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BAHA’I NEWS

Published under the direction of
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is
of the United States and Canada

No. 49

MARCH, 1931

Consider the peoples of the world and the littleness of their mind! They ask for that which is harmful unto them and forsake the thing that profiteth them. They verily are of them that have gone astray. We see some men desiring liberty and taking pride therein; they verily are wrapt in grievous ignorance. Liberty endeth in strife and sedition, the flame whereof cannot be extinguished. Thus declareth unto you the Recounter, the All-Knowing. Know ye in truth that the example and symbol of liberty is the brute and it behoveth man to be under laws and regulations that shall guard him from his own ignorance and the harm of the mischief makers. Verily, liberty causeth man to transgress the bounds of courtesy and dignity and maketh of him one of them that are of low degree. Regard all creatures as sheep that are in need of a shepherd who will guard and watch over them; this is verily the truth, the undoubted truth. We approve of liberty on some occasions and disapprove of it on others, and We verily are Omniscient, All-Knowing. Say, to have liberty is to observe My commandments, if ye be of them that perceive. Should men follow that which We have revealed unto them from the Heavens of Divine Revelation, they would of a certainty attain unto absolute freedom. Well is it with him that hath known the Purpose of God in that which hath been revealed from the Heavens of His Holy Will that transcendeth all mankind. Say the liberty that profiteth you is naught but servitude to God, the True One, and whoso hath tasted the sweetness thereof, he surely will barter it not for the dominion of heaven and earth.

Consort with all religions with amity and concord, that they may inhale from you the sweet fragrance of God. Beware lest amidst men the flame of foolish ignorance overpower you. All things proceed from God and unto Him they return. He is the source of all things and in Him all things are ended.

Happy are ye, O ye the learned ones in Bahá. By the Lord! Ye are the billows of the Most Mighty Ocean, the stars of the firmament of Glory, the standards of triumph waving betwixt earth and heaven. Ye are the manifestations of steadfastness amidst men and the daysprings of Divine Utterance to all that dwell on earth. Well is it with him that turneth unto you and woe betide the froward. This day, it behoveth whoso hath quaffed the Mystic Wine of Everlasting Life from the Hands of the Loving kindness of the Lord his God, the Merciful, to pulsate even as the throbbing artery in the body of mankind, that through him may be quickened the world and every crumbling bone.—Bahá’u’lláh.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY CALLS TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL CONVENTION[edit]

To the Bahá’í Communities of the United States and Canada.

The Twenty–third Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada will be held in the Foundation Hall of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, Wilmette, Illinois, on May 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 1931.

In accordance with our By-Laws, each Local Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly, upon receipt of this notice, and after giving due and sufficient notice to all the voting members of the Bahá’í community, shall call a meeting of the community within a convenient period for the election of a delegate or delegates to the Convention, in accordance with the number of delegates assigned to each community shown on the enclosed paper entitled “Participating Bahá’í Communities.”

Please note, in addition, enclosures of the following:

(1) Certificate of Election of Delegates, to be filled out, signed by the Secretary of the Local Spiritual Assembly, and mailed to the National Secretary immediately following the local election.

(2) Instructions for Casting of Ballots by Absent Delegates sending ballots by mail.

(3) Inner and Outer Ballot Envelopes, to be used only for mailing ballots and individual registration blank by absent delegates. (See “Instructions for Casting of Ballots, etc.”)

(4) Nine ballot slips for each delegate. (See “Instructions for Casting of Ballots, etc.”)

(5) Individual Registration Blank for each delegate. (See “Instructions for Casting of Ballots, etc.”)

Please note that all delegates to the Convention are to be elected by a plurality vote. In this connection, Section 1, of Article VIII, of the By-Laws was amended in October, 1930, so that absent members of a Bahá’í community have the right to transmit their ballots by mail or telegram, under conditions satisfactory to the Local Spiritual Assembly, provided such members are, “by reason of illness or some equally unavoidable circumstance,” unable to be present in person at the election meeting. In such cases, the Local Spiritual Assembly will take the responsibility of determining a uniform procedure and for the necessary secrecy of any ballots so cast by absent members. This provision applies to the election of delegates to a National Convention. The above amendment should not, however, be considered as exempting any voting member from his spiritual duty to attend and vote at every election meeting, if he is able to do so.

The National Spiritual Assembly would urge early local elections this year, so that all necessary steps affecting the election of delegates to the Convention may be in hand if possible by April 1st.

We would welcome any suggestion or suggestions by delegates for consideration by the Convention, and such suggestions will be given careful consideration[Page 2] by the Assembly and embodied in the Convention agenda where practicable. Such suggestions may be sent the Secretary as late as April 10, 1931.

We have appointed the Temple Program Committee consisting of:

Mr. Willis Hilpert, Chairman; Mrs. S. Parker, Secretary, 6816 Langley Ave., Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. Sarah Walrath, Treasurer; Dr. W. F. Slater, Mrs. Elizabeth Nourse, Mr. Carl Scheffler, Mrs. Bartholemew, to handle the local arrangements for all Convention details, and they will shortly issue a preliminary memorandum of information to the Assemblies, to be followed by additional information a little later on.

