Bahá’í News/Issue 503/Text
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| No. 503 | BAHA’I YEAR 129 | FEBRUARY, 1973 |
|
Kitáb-i-Aqdas:
to be Published at Riḍván
—THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
Haifa, Israel |
Thornton Chase, First Bahá’í in the Western World[edit]
Soon after I became a member of the Bahá’í community in Los Angeles on July first of 1950, I heard that
Thornton Chase was not only the first believer in the
United States of America, but also in the Western world.
I often wondered what sort of a man he was. What
indefinable quality did he have that enabled him to
recognize the Station of Bahá’u’lláh before anyone else
in such a large part of the planet?
I heard the distinguished old believer, Willard Hatch, at that time Secretary of the Spiritual Assembly say, “Thornton Chase and I were friends.”
One morning I telephoned him and said, “Mr. Hatch, may I come to see you? I want to hear more about Thornton Chase.”
“Well, bless your heart,” Mr. Hatch answered warmly. “The Spiritual Assembly has invited me to say a few words about him at his grave in Inglewood on the afternoon of September 30, the anniversary of his passing, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wished the friends to meet there.”
“What was Mr. Chase’s profession?” I asked directly. “He was an insurance salesman, but he had one of the best baritone voices that I have ever heard.” Despite my obvious encouragement, Mr. Hatch said no more about him.
The cemetery in Inglewood, a suburb of Los Angeles, was composed of lawnlike stretches of low lands with only a few trees and a view of distant hills. Since the anniversary took place on a weekday only a few of the believers were able to attend. Helped by a cane, Mr. Hatch got out of a car in which an old friend had driven him to the cemetery and, with much dignity, limped to the side of the grave. He sat down on a chair that someone had placed there for him. Stockily built, he had a strong face with few lines and full of character. His hair was white. He looked seventy, his actual age.
The other believers gathered around the grave. The quotation on the gravestone is what the Master said: “This is the illumined resting place of the holy soul, Thornton Chase, who is shining in the horizon of eternal life ever like a star.”
Mr. Hatch spoke in a plain, direct, and forceful manner. I can remember a few sentences of his short address.
“Thornton Chase was living in Chicago when he came into the Cause there in 1894. He was an insurance salesman and travelled from place to place for his work. Towards the end of his life he became more and more interested in the Faith and less and less interested in his work. The number of years that he was a Bahá’í is not important. That he was the first Bahá’í in the Western world and that he served the Cause faithfully until his passing is extremely important.”
After his talk during prayers I was privileged to read the one by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which begins:
“O Thou kind Lord! This gathering is turning to Thee. These hearts are radiant with Thy love. These minds and spirits are exhilarated by the message of Thy glad-tidings. O God! Let this American democracy become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired to material degrees and render this just government victorious ...”
Always moving, this prayer seemed particularly so at that moment when I thought of many tragic events, including two catastrophic wars that had afflicted the United States of America since the passing of Thornton
Thornton Chase
Chase all coming about because of man’s disobedience
to Bahá’u’lláh.
I felt in the group not only a deep realization of the spiritual blindness that still existed among the people, but also a heartfelt belief that through the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh this country was going to achieve what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá fervently prayed that it would. A strong atmosphere of peace seemed to fill this holy spot.
Early Life[edit]
Thornton Chase was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on February 22, 1847. His childhood home, a photograph of which he showed his close friend, Carl Scheffler, was “a large, rather ornate, white frame building, located at the intersection of two sharply converging streets.”1
Thornton Chase attended Brown University. He was a Captain in the Civil War. He was fond of fishing, had a love of music and a magnificent singing voice. Carl Scheffler thought that at one time his friend might have sung in opera. Always deeply interested in religion and not content with partial acceptance of any prevailing doctrine or sect of which there were many always springing up, “he was,” he said, “convinced that this undoubtedly was “The Day of God”2 and he was determined to spare no pains to discover what God had brought to mankind.
A few years before he had heard of the Bahá’í Revelation he became a follower of the great mystic of eighteenth century Sweden, Emanuel Swedenborg. Not content with these noble teachings which have satisfied many brilliant, highly constructive people, Mr. Chase still looked for what he thought must be a greater light that God had already unveiled to the world.
According to Carl Scheffler’s essay on Thornton Chase, a friend of his, William F. James, told him that he had met a man who had said, “God walked upon the
[Page 3]
earth.”3
Mr. Chase wanted to meet this man without delay. As a result Mr. James took Mr. Chase to see Dr. Ibrahim Khayr’u’lláh who had made this overwhelming statement. Shortly before his passing Mr. Chase wrote about this meeting.
“In the month of June 1894, a gentleman in Chicago desired to study Sanskrit, in order to further pursue his search into ancient religious teachings. While seeking an instructor, he met a Syrian who had come to Chicago from Egypt a short time before, and who told him of the Bahá’í Movement.... As the statements of the life and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and his son, ‘Abbás Effendi, the ‘Greatest Branch,’ otherwise known as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, accorded with the declarations of numerous sacred prophecies, and with the age-long expectations of mankind, it was deemed of value to investigate those claims as far as possible.” Other seekers for truth became attracted to the study of these matters, with the result that five accepted the teaching as true during the year 1894.4
During those early years many people showed an interest in the Faith, even asked to be enrolled in the community, but a large portion of them had only a superficial understanding of what the Faith meant. As a result, when Dr. Ibrahim Khayr’u’lláh, who up to that time had received high praise for his teaching from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, blinded by self-love and ambition, turned against Him and broke the Covenant of God for this day, more than a few left the Faith in doubt and confusion. This tragic and heart breaking event in no way affected those like Thornton Chase who truly believed.
He mentioned the arrival in the United States of America during 1900 of other fine teachers, among them Mírzá ‘Abu’l-Fadl, a scholar and historian, famous in the Orient for his learning and sincerity, one who had given up a position of the highest honor in Persia as President of the Royal College of Ṭihrán to embrace the Bahá’í Cause, which resulted in his imprisonment for three years in Persian dungeons.5
Mr. Chase stressed the enormous service that these teachers had given in bringing an entirely correct knowledge of the Bahá’í Writings to those already believers and to the sincere seekers of truth. Many who had mixed up the Cause with occult and psychic experiments and held views based on superstition and imagination left the Cause. Others through the instruction of these great teachers became deeply confirmed in their belief and clung to it as the most valuable instruction possible for man to obtain.6
Because of his position with an insurance company it was necessary for Mr. Chase to travel a great deal. In each city he visited he planted seeds for the Faith. When the people began to seriously investigate it and some to join the community, he was able to teach and deepen them.
John Bosch, an emigrant from Switzerland in 1879 joined the Bahá’í community on May 29, 1905. After first mentioning that “he bought all the available pamphlets, mostly by Thornton Chase”7, Marzieh Gail has given a delightful report of the following incident between the two gentlemen.
In those days Thornton Chase had an important insurance position in Chicago, with a salary of $750 a month which diminished every year because the Faith meant more to him than his business. Whenever he was coming to San Francisco he wired John; they would stop at different hotels, but dined together. He was very tall—about six feet two. He always ate two or three ice creams after supper; he always dug a big bite right out of the middle of it to start with. Around eleven o’clock, he used to say, ‘Now, John, I guess it’s about time to take you home.’ Arm in arm, they would go to John’s hotel, talking steadily about the Cause. They would sit in the parlor. About one o’clock I [John Bosch] used to say, ‘Now, Mr. Chase, I guess it’s about time to take you home.’ We used to wonder what the policeman on the beat thought about us. One night we brought each other home till four in the morning.8
Never feeling that he had sufficient knowledge of the Cause, Mr. Chase was always trying to find out more. But despite the absence of much authentic material he could explain clearly aspects of the Cause that others found difficult to understand. As the Master gradually unfolded the Administrative Order Mr. Chase eagerly received each new piece of information. He entirely appreciated the great importance of the Spiritual Assembly and did all that he could to uphold its authority, while many not realizing why such an institution should exist left the Cause. The serious problems and turmoil that the early communities went through in no way interfered with his constant and inspiring service.
Pilgrimage[edit]
In April of 1907, Mr. Chase, with Mr. Agnew, his wife, son, and Mr. Scheffler, made a pilgrimage to ‘Akká. Mr. Chase has described this journey in a short book, no longer in print, called In Galilee.
After first staying for four days in Haifa at the Catholic Hospice of the Little Child, during which time they had the precious experience of visiting the Tomb of the Báb, Mr. Chase and Mr. Scheffler took the beautiful drive along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to ‘Akká.
At the entrance to the house where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá lived, three Persian gentlemen led them to the room where they were invited to stay, next to the room of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Soon, Mr. Chase wrote, “Someone said, ‘The Master’—and He came into the room with a free striding step, welcomed us in a clear, ringing voice—‘Mehrhabba! Mehrhabba!’ [Welcome! Welcome!] and embraced us with kisses as would a father his son, or as would brothers after a long absence.... He bade us be seated on the little divan. He sat on the high narrow bed at one side of the room, drew up one foot under Him, asked after our health, our trip, bade us be happy and expressed His happiness that we had safely arrived. Then, after a few minutes, He again grasped our hands and abruptly left us.”9
During the five days that Mr. Chase and Mr. Scheffler spent in the Greatest Prison, they saw the Master several times each day, once in His room, sometimes in their or someone else’s room and at meals in company with other believers. Mr. Chase pointed out, “Each conversation started with some simple reference to a natural thing, the weather, food, a stone, tree, water, a garden or a bird, our coming, or some little act of service, and the base would be woven into a parable and teaching of wisdom and simplicity, showing the oneness of all Spiritual Truth, and adapting it always to the life, both of the individual and of mankind.”10
In one of the most moving passages in his book Mr. Chase has written, “And, as each hungry pilgrim comes to that prison house, that banquet hall of heavenly gifts, He takes him in His arms and draws him to His breast with such sincerity and enthusiasm of love that the petty cares, thoughts, and ambitions of the world vanish away, and one is at peace and in happiness because he has reached home and found love there.11
On the Sunday of their pilgrimage the two friends had the unforgettable experience of going to see the photograph of Bahá’u’lláh. Mr. Chase wrote: “It is a majestic Face, that of a strong, powerful, stern man, yet filled with an indescribable sweetness.”12 Soon after the two friends had returned to their room The Master visited them there. On this occasion as on several others He
[Page 4]
spoke of His love for them and expressed the hope that
when they returned home the effect on them of their
experience in the Holy Land would bring happiness to
the believers in the United States of America and increase their understanding.
Because of troubles that enemies of the Cause were constantly stirring up, the Master felt obliged to cut short the visit of the two friends. At noon of their last day in the prison house ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stressed to them the great importance of unity among all the believers, explained that only with it could the Cause progress, and said that the building of the Temple should help to achieve this unity.
