Bahá’í News/Issue 50/Text
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is
of the United States and Canada
All-praise be to God, the adored One, Lord of the seen and unseen, Who from the primal Point caused books and epistles, unnumbered, to be revealed; Whose most exalted Word called unto being all creation from first to last, and Who, consonant with His transcendent wisdom, hath sent, in every age and cycle, His Messenger to revive with the living waters of Divine utterance His faint and withering creatures. He, in truth, is the expounder, the true interpreter; inasmuch as man falleth short and faileth to comprehend that which hath flowed from the Pen of glory and been revealed in His most holy Book. Verily, man needeth at all times a reminder, a guide, an instructor, a teacher. Thus hath God sent forth His Ambassadors, His Prophets and His chosen ones, that these may acquaint the peoples of the world with His purpose in the revealing of His Word and the mission of His Messengers, that all may be made aware of the Divine Trust committed to their charge.
Man is the most potent of talismans; and naught but want of true education hath deprived him of that which is latent within him. With one word He created him, with another guided his steps to the path of true learning, and with still another guarded and preserved his standing and station.
The great Being saith; Consider man even as a mine that holdeth stones of precious beauty, of which education alone revealeth its value and bestoweth its benefit upon mankind.
The world is in turmoil and its agitation waxeth day by day. Its face is turned towards waywardness and irreligion. So grievous shall be its plight that to disclose it now would not be meet anl seemly. Many a day shall pass e’re it is relieved from its sore travail. And in the fulness of time there shall appear, all of a sudden, that which will cast terror into the very heart of mankind; then and only then shall the divine Standard be unfurled, and the Nightingale of Holiness warble its melody upon the Tree of Life—Bahá’u’lláh.
SPIRITUAL AND MATERIAL RESPONSIBILITY[edit]
Editorial
The thought uppermost in the minds of all believers planning to attend the Convention is that they will have the supreme joy and privilege of beholding the Temple edifice.
The first Convention called twenty-three years ago was convened as the “Bahá’í Temple Unity”—the first collective purpose adopted by the American believers was this ideal of constructing the Temple. Steadily, throughout the period of a generation of human life, this mighty project has gone forward. In the days and years when the work, from the material point of view, appeared to falter, necessary spiritual transformations were taking place among the friends, our knowledge of the Cause broadened and deepened, our mutual intercourse and associated activities became subject to the new principles of unity, the divine art of consultation was gradually learned, and a Bahá’í body capable of erecting the Temple and worthy of administering it grew from the station of the child to that of the adult.
A thousand dreams and aspirations are now close to fulfilment, as the date of this year’s Convention draws nigh. The Master’s prophecies are being recalled, and Shoghi Effendi’s letter, written in the autumn of 1929, upholding a true spiritual ideal for the use of the Temple when completed, is being carefully re-read.
A new and penetrating joy, a more powerful animation, will inspire those who are fortunate enough to convene in the Foundation Hall on May 1. The renewal of teaching, already evidenced by the extra-ordinary activities initiated by the Teaching Committee this year, the extension of the influence of Bahá’í literature, the consolidation of forces at Green Acre and Geyserville, the increased energy of every local Bahá’í community, the larger scope of publicity—all these effects may rightly be anticipated from the fact that the Cause in America has at last faithfully constructed a Mashriqu’l-Adhkár and possesses a visible sign of the new Revelation of the oneness of mankind.
With these tremendous consequences, an increased spiritual and material responsibility must also be assumed, a responsibility laid equally upon every American co-worker of the beloved Guardian. The seeds underground produce no comment—the flowers sprung from the seeds are visible to the world.
One aspect of this responsibility, not the highest but of vital importance through its intimate relation to the development of the spiritual aspects, is our future attitude toward the National Bahá’í Fund. Henceforth, that Fund will be called upon not only to make possible steady increases in all recognized Bahá’í activity but also to maintain adequately the present Temple edifice and provide for its final completion.
The “Plan of Unified Action” issued by the National Assembly several years ago came as the first attempt to face the material responsibility incurred by a rapidly growing Cause. Since a definite sum was required to proceed with Temple construction plans, that amount was made the objective of the Plan, and by dividing the amount among the number of recognized believers over a three-year period, an average monthly donation from each believer was determined, in the thought that larger donations from some would counterbalance those who could not meet the average assigned.
The suggestion is advanced here that
possibly, with respect to the future, our
attitude toward the needs of the National
Fund can be determined not
merely by the financial considerations
arising from the total needs of the[Page 2]
Fund, but also by spiritual considerations
based upon the teachings themselves.
The friends are reminded that the Master’s Will and Testament refers to the institution of a method of contributing to the Cause based upon each believer’s actual income. According to this teaching, believers will in future set aside for the Cause a fixed proportion of their income or wealth.
We understand that the application of this teaching, and a full explanation of its details, waits upon the formation of the Universal House of Justice. Nevertheless, nothing seems to make impossible the voluntary adoption of a principle of contributing to the Cause which, in part at least, reflects the spirit of this teaching of Bahá’u’lláh and the operation of which tends to prepare us for fuller obedience to the Bahá’ís life of the future.