For the first time, the Bahá’í Convention of this western continent will assemble under the dome of the Temple and in an edifice whose basic structure will be practically complete. This Holy Edifice, whose spiritual origin and real creation was ordained by His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh as a Universal House of Worship in the Orient over fifty years ago, has now found its material expression in America through the mutual sacrifices of the friends of both East and West. Only through the measure of spiritual unity we have achieved has this become possible. We know that His Holiness ‘Abdul—Bahá has promised that both spiritual and material effects would appear with the completion of the Temple.

This Twenty-third Annual Convention meets, therefore, under the possibilities of a spiritual confirmation which is greater than any before experienced. Two great spiritual attainments await the new consciousness which this Convention should impart: (1st) A deeper realization of the mysteries and potentialities of the Divine Unity in each individual heart; (2) A new and victorious impulse for the teaching of the Cause throughout America, inspired by the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, symbol of the new law of God.

It is hoped that through supplication and prayer, and also meditation upon the needs of the hour in the light of the Divine Word, not only the delegates, but all the friends, will establish a foundation in these succeeding weeks which will find glorious reflection in the deliberations and actions of the Convention—and make happy the heart of our Guardian.

With loving greetings in behalf Of the National Spiritual Assembly,

Faithfully yours,

National Spiritual Assembly,

ALFRED E. LUNT, Secretary.

PARTICIPATING BAHA’I COMMUNITIES[edit]

Twenty-Third Annual Convention

		Number of
City		Delegates
*Phoenix, Ariz.		2
Berkeley, Calif.		1
Burlingame, Calif.		1
Geyserville, Calif.		2
Glendale, Calif.		2
Long Beach, Calif.		1
Los Angeles, Calif.		4
Oakland, Calif.		2
Pasadena, Calif.		2
San Francisco, Calif.		3
Santa Barbara, Calif.		1
South Gate, Calif.		1
**Visalia, Calif		1
Montreal, Canada		2
Vancouver, Canada		1
**New Haven, Conn.		1
Washington, D. C.		4
St. Augustine, Fla.		2
Honolulu, Hawaii		1
Chicago, Ill.		7
Peoria, Ill.		2
Urbana, Ill.		2
Wilmette, Ill.		1
Eliot, Maine		1
Baltimore, Md.		1
Boston, Mass.		3
Worcester, Mass.		2
Detroit, Mich.		2
**Fruitport, Mich.		1
Lansing, Mich.		2
Muskegon, Mich.		1
Minneapolis, Minn.		1
Portsmouth, N. H.		2
Montclair, N. J.		1
Newark, N. J.		1
West Englewood, N. J.		1
*Binghamton. N. Y.		2
Buffalo, N. Y.		1
Geneva, N. Y.		1
New York City, N. Y.		9
Yonkers, N. Y.		1
Akron, Ohio		2
Cleveland, Ohio		3
Portland, Ore.		2
Philadelphia, Pa.		1
Pittsburgh, Pa.		1
Seattle, Wash.		2
Kenosha, Wisc.		2
Milwaukee, Wisc.		2
Racine, Wisc.		1
TOTAL		95

New Bahá’í communities.
- Communities restored to voting list.

PRELIMINARY REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CONVENTION ARRANGEMENTS[edit]

The Convention Program Committee beg to submit this preliminary announcement:—

First Day

Convention opens Friday morning,

May 1st, at 9:30 A. M.

Convention adjourns for lunch at 1:00

P. M.

Convention reconvenes at 2:30 P. M.

and adjourns at 5:30 P. M.

Public Meeting at 8:00 P. M. to which

all Bahá’ís and their friends are invited.

Second Day

Convention convenes at 9:30 A. M.

Convention adjourns for lunch at 1:00

P. M.

Convention reconvenes at 2:30 P. M.

and adjourns at 5:30 P. M.

Celebration of the Feast of Riḍván at

6:00 P. M. for Bahá’ís only.

Third Day

Convention convenes at 9:30 A. M.

and adjourns at noon.

Public meeting in the Temple Foundation

Hall at 3:30 P. M.

To assist the many friends to find comfortable quarters during the convention and to enable them to obtain reservations as early as possible, we are able to announce that as in the past two years, the Convention Headquarters will be at the Evanston Hotel, Main and Forest Sts., Evanston, Ill. The hotel management has made the following rates:

Single person in a room, $2.50 and up. Two persons in one room, $2 and up. Three or four persons in a double suite, $2 per person.

For the friends who prefer to take rooms in private homes nearer the Temple we are glad to announce that they can be comfortably accommodated. There are some rooms for $1.50 per day where three people occupy one room. Others can be had for $2.00 per person in a single room and $1.50 for two people in one double room. Some of the homes are equipped to serve simple breakfasts. In addition, there are several Bahá’ís in Chicago and vicinity who can take in visiting Bahá’ís as guests.

We suggest that the friends who intend to take rooms in private homes correspond at once with Mrs. Anne W. Bartholomew, 1458 Lake Ave., Wilmette, Ill., for reservations.