Mr. Chase has described his last meeting with Him. “Soon after the noon meal ‘Abdu’l-Bahá met me in the little upper court. He embraced this servant, and, moving away a few feet, He turned, looked steadily and pronounced a promise that is a precious memory and hope.”13 Mr. Scheffler has informed us that as they walked down the old stone steps that led out of the prison house, Mr. Chase said to him, “The Master has assured me that I will return to this place soon. This reconciles me to this unbearable departure.”14
After leaving there the two friends visited the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh, which Mr. Chase described as “the culmination of our pilgrimage,”15 rested in the garden of the Riḍván where Bahá’u’lláh used to sit and returned to spend the night again in the Hospice of the Little Child.
Mr. Scheffler has remarked that in spite of Mr. Chase’s deep understanding he still had many wrong conceptions that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gently corrected. Mr. Chase responded to His love like a devoted son.
Shortly after his return from The Holy Land the company for which he worked transferred him to California. According to Hand of the Cause H. M. Balyuzi, the company decided to do this in the hope that Mr. Chase would spend more time in working for the company and less time in service to the Faith. The contrary took place. His professional work still took him from city to city.
Mr. Balyuzi wrote: “A secretary in an office which he had to visit from time to time, spoke in later years of the electrifying presence of Thornton Chase. She recalled that whenever he came into the room people felt elated; joy wafted in with him; his face radiated light.”16
Writings[edit]
In 1919 his well-known book “The Bahá’í Revelation” was published. It was most valuable at that time as there was a scarcity of Bahá’í Holy Writings and reliable works on the Cause available in English. Like In Galilee, it enables us to look into the mind and heart of the first believer in the West and try to understand a little how he taught the Cause.
It contains a short history of the Cause, starting with the declaration of His Holiness, the Báb, in 1844, briefly describes His Dispensation, gives a brief outline of the life of Bahá’u’lláh, and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. In the conclusion of this history Mr. Chase assures the reader that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is spreading the Divine Word that His Father Bahá’u’lláh revealed for all parts of the planet and that “the fearless lovers of Truth”17 are embracing His Cause.
In a most moving chapter, “What Shall I Do to Be Saved?” he has made many beautiful observations about faith, prayer, and obedience: “Faith is not an intellectual yielding to argument, through being convinced that certain statements are correct, but it is rather from a hunger of the soul, a knowledge of personal helplessness, and the perception of a possible Mighty Helpfulness.”18 “Prayer, in its essence, is the abandonment of the personal will in favor of the Will of God. And such prayer God answers, because it is in agreement with His Law and can be answered.”19 “Man is always a servant; he obeys something; how much better for him to serve the Wise One, the True One, the Beautiful One, instead of his own ignorance and greed.”20
In a chapter, entitled “The Bahá’í Revelation Makes All Things New,” he most clearly wrote: “Old doctrines and beliefs are being tested in the courts of modern judgment, for this is the Day of Judgment, and the chaff of false teachings is being cast into the fires of ridicule and rejection. On the one side are scholarly efforts to destroy both wheat and tares together to make way for new material philosophies; on the other are anxious hearts looking for the Truth of the Eternal God and lifting their eyes to the hills to behold the coming of their Helper and their Lord.”21
In a published letter called “What Is Truth?” after first stating that “Truth is single like light”22 he has logically explained how through false imaginings and misconceptions only a fragment remains, not sufficient to transform the lives of men, and has given an example of what happened to the Teachings of Jesus Christ, when through opposition, hatred and denial, they became divided through the establishment of many cults and sects.
Several weeks before his passing Mr. Chase wrote a poem about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which was published in The Star of the West. Dated August 9, 1912, composed of nine verses that show a most powerful love for Him, the poem concludes with this verse:23
- Thou Lion of the Tribe of Judah!
- Thou Lamb of the Sacrificial Love!
- Thou Baptizer of Evanescence!
- Thou Sum of Spiritual and Human Perfection!
- Thou Mystery of God!
On August 10, 1912, John Bosch in a telegram to the Master then in Dublin, New Hampshire, begged Him to visit California and included among others Thornton Chase’s name.
“John, don’t you think it’s too soon? The Bahá’ís aren’t ready,” said Mr. Chase. “Well, I’m ready for Him,” said John.
Passing[edit]
As the Master reached San Francisco, down in Los Angeles, Thornton Chase died. “It was too much for him,” said Mr. Bosch.24
With the exception of those tablets which he had sent to the archives in Chicago Thornton Chase left all of his papers and books to John Bosch. Unfortunately Mrs. Chase burned several hundred of her husband’s letters before John could get to Los Angeles.25
‘Abdu’l-Bahá became much saddened over news sent to Him that Thornton Chase lay dangerously ill in the hospital. Upon His arrival in San Francisco on October 4, 1912, He heard that Thornton Chase had died on September 10 in Los Angeles. The Master said, “This revered personage was the first Bahá’í in America. He served the Cause faithfully and his services will ever be remembered throughout ages and cycles.”26
‘Abdu’l-Bahá made a special trip to Los Angeles so that he might visit Thornton Chase’s grave. On Saturday, October 19, at one o’clock in the afternoon ‘Abdu’l-Bahá together with about twenty-five Bahá’ís of that city arrived at Inglewood Cemetery. He walked silently to the grave ahead of the friends who followed Him. After He had scattered over it flowers that He had brought and those that the friends had handed Him, He stood at the head of the grave, turned towards the East, raised his Hands to heaven and chanted a most beautiful prayer. In it the Master has referred to Thornton Chase’s rising to serve the Cause, his pilgrimage to ‘Akká, his return to the United States, and his proclamation of the Cause there until his passing, and concluded the prayer with these words, “Submerge him in the ocean of Thy Lights.”27
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After this prayer the Master gave him most high
praise. Among other remarks He said: “This is a personage who will not be forgotten. For the present his worth is
not known, but in the future it will be inestimably dear.
His sun will be ever shining. His stars will ever bestow
the light.”28
In a talk that He gave that evening in Los Angeles about Mr. Chase, the Master said “As many times as possible—at least once a year—you should make it a point to visit his tomb, for his spirit will be exhilarated through the loyalty of the friends and in the world of God will it be happy. The friends of God must be kind to one another, whether it be in life or after death.”29
On Sunday, October 20, in Los Angeles, the Master concluded his final talk there with these beautiful words of assurance: “For I loved Mr. Chase very much indeed. His heart was pure. He had no other aim except service to the Cause. He had no other thought except the thought of the Kingdom. Therefore he was very near to Me, and at the threshold of Bahá’u’lláh he was accepted. The Blessed Perfection has invited him to His Kingdom. At this very moment he is submerged in the Sea of His Bounty.”30
In the not too distant future when man’s present spiritual blindness has been at least partially healed historians will certainly honor Thornton Chase who despite the conflicting voices, false ideals and worldly ambitions of those around him not only became the first in the entire Western world to recognize his Lord, but despite serious upheavals and countless misunderstandings in the Bahá’í community itself, remained as the Master has described him “steadfast” until his passing.
No one now living can correctly estimate the great importance of what he accomplished. We can only read what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian in perfect knowledge have written about him.
NOTES:
- Carl Scheffler, “Thornton Chase, First American Bahá’í,” The Bahá’í Magazine, Vol. XI, No. 5, Aug. 1945, p. 152.
- Ibid., p. 152
- Ibid., p. 153
- Thornton Chase, “A Brief History of the American Development of the Bahá’í Movement,” Star of the West, Vol V. No. 17, Jan. 19. 1915, p. 263.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Marzieh Gail, “ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Portrayals from East and West. The Conversations of John and Louise Bosch”, World Order, Vol. VI, No. 1, p. 35, Fall 1971
- Ibid., p. 35-36
- Thornton Chase, In Galilee, Bahá’í Publishing Society, Chicago, Ill., 921, p. 27 (out of print)
- Ibid., p. 33-34
- Ibid., p. 55
- Ibid., p. 39
- Ibid., p. 66
- Carl Scheffler, “Thornton Chase, First American Bahá’í,” The Bahá’í Magazine, Vol. XI. p. 157
- Thornton Chase, In Galilee, p. 69
- H. M. Balyuzi, “ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Center of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh,” Chapter VI, Disciples in the West, p. 67
- Thornton Chase, The Bahá’í Revelation, Bahá’í Publishing Com., New York, 1919, p. 61 (out of print)
- Ibid., p. 123
- Ibid., p. 125
- Ibid., p. 127
- Ibid., p. 173-174
- Thornton Chase, “What is Truth?” The Bahá’í Magazine (Star of the West) Vol. XXI
- Star of the West, Vol. IV, Sept. 27, 1913, No. 11
- H. M. Balyuzi, Disciples in the West, p. 37
- Ibid., p. 37
- Star of the West, Vol. IV, p. 189
- Ibid., p. 189
- Ibid., p. 190
- Star of the West, Vol. IV, Nov. 4, 1913, No. 13, p. 225
- Ibid., p.226
Thornton Chase Memorial Service, October 1, 1972[edit]
An annual memorial service for Thornton Chase is held at his grave in the Inglewood Park cemetery, Inglewood, California. The most recent one in memory of the sixtieth anniversary of the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was held on Sunday, October 1, 1972 at 2:00 p.m. There were about 200 persons present.
Children placed flowers on the grave while the Bahá’í chorus sang “Alláh-u-Abhá”. The story of the dedicated life of Thornton Chase once more renewed the friends. Paul Kurokawa said the opening prayer, followed by the “Prayer for America” said by Jolin Murphy, and later the prayer revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for Mr. Chase was said by Howard Jacobs. Readings from The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh were given by Blanche and Walter Grant. Don Addison read Hidden Words in the Mandarin dialect, and gave Chinese musical selections. Kamran Nejati read from Gleanings passages regarding the soul of man. Campbell Thompson, Inez Shannon and Loreda Kocher made short talks about the life of Thornton Chase, the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to America and the growth of the Faith. The musical group “Wednesday’s Children” presented selections.
Many of the friends lingered to visit after the service and left refreshed and inspired.
The Heavenly Army[edit]
Our pioneers write of the hardships they encounter
such as the discomfort associated with sleeping on skins
and dirt floors, scratching fleas and eating nothing but
potatoes. Sicknesses are caused by amoebas and
worms.
They tell of all the other difficulties related to serving in primitive areas, but most important—they tell of walking for half a day through primitive country only to come over a mountain top and view a small community of perhaps three or four adobe huts and be greeted by the children—some not old enough to talk well—with “Alláh-u-Abhá.” Upon entering one of the huts, the visitor is greeted by a hand-written paper sign—Bahá’í Center—and a small photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. That makes it all worthwhile.
As one pioneer wrote: “One can see that a new World Order is unfolding, even in remote Indian villages in the Andes.”