If, then, believers here and there who fully appreciate the measure of responsibility which must be assumed by all incoming National Assemblies in future can, of their own volition and after adequate reflection, decide at this time to devote one–nineteenth of their incomes (slightly more than 5 per cent) for use as Bahá’í donations, the effect would not merely be to augment the Fund but also to deepen the spiritual consciousness of the believer himself.
This thought is to be considered entirely in the light of an informal suggestion. It is not an official recommendation of the National Assembly. The virtue of the proposal actually consists in its very informality—its dependence upon entirely voluntary decisions and individual consideration. It compels a measure of self–sacrifice. It connects the soul with one more powerful teaching. If widely adopted, it will tend to usher in an era Of greater stability in the work of the Cause in America. Let us try to become true believers in every aspect of life and on every plane. The maturity of the Cause in America will only be attained as its members adopt responsible plans and so shape their lives that the plans can be carried through.
GREEN ACRE PROGRAM[edit]
July-August, 1931
For more than thirty years, Green Acre, the beautiful community situated on the banks of the Piscataqua River at Eliot, Maine, has maintained a platform for the study and discussion of spiritual and social principles making for the unity of religions, classes, races and creeds.
Construction of Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, Photograph No. 10—March 2, 1931
The program announced in the
summer of 1931 will appeal to many
speakers who desire to make their vacation
days contribute more than physical
recreation.
Program
(To be amplified in later announcements)
1 Round Table Discussion Groups
Only those who are contemplating serious study are urged to enroll in these classes. Two hours each morning will be devoted to lecture and study but all persons attending classes are urged to use the study hall, and the books to be found there, at other times of the day.
It will not be necessary to buy a text book but a limited number of worth-while books will be for sale and it may prove more convenient to buy one or two books.
Course 1—“The influence of mysticism
- upon modern thinking.”
- July 6-17.
The purpose of this course is to develop the connection between mystical knowledge and scientific knowledge. Special emphasis will be put upon the intellectual basis of modern mysticism and its place in scientific thinking.
Mon., Wed., Fri., 10-12 A. M.
- Lecturer to be announced.
Course 2—“Foundations of modern
- science.” July 7-18.
A short time will be given to the history of science and then some of the more important laws and concepts will be studied in detail. The relation between the mystical ideal and the scientific ideal will be developed.
- Tues., Thurs., Sat., 10-12 A. M.
- Prof. Glenn Shook.
Course 3—“Psychology and religion.”
- Aug. 3—14.
A brief study of some of the modern schools and their effect upon religious thinking. The following will be considered: Humanism, Behaviorism, Idealism, Positivism and Naturalism.
Mon., Wed., Fri., 10-12 A. M.
- Miss Easterbrook.
Course 4—“Modernism in religious
- thinking.” July 27-31.
This course will show the tendency of religion to accommodate itself to modern needs in serving humanity, as illustrated by conditions in India, China, Europe, America and other parts of the world. These studies will revolve around the question, what do such conditions imply as to the Divine Immanence and the need of a Universal Educator?
- Tues., Thurs., Sat., 10—12.
- Mr. Louis G. Gregory.
Course 5—“Teaching.” July 28-Aug. 1.
This course will provide means
for intensive study of present day
problems in the teaching of the universal[Page 3]
principles of Bahá’u’lláh, the
Divine educator of this day. A
number of well known Bahá’í teachers
will contribute to this work but
the complete program is not ready
for this notice.
- Tues., Thurs., Sat., 10-12 A. M.
Course 6—“Teaching.” Aug. 4—9.
- A continuation of Course 5.
- Tues., Thurs., Sat., 10–12 A. M.
Course 7—“The Philosophy of universal
- religion.” Aug. 11-15.
A critical study of the philosophies of the great religions. One object of the course is to bring out the difference between materialistic and spiritual philosophy, humanism and the Divine solution of the problem of evil, naturalistic and spiritual psychology, etc. The relation between the teachings of the Divine Manifestations and the new spiritual philosophy of modern scholars will also be considered.
- Tues., Thurs., Sat., 10–12 A. M.
- Mr. Albert R. Vail.
II Evening lectures.
- These evening talks and lectures
are for lecture students and friends.
- Mon., Wed., Fri., 7:30 P. M.
| July | |||
| Poetry and inspiration | 8 | Miss Tasker | |
| Current events | 10 | ||
| Hidden Words | 13 | Mr. Gregory | |
| Progressive education | 15 | Mr. Cobb | |
| Current events | 17 | ||
| Seven Valleys | 20 | Mr. Gregory | |
| Emerson | 22 | Miss Shank | |
| Current events | 24 |
| Aug. | ||
| Religion and health | 5 | Mr. Vail |
| The Temple | 10 | Mr. McDaniel |
| Bahá’í administration | 17 | Mr. McDaniel |
| Psychology and health | 19 | Miss Coy |
| Diet and health | 21 | Miss Gray |
III Conferences.
- 1. “Teaching.” (Date to be announced.)
- 2. “International relations.”
- This conference is conducted entirely
- by the young people. Mr.
- Barton in charge. July 24, 25,
- 26.
- 3. “Amity.” Aug. 21, 22, 23.