With true Bahá’í love and greetings,

Convention Program Committee,

By: MRS. SHELLEY PARKER, Secy.

THE GUARDIAN COMMENDS NEW VOLUME OF THE BAHA’I WORLD[edit]

My dear Mrs. Little:

I am directed by our Guardian to express his grateful thanks for your[Page 3] letter written on behalf of the Publishing Committee and dated December 16, 1930.

He has received the copy of the Baha’i World Vol. III, with the greatest pleasure and he wishes me to hasten and assure you that he is highly satisfied with the work.

I am also asked to express Shoghi Effendi’s unqualified gratitude to the members of the Publishing Committee and not least yourself for their labors and industry in producing such a noteworthy publication.

With his greetings and good wishes to you all,

Sincerely yours,

(Signed) SOHEIL AFNAN.

My dear Co-worker:

I am extremely pleased with the third volume of the Bahá’í World and have already sent a copy to Persia and encouraged the friends throughout the East to order copies directly from New York.

Your true brother,

(Signed) SHOGHI.

Haifa, Palestine,

January 14, 1931.

IN MEMORIAM[edit]

Mr. Charles Lawrence Lincoln, of Brooklyn New York, who was said to be of the kin of the martyred President, and was for many years a faithful servant of the Cause of Bahá, passed to the Supreme Concourse, January 18, 1931, in his eightieth year.

Mr. Lincoln’s ability as an architect and builder are evidenced in the parks of Greater New York, with which he was associated for thirty years, and while thus engaged he found time to prepare and submit a set of plans for the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár.

Mr. Lincoln’s Masonic Lodge performed the last rites while a Bahái ring on his finger was as a seal upon his hands as they were clasped across his breast.

On January 23, 1931, the spirit of Francis William Breed, beloved husband of Alice Ives Breed, for many years a most faithful and efficient member of the New York Assembly winged its way to the Kingdom of Light. On the following day, his eighty-fifth birthday, the Bahá’í service for the departed was held at his home. The following cable from Shoghi Effendi was read:

“Assure you sympathy, prayers, departed father; love.

SHOGHI.”

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was in America, the Feast of the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s sixty-seventh birthday were celebrated at the Breed home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá addressed more than a hundred friends on the subject, “His Holiness, the Báb.” Mr. and Mrs. Breed were afterwards the guests of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Dublin, New Hampshire.

Though a life-long Christian, Mr. Breed was deeply interested in the Cause and missed no opportunity to spread the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh with great enthusiasm. After ‘Abdu’l—Baha’s return to the East, he received a Tablet from the Master and toward the end of his life was in correspondence with Shoghi Effendi, from whom he received several letters.

The passing of Mr. Breed is a historical event in the Cause, since he was the father of Florence, Madame Ali Kuli Khan, Nabil-ed-Dowleh, the first American bride of a Persian believer and teacher. Of this union ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said:

“This marriage is the first fruit of the prophecy of Bahá-u’lláh that the East and the West shall be united like unto two beloved ones.”

TABLET OF THE BAB FOUND IN BRITISH MUSEUM[edit]

I think the friends will be interested in hearing about our finding the Star Tablet of the Báb.

A year ago, while in London, Wanden La Farge and I went every day to the British Museum to compile a list of original Bahá’í manuscripts. Each morning at ten o’clock we knocked on the little hidden door of the Oriental room. An iron bar was pulled back from within and we found ourselves in the midst of impressive Oriental scholars completely absorbed in poring over ancient manuscripts. So deep and profound was the silence that, to ask for what was necessary, one was obliged to lower the voice to a shadowy whisper. After several days of cataloging and not being able to find any trace of the Tablet to Queen Victoria, the head of the department suggested that we might ask for an interview with the Curator of the Museum. This was a special privilege which was granted, the Director receives us with the utmost cordiality and showed a lively interest in our quest. He assured us that the Tablet we so specially sought had never been in the British Museum, but that, after the death of Prof. E. G. Brown, his heirs had sent one original Bahá’í manuscript to the Museum. This, however, was not written by either Bahá’u’lláh or ‘Abdu’l-Bahá so it might not be of value to us at this time. This news was a great disappointment until he added, “It is in the hand of ’Ali Muhammad, the Báb.” At this unexpected and wonderful news we asked if it was possible to see it. It is too valuable to be on view, he replied, but I will send for it. It proved to be a single sheet of heavy vellum inscribed in the delicate handwriting Of the Báb, illuminated in exquisite colors and so written as to form a star.

The Curator pronounced it an almost miraculous piece of penmanship and a perfect specimen of oriental writing. As such a possession could not be taken from the Museum the Curator offered to have it photographed for us and thus enabled us to bring it to America.

It has not been officially translated but the Oriental believers who, have looked at it, say it contains derivations of the word Bahá’í. During my long illness and absence from New York it was not unwrapt but now we shall have copies made and placed on sale with the Publishing Committee, so that all the friends may share in this priceless treasure.

LOULIE A. MATHEWS.