Meeting with the Regional Teaching Committee of
Andamarca, Bolivia on August 25, 1972. This is near the
Chilean border. Auxiliary Board member Andres
Jachakollo, Isidro Jachakollo and Dorothy Hansen
Baskin with some of the local teachers. They have a
strong Regional Teaching Committee and Local Spiritual Assembly. All appreciated a plastic globe of the
world, a gift of Larry Day, pioneer, who brought it from
Panama to Bolivia as a teaching tool.
A two-day trip was made over barren flat altiplano to Chipaya, near the border of Chile, to fulfill a goal of the Nine Year Plan, translation of Bahá’í prayers into Poguina. The party consisted of Auxiliary Board member Andres Jachakollo, Isidro Jachakollo, Jim Self and Dorothy Hansen Baskin. The barren, frozen, windy altiplano is about 20,000 feet in altitude. The distant mountains are in Chile. As the jeep entered the river the first time it began to sink, so the driver, Jim Self, backed up, saving all. The three men decided that they could go no farther but Dorothy Baskin declared: “I’m not coming this far for this goal and then turn back”, so she waded in measuring the Rio Lanoa to see where the jeep could cross and get to the distant village. She was successful, so the men rode over in the jeep. Dorothy was protected, because she did not even catch cold. All had a good laugh about the determination of some women pioneers.
Taking translations in Poguina, the language of the
Chipaya tribe, in order to fill one of the Bolivian goals of
the Nine Year Plan on August, 26, 1972. The altitude is
around 20,000 feet, the coldest spot in Bolivia. Left is
Auxiliary Board member Andres Jachakollo, the brothers Quispe, Bahá’ís helping with the translations, and
Dorothy Hansen Baskin, who is writing linguistic interpretations of this unusual language which is not related
to either Aymara or Quechua. Not shown in the photo
but in the party are Isidro Jachakollo and pioneer Jim
Self who drove the jeep.
[Page 7]
The end of the road—a thousand foot gorge stopped the
jeep of pioneers so Domingo Mamavu, Aymara driver
(left), slept in the jeep in the freezing 18,000 foot altitude
while native pioneer Sabino Ortega, Lucas Marca and
Dorothy Baskin followed Aymara guides down the 2,000
foot trail for a half-day to Taliya, Department of Cochabamba where a large and devoted Bahá’í community
resides with a functioning Local Spiritual Assembly.
There loyal friends walk out in great numbers to attend
Conferences held by the Counsellors.
A family of devoted Aymara traveling teachers in
Huayllama, Bolivia. Lucas Marca, in center with hat, is
a local judge as well as a musician and all his sons play
in a small band. He is an excellent translator in
Aymara, and visits Assemblies in his area on foot, deepening and teaching. He is accompanied by Sabino
Ortega, native pioneer and Dorothy Hansen Baskin.
The party on August 27, 1972 with new Bahá’í Chipaya
family in front of their small round house where they
slept on skins and ate only quinca, a very nutritious
grain that grows only at about 16,000 ft. altitude.
Some of the about seventy Bahá’ís who gathered for a
deepening day with teaching team Lucas Marca, Sabino
Ortega and American pioneer Dorothy Hansen Baskin.
The hostess, Sabina Yapiticora is shown at left. She is a
Local Assembly member and leading citizen of her
village Taliya, Bolivia, where about fifty Bahá’ís reside.
The team slept in her home on skins.
[Page 8]
Yauri-Khoya Bahá’í community with Aymara teacher
Lucas Marca (standing on right with white “chulu”),
and pioneer Dorothy Hansen Baskin. Here friends have
built their own Bahá’í Center similar to the one in the
background, although the location was only opened a
year ago by Lucas Marca. To reach this 16,450 foot
altitude location it is necessary to walk a half-day from
the main dirt roads through valleys and hills where
farmers till their potatoes with wooden instruments.
Women of Yauri-Khoya, Bolivia with pioneer Dorothy
Hansen Baskin during a teaching, deepening trip on
October 8, 1972.
TANACROSS[edit]
Tanacross was in the middle of a four-day Potlatch, celebrating the death of the Chief’s son a year ago, and the Massive Encounter team of Alaska was invited to participate. Finding out that Hazel Lovelace, our coordinator for this trip, was a Tlingit Indian, the Chief said that it would be an honor if she would dance with them and say a few words. He beamed as he saw how the Bahá’ís attempted to dance and be a part of their activities. Even our dearly loved National Spiritual Assembly Chairman, John Kolstoe, danced with the people, and all shared in the festivities. This is a good example of indirect teaching—not much said about Bahá’u’lláh, but they knew who we were by our Bahá’í buttons.
We were invited to come back for the last day of the Potlatch. For five hours they gave out blankets and guns to selected people who had come from all over the state for the festivities. Hazel Lovelace and Victor James each received nice blankets from the Chief.
The next day we put on a program at the Tanacross Community Hall and invited everyone to come. The village has only one generator, which often refuses to function, and we were blessed with poor service on that afternoon. All the people were attracted to seeing a film and weren’t about to leave as long as we were working on the generator. During the next several hours the team talked on a personal level, and twenty-three became Bahá’ís, including Chief Isaac.
Finally the generator was running and the film began. The funny part of it all was the generator didn’t run at a constant speed. Consequently, neither did the projector, and at times female voices took on a male quality and vice versa. For those of us who see these films almost daily it was quite a test not to burst in laughter. At times like that entire afternoon one realizes how we have to lay all our affairs in God’s hands.
As we were getting ready to leave, the Chief made a speech on how grateful he was that we had come with the glorious Message of Bahá’u’lláh. We had the feeling that the natives may never have related to us if we hadn’t come to their celebrations the previous days.
Nov. 1972
Chief Isaac of Tanacross
Expanding Our Horizons[edit]
The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh[edit]
A BOOK REVIEW
Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh; Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, Ill., 1938, revised, third printing 1969, 234 pages.
These are some of the most searching questions which
any seeker might ask about the Faith: Why must religion be institutionalized? How are your institutions any
different from those we have had in religion before?
What, basically, is the Bahá’í Faith all about? How is it
different from other religions? How and when will the
world commonwealth you speak of come about? With
old institutions collapsing all around, what makes you
think the Bahá’í Faith will do any better?
Maybe you have been asked some of these questions. The answers are all to be found in The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, a series of letters which Shoghi Effendi wrote to the Western believers between 1929 and 1936 to help them understand the relationship of the new administration they were building to what was happening in the world at large—the relationship of God’s plan for the Bahá’ís to God’s plan for mankind—and to help them understand more fully the import of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.
Why Institutions?[edit]
In the first letter, “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh,” Shoghi Effendi described the origin and character of the Bahá’í institutions (pp. 3-9) and then showed why institutions are necessary—to “insure, amid the storm and stress of a struggling civilization, the unity of the Faith, the preservation of its identity, and the protection of its interests.” (p. 10) He said that the administration of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh “should be regarded as a channel through which His promised blessings may flow.” (p. 9)
The succeeding letter, “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, Further Considerations,” additionally demonstrates the need for this Order, for “... the spirit breathed by Bahá’u’lláh upon the world ... can never permeate and exercise an abiding influence upon mankind unless and until it incarnates itself in a visible Order, which would bear His name, wholly identify itself with His principles, and function in conformity with His laws.” (p. 19) This Bahá’í Administrative Order is a very “pattern for future society.” (p. 19) Its ways are the future world ways.
In this letter, Shoghi Effendi also warned of the likelihood of attacks by clergy: “... So soon as the full measure of the stupendous claim of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh comes to be recognized by those time-honored and powerful strongholds of orthodoxy, whose deliberate aim is to maintain their stranglehold over the thoughts and consciences of men, this infant Faith will have to contend with enemies more powerful and more insidious than the cruelest torture-mongers and the most fanatical clerics who have afflicted it in the past.” (p. 17)
It is necessary for Bahá’ís to be ready to defend the Faith against such attacks. And they must accordingly, sooner or later, “face this searching question: ‘Where and how does this Order established by Bahá’u’lláh, which to outward seeming is but a replica of the institutions established in Christianity and Islám, differ from them?’ ” (p. 18)
The answer involves a comparison between the lack of clear instructions from either Jesus or Muḥammad as to successorship or organization (pp. 20-21), and the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, which has provided its followers, in clear language, with “all the laws, the regulations, the principles, the institutions, the guidance, they require....” (p. 21) Both the administration and the matter of succession of authority are irrefutably established in the Writings. “Therein lies the distinguishing feature of the Bahá’í Revelation.” (p. 22)
Where to?[edit]
Just where the world is headed, and what part the Faith will play is the subject of the next three letters. “The Goal of a New World Order” describes the chaotic conditions of worldwide depression present in 1931 and foresees the likelihood of another world war. The worldwide unrest of the time was due mainly to the failure of world leaders “to adjust their system of economic and political institutions to the imperative needs of a rapidly evolving age.” (p. 36) And how should they reshape their governments?—“according to those standards that are implicit in Bahá’u’lláh’s supreme declaration of the Oneness of Mankind.” (p. 36) Shoghi Effendi called this principle “the pivot round which all the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh revolve.” (p. 42) It is what the Faith is about.
Nothing short of Bahá’u’lláh’s Divine Program can bring lasting peace—no man-made system or efforts in statesmanship, (pp. 33-34) Shoghi Effendi feared that another war (or wars) was inevitable, as, “We have but to turn our gaze to humanity’s blood-stained history to realize that nothing short of intense mental as well as physical agony has been able to precipitate those epoch-making changes that constitute the greatest landmarks in the history of human civilization.” (p. 45)
But when might we expect the era of world commonwealth to begin? It began with the erection of The Universal House of Justice in 1963. For Shoghi Effendi forecast it: “Might not the hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh mark the inauguration of so vast an era in human history?” (p. 48)
In “The Golden Age of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh” we see the contrast between the slow and steady growth of the Faith and the meteoric rise—and fall—of man-created movements (pp. 51-55) and between the “courage and restraint,” “magnanimity and power,” and “broad-mindedness and loyalty” (p. 55) of the heroes of the Cause as compared with the bitter dissensions that characterized even the early days of Judaism, Christianity, and Islám, (pp. 56-57)
The Bahá’í Faith does not belittle these religions, though, for:
Its teachings revolve around the fundamental principle that religious truth is not absolute but relative, that Divine Revelation is progressive, not
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final. Unequivocally and without the least reservation it proclaims all established religions to be
divine in origin, identical in their aims, complementary in their functions, continuous in their
purpose, indispensable in their value to mankind.