- 4. “Bahá’í education.” Aug. 28,
- 29, 30.
IV The writers’ club.
- Anyone who has material in MS
form or who can devote some time to writing may become a member of this club. Papers will be criticized by members of the club and by the director in charge.
V The speakers’ club.
- The purpose of this club is to train
members in public speaking.
VI Sunday services.
- Sunday morning, 11 A. M.
- In general this is a devotional
service.
- Sunday evening, 7:30 P. M.
Sunday evenings will be given to general gatherings at the Fellowship House in the interest of quiet enjoyment of a little good music, poetry reading and other simple forms of entertainment. The social value of these meetings is held to be of most importance. Light refreshments will be served.
There will be a few special entertainments as follows:
| July | |||
| Modern art | 5 | ||
| Travelogue | 12 | ||
| Music | 19 |
| Aug. | |||
| Children’s hour | 9 | ||
| Eliot talent | 16 |
The friends of Green Acre residing in Eliot and Portsmouth have recently organized an Arts and Crafts club and anyone in Eliot this summer may become a member if interested. A fee of $1.00 is charged for membership.
We hope to have Miss Martha Root, the International Bahá’í teacher, with us in Green Acre the first part of July. Everyone is looking forward to her visit with the greatest interest and pleasure.
Further details of the program and necessary changes will be communicated to the friends as soon as possible.
The following schedule of prices for room and board has been adopted by the Trustees.
Green Acre Inn. From $15.00 to $25.00 a week, room and board.
Cottages. From $8.50 to $10.00 a week, room and board.
Children under twelve years, half price.
Other available accommodations to be announced.
As the entire program is planned to further the progress of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh we urge all Assemblies to cooperate with us in making Green Acre the “focal center of the devotional, humanitarian, social and spiritual activities of the Cause.”
We have but to reread the words of our Guardian (Bahá’í Administration pages 8 and 121) to realize our sacred obligation and privilege.
- Sincerely,
- G. A. SHOOK,
- Sincerely,
Chairman, Green Acre Program Com.
REPORTS FROM TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]
1.—A National Teaching Conference.
The National Spiritual Assembly has approved a National Conference of Bahá’í Teachers to be conducted by the National Teaching Committee at the Temple Foundation Hall on the day before the opening of the Convention, Thursday, April 30th. The following teaching matters for the coming year will be discussed: a unified teaching program, budgeting our funds, qualifications and most efficient use of teachers, effective methods of public approach, continuity in follow-up work, the formation of new Assemblies and other matters. Every local and national Bahá’í teacher is urged to be present for the opening session at 9 A. M.
2.—A Conference for Bahá’í Youth.
The National Teaching Committee wishes also to announce that there will be a special conference for the Bahá’í youth coincident with the general teaching conference to be held on April 30th.
The following Youth Committee has been appointed from various parts of the United States and Canada to facilitate plans and arrangements, so that as many youth as possible may avail themselves of the unique opportunity to meet our International Teacher, Martha Root, and other well-known Bahá’í teachers, and to afford
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Address for Correspondence News Editor Office of the Secretariat Evergreen Cabin West Englewood, New Jersey BAHÁ’I NEWS is the official organ of the American National Spiritual Assembly. Its cost is defrayed from the National Bahá’í Fund and copies are distributed free of charge to recognized believers throughout the United States and Canada, and to National and Local Spiritual Assemblies in other lands. News articles and reports of general Bahá’í interest and value are requested from Assemblies, National Committees and other representatives of the Cause. The Guardian’s statement concerning the purpose and scope of this publication can be found in the volume entitled “Bahá’í Administration.” |
the young people the opportunity to discuss, consult, and create new and vital activities for the coming year.
- PAUL HANEY, Chairman,
- 418 Forest Avenue,
- Wilmette, Illinois.
- 418 Forest Avenue,
- EDRIS AND COLSTON RICE-WRAY
- HELEN AND CHARLES BISHOP
- LORRAINE HOPPER
- LUDMELA BECTHOLD
- MARY MAXWELL
- EMBRIC SALE
- For information, address the Chairman,
Paul Haney, as above.
3.—Second New England District Conference:
The regional Teaching Conference of New England held in Worcester, Mass., January 17th and 18th was very successful, effective for service, and free from all traces of inharmony. Its spiritual atmosphere was impressive. Those present came from various cities and villages representing all the New England States save Rhode Island.
The evening preceding the conference an informal reception was held for the delegates and friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert H. Tarbell. Music and the film showing part of the Brooklyn work of ‘Abdul-Bahá varied the program of social commingling.
The chairman of the conference was Mrs. Florence Morton, who drew a striking picture of the world and the needs of mankind. At such a time the greatest gift of God is a Prophet, one who has a full understanding and reveals laws for humanity which will establish unity and peace. She quoted a thought from Carlisle that when one knows a spiritual truth one is stronger than the whole world. It therefore behooves us to deepen our faith in Bahá’u’lláh and His program for human relief. She ended her address of welcome with assurances of welcome from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that the faithful would be guided and protected.
Dr. Wilgar L. Jones spoke on Faith, which he showed was the stability of the business world and the basis of success in all the affairs of life both material and spiritual. He urges intensive study of the teachings and use of the prayers.