THE “HOUSE OF ‘ABDUL-BAHA” AT MALDEN, MASS.[edit]

As a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Boston, I have been asked by that body to write a few lines regarding

BAHA’I NEWS
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’i 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’i Administration.”

[Page 4]

Construction of Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, Photograph No. 9—February 2, 1931

the Wilson House at 68 High Street, Malden, Mass.

Inasmuch as there seems to be a more or less confused condition of mind, regarding this piece of property, among some of the friends.

In 1900 Miss Wilson, with Miss Farmer as her guest made her first visit to ‘Abdul—Bahá, then a prisoner in Akká—a few years later she made another pilgrimage. At that time ‘Abdul—Baha said “When I come to America I will visit you.”

In August of 1912 while in America ‘Abdul–Bahá became very weary and requested that a believer who might have a “house on a hill,” allow Him the use of it, for a week or two. Many houses were immediately put at His disposal and among them, this little six-room house of Miss Wilson, which He chose, and which He, with His secretaries occupied.

There He spent ten days, going from Malden to Montreal leaving six or seven of His party in the Wilson House for several weeks, until He returned from California. Many souls were confirmed in that little house among them our dear brother Harry Randall.

After the Master left America Miss Wilson, upon reflection, decided to write and ask Him, His wishes regard-in the future of this house.

In order that all may understand why the house is in the hands of the National Spiritual Assembly it seems wise to quote from Tablets received by her regarding its future destiny.

From a Tablet dated March 12, 1913:

“Thy house became my abode and my home. Many days were spent in that home with the utmost joy and fragrance.

The mention of “Ya Baha El Abhá” was raised from it and we spread the religion of God. In reality that home is my home, therefore the mention of God must always be raised from it.”

Another excerpt, taken from a later Tablet, dated May 11th, 1913:

“The days that I spent in thy house and engaged my time in summoning the people to the kingdom of God, were days of infinite joy and spirituality.

“They shall never be erased from the Tablet of Memory. Take care of that house, because the Light of the Love of God was ignited in it. The Fragrance of the Kingdom of Abhá perfumed the nostrils.

“As thou art obliged there is no harm done if thou desirest to rent it.”

Miss Wilson, after receiving these two Tablets, made her first will—in which she gave the house to ‘Abdul-Bá, but later, after His Ascension, destroyed that Will and gave the house to our Brother Shoghi Effendi. Considering the distance he is, at present, from his property, he has requested the National Spiritual Assembly of America to take care of it for him. They have left it more or less in the hands of the Boston Spiritual Assembly, to serve as custodians of this historic property.

We are hoping to preserve it for him, hoping and longing that one day in the not distant future, he may arrive in America and find it awaiting him. Beautified, and sanctified and held in trust for him, that he too, may spend many days there in “utmost joy and fragrance.”

With Bahá’í Love,

ANISE RIDEOUT.

Boston,

October 1, 1930.

MARTHA ROOT IN HONOLULU[edit]

From January the eighth to the seventeenth, we had the great joy of having with us our dear Bahá’í sister, Martha Root, who stopped in Honolulu on her way from Japan to San Francisco. About twenty-five lectures were given during the course of the week, including four broadcasting talks given from both radio stations. The first large meeting was a tea given by Mrs. George F. Straub, Chairman of the Federated Study Group, who is much attracted to the Cause. Assisting her, in her home, where the officers of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Invitations were sent to the members of the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters and the Women’s International League for Peace. Miss Root spoke of the men and women whom she met in Europe and the Orient, and of their far-reaching influence in creating public opinion on ways and means of establishing universal peace and the new world order as outlined by Bahá’u’lláh.

A splendid group of forward looking women of capacity, met at the home of Mrs. S. A. Baldwin, the following day, and we were very happy to see signs and evidences of attraction, and sincere interest expressed. At the luncheon meeting of the Pan Pacific Union, where were gathered representatives of all the races and organizations, Martha Root spoke on “Universal Education for World Peace.” The director, Mr. Alexander Hume Ford, extended to the secretary of the Bahá’í Assembly, the courtesy of presiding at this meeting. Martha Root’s eloquent address met with a ready response and was a source of inspiration to the many assembled. In this talk, she stressed the need of developing the international outlook, and of an understanding and application of the principles of Bahá’u’lláh, closing with these words:—“In the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh you will find the[Page 5] solution for the present-day problems, for they offer a dynamic universal education for the permanent enduring universal peace.”

The other speaker of the day was Mr. K. Harada, a member of the Secretariat of the League of Nations, who is now on his way back to Geneva.

Other lectures were given in the leading schools of Honolulu, to a group of students in the University of Hawaii, to the members of the Zonta Club, the Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Representatives Club (a group of forward looking young men) to the Esperantists, in addition to large groups in the public Bahá’í meetings. Among the subjects chosen were:——“Noted Women of the World and their Interest in World Peace”; “Esperanto as a Universal Auxiliary Language”; “Universal Peace—What You Can Do to Help Bring It”; “Youth’s Part in the New World Order”; “Progress of Esperanto in the Schools of the World”; “What the East Can Do for the West”; “The Aim of a Liberal Education”; “Woman’s Place in the New World Order”; “Intellectual Aspects of the Bahá’í Movement”; “The Bahá’í Movement—Its Aims and Principles,” etc. The radio talks were on “The Progress of the Bahá’í Movement in Five Continents”; “The New Spirit in Persia”; “Esperanto, the Universal Auxiliary Language” and an “Interview on the Bahá’í Movement.”