(p. 58)
The only difference, Shoghi Effendi said, is that the present age is “infinitely more advanced, more receptive, and more insistent to receive an ampler measure of Divine Guidance than has hitherto been vouchsafed to mankind.” (p. 60)
In “America and the Most Great Peace,” Shoghi Effendi recalled ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prediction that America would “lead all nations spiritually.” (p. 76) The Guardian said that “future historians” would show how the administrative center of the Faith moved to America, then the “mainspring and chief bulwark of its fast evolving institutions.” (p. 76) But he himself gave the outline of that history, summarizing the first four decades of the Faith in America climaxed respectively by the pilgrimages to the Holy Land, the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to America, the establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly, and the completion of the superstructure of the House of Worship, (pp. 80, 81-94) He called upon America to eclipse these past achievements by those of the future.
Who Is Bahá’u’lláh?[edit]
In “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh” we get a glimpse of the “incomparable greatness” of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and begin to see its relation to the Revelations of the past, which it fulfills, and to those of the future, which it is destined to overshadow, (p. 111) For our “first obligation” and the object of our “constant endeavor” as Bahá’ís should be, Shoghi Effendi said, “to strive to obtain a more adequate understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous Revelation.” (p. 100)
Rúḥíyyih Khánum remembers that “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh” “burst upon the Bahá’ís like a blinding white light.... All the frontiers of our understanding flew outwards; the glory of this Cause and the true station of its Central Figures were revealed to us and we were never the same again.” (The Priceless Pearl, p. 213)
As a way of getting to know this beautiful letter, let Shoghi Effendi’s own introductory words serve:
Dominating the entire range of this fascinating spectacle towers the incomparable figure of Bahá’u’lláh, transcendental in His majesty, serene, awe-inspiring, unapproachably glorious. Allied, though subordinate in rank, and invested with the authority of presiding with Him over the destinies of this supreme Dispensation, there shines upon this mental picture the youthful glory of the Báb, infinite in His tenderness, irresistible in His charm, unsurpassed in His heroism, matchless in the dramatic circumstances of His short yet eventful life. And finally there emerges, though on a plane of its own and in a category entirely apart from the one occupied by the twin Figures that preceded Him, the vibrant, the magnetic personality of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, reflecting to a degree that no man, however exalted his station, can hope to rival, the glory and power with which They who are the Manifestations of God are alone endowed, (pp. 97-98)
Besides Shoghi Effendi’s own masterful exposition of the subject we are given a great treasure-house of selections from the Writings which he has translated for us as only he could. And in this letter he pointed out what is “the most distinctive feature of the Bahá’í Dispensation” —did you know?—“the twofold station ordained for the Báb by the Almighty.” (p. 123)
What is Going On?[edit]
In the final letter, “The Unfoldment of World Civilization,” Shoghi Effendi has taken the chaotic puzzle of our “travailing society” and put the pieces together for us. This age can be understood when we realize that its convulsions are “the death-pangs of the old order and the birth-pangs of the new.” (p. 169) The one is a process of disintegration, tearing down “the antiquated barriers that seek to block humanity’s progress towards its destined goal.” (p. 170) The other is a process of integration, the building up of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
Examples are given of the old institutions that have fallen or are crumbling: the German Empire and the Sultanate, the Caliphate, and the Shí‘ih hierarchy in Islám have fallen; the Christian Church is weakening before materialism, Communism, and nationalism; the signs of moral downfall are clear; many political and economic structures have broken down; and the League of Nations proved impotent. (pp. 171-194)
Then the Bahá’í Faith is shown—“this healing Agency, this leavening Power, this cementing Force.” (p. 195) We see how it has changed peoples lives, “burned away their prejudices,” and “transformed their outlook”. (p. 197) The Bahá’ís have held steadfastly to their beliefs (pp. 198-199) and upheld their laws (pp. 199-200). In these and other ways (pp. 200-201), “The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is proving beyond doubt its virility and capacity to counteract the disintegrating influences to which religious systems, moral standards, and political and social institutions are being subjected.” (p. 201)
The last few enthralling pages describe to us “the unity of the human race, as envisaged by Bahá’u’lláh....” (p. 203) And when that is established, “Who can measure the heights to which human intelligence, liberated from its shackles, will soar? Who can visualize the realms which the human spirit, vitalized by the outpouring light of Bahá’u’lláh, shining in the plenitude of its glory, will discover?” (p. 206)
The World Order of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá shows the source and reason for Bahá’í institutions; their distinction from all other institutions, religious or political; and their destiny, as those other institutions crumble, to serve as “the nucleus and pattern of the world civilization emerging under divine inspiration at this focal point of human history.” (p. v) It shows how Bahá’u’lláh has taken the world and “caused every soul to expire,” and then, in His mercy, “called into being a new creation.” (p. 206)
Prayers at the Mountain Top[edit]
Members of the little Indian Bahá’í community of Yauri-Khoya, Bolivia, a group of men and women believers recently climbed to the summit of a mountain exactly at midnight and proceeded to pray tearfully for forgiveness of all their past faults and sins. Then they prayed together for The Universal House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly of Bolivia and for all the Bahá’ís of the world. This was followed by a period of meditation in total silence and afterwards they descended the mountain. Is it not such humble, sincere and pure-hearted souls who compose the Kingdom of God today?
Dedication of the Mathew Kaszab Institute in Alaska[edit]
The Mathew Kaszab Institute, located in the Greater Anchorage area of Alaska, was dedicated on Sunday, November 12, 1972 in an afternoon program which was planned by the National Spiritual Assembly.
John Kolstoe, Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, acted as Chairman on the occasion. He pointed out the significance of Bahá’í Institutes for deepening in the Teachings to further the spiritualization of Alaska. Rowena Currington gave the dramatic story of Mathew Kaszab, pioneer to Nicaragua in 1939, who suffered persecution and hardships for the Faith.
Auxiliary Board member Jenabe Caldwell read a letter from the Continental Board of Counsellors reminding those attending that Alaska is “caught in a trap of its own glory.” At least one percent of the population of Alaska is now Bahá’í but the goal since the 1971 Convention has been that Alaska become the first all-Bahá’í state in the world.
The Windflower musical group entertained with songs. Members of this group are Victor Wong, Kitty Patel, Marshall Murphy, Gavin Reed, David Rychetnik, Zonettah Varley and Gary Lamar. Layli Caldwell read the prayer “Blessed is the Spot” to close the meeting. Refreshments were enjoyed by the large crowd which attended.
Mathew Kaszab heard and accepted the Bahá’í message while a student at the University of New York and became aflame with love for his new Faith. He worked at anything that would allow him time to study the Bahá’í Writings. When Shoghi Effendi’s Advent of Divine Justice was published in February of 1939, it contained words that lighted a flame in his heart.
Without delay Mathew set out for Panama where he wrote articles for all the leading journals, gave Bahá’í talks on the radio and brought into the Faith our first Panamanian believer.
He next went to Nicaragua where his fare was constant disappointment and discouragement. He served first at Blue Fields, working in the mines and eventually felt himself a failure in his efforts towards bettering conditions of deplorable poverty, vice and ignorance, so returned to Managua where he was arrested while walking on the street, on the alleged charge of criticizing the Nicaraguan government.
Auxiliary Board member Jenabe Caldwell and Elaine Caldwell at the Kaszab Institute
The Mathew Kaszab Institute in Alaska
He was released after about three weeks of imprisonment and, sensing danger, commenced plans to leave
the country. When he arrived at the airport to fly out of
Nicaragua, he was again arrested and imprisoned for
three months, during which time he contracted a serious
illness. When he sufficiently recovered to travel, he was
put on a plane for Mexico City then to Brownsville,
Texas, in which city he died all alone a few days after
his arrival.
On his tombstone appear these prophetic words of the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi: “His services are unforgettable”. The Bahá’í World, Volume IX carries an impressive story of the labor he thought he lost but which will exercise its influence forever.
Sept. and Dec. 1972
Passing of Well-Known Pioneer and Teacher — Mrs. Joy Earl[edit]
Many Bahá’ís both in the United States and in the Far East will be grieved to learn of the passing of Mrs. Joy Earl in Ann Arbor, Michigan on November 27, 1972, following several weeks of hospitalization. Although Mrs. Earl had suffered greatly from ill health for many years, she never ceased teaching. Indeed, one of her last services was to speak at a gathering in August in Malaysia where she and her husband, Dr. David M. Earl, were on a travel teaching tour. For a number of years when the Faith was only beginning to grow there she pioneered with Dr. Earl in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
In acknowledging news of Mrs. Earl’s passing The Universal House of Justice on November 30, cabled:
GRIEVE PASSING FAITHFUL HANDMAID BAHÁ’U’LLÁH JOY EARL HER EXEMPLARY SERVICE PIONEER FIELD FAR EAST OVER LONG PERIOD AND TEACHING HOMEFRONT GREATLY VALUED. ASSURE DEVOTED HUSBAND PRAYERS HOLY THRESHOLD PROGRESS HER SOUL.
Institutes on the Covenant[edit]
Enthusiasm and joy intensified the deepening process at the more than sixty Covenant Institutes, sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors of North America, which have been carried out during this past fall and winter, with at least one being held in every state of Continental United States. These Institutes were programmed and arranged by the Counsellors, in collaboration with their Auxiliary Board members, for the purpose of increasing the understanding and appreciation of the Covenant by the many new believers, and for the general welfare and strengthening of the National community. Additional Institutes are anticipated to occur, almost to the close of the current Bahá’í year, the entire series of such gatherings resulting in a total attendance of approximately 6,200. In this nationwide task the Continental Board of Counsellors and its Auxiliary Boards have been vastly aided by the ready and loving assistance of the National Spiritual Assembly.
More compelling than the unusually large attendance by the old as well as the new believers, those carrying out this series of Institutes have been impressed by the power and unifying spirit which has been generated and by the enthusiasm and eagerness for ever deeper knowledge of the Faith which featured these sessions. Some of the Bahá’ís traveled from one Institute to the next, declaring that depth of understanding stimulated desire for further knowledge.
Gems from the Writings were discovered and re-discovered. The sessions began with the Eternal Covenant of God, with its golden thread of truth linking all Revelations into one total Religion. The discussions continued into the Covenant made by Bahá’u’lláh with His followers. This unique Lesser Covenant contained appointment of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Center of this Covenant. It was continued through the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with its appointment of Shoghi Effendi as Guardian, its expanded understanding of the authority of The Universal House of Justice along with provisions for that Body’s election, and its delineation of the appointment by the Guardian of the Hands of the Cause of God.
In addition there was discussion regarding designation by the Guardian in 1957 of the Hands of the Cause as “Chief Stewards of the Faith”, and of their stewardship between the passing of the Guardian and the election of the first Universal House of Justice. Historic steps taken by The Universal House of Justice since its inception were outlined, these steps including appointment of Continental Boards of Counsellors to carry into the future the functions and duties of the Hands of the Cause of God.
Much time was allowed to clarify what Covenant-breaking is and is not. Complete freedom featured the question and answer periods, giving great opportunity for audience participation. Guidance for dealing with incidents of suspected Covenant-breaking was spelled out—that believers should report these to their Administrative Institutions, Auxiliary Board members, Counsellors, or Hands of the Cause, and the one contacted would then make the proper referral.