Mrs. Janet H. Bolton spoke of the founding of the Portsmouth Bahá’í Assembly which in three years numbers twenty-three persons including a Jew, an American Indian, seven colored and seventeen Yankees. The principal activity which led to growth was a luncheon and dinner parties to spread the Cause. One such dinner party resulted in seven openings for a Bahá’í speaker to address groups. Bahá’ís belong to nearly all the various organizations of that city and so have many contacts. They use the rooms at the Y. W. C. A. for their weekly and public meetings.
Mrs. Janet M. Bolton spoke of the work among isolated believers and the need of encouraging those who are so placed. She also read letters from a number of them.
Mr. Philip Marangella spoke eloquently on the Nineteen Day Feast and its threefold nature.
- 1. To attune the souls of the believers
with the descent of the Holy Spirit.
- 2. To consider and plan teaching
activities and human service.
- 3. To cultivate sociability in its
true sense among the friends.
Mr. H. H. Tarbell gave an account of the social contacts and home circle service of the Worcester friends. They entertain informally without set program yet with the purpose of attracting souls to the Cause. They thus contact their neighbors and also have classes to study the teachings.
Mrs. Harold Bowditch, chairman of the Boston Assembly, spoke of the way in which the Boston friends had contacted and attracted a number of interesting foreigners. One of them declared that only among Bahá’ís had he found in America the true Christian spirit.
Mr. Louis G. Gregory was asked to sum up after the various speakers and to tell about contacts and teaching experiences in various other sections. He laid special emphasis upon the organization of study classes for the youth, contacts with liberals as individuals in groups, striving by a wise adjustment to bend every occasion to the end of spreading the Cause and courting the spiritual graces and heavenly blessings through harmony. Ordinary beings accept their environment. Men of genius transform their environment. This the Bahá’ís can do through the unseen Powers.
Public Meeting. A well-advertised public meeting was the contact of the Convention with the city of Worcester.
Dr. John Herman Randall, director of the World Unity Foundation, was the speaker and Mr. Gregory was chairman.
4.—The Second Northern Ohio Conference.
The second Northern Ohio Conference was held in Cleveland at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Martin on Sunday, January the 25th. Representatives from Akron and Pittsburgh were present.
- The program was as follows:
- 1. What is the work of the local
Spiritual Assembly?—Mrs. R. L. Brooker, Akron.
- 2. What is Unity; Equality;
Fellowship?—Mr. A. H. Martin, Cleveland.
- 3. How shall we know true
Guidance?—Mrs. Dale S. Cole, Cleveland.
- 4. How shall we appeal to the
youth?—Mr. Luther Johnson, Akron.
- 5. How shall we start new groups
in new territory?—Mr. Harlan F. Ober, Pittsburgh.
The Conference was happy to have present Mr. Louis G. Gregory who contributed generously to the discussions.
Mr. Harlan F. Ober addressed a public meeting Friday evening preceding the Conference, and five follow-up meetings were held at which Mr. Gregory spoke on various phases of the Bahá’í Cause.
- By: EVA MAE S. SMITH,
- Secy. to the Inter-Assembly
- Conference Committee.
- Cleveland, Ohio,
- February 14, 1931.
5.—Letter from Juliet Thompson.
Struggling with our problems in our separate assemblies it is difficult to realize until we begin to travel from group to group that in reality an indestructible nucleus of unity has already been established in our country. Our beloved Master has said: “Love is the essential bond between the realities of things throughout divine creation.” In my recent trip I perceived that bond—that indestructible bond—uncovered, as we all met to study and teach and thus forget everything but reality.
First I went to Geneva where I found such refreshment as I have not experienced for years. I arrived at the happy moment when an inter-assembly conference was being held. I found this conference more than stimulating—inspiring. In it there was a spirit that swept me back in feeling to the dawn of the Cause in the West, when I used to meet in Paris with the younger generation of that time—when we were all aflame with the consciousness of the World Redeemer of this age and with our resolve to spread our rapturous knowledge of His Presence in the world.
. . . From Geneva I went to Binghamton.
My heart still melts as I
remember the spirit of love with which
I was received there. “Love” our dear[Page 5]
Master said, “is the Mystery of Divine
Revelation.” As I relive those days
in Binghamton and from this distance
view the purity of that group, I
wonder if its secret is not the hunger
for the inner significances of the Divine
Teachings.
In Rochester though the group is small, one feels that life which is the sign of the new spiritual generation— the “rising generation” which Shoghi Effendi says is “sure to witness great and vast achievements.” The state of New York is a fascinating field in which to work. So strong is the desire of this rising generation to spread the Teachings, that I feel this moment is the most propitious we have ever known for teachers to go forth and teach these young and enthusiastic groups. I have found that the command from the Spiritual Center, now the Guardian, is identical with confirmation; as Bahá’u’lláh says “My Command is binding; have thou no doubt.” Since the command is, at this moment to teach, without doubt doors will open to the teacher and the Word uttered through him or through her will, inevitably, create.