This was a unique experience for Miss Root, since it was the first interview in the history of the Cause, given from a radio station. The following questions were answered in this interview:—

“What is the Bahá’í Movement?”;

“What Are Its Basic Principles?”; “What Are the Bahá’í Teachings on the Equality of Man and Woman?”; and “What form will the new Civilization Take?”

It was possible for Martha Root to give about twenty-five lecture during the week, because the programme had been, for the most part, arranged before her arrival. Splendid publicity was given by the press and through the united efforts of the believers, every door of opportunity was opened. An interesting feature of the talk given to the students in the University, was the presentation of a set of twenty-four volumes on the lives of great men of the world. These books, written in the Japanese language, and given to Miss Root by Mr. Noma, the well known “magazine king” of Japan,

GERMAN BAHA’IS GRIEVE LOSS OF CONSUL SCHWARZ

The Cause in Germany has suffered a grievous loss through the death on January 13 of Herr Konsul Albert Schwarz, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly each year since it was instituted in Germany.

Frau Schwarz received the following cablegram from the Guardian: “Inexpressibly sad, profoundly deplore passing (of) Germany’s outstanding Bahá’í pioneer worker. The memory (of) his distinguished services (will be) imperishable. (The) Greatest Holy Leaf joins me (in) assurance (of) affectionate prayer (and) heart-felt condolences.” (Signed) Shoghi.

were presented to the Library of the University of Hawaii, in this “Cross Roads of the Pacific,” as an expression of the coming together of the East and West, and to help cement that union.

We are grateful indeed to our beloved sister for the renewed interest and stimulus that her visit brought. Martha’s spirit of severance and devotion, as well as her unique experiences, and knowledge of the Cause, went far toward attracting and holding the interest of many responsive listeners.

The “follow up” work is well under way. A new Esperanto class has been organized which meets every week and several new Bahá’í Study Groups are held in the homes of the believers. We are endeavoring to make the weekly public meeting a greater magnet of attraction for the “sincere seeker that he may enter therein in assurance, and find that the word of God is one word, though the Speakers were many.”

With loving Bahá’í greetings to all the clear friends in every part of the world.

For the Honolulu Bahá’í Assembly,

JULIA GOLDMAN, Secretary.

January 27, 1931.

REPORTS FROM TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]

1.—To the Members of the Interassembly Teaching Committees:

As we note the increasing confusion of the world we realize that the true Bahá’í must be an intermediary between the world of God and this world of chaotic humanity. In our own Bahá’í relationships in our various communities and inter-Assembly groups we should mirror forth that perfect unity which is absolutely free from personality and partisanship, from preference and distinction and is characterized by universal love and conscious oneness. As the Guardian has said, the believers must not reflect the conditions of the human world but must project into the darkness of this world the beauty and harmony and peace of the spiritual world.

These thoughts seem especially applicable in relation to the inter-Assembly conference work. Certainly the first purpose of these conferences has been to develop united working units which through true Bahá’í consultation may formulate definite plans for service and teaching in their respective regions. All inter-Assembly groups have now held conferences. Reports of these conferences tell of the renewal of enthusiasm and inspiration for teaching generated by closer association and consultation of the friends. Let us make every endeavor that the fire which has been enkindled in the hearts will not be extinguished but will become a conflagration as further conferences are held and active steps undertaken for the spread of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

We hope these conferences have already stimulated the formation in every community of Bahá’í study classes. The systematic study of the teachings, their relation to world thought, and practice in presentation are absolutely essential in the development of teachers. The increasing demand and the scarcity of qualified

SECRETARIAT OF THE
AMERICAN NATIONAL
SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Address: Baha’í 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 on 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.

[Page 6]

teachers has been one of our most serious problems this year. Shoghi Effendi has recently said that the development of teachers “is gradual and can come about only as a result of thorough training. This training has to take the form first of a thorough study of the teachings, then of actual practice in the field.” Is there any better way of accomplishing this than through study classes?

The National Teaching Committee would therefore appreciate early replies from every Assembly to the following questions:

1. Have you a Bahá’í study class?

How Often held? How many attend?

2. What material are you using for

study?

3. Do you encourage practice in

speaking?

4. Are any of the class definitely

training themselves for traveling teachers?

5. Have you any qualified teachers

who are available for local or national teaching circuits?

6. Have you established any local

teaching circuits with nearby groups? Answers to these questions will form the basis of a report on community teaching activities to be presented at the Convention in May.

Real unity among the believers, a greater knowledge of the teachings and the development of teachers are perhaps our first objectives but an increase in Bahá’í contacts is also extremely important. Every Bahá’í should make personal contacts and serve and love them into the Cause. More extensive contacts should also be developed through group effort. This can be done only by giving up our personal desires and opinions to a group plan conceived through true consultation and carried out with energy and enthusiasm by both majority and minority if unfortunately both exist. Every promising method should be tried.