Many exciting and dramatic instances took place: re-dedication on the part of some; confirmation for others.
At each Institute gratitude was expressed for the new edition of the pamphlet The Power of the Covenant provided by the National Spiritual Assembly. Deep appreciation was also extended to the many Local Spiritual Assemblies and District Teaching Committees who aided in arranging facilities, registering attendants and providing hospitality. Special praise was given to the high quality of interest and perception of the Bahá’ís who attended, which completed the composite of joyous productive cooperation of the entire project.
A regular monthly institute held in Province Chaco, Argentina, for adults and children. Mrs. Isabel Costas, at extreme right, is a visitor from Burzaco. Next to her is Mr. Eugene Dornbrook, resident pioneer.
Youth Conference in Guatemala[edit]
The climax of five weeks for youth projecteers in Guatemala who had taught hundreds of people was a Youth Conference held in the National Bahá’í Center in Guatemala City, on August 19-20. Projecteers from other Central American countries were invited.
Among the speakers was Auxiliary Board member Edith McLaren, whose topic was “The Covenant”. Her son, Peter McLaren, who was visiting at the time also made a talk and showed slides at a public meeting. Attendance at the meeting was about sixty people.
The tie binding these youth was their dedication to telling about the Bahá’í Faith. This group demonstrated what the future world will be like with unity in diversity. When parting time came, it was with tears of sorrow—they could hardly pull themselves away from each other and go back into the old world again.
Publicity in Leading Dutch Newspapers[edit]
On September 30, 1972, in one of the nation’s leading newspapers Het Parool, on page five appeared a short item under the caption “Bahá’ís Want to Promote Peace”. Data were received from Mr. M. Kleyne, a member of the Amsterdam Bahá’í community. It stated that the Bahá’í Faith strives to educate men towards universal thinking, to develop a consciousness of responsibility and obedience of people to their respective governments, the elimination of prejudices, and to constantly focus on the best interests of mankind. The editor permitted Mr. Kleyne to state: “We believe that Bahá’u’lláh is the One foretold in the Bible as the return of the Messiah.”
“If you have inner peace, there is no further problem” was the statement introducing an interview with “Dizzie” Gillespie in the Algemmen Dagblad, a leading Dutch newspaper on October 28, 1972.
Mr. John Birks Gillespie is among the foremost jazz musicians since World War II. Through his appointment as “Musical Ambassador” under the direction of the State Department in Washington, he undertook a worldwide goodwill trip. Whenever he speaks with journalists he always brings his religion to the fore and tells where he finds zest for living. Algemmen Dagblad wrote: “He takes a little book out of his case and lets us see it. ‘This is my Bible’, he says. ‘I am a convinced supporter of the Bahá’í Faith. Its source is Írán and now there are followers all over the world. I am for Christian religions, but they have, according to me, gone too little with the times.”
Under a sub-title “Love” is this excerpt: ‘The Bahá’í Faith, in the first place, preaches inner peace which I often speak about, and a loving relation with all your fellow-men.... Read about it some time, discover the prescription and be my friend. That’s what the world needs.”
THE GREAT SAFARI[edit]
of Hand of the Cause Rúḥíyyih Khánum[edit]
Part thirteen
On February 1, 1971, we crossed the border of Zaïre
and entered our twenty-second African country, Zambia. During the stay of Amatu’l-Bahá in this country
which ended on March 10 she was able to bring the Faith
to the forefront of press, radio and television.
In an unforgettable audience with President Kaunda which lasted half an hour, she was able to speak freely about the principles of the Faith. She assured the President of the loyalty and obedience of Bahá’ís to their respective government and their abhorrence of lawlessness and anarchy. President Kaunda, a charming, distinguished educator and leader, received Rúḥíyyih Khánum, who was accompanied by the Chairman of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Lusaka and myself, in his private office in his home. He expressed his pleasure at meeting Amatu’l-Bahá. He said, “I have been studying the Bahá’í file and am impressed by the similarity of some of your principles to my personal belief and ideas.” When Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke of the cruel prejudice of the educated class against the uneducated and the illiterate, the President smiled and retorted: “Madam Rabbani, if you were not a visitor in my country I would have said you were spying on my thoughts, as I have just prepared a talk which emphasizes the same points.”
He was greatly impressed when told about our African tour, and commented on its length, asking if any disasters had been met with. Rúḥíyyih Khánum told him that the greatest compliment she could pay to Africa was that two women traveled alone across this vast continent and were not afraid. She said that we had realized the villagers everywhere would be kind and helpful. The President smiled and said “This is two-way traffic Madam; it is your attitude which has created such an atmosphere for you.”
Rúḥíyyih Khánum, with the well-known Chief Ikelenge of Zambia.
Rúḥíyyih Khánum said she wished to present him with
a copy of the pamphlet “Obedience to Government” but
unfortunately had not been able to locate one and asked
if she could send it to him. The President replied that he
would like to have it and then asked Mr. Makwakwa,
Chairman of the Local Assembly, to send him any new
Bahá’í literature that was available. Amatu’l-Bahá was
surprised and said: “Your Excellency, with all the burdens of state resting on you and all you have to read,
you do not have time to read this literature.” He replied:
“I have set aside a special time on Sunday after I return
from Church for study and reading such material.”
Lusaka, Zambia, Bahá’í community meeting with Amatu’l-Bahá.
[Page 15]
The President is a great leader and has a vision of
bringing his people up-to-date while preserving the
traditions and virtues of tribal society. He knows about
the Faith and seems impressed by its Teachings.
When one of the top television interviewers met Rúḥíyyih Khánum he told her he was planning to emphasize the Safari rather than the Bahá’í Teachings as he had recently done a long interview on the Bahá’í Teachings and felt it unwise to repeat so soon. However, after five minutes he began asking questions about the Faith and became so interested that he sent a note to the staff telling them to lengthen the half-hour interview with Rúḥíyyih Khánum to forty-five minutes!
There were two additional radio interviews and a number of favorable articles in the press.
At a public meeting in Lusaka in the auditorium of the Evelyn Home College, more than 400 people listened with rapt attention to the talk of Amatu’l-Bahá on “The Spiritual Destiny of Africa.” During the question period a young man asked: “Why is it that almost a century ago people such as Livingstone and Rhodes and now yourself, came to us telling us of our potentialities and capacities and warning us of the evils of losing our racial virtues and beliefs, yet none of our own people tell us such things?”
The answer of Rúḥíyyih Khánum was brilliant. The audience spontaneously broke into applause. She said: “In the first place there are great men in this continent who are also saying the same thing and trying to uphold such ideas and your President is one of them. In the second place we must learn to be objective and impartial. We must recognize what is universal and not regional or racial. In this room we are all enjoying the gift of electricity. This gift came to you through the white man, yet it is yours and does not belong to any one group of men because it is a principle, a universal principle. Religious truth, likewise, is a universal principle and belongs to whoever accepts it. Bahá’u’lláh belongs to me because I have accepted Him and love Him, but He also belongs to you if you accept Him and love Him.”
At Chalinshani, Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke to the students at National in Training College, a Teachers’ Training College, on “The Role and Responsibility of Teachers in Society.” She said teaching is one of the three professions highly praised by Bahá’u’lláh—to the extent that in His will which comes into operation when a person dies without leaving a will, a portion of the wealth of the individual is set aside for his teacher.
In the capital, Lusaka, Amatu’l-Bahá met with the National Spiritual Assembly and with the believers on three different occasions. At the Nineteen Day Feast she suggested that for the purpose of attracting Bahá’u’lláh’s assistance in teaching and consolidation, it would be a good idea if during the month the Bahá’ís fast once a week, during a week-end. The believers could set aside a day for the purpose of concentrated community prayers. The friends liked this idea very much. On the first of such days she attended, and joined the friends in prayers which began at 6:00 a.m. and ended at 6:00 p.m. Some of the youth held the fort continuously and other friends joined them at different times during the day.
My son, Nehran, had been invited by Amatu’l-Bahá to join her Safari for a month on his way to teach the Faith in The Gambia during his vacation. He was able to join not only in the youth activities in Lusaka but to travel with us to a number of villages in the North West when we first arrived from Zaïre. Unfortunately Rúḥíyyih Khánum caught a bad case of flu in Kitwe and had to remain in bed for some days. Before that she was able to visit Mwinilunga and Ikelenge, where she met with the famous Chief Ikelenge, a warm friend of the Faith whose Angolian wife is a devoted Bahá’í. In this village over 100 people gathered to hear Amatu’l-Bahá speak on “The Important Role of Women in Society”, also the power and devotion of the life of women.
In that area of Zambia alone, we were told, there are forty-five Local Assemblies. Unfortunately, because of heavy rains we were not able to meet with many believers. One of the goals of the National Assembly is the erection in that district of a Teaching Institute. We were
Meeting with the Bahá’ís of Mwinilunga, Zambia.
[Page 16]
Audience of teachers at the National in Service Training College, Chalimbani, Zambia.
happy to hear later on that it had been completed.
It was the pineapple season. An amusing scene took place. Without understanding a word, we were able to follow the movements of a husband and wife and understand all that was said. When the couple arrived bringing a basket of pineapples as a gift for Rúḥíyyih Khánum and they saw a dozen or so pineapples already piled up, the wife told the husband to take theirs back as there were already too many. We quite agreed with her reasonable attitude!
During meetings it was necessary that every word be translated into two languages—so much time wasted. We all felt the urgent necessity for the universal auxiliary language foreseen by Bahá’u’lláh.
Both in the township of Mwinilunga and the village of the same name we met with the Bahá’ís. In the mining town of Chingola during a very short stop-over some of the friends had the bounty of meeting with Amatu’l-Bahá. In Kitwe, a beautiful town in the heart of the copper mining district, before Rúḥíyyih Khánum became ill and had to cancel her program she had a very interesting press interview which resulted in the publication of a long article on the Faith. She also had a radio interview in the same town. These interviews attracted a great deal of attention because of Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s unique trip across Africa in a Land Rover.