Our beloved Master, ‘Abdul—Bahá, has made in His Divine Plan promises to the different sections of this country. To the Northeastern States He promises that a “mirror” will appear, and the Middle West He designates as “the heart.” Certainly in Ohio a Heart is beating. In Cleveland which is an old and large assembly, I found hospitality and love never to be forgotten. One incident is outstanding: A large meeting had been planned for a certain evening by a colored believer, a woman of distinction in both colored and white circles. I arrived at her house to find it thronged. But that afternoon the cruelest, bitterest blow that could be imagined had fallen upon this heroic woman. Nevertheless, though her eyes showed signs of tears she received us with a courageous calm and with the warmth of self-forgetfulness and with perfect poise led the meeting. Her spirit brought to my mind the spirit of the great Persian sufferers for the Cause.
In Akron is a very alive and united group founded by one of the old believers of a most liberal and active type. At a beautiful meeting I attended there I met some especially distinguished colored friends.
Of Columbus ‘Abdul-Bahá has prophesied glorious things; a great fire, He said would be ignited in Columbus and the prophecy has now been fulfilled. The Columbus group consists of colored and white believers of whom it can truly be said they are one soul in different bodies—and the result is spiritual power. This group too is centered on the spiritual core of the teachings, the discovery of which brings the miracle of unity. So great was the ardor of the Columbus group and their desire to assist in the building of the plan of Administration that they formed a temporary committee. Since they have done so their consciousness of unity has increased in an interesting way. I was not present at the formation of this tentative assembly being in Dayton at the time but I attended the meeting where the officers were elected. The spirit that reigned in this meeting was sublime in its simplicity and humility. . . .
In Dayton, too, there are brilliant souls and these also formed a temporary committee aware that the legal election cannot take place before next April but realizing that by this preparatory action they will increase their solidarity and enthusiasm. A number of people were confirmed and added to the Dayton group. I cannot resist mentioning a very young couple, the wife seventeen, the husband nineteen, who with the wonderful spiritual clarity which characterizes the new generation, accepted the Cause instantaneously, the young wife saying. “Even although I am too young to legally become a member of the local assembly, I long to—I must—serve on it. What shall I do?” It was suggested that these two begin to form a young peoples group in Dayton.
This, my dear friends, is just a fraction of what I have witnessed on my trip. To go out to teach at this time when our beloved Guardian has given the command to teach, is to enter into the Valley of Astonishment, where one plunges into a world of new laws so different to the laws of that world where “feeble wisdom” holds sway. In this new world, it is perfectly clear that the password is Obedience—obedience to our beloved Guardian—“instant, exact, and complete obedience” —to the divine plan of Administration —obedience to the Law of Love. From what I have experienced among those beautiful groups of believers in God’s Cause I have realized that if our teachers should now start forth each one a torch of the new Love, there would soon be a conflagration in this country.
- Devotedly, in His Service,
- JULIET THOMPSON.
PUBLISHING ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]
Bahá’í Peace Program—Containing letters from ’Abdu’l-Bahá including the one to Dr. Forel pertaining to a solution in working out this plan of peace.
Bound in blue leather ....... $1.50
Bound in green paper ........ .50
At this time when the whole world is concentrating on the problem of working out a permanent peace, it behooves every believer to become familiar with the teachings of ’Abdu’l-Bahá on this subject. In this most valuable book we have a clearly defined plan set forth by ’Abdu’l-Bahá.
Foundations of World Unity—Selected addresses delivered by ’Abdu’l-Bahá at Universities, Churches, Synagogues, Peace Societies and similar public meetings.
Bound in paper ............... $.75
This book also deals with the subject of Peace.
The Oneness of Mankind—Compiled by Louis Gregory and Mariam Haney. Containing selections from the words of Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá on inter-racial amity.
Bound in green paper ...... $.25
We would like to call attention to this splendid book, which gives important information concerning our understanding of the different races.
Bahá’í Proofs—By Mirza Abul Fazl Gulpagan.
This is the best known book by this Oriental scholar, philosopher anddisciple of Bahá’u’lláh translated into English. It presents the truth of the Bahá’í Revelation from manifold points of view, and also contains a biography
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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. |
of the lives of the Bab, Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá.
Bound in blue cloth ......... $2.00
Every Bahá’í should make himself familiar with this important work which gives a history and proof of the Bahá’í Faith.
Travellers Narrative — Translated into English by Edward G. Browne.
Written to illustrate the Episode of the Bab by a contemporary Persian scholar.
Bound in blue cloth .......... $2.50
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh—(Tarazat, The Tablet of the World, Kalimat, Tajalliyat, Bisharat, Ishraquat.) Giving the Social and Spiritual principals of the new age.
Bound in black cloth ........ $2.00
Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, vol. I and III—Intimate letters written in reply to questions addressed by individuals and groups.
Bound in blue cloth .......... $2.00
These volumes were out of stock for many years, but last August a new edition was published. No Bahá’í library is complete without a set of the three volumes of the Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá.
Lessons in Religion—By Shaykh Muhammad’Ali Qa’ini. Prepared especially for children, translated by Edith Roohie Sanderson.
Bound in green paper ........ $.50
The proceeds from this book are sent to Moneerer Khanoum for the girls school at Mt. Carmel.