Many cities have progressive speaker’s on world affairs, economics, sociology, and science who are willing to speak on their special subjects with a chairman who can tactfully make a Bahá’í application of the subject matter. Liberal organizations and churches often welcome Bahá’í speakers on their platforms and so furnish both contacts and publicity.

Inter-racial contacts should be especially stressed. One successful method is through inter-racial and international dinners with speakers from different groups and a Bahá’í chairman. Shoghi Effendi writes us that “no chances (of inter-racial contacts) should be lost for the Master stressed constantly the importance of reconciling the Negro and white people of North America. This field of service not only attracts the attention of innumerable persons to the Cause but also furthers one of the ideals of the Faith, namely the abolition of racial prejudice.” On page 119 of Bahá’í Administration the Guardian has set forth in an unmistakable manner what our attitude should be toward other races. The Urban League in many cities is glad to cooperate with any organization showing sincere friendship for the Negro. In every Bahá’í center where there is an Urban League or similar organizations, friendly and cooperative relations should be established.

Another suggestion, as yet undeveloped by the Bahá’ís, holds interesting possibilities. Inter-racial and inter-religious committees or round tables might be established with liberal organizations interested in human relations for the frank discussion of their problems. Our contribution to such a group would consist in the initial conception and organization, a broad and sympathetic vision of the problems discussed and active service in promoting the aims of the cooperating groups. As ‘Abdul-Bahá has said, if we go half the way with our brother, he may turn and go all the way with us.

Special adaptations of any of these methods may be developed by the friends to meet local needs and opportunities. Through them a more vital and effective type of racial amity work may gradually unfold, although there is still a distinct place for our present racial amity conferences. If any Eastern centers wish to do special amity work before Convention time, Mr. Gregory can possibly arrange to be with them if his assistance is requested in time.

The funds available for traveling teachers are very limited so they should be conserved. Much of the teacher’s expense is for room and board. If this item could be met by the local friends and a contribution made toward traveling expenses, the amount of teaching possible with this Committee’s budget could be more than doubled. This should be considered by communities desiring a traveling teacher.

The National Teaching Committee eagerly awaits news from the inter-Assembly conferences of constructive work actually in progress or at least the development of definite plans for group study, the training of teachers and organized contacts work.

National Teaching Committee,

By: R. C. COLLISON, Chairman.

2.—First Meeting of Inter-Assembly Committee of Southwest California.

The first meeting of the Inter-Assembly Teaching Committee of Southwest California, held November 16th, 1930, marks an epoch in inter-Assembly functioning. Mrs. Loretha Beckett, secretary, reports: “The chairman (Mr. Willard P. Hatch), suggested a consultation as to the purpose of the creation of the committee, which, it is hoped, will be a great factor in creating love and harmony between the Bahá’í Communities of the South-west. The meeting was thrown open to suggestions from all present.”

“This committee recognizes from the outset, the principle expressed by Shoghi Effendi in Bahá’í Administration, that committees are “expert advisers and executive assistants” to the various Spiritual Assemblies represented.

Some suggestions of particular value were as follows:

1. That this committee arrange an inter-assembly program, with an interchange of teachers between the various Bahá’í Communities. This would lend the teaching material of the entire South-west to the efforts of any Bahá’í Community. This would also make advisable the knowledge by each Assembly of meeting dates and approximate programs of neighboring Bahá’í Communities.

2. That this committee make adequate preparation in advance for the coming of traveling Bahá’í teachers and friends.

3. The function of this committee, in arranging for inter-assembly work, and in, together, arranging for traveling or out-of-town speakers will tend to create solidarity within the Cause, and will facilitate the activities of the teaching committee of the NSA in this locality.

4. That attention to the matter of having only qualified teachers, selected by the various Spiritual Assemblies, was necessary, and that this committee should have such a list from each of the Assemblies; that one of the definitions of a qualified teacher is a Bahá’í who adheres implicitly to the Bahá’í Administration, and is in accord with the NSA, and with the local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í Community to which he belongs. It was voted that this committee communicate its resolutions about teachers to the sub-teaching committee of the NSA suggesting consultation with the local Spiritual Assembly, when contemplating the use[Page 7] of one of the local Bahá’í Community as a teacher. That a list of these qualified teachers be compiled and sent to all outside centers, who are requesting teachers.

Further suggestions were to hold several inter-racial Amity banquets as frequently as possible. It was stated that the Pasadena Assembly were arranging one for Dec. 13th, and a request was made for full publicity and cooperation from each Bahá’í Community, that each one of the committee communicate with their Spiritual Assembly, mailing list notified and arrangements made for disposal of tickets (not to cost over one dollar.) The committee unanimously agreed to do advance work together for distinguished out of town teachers, to have a unity meeting of all neighboring assemblies every two or three months to stimulate the cooperative spirit, finally, that a definitely stated inter-assembly fund, be pro-rated from the Spiritual Assemblies for incidental expenses of the work of the committee.

