The location is in easy driving distance of many small town and rural areas with large black populations.
Approximately fifty-five Bahá’ís from Arkansas attended (the total number in the state was ninety-five). Another fifty-five came from out of state, in carloads from Texas, Georgia, the Carolinas, West Virginia, including Deep South Committee members Faradoon Jalali, Poova Murday and Charles Bullock, and Auxiliary Board member Paul Pettit, and National Teaching Committee member, Brandy Watson.
Those coming into town began arriving Friday afternoon and kept arriving all night and into the next day.
On Saturday morning, everyone gathered at Dunbar Community Center, in the middle of a black concentration of population. The earliest arriving carload had already enrolled a local youth. The conference began with a sharing about mass teaching, and singing, and praying. Lunch was served and then everyone teamed up and went out to find the waiting souls. Many teams included veterans of the Seven-Year Plans and the Ten-Year Crusade, now in their seventies and eighties. The Arkansas State Goals Committee had secured highway maps for each car team and had designated approximately fifteen areas of concentration. Each team consisted of a driver, persons who were black and white, and those who had done mass teaching and those who had not.
When they arrived at their destinations, they subdivided into groups of not more than three, preferably two, and began prayerfully to seek the souls who were themselves seeking God. After an hour and a half of teaching in the beautiful January sunshine, the rains came, thick and hard. As the teams gathered back in Dunbar Center in the late afternoon, they brought word of 133 new recruits in the army of the Peerless One, one eighty-nine years old, and the opening of twelve new locations. The population of Bahá’ís in Arkansas had more than doubled in two hours, they telegraphed the National Assembly.
The evening meeting, as the rain continued outside, was a time for sharing, planning, watching “It’s Just the Beginning,” and immersing in the pool of tranquility of the Road Show Singers.
Later the Deep South Committee and State Goals Committee met together. Still later, youth who had come from afar to help teach returned misty-eyed, to recount how their new-found sister, Robbie Wilson, the first Bahá’í in Arkansas 30 years ago, had taken them at midnight into the hills outside of town to a cemetery where they stood by the grave of the one who had taught her the Faith and had given his life at his pioneering post in the First Seven-year Plan—Howard Colby Ives, the Father of Arkansas. Time was spanned and hand in hand with Robbie, they knew that souls have no age, only attributes. It echoed a feeling from the evening meeting when a large cake was unveiled bearing an inscription to the honor of the early believers of Arkansas. A special blessing from the Holy Land came by way of a Persian friend who anointed each one present with attar of roses.
Then sleep on floors, beds, cots, sleeping bags. Up again the next morning and back to Dunbar Center by 8:30 Sunday morning. More prayers and the same groups went back to yesterday’s locations to seek more waiting brothers, as the January sunshine came again. By noon the teams returned, this time with news that, added to yesterday’s harvest, a total of 281 had enlisted under the banner of happiness in His Cause, almost quadrupling the crop of Bahá’u’lláh’s harvest in the state, as indicated in another telegram to Wilmette. Lunch and then the long drives began, back to West Virginia, to Texas, back to Georgia, back across Arkansas.
Mrs. Eleanor Lombard and Norman Ellig, from the other edge of the South, stayed behind for a week to continue the effort. They traveled to Searcy, Rogers, Pine Bluff, and Hot Springs, enrolling thirty. Beginning Monday, Albert Porter mustered the local friends and they were back out in the local field, enrolling more souls, following up those of the weekend, and starting the new friends on their own teaching activities. On Friday, thirty more were enrolled in the Little Rock area. Then on Saturday, several carloads went over to Tennessee to assist in mass teaching there.
The weekend and week of activities put new enrollments well over 300 and rising, with about fifteen new localities opened, and the probability of five new Assemblies.
Two Cables: National Spiritual Assemblies to be Elected | 1 |
Map of National Spiritual Assemblies to be Elected | 2 |
Message of Universal House of Justice to Monrovia Conference | 3 |
Continental Conference in Monrovia, Liberia | 4 |
Follow-up of the Monrovian Conference | 7 |
Post-Monrovia Teaching Conference at Oron, Nigeria | 8 |
First Incorporated Assembly in Rhode Island | 8 |
Costa Rica is Winning its Nine Year Goals | 9 |
World Religion Day Reports | 10 |
Oceanic Conference—Singapore | 12 |
Bahá’í Week in East Lansing, Michigan | 18 |
Vietnam Visited by Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga | 19 |
Counsellor S. Appa’s Visit to Seychelles Islands | 20 |
Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone Visits Dacca | 21 |
Bandung, Indonesia Conference | 21 |
Celebration of Mark Tobey’s Birthday | 21 |
New Zealand Visited by Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga | 22 |
Tlingit Prince has Baha’i Funeral | 23 |
Floyd Hardin, Early Pioneer of World Language Movement | 23 |
Arkansas Mass Teaching | 24 |
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published for circulation among Bahá’ís only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, as a news organ reporting current activities of the Bahá’í world community.
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