Whence Comes the Light—By Loulie Mathews.
A brief outline of the history of the Founders of the Bahá’í Cause, showing the significance and meaning of the appearance of a new spiritual consciousness in the world through the Bahá’í Message. It contains quotations from Bahá’í writings, and is an excellent little book to give to interested people.
Bound in green paper ........ $.25
The Publishing Committee has received the back numbers of BAHÁ’I NEWS for which a request was made last month, and wishes to express hearty thanks to the many believers who wrote in to offer copies.
All orders for Bahá’í literature should be sent to Bahá’í Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York City.
THE BAHA’I RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT[edit]
Miss Martha Root in Rangoon
Miss Martha L. Root, American journalist and International speaker, who is now in Rangoon, is delivering a series of lectures on the Bahá’í movement, which aims at the establishment of religion and universal peace among mankind.
Miss Root in an interview with a representative of the Rangoon Times stated that the movement started in Persia about the middle of the nineteenth century, its founder being Bahá’u’lláh and it has since been spreading with wonderful rapidity not only in the land of its birth, but throughout the world, in both Eastern and Western lands.
It was in a restaurant in Pittsburgh, U. S. A. that the Bahá’í movement was first brought to the notice of Miss Root. She purchased every book she could lay hands on relating to the subject and for two years devoted her leisure hours to the study of this movement which had made such an appeal to her. She was connected in a journalistic capacity with a number of the leading American journals, when she decided to dedicate her career to the spread of the Bahá’í movement.
She first visited Chicago and Washington and then set sail for Japan and China. In the latter country she spent a year learning the language and speaking in the Universities. So successful was her mission that a Bahá’í University was established in Peking. She next visited Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania and South Africa in turn, and then toured Egypt and Palestine. In Europe where she spent four and a half months, Miss Root lectured in practically all the leading Universities. Her tour in India was a very successful one, and after Burma, she proceeds to Singapore, and then once again to China and Japan. Finally, she will go back to America after a sojourn of nearly eight years.
“The Bahá’í teaching,” remarked Miss Root “offers a practical philosophy which meets the present day spiritual needs of humanity. People interested in the growing need and desire for harmony and brotherhood between the followers of the different doctrines and creeds cannot fail to find in this movement truths of deep interest and those who are interested in the comparative study of religion will find this subject worthy of much thought.”
- Reprinted from “The Rangoon
Times,” August 1, 1930.
KEITH RANSOM-KEHLER IN SEATTLE[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Seattle have been most active in arranging meetings for Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler. The following programs suggest some attractive means of making contacts with liberal organizations and the general public.
EVERGREEN HALL, ARCADE BLDG.
Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler of New York, B. A., M. A., (Vassar) and Graduate of Chicago and Michigan Universities.
A noted World Teacher and Traveler in the interest of the Bahá’í Cause.
- Tues., Oct. 14—8 p. m.—“The Divine
Adventure.”
- Wed., Oct. 15, 12:15 p. m.—“Meeting
Your Child’s Problems.”—8 p. m.
—“The Living Word.”
- Mon., Oct. 20, 8 p. m.—“Psychology
of Human Relations.”
- Tues., Oct. 21, 12:15 p. m.—“Making
the Most of Ourselves.”
- Wed., Oct. 22, 12:15 p. m.—“Honest
Doubt.”—8 p. m.—“Imaginary Obstacles.”
- Fri., Oct. 24, 12:15 p. m.—“All
Things New.”
- Tues., Oct. 28, 8 p. m.—“The
Supreme Flight.”
- Wed., Oct. 29, 12:15 p. m.—“Is
Universal Brotherhood Possible?”
PEACE AND AMITY
CONFERENCE
to be held in the
ZION BAPTIST CHURCH
19th and Madison
SEATTLE
October 19, 1930—8 p. m.
Unitarian Churches, Peace Clubs and
Bahá’í Assembly Cooperating
Chairman
Rev. Dorothy Dyar, of University
Unitarian Church
Address—“Race Prejudice and Discrimination as a Cause of Inharmony.” —Clarence R. Anderson, Attorney at Law.
Address—“Racial Unity.” Herbert S. Little, Attorney at Law.
Music by Mount Zion Baptist Church Choir.
Address—“The Most Great Peace Shall Come.”—Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler of New York City, Noted World Traveler and Lecturer.
“Consort with all the people with love and fragrance. Fellowship is the cause of unity, and unity is the source of order in the world.”—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
BAHA’I CAUSE
By Mrs. Keith Ransom Kehler
to be given at
FISCHER STUDIO APARTMENTS
1519 Third Avenue
Beginning October 25, 1930, 8 p. m.
An opportunity we hope will not be ignored by the lovers of God.
- Sat., Oct. 25.—“A Changeless Pattern.”
- Mon., Oct. 27.—“What is Permanent?”
- Wed., Oct. 29.—“The Effulgent
Trinity.”
- Thurs., Oct. 30.—“A Journey of
the Soul.”
- Sat., Nov. 1.—“Life’s Essential
Purpose.”
- Mon., Nov. 3.—“Prepare to Meet
Thy God.”