This highly efficient meeting to inaugurate inter-assembly administration was held at Dr. Ali Kuli Khan’s Art Center which was to be available for other meetings of a like nature.

3.—Outline Bureau Notice.

We have recently had mimeographed a second edition of Bahá’í Teachings Relating to Christianity. We have decided to make an unusually attractive offer to the friends, effective until after Convention time. For the price of one dollar we are selling the following aids to study, enclosed in manila folder:

Outline on Material and Divine

Civilization.

Outline on Bahá’í Teaching Relating

to Christ.

Outline on New Light on The

Scriptures (Prophecy).

Outline on Material and Divine

Civilization.

The Correspondence Course of twenty lessons with questions and references. These may be obtained through Mrs. R. C. Collison, 681 Castle Street, Geneva, N. Y.

National Teaching Committee.

By: DORIS McKAY, Secretary.

RESULTS OF SUMMER SCHOOL AT GEYSERVILLE[edit]

The goal of the Bahá’í program and the fruit of the Cause is the realization of that ideal condition, where the differing elements of the human family live together happily, peaceably and enthusiastically. Only as the Bahá’í community life develops into a radiant working body, meeting all the problems of life, is the Cause functioning properly. Therefore, the greatest contribution we have to offer the world is a mode of life that works; transforming the problems into stepping stones of successful endeavor and establishing that dynamic force that transcends all human limitations and reaches to the consciousness of spiritual brotherhood. In the Summer School work we have been endeavoring to develop this very thing, that is, that the spirit of unity, of fellowship and of happiness should be augmented and the resultant conscious spiritualized conduct of the friends be realized, that the hearts of all who contact this body might find doors to a new mode of life they have heretofore not known. If this spirit becomes as strong as the Master wishes it will become an attractive power for all who come under its influence.

Indicating the spiritual fellowship which the Summer School has developed, many of the older Bahá’ís who have visited in Haifa and at the Holy Shrine state that the spirit that is developed at the Summer School is quite similar to that which is experienced in the Holy Land.

Last year the Summer School was visited for a few days by a young doctor from Russia. He was a strong belief in brotherhood, but of a cold, logical, scientific philosophy of life, developed naturally through the communistic ideas. He came to the Summer School for a stay of a day or two. The friendship of the friends was so strong that he stayed not only throughout that week but throughout the entire Summer School. When he left he wept, saying that never in his life had he experienced such a true oneness and harmony among people as he felt among the group at the Summer School and that he felt more intimately associated with the Bahá’ís than with his own family.

Another young man, from Southern California, driving to the Pacific Northwest dropped in to spend the evening with one of the Bahá’ís. He was simply going to stay overnight and then continue on his business trip. He was so touched by the kindness of the friends and the harmonious atmosphere that he decided to stay over for a day or so. This day or so stretched into the entire two weeks period and when he left he announced that he wished to join the Bahá’í Fellowship and become one with us in carrying on our work.

In the same way is the attraction of Prof. W. J. Meredith of the Montezuma Mountain School for Boys to the Cause. Two years ago he came to Geyserville to lecture to our group. No direct effort was made to teach him the Universal Program of the Cause but the spirit was so strong that he himself asked for more and more knowledge. He continuously mentions that the experiences he had the last two years in our Summer School were the most pleasant experiences he has ever had and thinks the Bahá’í Cause is the only hope of world brotherhood. Prof. Meredith happened to be visiting in Southern California and therefore attended the inter-racial dinner at Pasadena, December 13th. He was introduced as one of the founders of the Montezuma School for Boys and its present Dean of Faculty. There were educators and students from the various universities in Southern California at this dinner. Prof. Meredith made a few remarks, stating that great as the honor was to be introduced as one of the founders of the Montezuma School for Boys, he took greater pleasure and greater honor in attending the dinner as a member of the Bahá’í group.

Mention should also be made of the interest that was aroused on the part of Prof. E. Kern, graduate of the University of Berlin and a Rockefeller Scholarship holder for experimental work in America. He became so enthused with the spirit of the friends that he began studying the Cause and now both he and his wife are Bahá’ís.

At a recent unity dinner in San Francisco after an all-day Teaching Conference in the Bahá’í Library, Prof. Kern gave the following interesting experience: When he and his good wife left the Bahá’í Library they did not know how to get to the hotel where the dinner was to be held. Driving along they saw a machine load of people, all with happy, radiant faces and decided to follow it. Soon they were in the midst of all the happy friends in the Bahá’í gathering.

With such a spirit and harmonious feeling as this, it will readily be realized that the Summer School is a unit in its activities and all of the friends revolve in harmony around one activity after another. It is a demonstration of the ability of a group of diverse people to live together happily and harmoniously. This is the fruit of the Summer School and the purpose of its gathering, because after all the object of all training is to learn how to live. Last year there were in[Page 8] attendance about 75 people from the various parts of the Pacific Coast. The meetings were devoted to the study of the all-important subject of “Man and His Universe.” This course included briefly the complete range of human activity, starting with evolutionary processes of life to the early days of history up to the present period of complex existence and then most important, the future of the human family, which of course was a working out of the Bahá’í Program of Universal Peace. Lectures were given by Prof. E. A. Rogers, giving the contributions of science to life’s development, by Prof. W. J. Meredith from a sociological, historical standpoint and by the Bahá’ís, giving the application of the principles of Bahá’u’lláh to the problems of the world today and what their application will do in evolving in the world to that ideal state which the Bible promises of “the Kingdom of God on Earth.”

