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No. 516

BAHA’I YEAR 131

MARCH, 1974

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Selections from Mrs. Parsons’ diary, Page 6

International Bahamas air shuttle, Page 18

A lesson well learned in Paraguay, Page 2

[Page 0] page one

page six

page eighteen

CONTENTS

Around the World	1
Selections from the Diary of Agnes Parsons	6
Bahamas Air Shuttle, by Jene Bellows	18

COVER PHOTO

Area teaching conference held last Nov. 11-12 to mark the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, in Ikot Uba village, Akpabuyo, Calabar, Nigeria.

PHOTO AND DRAWING CREDITS

Cover: National Spiritual Assembly of Nigeria; Inside Cover: Jene Bellows, Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Washington, D.C., Bahá’í News; Page 10, 13, 14: Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Washington, D.C.; Page 17: Dr. David Ruhe; Page 19, 20: Jene Bellows.

CORRECTIONS

The author of the article, “A Pioneering Context: Bluefields, Nicaragua”, which appeared in the February Bahá’í News was incorrectly named Richard Wilson. The author’s name is Robert Wilson.

POSTAL INFORMATION

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.

Material must be received by the twenty-fifth of the second month preceding date of issue. Address: Bahá’í News Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091, U.S.A.

Change of address should be reported directly to Membership and Records, National Bahá’í Center. 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. U.S.A. 60091.

[Page 1]

Around the World

Africa:

Bahá’ís called dynamic force

Dr. Kingsley Dinga Dubé, Senior Information Officer for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, was the speaker at the gathering sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Africa in Asmara, Ethiopia, on December 10 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The meeting took place at the Officer’s Club in Asmara, which was filled to capacity for the event.

During his discussion on the civil rights of individuals, Dr. Dubé described the Bahá’í Faith as a “dynamic faith” and “a dynamic force in the shaping of the true spirit that we are looking for in the world.”

“In your efforts to promote human rights for all men and women,” Dr. Dubé remarked about the Bahá’ís, “you have set for yourselves the standards which all men and women should strive for. You stand for the urgent implementation of fundamental justice. You stand for the need to foster international solidarity.”

“The Bahá’ís believe in the soundness or sanity of pacific solutions to human problems,” he continued. “The Bahá’ís advocate for the righteousness of respecting the political and civil rights of the individual. You are also striving in every possible way to encourage mankind to adopt policies that will result in the equitable distribution of wealth.”

He went on in this fashion for some time. He ended by saying that he felt that Bahá’ís were true promoters of human rights, and that he considered them “an arm of the United Nations in Ethiopia.” His last remark on the Faith: “I wish that the whole city of Asmara could quickly get captured by your message; not only Asmara, but Ethiopia; and not only Ethiopia, but the entire world.”

A questioner in the audience afterward asked why he spoke at such great length about the Bahá’í Faith and its relation to UN ideals, and seemed to exclude other religions from his praise. Dubé said in referring to the Bahá’í Faith he also meant “like-minded organizations,” or religions with the same basic principles.

Dr. Dubé, 45, was born in Southern Rhodesia. He studied in Rhodesia and New York. In 1968 he was appointed Political Affairs Officer for the U.N. Secretariat; one year later he was appointed to his present position.

More Africans attend school

Fifty African believers were among the eighty participants at the annual West African Summer School at Bomi Hills, Liberia, between December 21-30, 1973. This figure represented an increase of more than 100 percent over the previous year in attendance by the African Bahá’ís. Believers from Sierra Leone, the Ivory Coast, and Ghana attended the 10-day session, as well as Bahá’ís from many localities in Liberia. Three Continental Counsellors for North western Africa participated: Mr. F.A. Ekpe, of Nigeria; Mr. D. Káẓímí, of the Ivory Coast; and Mr. H. R. Ardikání, of Senegal. Sven members of the Nation Assembly of West Africa were also present.

One of the goals set for the summer school was to proclaim the Faith to residents of Bomi Hills. Six teams covered the district on 28 December, inviting people to a public meeting at City Hall that evening. Approximately 50 people arrived that night to hear Counsellor Ekpe speak on the principle of progressive revelation, and to view a Bahá’í film on the dedication of the Panama Temple.

On one of the school days a former superintendent of the Bomi Territory, of which Bomi Hills is a part, addressed

The first National Bahá’í Youth Conference of Tanzania, East Africa, conducted between December 9 and 15.

[Page 2] The Bahá’í is saying he had been impressed during his tour of office with the determination of Bahá’í institutions to turn aside all ‎fiancial financial‎ aid from individuals and organizations not associated with their Faith. The superintendent, who had been helpful to the Bahá’ís, said he was honored to have been able to contribute in some small way to the progress of the Cause in Bomi Hills.

Paraguay:

A lesson well learned

The difficult town of Villarica (pop. 25,000) was recently selected by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Paraguay as the site for a large-scale proclamation. Teaching in the area has progressed slowly, so careful preparations were made for a public meeting in the local movie theater. Radio publicity was begun one month before the proclamation. Street banners in the town heralded the event. United Nations and Bahá’í films were ordered. Continental Counsellor Athos Costas was invited to speak, and 300 pamphlets were set aside for distribution during the teaching campaign.