- Wed., Nov. 5.—“God’s Ancient
Covenant.”
- Thurs., Nov. 9.—“The Hope of the
New Day.
- Sat., Nov. 8.—“Judgment and Resurrection.”
- “Seek and ye shall find; Knock and
it shall be opened unto you.”—JESUS CHRIST.
“O Son of Spirit! The first council is: Possess a good, a pure and enlightened heart, that thou mayest possess a kingdom eternal, immortal, ancient and without end.”—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler is a graduate of three universities, Vassar, Universities of Michigan and of Chicago; also held chair of Literature in the Middle West College. A world traveler and lecturer.
KEITH RANSOM-KEHLER IN PORTLAND[edit]
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Thursday, Nov. 13—“All Things New,” Unity Center, 113 Park Street, 8:00 P. M.
Friday, NOV. 14—“The Great Message of Bahá’u’lláh,” Bahá’i Assembly, 101 Multnomah Hotel, 8:00 P. M.
Sunday, Nov. 16—“Is Universal Peace Possible,” The First Divine Science Church, 816 East Clay at 25th Street, 11:00 A. M.
Sunday, Nov. 16—“The Divine Adventure—Why Be Unhappy,” Metaphysical Library, 405 Yamhill Street, 8:00 P. M.
Thursday, Nov. 20—“Racial Amity,” Dinner at Thiele Lincoln Ball Room (Make reservations at Thiele’s), 6:00 P. M.
Friday, Nov. 21—“A Changeless Pattern,” Bahá’í Assembly, 831 Terminal Sales Building, 8:00 P. M.
Sunday, NOV. 23—“Imaginary Obstacles,” N. A. A. C. P., 274 Tillamook Street, 4:00 P. M.
Sunday, Nov. 23—“The Living Word,” Theosophical Society, Terminal Sales Building, 8:00 P. M.
Monday, Nov. 24—“The Bahá’í Teachings,” Reed College, Noon.
BAHA’I PRINCIPLES LAUDED IN SERMON[edit]
“The Principles taught by Bahá’u’lláh, sixty years ago, lie outside the province of any existing creed,” declared Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler in an address before the Bahá’í assembly of Los Angeles yesterday at Beaux Arts Building.
“The purpose of these lofty principles is not to create another sect, but to lay the foundations for a world civilization fulfilling the aspirations and ideals of every true religion,” said Mrs. Kehler. “These teachings are urgently needed in that education in the divine art of living which renews faith in immortality by clear and convincing proof and upholds a standard of moral conduct and social co-operation, showing the possibility of eliminating the influence of prejudice and fear from the mind of humanity.”
From Los Angeles Times, March 2, 1931.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
On October 19, 1930, Mrs. Ingre Ana Nelson, mother of two Bahá’ís, Mrs. Edward Ruppers and Josephine Nelson, ascended to the Kingdom. Mrs. Nelson came to this country from Norway shortly after the close of the Civil War. Meetings were held in her home in Chicago, Phoenix, Arizona, and Hollywood, California.
FIRST BAHA’I WEDDING IN SOUTH AFRICA[edit]
Miss Fanny Knobloch, who has been rendering great services to the Cause in Miami, sends word that thefirst Bahá’í wedding has been held in the Bahá’í community in Pretoria, South Africa. The announcement reads: “A Bahá’í Wedding to be Solemnized between Millicent Frances de Villiers Brunt and Harry Vernon Durose on Friday, 27th February, 1931.”
MIAMI ASSEMBLY RESTORED[edit]
Through Miss Esther L. Webster, Secretary, at 276 N. E. 98th Street, Miami, Florida, announcement has been made to the National Assembly that on January 16 last members of the Miami Bahá’í community convened and effected the informal election of a Spiritual Assembly to unify the activities pending formal election on the established date, April 21.
“The meeting—our regular Friday night meeting, was called to order by Miss Fanny A. Knobloch, who has worked so patiently and untiringly with us this Winter and a special prayer for guidance was offered.
“A chapter from Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era was read, and Miss Knobloch talked to us of the subject of Unity and the Divine Plan. The Tablet for the Southern States was read and then our election took place. Our meeting closed with a prayer.
“The Miami Bahá’í Assembly has the handicap of trying to establish something permanent in a community of transients, so as yet we are a very small organization, but we meet every Wednesday afternoon at the home of our chairman, Mrs. Olive E. Kretz, and every Sunday afternoon on the seventeenth floor of the Congress Building, under Miss Knobloch’s tutelage. Of course we are happy in giving the Message always, even though our organization does not grow substantially through it, for we know that the recipients will seek further information and contact in some other Bahá’í Center.”
CONFERENCE FOR INTERRACIAL AMITY[edit]
Arranged by the National Teaching
- Committee of the Bahá’ís of the
- United States and Canada,
The Urban League of New York City and New York Bahá’í Assembly
for
November 2, 8 and 9
1930
119 West 57th Street
4 P. M. Sunday, November 2
Chairman: Mrs. Ludmila Bechtold
Address: Miss Mary White Ovington
of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People.