One of the most interesting outgrowths of the Summer School was the teaching of the children. A children’s group of about 50 was conducted by Mrs. Mabel Weaver of Glendale, assisted by Miss Alice Rouleau of Visalia. This work developed the need of a comprehensive course of study for children throughout the year. In discussing the matter a committee evolved to work on such a course to cover musical, literary, artistic, religious and spiritual ideals of youth. Different ones particularly qualified volunteered their services, as for instance, Miss Julia Goldman of Honolulu, with her art work; Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler with her education work; Mrs. Cooper with her collection of stories of the lives of spiritual teachers and especially the stories given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, etc.

Opposition on the part of local Geyserville people was turned into appreciation and cooperation. The Chamber of Commerce entertained the entire Summer School at dinner one evening. Next year they request that we designate one day as Chamber of Commerce Day, joining them and local residents in a picnic at the ocean, where they will conduct an abalone catch, cooking them for dinner, the classes to be carried on during the day in some beautiful wooded grove.

Greatest of all the successes of the school, perhaps, is the elevating and unifying effect it is having in the various Assemblies, where a new spirit is becoming apparent of tolerance and active cooperation. In visiting an Assembly and discussing the work of the groups—remark was made that with such and such a person working so diligently and constructively great good should be accomplished. The member of the Assembly replied, ”Yes, but you do not realize that this person formerly showed little activity. It is only since the Summer School this summer that he has been so active.” This new inspirational force which the gathering of friends at Geyserville has given, is the cause of the new activity in the Assemblies and the success of our Teaching Work.

PACIFIC STATES SUMMER

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

By: Leroy Ioas.

NEW MEETING PLACE IN CHICAGO[edit]

The Spiritual Assembly of Chicago announces that it has taken a new Bahá’í office in Room 903, 116 South Michigan Avenue, where visitors from other cities will receive a most cordial welcome. The telephone is Franklin 0336.

PUBLISHING ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]

The Publishing Committee reports the following new titles and reprints:

The Reality of Man—a compilation from Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explaining the nature of soul, mind and spirit, and the principles of man’s spiritual evolution. Bound in strong paper cover, size 4½ by 6¾ inches. Per copy, $0.50.

The Bahá’í Movement—an outline of the aims and purpose of the Cause, with a statement on Bahá’í administration and representative quotations from the Writings, reprinted from material approved by the Guardian for The Bahá’í World. Bound in paper, $0.10. Note: the Committee expresses the hope that Assemblies will order this and other pamphlet literature now published or to be published, in quantities of 100 copies or more, and that individual believers wishing single copies of all pamphlets will order them from their own or some nearby Assembly. The filling of such small orders involves a loss on each transaction, and prevents the Publishing Committee from creating surplus funds for the benefit of the National Assembly.

The Dawn of the New Day—a new edition of the “blue No. 9” compilation which has been so helpful for many years. Sold only in lots of 100 copies. Per hundred, $3.00.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in New York—a new edition of the memorial volume issued by the New York Spiritual Assembly following the Master’s Ascension. The new edition contains excerpts from recently discovered Tablets revealed to the local Assembly. The body of the book contains selected addresses delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Columbia University and other public meetings during His stay in New York during 1912. Per copy, $0.50,

The Publishing Committee will be pleased to fill any orders received for the following books, not part of the Bahá’í literature but of interest to believers.

The Spirit of Reality, compiled by the Rev. J. Storer—a new edition of “Thoughts That Build,” many copies of which have been purchased by believers. The new edition contains even more quotations from Bahá’í Writings than did the original volume. This work consists of daily readings, gathered from the world’s spiritual literature. It makes an excellent gift to non-Bahá’ís. No discount can be given on the price of, per copy, $1.00.

Religions and Philosophies in America, edited by Julius Weber—a statement on each of more than fifty religious and philosophical movements in America, contributed by a representative of each organization. The Bahá’í Cause is represented by the article published in The Bahá’í World. This work will be found exceedingly useful as a guide to American religious belief, in all its contemporary complexity. Per copy, $2.50.

Orders for the above books may be sent to Bahá’í Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York City.

BAHA’I NEWS LETTERS WANTED[edit]

In order to complete its files, the Publishing Committee would like to obtain Bahá’í News Letter Nos. 21, 22, 23 and 31, and would appreciate an opportunity to obtain them from any believer or Assembly able to furnish duplicates.

Were man to study with deep insight God’s holy Words and ponder them in his heart, he will surely realize that their one aim is to so unite the world that the divers peoples on earth may be regarded even as one soul, that the seal of “Unto God is all dominion” may be stamped upon the tablet of every heart and that the splendors of loving kindness, of grace and mercy may be shed upon all mankind.—Bahá’u’lláh.