In Livingstone[edit]
Amatu’l-Bahá’s tour of Zambia was completed when several months later she was able to cross over the Rhodesian border into the southern town of Livingstone and meet the active and devoted Bahá’í community in the village of Mukuni. These dear friends who were disappointed in the month of March because Rúḥíyyih Khánum was too ill to visit them, rejoiced in her presence and presented her with a wood carving they had specially made for her. In Livingstone itself, at the home of the only pioneers there, a young Persian couple, she was able to explain the fundamental principles of the Faith to a selected group of seekers. This famous spot in Africa, where David Livingstone first came upon the majestic sight of Victoria Falls—known by the local inhabitants by the name of “Musi-o-Tunya” meaning “the smoke that thunders”, was blessed by the presence of the beloved Guardian himself. Amatu’l-Bahá told us that in 1940, when Italy entered the war and the Mediterranean was closed to Allied shipping, Shoghi Effendi with her father and herself had been forced to return to Palestine from England via South Africa, crossing the continent from Cape Town to Cairo. Shoghi Effendi had made a special trip to these falls to show them to her as he had already seen them on a previous visit to Africa. Standing in front of one of the wonders of the world where the larger-than-life statue of David Livingstone looks upon these falls, I could not but wonder at the perfection of God, the grandeur of His creation and the heedlessness of man. One day men will treasure the knowledge that this spot was blessed by the footsteps of the “Sign of God on earth”, the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi.
In Rhodesia[edit]
Our first visit to Rhodesia was during the three weeks in March, before Rúḥíyyih Khánum left for Panama to dedicate the Mother Temple of Latin America to public worship and also to represent The Universal House of Justice at the first convention of the new Windward Islands National Spiritual Assembly. For three weeks in Salisbury she was the guest of one of the first pioneers to Rhodesia who has faithfully remained at his post all these years and who moved out of his beautiful home so that Amatu’l-Bahá could be entirely free and undisturbed to rest and recuperate from her recent illness in Zambia.
When she was feeling better she attended several meetings, the most important one to address a society called “People to People”. This very constructive and liberal group of broadminded people is one of the few deliberately multiracial societies in that country. The Bahá’ís have cultivated their friendship and in the past have been able to participate in their programs and speak on the Faith. Amatu’l-Bahá was the guest speaker and the subject of her talk was “The Bahá’í Faith and the Social Order.” Her open and frank exposition of the purpose of the Bahá’í Faith in the world today created an atmosphere of joy and anticipation. Her clear explanation of the concept of progressive revelation was an answer to many unasked questions. She also stressed the cardinal principle of obedience to government and stated the Bahá’ís did not believe in anti-government demonstrations, revolution or anarchy. She ended her remarks by praising the spirit of such societies as theirs and said she admired the courage of the people who upheld them.
During the period for questions following her talk, some university students brought up the highly controversial subject of racial injustice and asked why anyone should obey an unjust government. Rúḥíyyih Khánum said: “The purpose of my talk tonight and my visit to your country is not to discuss such controversial issues; I am expounding a principle which is vital and important for us Bahá’ís. If every individual is given the freedom to judge his government and decide whether it is a just or unjust one, and reserves for himself the
A carved wooden head made for Amatu’l-Bahá by the Bahá’ís of Mokuni in Southern Zambia.
[Page 17]
Rúḥíyyih Khánum speaking to the Bahá’í Sunday School class at the Salisbury Hotel School.
right to rise up against it because he considers it unjust and to overthrow it by force, then when the next government comes into power those holding the opposite views can likewise judge, condemn and decide to overthrow the new government. Where then do we find law and order? This is anarchy and anarchy is forbidden by Bahá’u’lláh. In the Teachings there is one thing which is considered even worse than war, and that is civil war.”
Many of the clergy and educators present were obviously pleased by this answer but some of the youth were not satisfied. Rúḥíyyih Khánum told them to reflect upon it, as it was a new idea very different from the one they read about but that they should consider it seriously.
When being given a vote of thanks at the end of this meeting, the Principal of the school, an Indian educator said: “I have no doubt in my mind that if the world was to choose one religion and live by it, it should be the Bahá’í Faith as its views on religions and mankind are broad and universal so that it can embrace all men.”
One of the pioneers had brought from his commercial rose garden over 500 beautiful blossoms and at his suggestion Rúḥíyyih Khánum invited each of the audience to take a rose away as a little remembrance of this meeting. When this mixture of races in a country increasingly agitated by racial distrust and misunderstanding left this meeting each person was carrying at least one fragrant rose, symbolic of the Bahá’í Teachings that we are all flowers of one garden. One could not but feel hope for the future, that a rose from the paradise of the Words of God, the perfume of the Message of the Blessed Beauty, would change men’s deeds.
The joyous occasion of the celebration of the Bahá’í New Year we shared with the believers of Salisbury and neighboring areas on the evening of March 20. Over 150 of the friends gathered to dine together and break the last day of their Fast with Rúḥíyyih Khánum. After dinner and the start of the Naw-Rúz meeting, she told the friends that thirty-two years ago she and Shoghi Effendi had traveled through Rhodesia and this visit of the beloved Guardian had blessed their wonderful land. She spoke of the tremendous power released through the Word of God and through obedience to His laws and ordinances.
In the homes of Bahá’ís she was able to speak to them and their friends on a number of occasions.
A Bahá’í Funeral Service[edit]
One of the unforgettable incidents during this period was a Bahá’í funeral which took place in the community of the Salisbury Motel, seven miles outside the city limits. A three-month old baby of a Bahá’í couple died. The father is a teacher at the Motel School which Mr. Lawrence Hautz has maintained free for over fifteen years on his property at which over a thousand children have received a primary education. All the legal procedures of the funeral had been attended to in an unbelievably short time: permission to bury the baby in a small African cemetery on the property was secured; a beautiful coffin was obtained; the long prayer for the dead (page 260, Prayers and Meditations of Bahá’u’lláh) was translated into the Shona language.
Over 200 people gathered at the site, a small hilltop overlooking flowering fields and beautiful green rolling country. Many non-Bahá’í relatives, including grandparents had come from long distances to attend the funeral. Africans have a profound respect for the dead and a feeling of obligation to bury them befittingly. The school children, well over a hundred holding bunches of wild pink and white cosmos in their hands marched the half-mile from the schoolhouse to the grave side, chanting “Ya-Bahá’u’l-Abhá.” They arranged themselves in a block then remained silent and disciplined throughout the long ceremony. One of the Bahá’í school teachers read aloud most beautifully in Shona the long funeral prayer while all stood and faced ‘Akká. The intense spiritual vibration which the repetition of the verses releases, each verse said nineteen times, profoundly stirred all of us.
At the end Amatu’l-Bahá spoke a few words on the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh about life after death and the condition of the soul. She told of the assurance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that the innocent soul of a child which did not have a chance to grow in this world will be watched over and helped in the next world to develop and progress spiritually.
At the end of her talk, knowing some of the relatives were not Bahá’ís she asked a woman who had moved forward to the open grave to say a prayer. This dignified, elderly lady, whom we later learned was one of the grandmothers, said a few words we thought were a prayer but learned afterwards they were words of gratitude. She said that she had never seen such a funeral before where an atmosphere of love and joy prevailed in place of the usual wailing and weeping, and peace and tranquility had filled their hearts. The grandmother later accepted the Faith and in her own village repeated the story of the funeral of her grandchild. The effect of this unique prayer for the dead is so profound that Amatu’l-Bahá urged the Rhodesian National Spiritual
Just before driving off to Rhodesia some Lusaka friends bid farewell. Mehran Nakhjavání is kneeling in front of Rúḥíyyih Khánum.
[Page 18]
Assembly and other National Assemblies she has since
visited, as well as individual friends everywhere, to have
it translated into the different native languages and
make it generally available to the friends.
She told a personal experience, how in 1940 when the news of the sudden passing of her beloved mother reached her, her whole being was filled with such sorrow and longing that she asked permission from the Guardian to visit the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh alone. In that holy spot she recited this prayer out loud and as she repeated nineteen times each of its powerful verses, she felt as if the words, like drop by drop of refreshing water, washed away some of the sharp pangs of her sorrow and distress.
Chicago Commemorates ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit[edit]
In honor of the sixtieth anniversary of the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Chicago, the Bahá’í community of the city held a reception and dinner on October 29, 1972 at the McCormick Place Lindheimer Room.
The reception was held from 5:00 p.m. until dinner at 6:00 p.m. The occasion was attended by around 350 people from the Chicago community and surrounding suburbs. The press was represented, as well as two guests from the Conference of Christians and Jews. Those Bahá’ís who were in Chicago at the time ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited were especially recognized.
The enjoyable dinner was enhanced by entertainment by Dorothy Morrow, violinist; Reuben Anthony, guitarist; the Hagighi brothers Syrus and Kiumas provided musical selections on ancient Persian instruments, the santour and the zarb; the Bahá’í Chorus of Chicago sang under the direction of Mrs. Verna Jean Harreld. The guest speaker of the evening was Mr. John von Thurn-Taxis who recounted the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Chicago.
Guests who also met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Mr. Monroe Ioas, Miss Marie Bohmann.
Guests and members in Chicago who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. From left to right: Mrs. Elsa Robinson, Miss Elfie Lundberg, Miss Sophie Loeding.
Chicago Bahá’í Chorus at the banquet.
Bahá’í Group in Hottest Place on Earth[edit]
Sibi, in Baluchistan, is now considered the hottest place in the world, having taken the record away from Jacobabad in Sind, Pakistan.
On October 1, 1972, three Bahá’ís traveled to Sibi where there were no believers. Mr. A. C. Joshi, from an orthodox Hindu Brahmin background, had some acquaintances in the location and in a specially convened gathering presented the Faith to them. Four Hindu merchants accepted the Faith and signed declaration cards.
Mr. Joshi was accompanied by Mr. Anisur Rahman of Muslim background and Mr. Khurov Afsaro, a member of a Zoroastrian family.
Mr. Joshi is a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Pakistan, a Senior Practising Lawyer of the High Courts of West Pakistan, a graduate in the Sanskrit language, a scholar of Gita, and has had experience in broadcasting from Radio Pakistan for more than fifteen years.
The Nine Year Plan stipulated that ten groups should be established in Baluchistan and this goal has now been achieved.
United Nations Day Observed in the United States[edit]
Over fifty Bahá’í communities throughout the United States observed United Nations Day on October 24, 1972, marking the twenty-seventh anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. This year’s theme was “The Promise of World Peace.” Celebrations included international dinners, picnics, public meetings, and participation in festivals sponsored by local United Nations Association chapters.
Mrs. Annamarie Honnold, Alternate Delegate of the Bahá’í International Community of the United Nations, addressed 150 members of the Problems of Democracy Classes at Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, Area High School. In Amherst, Massachusetts, Mrs. Mabel Garis, the U.S.-UN Representative for the Bahá’ís, spoke about the effectiveness of the United Nations. In Alexandria, Virginia, Dr. Arthur Lyon Dahl spoke about the United Nations Environmental Conference held in Sweden last June which he attended as the representative for the Bahá’ís. Dr. Edward H. Buehrig, author of several books and articles concerning the United Nations spoke to a gathering of fifty Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís in the International Center on the Indiana University campus in Bloomington, Indiana. Dr. Buehrig was involved with the early development of the United Nations. Bahá’ís in Cottage Grove, Oregon; Town of Hempstead, New York; Portland, Oregon; and Rogers, Arkansas, also held public meetings. All meetings were well received and all had good newspaper publicity.