Address: Mr. Louis G. Gregory
Lecturer on Race Relations
Music by Lorenza Jordan Cole,
Concert Pianist
Forum
URBAN LEAGUE AUDITORIUM
- 204 West 136th Street
- 4 P. M., Saturday, November 8
- Chairman: Mrs. Doris McKay,
- Geneva, N. Y.
- Address: Mr. J. M. Ragland,
Executive Secretary Urban League
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Address: Mr. Paul E. Baker,
- of the Federal Council of the
- Churches of Christ
- Address: Mrs. Jessie Faucett Harris
- Music — Forum — Reception
- BAHA’I CENTER
- 119 West 57th Street
- 4 P. M. Sunday, November 9
- Chairman: Mr. Harlan F. Ober
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Address: Mr. Eugene Kinckle Jones,
- Executive Secretary
- National Urban League
- Address: Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford
- Address: Mr. James H. Hubert,
- Executive Secretary
- New York Urban League
- Music — Forum
- Address: Mr. James H. Hubert,
- Chairman: Mr. Harlan F. Ober
MARTHA ROOT IN SAN FRANCISCO[edit]
Martha’s first talk was given at the Berkeley Commonwealth Club, Friday, January 23, and met with such success that she was immediately asked to speak at the Pacific School of Religions later, lecture which incidentally aroused much interest.
On Saturday Martha addressed the Children’s Meeting, showed lantern slides and told of her trip across the Andes in mid-winter; in the evening she further spoke to a large group at the Bahá’í Hall, chiefly describing conditions in Persia—the great number of Bahá’ís, the still dangerous fanaticism —the tolerance of the Shah.
Sunday morning, January 25, Martha spoke at the Montezuma School, and “The Progress of the Bahá’í Cause in Five Continents” was her subject at Sorosis Hall, Sunday evening. This lecture, at which many inquirers were present, dealt chiefly with opinions of international scholars and thinkers regarding the Bahá’í Cause, emphasized the dawning importance of Japan, and the progress in Australia, and furnished many little known details of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s travels in Europe.
On Monday, January 26, Martha was guest of honor at a private dinner given by the heads of International House in Berkeley. The following evening she spoke to a large audience at the Chinese Y M C A, on “China” and the “Bahá’í Cause”; here Martha demonstrated her skill in speaking through an interpreter; she told of leading Chinese officials and their admiration for the Cause—of her love for China—of ‘Abdul-Bahá’s prophecies for China’s future; many among the audience were deeply interested.
On Wednesday, January 28, Martha addressed a group at the San Jose State Teachers College, and after an inter-racial dinner was given at International House, Berkeley, with 125 guests, where Martha spoke of the universal interest in the Bahá’í Cause, and emphasized experiences in the Balkans.
On Thursday, the 29th, she addressed the University of California on “Youth’s Place in the New World” —and a large audience was present despite the unpromising hour; later she addressed the International Club of the San Francisco Teachers’ College. On Friday Martha spoke to 1500 school children in Oakland on Esperanto, and Friday evening gave an impromptu talk to a large group at the Bahá’í Hall in the course of which she gave moving incidents of Bahá’í activity all over the world. Saturday, the 31st, at noon, Martha broadcast over KFWI on Esperanto as an international Auxiliary Language, following which she left for Geyserville.
- San Francisco Bahá’í News,
- February, 1931.
PERSIA’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE CULTURE OF THE WORLD[edit]
Dr. Julius Germanus has been contributing a series of articles on modern movements in Islam, in the Visva-Bharati Quarterly, the third instalment of which deals with Persia. In course of this article, Dr. Germanus points out the peculiar contribution of Persia to world culture.
“Speculative and fanciful, but endowed with an uncommonly rich intellect, the history of Persian culture is one of the most splendid spectacles in the evolution of civilization. Every external influence which has enriched their mental store in the course of their history, became blended with their character, which augmented, embellished and variegated, has still in the spiritual, the fantastic, the extravagant, the artistic Islam, with its matter of fact theology, grew through contact with the Persian intellect into a vivid transcendentalism which reared a metaphysics, theexuberant foliage of which threatened to crush its very roots and foundations. Islamic doctrine even in its most sober aspects gained an allegoric meaning in the eyes of Persians with whom everything was so highly spiritualized that contact with reality was often lost. Islam suffered more heresies at the hands of Persians than of all other races professing the religion of the Prophet. The dogmatism of Semitic Islam blossomed into metaphysical speculations in which lie embedded the memories of Persian mental history. We, therefore, find that the same old theme crops up again in a new garment and under a new name and is always hailed with boundless enthusiasm.
“In modern times a movement which has rapidly gained ground not only in the East but also in Europe and America and which has become a religion supposedly professed by millions has its roots in Persia. A new religion has arisen, a religion of humanity, a universal creed for the whole of mankind which in its present form is not only a factor of social and perhaps of political importance in Persia, but to judge by its literature written in English, seems to have been enthusiastically accepted by many Americans. The religion of Bahaism is a characteristic example of the Persian spirit. It is a remarkable phenomenon that in countries which show such a deep contrast in cultural matters as America and Persia this religion has made such an amazing progress. This alone would justify our interest in its study.”
Modern Review, Calcutta, Feb., 1931.