Nearly 100 people attended an international buffet sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Las Vegas, Nevada. Wendy Hill Ayhub, noted Bahá’í singer and songwriter from London, England, who has worked with the United Nations in London, was guest speaker. The observance received excellent publicity—articles in three newspapers, coverage on three television channels, seven radio stations, and interviews on two talk shows. Other successful international dinners were held in Evanston, Illinois; Santa Rosa, California; South Portland, Maine; Mishawaka, Indiana; Fargo, North Dakota; and Hillsborough County, Florida.
The Bahá’ís of Alameda, California, commemorated UN Day with a diversified program. Some Model UN Clubs from surrounding high schools participated, one club holding a mock UN Security Council meeting. Mr. Jamshed Fozdar, who has served the Faith in many countries throughout the world, was the speaker for the evening. Two films, “And His Name Shall Be One” and “The Games of Peace” (the latter provided by the United Nations Association in Berkeley), were shown. A representative from the UNA attended the meeting to see how the Bahá’ís were going to present the film. He was so pleased with the entire program that he promised to write to the United Nations telling them they should cooperate much more with the Bahá’ís!
The communities of San José and Los Gatos, California, participated in the annual United Nations Cultural Festival held in Los Gatos. The festival’s theme was “One World, One Hope for Peace.” Many people stopped at the Bahá’í booth, asked questions, and took literature when they left. The Bahá’ís not only placed an ad in the official souvenir book for the festival, but also received good press coverage. A similar, but smaller United Nations Day festival was held in Needham, Massachusetts on the town common. The Bahá’í group there also manned a booth and distributed literature to interested seekers.
Some communities took advantage of the celebrations sponsored by local organizations. Bahá’ís in South Dade, Florida, attended a UNA sponsored dinner. Bahá’ís in Marion, Indiana, participated in activities, including a festival, symposium, and public meetings, all emphasizing the United Nations. In Littleton, Colorado, Mrs. John Fiore, the Executive Director of the Colorado UNA, spoke to the Bahá’ís on the vital role the United Nations is playing in trying to meet the diverse problems of the world.
“Experiment in Internationalism” was the theme for the commemoration in Issaquah, Washington. More than thirty people learned folk dances from many areas of the world, including everything from stately English country dances to the fancy footwork of Balkan line dances. Afterwards, all enjoyed a display of handicrafts from Northwest American Indian tribes, Iceland, Java, Israel, and Nigeria, plus a sampling of international foods.
A study of the United Nations Charter and a discussion of the revisions proposed by the Bahá’í International Community of some of the Charter’s articles were the topics of the meeting sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Sacramento Municipal Court District. This informative session also received newspaper publicity.
Needless to say, all the Bahá’í communities celebrating United Nations Day 1972 contributed greatly to spreading the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and creating a better awareness of the United Nations. Most of these communities plan to follow up their activities with firesides, public meetings, and further cooperation with the United Nations Association wherever possible. Several are even contemplating new activities for United Nations Day 1973.
Mrs. Annamarie Honnold, Alternate Delegate of the
Bahá’í International Community of the United Nations,
addressed classes of the Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania,
Area High School, at right. At left is Mrs. Ann Williams
who introduced her and Jack Pencek, class adviser.
Bahá’ís Around the World Observe United Nations Day, 1972[edit]
FALKLAND ISLANDS[edit]
The Bahá’ís of the Falkland Islands observed United Nations Day 1972 with exhibits and film showings that did much to help the people of these remote islands become aware of the larger world beyond their shores, acquainting them both with the aims and activities of the UN and with the universal scope of the Bahá’í Teachings.
Preparations began in April when the Bahá’í International Community office in New York received a request for a film and other materials. Since there is no local or regional United Nations Information Center with services for the Falkland Islands, the Radio/Visual Department of the Office of Public Information at UN Headquarters graciously made available a film, “Workshop for Peace.” This was shipped to the Falkland friends by the Bahá’í UN office, along with UN posters and pamphlets, as well as the new Bahá’í brochure, “The Environment and Human Values—A Bahá’í View,” prepared especially for the recent UN Conference on the Human Environment.
The Bahá’ís of the Falkland Islands now report the success of their efforts: “We received authority to display the material in the largest store in town, and it was shown from Friday, October 20, until Saturday, October 28.... Many people passed through the store and saw the exhibits.... A notice was broadcast over the local radio station announcing the display.... Previously, we had loaned the materials to the senior school in Port Stanley, and one of the teachers arranged for them to be displayed so that the pupils could see them and discuss the work of the United Nations.... We had arranged for the film, “Workshop for Peace” to be shown at several outlying settlements where it was combined with the Bahá’í movie, “It’s Just the Beginning.” On the 22nd of October we were lucky enough to have it screened in the local cinema to a packed house of over 250 people. The audience was quiet and receptive, and many must have associated the screening with the West Store exhibit and, therefore, with the Bahá’í Faith. In the store we had put up little notices saying that the exhibit was by the Bahá’ís of the Falkland Islands through the representatives at the United Nations. Altogether, we think that the exhibition and screening have done a lot to make people aware of the manifold tasks undertaken by the United Nations, and that it also helped to indirectly proclaim the Faith.”
United Nations Day, 1972, observed in Monrovia, Liberia.
HAWAII[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands sponsored an observance of United Nations Day, October 24, at Spalding Hall at the University of Hawaii. Mr. Salvatore A. Pelle spoke on “Do We Need the United Nations?”. Mrs. Sue De Sena, Chairman of the Wahiawa Spiritual Assembly, presided and Miss Elahe Vahdat, of Írán, provided a musical program with songs in Japanese, Persian and Filipino. Among those attending the public meeting was Mrs. Fern McQuesten, representative of the United Nations Association of Hawaii.
The Mayor of Honolulu sent a letter of gratitude to the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii. “Through the combined efforts of many civic minded individuals and organizations”, he said, “the UN Day Committee has achieved great success in promoting understanding and support of the United Nations organization. For your cooperation and participation in this community service, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation and I shall look forward to continued assistance from your very fine organization.”
LUXEMBOURG[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Luxembourg sponsored a public meeting in celebration of United Nations Day, the only observance held in the Grand Duchy. Professor Nicholas Janus spoke on the theme “The UN—Can it Bring Us Peace?”. Among those in attendance was the President of the United Nations Organization in Luxembourg. A most attractive invitation was sent to important personalities and distributed widely throughout the country. Through this extensive mailing and free newspaper publicity, many people were made aware of Bahá’í support of the aims and programs of the United Nations.
LIBERIA[edit]
Commemoration of United Nations Day in Liberia this year provided another unique opportunity to proclaim the Faith and to present the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh dealing with world problems and mankind’s quest for peace. ELTV, the National Television Network for Liberia, produced a seventy-minute video-tape program on the United Nations. The film opened with “Highlights on the United Nations,” featuring as special guest Miss Georgia M. Sanchez, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of West Africa. During the thirty minutes allotted to the Bahá’ís, she explained some of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh dealing with world problems, also referring to the important contributions of the Bahá’í International Community, as a Non-Governmental Organization, to the aims and programs of the United Nations. Thanks to the office of the Bahá’í International Community, which supplied slides from the United Nations Development Program, and other appropriate materials, the program was well presented, and the station expressed its gratitude. Further evidence of the program’s success came when the National Spiritual Assembly of West Africa received a copy of a letter sent by Mr. Curtis Campaigne, United Nations Development Program Resident Representative for Liberia, to ELTV requesting the video-tape to send to UN Headquarters in the United States.
In addition, a fifteen minute radio interview with Mr. Jamshid Fanaiyan was broadcast twice on UN Day, on ELBC, as a radio special on the United Nations. Mr. Fanaiyan explained the Bahá’í view on the UN and gave a glimpse of world peace in the future.
This impressive evidence of Bahá’í cooperation with the United Nations included also a well attended public meeting held at the U.S.I.S. Auditorium, featuring a panel discussion and the showing of UNDP slides. The news of this meeting, with comments, was announced by ELBC. Further, an article entitled “Let Us Support the United Nations”, featured in the Liberian Star, covered in detail Bahá’í support of the goals of the Charter of the United Nations.
CHAD[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Chad celebrated UN Day with a public presentation—the first sponsored by their community. A great deal of interest and enthusiasm was generated and the United Nations Development Program Resident Representative of Chad, Mr. Finn Bonnevie, responded with wholehearted cooperation. He made available a delightful young man who spoke on the programs of development in Africa, especially Chad. He also contributed a large supply of literature for distribution, and honored the Bahá’í community by coming personally to the program. A young Bahá’í student presented the Bahá’í principles relevant to the occasion, and young Persian pioneers decorated the Center for the event. Announcement of the program was made over Radio Tchad, and Info Tchad, the only newspaper published in Chad, and read by everyone, carried an advertisement of the meeting for two days. About fifty people attended the meeting—a modest beginning—but the Bahá’í community was very encouraged.
AUSTRALIA[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia reports the outstanding success of an Inter-Faith World Brotherhood Youth Service held in observance of United Nations Day, sponsored by the United Nations Association. Arrangements for the service were made by a three-person committee which included Mrs. Judy Hassall, a Bahá’í, who was appointed by UNA to help. The program, which was inspired as a result of the Youth Service held in the Bahá’í House of Worship last year, gave clear recognition to the Bahá’í Faith.
Among the 700 people attending the service, held in the main auditorium of the Sydney Town Hall on October 22, were church dignitaries and official representatives from various organizations. Advance publicity included 2,000 United Nations invitations distributed throughout the area and posters placed in universities and colleges. A television station, at their own request, featured a panel of four youth from Bahá’í, Muslim, Christian and Jewish backgrounds. On this national telecast centered on the forthcoming program, the youth expressed their thoughts as to how unity could be established throughout the world. Five newspapers had articles about the service and mentioned Bahá’í participation. Four commercial radio stations announced the program, and mentioned Bahá’í participation, and ABC National Radio reported three times that this was an “historic service,” mentioning that Bahá’í Writings were included in the program. Copies of the program were sent to all state branches of the UNA throughout Australia and some overseas countries, including England, New Zealand and New Guinea.
Seven Bahá’í young people were actively involved in this program, including Scott Stafford, 17 years old, who gave the main talk, entitled, “One God, One World, One Brotherhood of Man.” His speech was taped for radio and replayed on two occasions. Kuruna, a magazine published by the UNA of Australia for free circulation to Secondary Schools, reprinted the talk. The Bahá’í community of the metropolitan area of Sydney gave massive support to the event, and through their fine cooperation this program resulted in increased recognition and prestige for the Faith in Australia.
On the evening of October 28, United Nations Week ended with a special service at the Bahá’í House of Worship. Mr. John Serisier, LLB, State President of the United Nations Association and a member of the State Parliament of New South Wales, read one of the selections from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.
BELIZE[edit]
Once again the Bahá’ís of Belize provided the main event for the United Nations Day celebration. Apart from the Bahá’í program, the UN flag was raised in a brief ceremony at the capital of Belmopan, and Radio Belize released a program prepared by the UN with talks by the Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly. The Bahá’í program was cited, therefore, as the main celebration and given first place in all radio news, as well as in the press with continual announcements during October 23 and 24.
The program featured a Round Table discussion under the title “Youth Looks At The United Nations.” As a background, the Bahá’ís had made large cardboard flags of UN member nations. These were hung in tiers on the backdrop of curtains, presenting a most colorful picture vividly illustrating the concept of unity in diversity. Students from five high schools participated, including one Bahá’í student and one Bahá’í youth now out of school. At the table were three UN representatives—Dr. R. K. Richardson, Coordinator for Pan American Health
Young Bahá’ís who participated in the Inter-Faith Youth Service held in Sydney, Australia, in observance of United Nations Day.
Organization and World Health Organization projects in Belize; Mr. Vincent Lawrence of the United Nations Development Program, an advisor on youth work; and Mr. Ian Robertson, also of the UNDP, who is advisor on fisheries.
Questions from youth enabled these representatives to clarify many aspects of the structure and work of the UN and its agencies. They gave many interesting and informative explanations of the problems of the United Nations, its powers and limitations.
An audience of some 250 attended, a large proportion of them youth, and the speakers held their attention. Following the discussion, a new short film, “The Story of UNICEF” was shown, providing a wide and touching coverage of the tremendous work being done by this UN agency.
Between the discussion and the film, youths collected donations to be forwarded to UNICEF in the name of the Government of Belize, through its Minister of Education.
It was an enjoyable and informative evening, demonstrating once again the universality of the Bahá’í concept and our concern for mankind which Ministers of the Belize Government have previously commended. It is interesting that, in reply to the request for UN films, the UN Area Representative in El Salvador expressed pleasure that the Bahá’ís were again in the forefront of United Nations Day celebrations.
GAMBIA[edit]
The Bahá’í community of Gambia observed United Nations Day for the second year, holding a public meeting in the Gambia High School, the most attractive meeting place in the country, acceptable to all people. The Bahá’ís added to its attractiveness with an informative poster display with captions from the Bahá’í Writings, the United Nations Charter, and other documents. They also hung a world map of UN member nations and a large banner on the stage reading “Bahá’ís observe UN Day.” Literature about the Bahá’í Faith and the United Nations was displayed.
The meetings opened with the Bahá’í prayer for Unity, followed by a Bahá’í prayer in Wolof, the local language, and the introduction of the Chairman, Mr. Seedy N’jie. The speaker, Auxiliary Board Member and Lecturer at Yundum Teacher Training College, Mr. Muhammad Al-Salihi, spoke on “The Bahá’í Faith and the United Nations.” The meeting closed with the Bahá’í “Prayer for Mankind.”
The Bahá’ís sent invitations to one hundred dignitaries and officials and printed publicity in two local newspapers, whose editors attended the meeting. The following day the Gambia Onward commented: “From the address one could gather that this Faith pledges full support of the concepts and aims of the United Nations and itself works for the welfare of the human race. There is every indication that the Bahá’í Faith is actively involved in the freedom, equality and respect of every individual irrespective of race, color, creed or religious belief. The link therefore of the Bahá’ís with the United Nations is that of prosperity, peace, equality and respect for the human personality.” Preceding the program, the Bahá’ís arranged to have the Preamble to the UN Charter printed in the same newspaper.
Other members of the audience included a minister, five United Nations experts, three senior civil servants, three UN office workers and one diplomat. Some of the school’s students also attended.
The talk was repeated that evening at the Yundum Teacher Training College to an audience of about 100 students and twelve adults, including the Principal, Vice-Principal, lecturers and senior civil servants.
PAKISTAN[edit]
United Nations Day 1972 was observed by the Bahá’ís of Pakistan with public meetings, symposia and film shows. The communities of Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Hyderabad and Rawalpindi participated in the activities. The celebration in Karachi, held at Bahá’í Hall, included prayers for unity, world peace and justice. The speaker was Mr. Asrar Hussain Siddiqui, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Pakistan. He spoke of the strong support which Bahá’ís give to the aims and programs of the United Nations in the interest of all mankind, and explained the role of the Bahá’í International Community as a Non-Governmental Organization in consultative status with the United Nations. Mr. A. C. Joshi, National Spiritual Assembly Chairman, who presided over the meeting, then gave an entertaining talk on the formation of the United Nations.
A group of young Bahá’ís sang songs as their contribution to the program.
FINLAND[edit]
In Finland, all Local Spiritual Assemblies celebrated UN Day. Espoo held a public meeting which was announced in two of the largest newspapers with nationwide circulation. Helsinki devoted time at its weekly fireside to a United Nations subject. Kangasala had a public meeting which resulted in an article in a local newspaper explaining the Bahá’í view of the UN. Kuopio had an exhibition at the main library. Lahti and Turku sponsored public meetings. Maarianhamina held a public meeting at the main library and received local newspaper and radio coverage. Tampere organized three public meetings, drawing an audience of 125. Bahá’í groups from Jyvaskyla, Vantaa, Varkaus and Salo also recognized UN Day, holding public meetings and slide shows.
Bahá’ís broke new ground in the town of Savonlinna where they initiated efforts to celebrate UN Day, contacting different clubs and organizations to invite participation. A town arrangements committee was formed of persons of different religious, political and social backgrounds. The meeting was very successful. Maj Wallenlid, a member of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Savonlinna, who helped to organize the UN Day celebration, was asked to open the meeting with a short talk. Mr. Matti Isoviita from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave an informational talk on UN topics, explaining Finland’s part in helping underdeveloped countries. The Mayor sent a representative and a donation for UNICEF. Money for UNICEF was also raised through the sale of UNICEF cards, calendars and drawing books. Good coverage of the meeting was given by the newspapers, and Uusi Suomi, a well known Finish newspaper, stated that Savonlinna was the first town to arrange a meeting of this kind for UN Day in that country.
VENEZUELA[edit]
United Nations Day activities in Venezuela were focused on Ciudad Bolivar and Baruta, El Hatillo, near Caracas. The UN celebration in Ciudad Bolivar, part of a week of programs publicizing various aspects of the Bahá’í Faith, was held in the Conference Room of the Gran Hotel Bolivar. Governor of the State, Architect Manual Dario Garrido Mendoza and his distinguished
wife had expected to attend, but urgent last minute matters demanding the attention of the Governor made this impossible. Dr. Weldon Woodard, Chairman of the National Assembly of Venezuela, addressed an audience of over fifty people, many of them youth. During the day an open air exhibit was held at the Orinoco plaza, with large posters depicting a variety of United Nations programs and explanations of the principles of that world organization. The Bahá’ís received good publicity from several newspapers and three radio stations covered both the UN event and the Bahá’í proclamation in Ciudad Bolivar.
In Baruta, El Hatillo, a UN Day program was held in the School of Campa Alegre as the result of intensified cooperation between the national Bahá’í community and the United Nations Development Program office in Venezuela. At the invitation of the Bahá’ís, Mr. Bruce Frank, UNDP Officer, spoke to an audience of three hundred persons.
National Youth Conference in Kenya[edit]
On August 26 and 27 a National Youth Conference was held in Kisumu, Kenya on Lake Victoria. Present were about seventy-five friends from all parts of Kenya as well as newly arrived travel teachers on their way to other parts of Africa in response to the call from The Universal House of Justice. Two Counsellors were present; Mr. Vasudevan for West Asia and Mr. Yazdi from East and Central Africa. A guest from the United States was Dr. Alfred K. Neumann.
Mr. Fannanapazir was among the speakers. Topics included history of the Faith, teaching methods, the role of youth in the Nine Year Plan and a very interesting summary of the history of the Faith in Africa.
The local radio stations were so impressed they spoke of the conference on each of their hourly news broadcasts. These were later picked up on National News Service.
Only after a lapse of several months is it possible to see the fruit of this conference. From the spirit generated there and by later visits by Hands of the Cause of God Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir and Mr. Enoch Olinga the youth have enrolled 2800 believers in schools around Kenya, established at least one youth in each of more than 116 schools, some of which have over 100 believers, and have boosted enrollment in the correspondence course to over 1,000. They have formed many new youth committees in villages and schools around the country.
Dr. Alfred K. Neumann with some of those who attended the Kenya Youth Conference.
Group of Kenyan Bahá’í youth at the National Bahá’í Youth Conference where the theme was “Students Mass Teaching.”
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NEPAL CLASS[edit]
The first Teaching Conference in Nepal was held at Birganj on November 20, 1972 under the guidance of Sh. P. M. Roy. The Principal was Sh. Basant Glose and the teachers were Sh. Biswanath Prasad Gupta, Sh. Ramjalal Agrawd, Sh. Yegine Lal Stestha, Sh. Uttam Sager Dangul, Sh. Gowri Shankar Duvedi, Sh. Balran Prasad, Sh. Bindhaya Chal Prasad, Sh. Mukti Nath Bidhyavathi and Sh. Shyam Krishna Majerjan.
Delegates came from the Assemblies of Narayani Zone. The Assembly of Birganj helped in arranging food as well as the classes. Sh. Biswanath Prasad Gupta taught the history of the Faith. Bahá’í Administration was taught by Sh. Bosant Ghose. Sh. Shyam Krishna Maberjan taught various aspects of the moral and spiritual Teachings of the Faith. A workshop was held under the guidance of Sh. P. M. Roy which included the mock election of a Local Spiritual Assembly.
All the friends were happy to gain fresh understanding of the Faith. They dispersed with a determination to carry on the work in their respective areas.
The first class of Bahá’ís in Nepal began on November
20, 1972. Delegates from the Local Spiritual Assemblies
of Narayani Zone. Standing, left to right: Sh. Jagernoth
Prasad, Sh. Bhagwan Saha, Sh. Satya Lal Tewari, Sh.
Rama Nand Saha, Sh. Krishna Ram Srestha, Sh. Chandra
Dev Thakur and Sh. Bizendra Kumer Kanowjiya.
Teachers are seated, left to right: Sh. Bindhayachal
Prasad, Sh. P. N. Roy, Sh. Basant Ghose, Sh. Biswanath
Prasad Gupla, Sh. Bdram Prasad. Below, left to right:
Sh. Ultam Sager Dangul and Sh. Shyam Krishna
Maberjan.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published for circulation among Bahá’ís only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, as a news organ reporting current activities of the Bahá’í world community.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee: Mrs. Evelyn Hardin, Managing Editor; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, National Spiritual Assembly Representative; Mr. Rexford C. Parmelee, Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee.
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