Bahá’í teachers were pleased to see 20 people in the audience at 8 p.m. on the night of the public meeting. In this town particularly, it showed their planning had been well-rewarded. A handful more people arrived by 8:30, and more appeared to be on their way. An hour later, when the program finally started, more than 4,000 people sat in the audience, politely listening to the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

More than 20 percent of the town’s population participated in that public meeting, which, according to its own testimony, taught the National Assembly a lesson: next time literature would be sent for thousands; and follow-up meetings would be scheduled at the local theater, at the cultural center, and at the home of Villarica pioneer Iraj Pakravan.

Mexico:

Youth appear on television

The National Bahá’í Winter School of Mexico was conducted between 23-30 December at the Martha Root Bahá’í Institute outside the Mayan town of Muna, on the Yucatan peninsula. More than 100 Bahá’ís attended, some driving from distant Mexico City, others arriving by bus over the mountains from Puebla. Continental Counsellor Mrs. Carmen de Burafato, and Auxiliary Board members Mrs. Marie Novak and Mr. Antonio Salazar, a resident of Muna, took part in the program.

On the eve of the opening of the institute, Mrs. Burafato was invited to appear on a television program in Merida, the capital of Yucatan, to explain the teachings of the Faith. She made a second appearance on the program at the close of the Winter school, accompanied by three youth. The station later invited a group of Bahá’í youth to appear on a special program, to sing Bahá’í songs and talk about the Faith.

On 31 December, Mrs. Burafato met with the Governor of Yucatan, Carlos Loret de Mola, and presented him a volume of Bahá’í Writings.

For recreation at the end of one session, a group of Bahá’ís accompanied Mr. Salazar to the nearby Uxmal ruins, to inspect the ‘pyramid of the prophet’. On an upper section of the pyramid, an ancient mason had hammered a nine-pointed star into the stone. Mr. Salazar prefaced the visit with an account of Indian prophecies which refer to the advent of a great Manifestation.

“The Bahá’í Faith in Action” was the theme of the Winter School. Some of the class discussions centered on topics like the need for greater participation by women; the difference between a community with a functioning Spiritual Assembly and a community without one; and the education of children.

New Delhi, India, Winter School, held November 2-4, 1973, at the Bahá’í National Center.

[Page 3] Trinidad:

Assembly meets island official

The Governor General of Trinidad and Tobago, Sir Ellis Clarke, met with representatives of the country’s National Spiritual Assembly for a courtesy visit on 16 October 1973. Miss Shasi Sedaghat, chairman of the Assembly, and Mr. Samuel Lancaster, secretary, presented two Bahá’í books to Sir Ellis, and for almost an hour, conversed about the Bahá’í Faith with the Governor General. Sir Ellis showed interest in the basic principles of the Faith and asked about the progress of teaching in Trinidad and Tobago. Miss Sedaghat expressed the appreciation of the Bahá’ís for the cooperation the government has demonstrated in efforts to publicize the tenets of the Bahá’í Faith.

Mrs. Debby Bley, left, and Mr. Gregg Shaw, right.

Faith attracts school principal

Shortly after the National Assembly of Trinidad and Tobago decided to explore the possibility of presenting lectures at secondary schools on the islands, the principal of Minerva College, in Port of Spain, invited Bahá’ís to speak to his students regularly on Thursdays. Neville McLean was introduced to the Faith by his step-daughter.

Sir Ellis Clarke, Governor General of Trinidad and Tobago, center, receives Bahá’í books from representatives of the country’s National Spiritual Assembly.

A Bahá’í, who asked that he investigate it himself. At first, Mr. McLean was reluctant, he later said. But after reading one of the books he had received from his daughter, he determined to invite the Bahá’ís to lecture at his college.

The Minerva students have shown almost as much interest in the Bahá’í Faith as has their principal. They not only attend the lectures faithfully but have also asked to be shown Bahá’í films, and now even purchase Bahá’í books regularly. The Thursday lecturers are Mr. Lawrence Coward, vice-chairman of the National Assembly, and Mr. Samuel Lancaster, its secretary. On one occasion, Continental Counsellor Peter McLaren spent an entire evening with the students of Minerva.

In addition to the class discussions, the students have heard Bahá’í entertainers. Two American singing groups that have visited the country recently have been invited to perform at the college. Miss Terry Madison and Miss Shirley Yarborough were the first group: Gregg Shaw and Mrs. Debby Bley the second.

Miss Terry Madison, left, and Miss Shirley Yarborough, right.

[Page 4] Pakistan:

Tribe practices Faith

A series of photographs of Bahá’ís of the Bhil tribe, of Thatta, Pakistan, were taken during a recent visit there by members of the National Spiritual Assembly and the Auxiliary Boards. Photograph A shows the visitors with the men of the Bhil tribe. Chief Sardar, a Bahá’í, stands third from the left. It is customary among the Bhils to offer a turban or a scarf to those who visit the Bahá’í Center for the first time. Photograph B is of newly enrolled Bahá’í women and children. Photograph C shows some of the Bhil children enrolled at the Thatta Bahá’í School. The teachers are standing third and fourth from the left, and second and third from the right.

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Bahá’ís of Dacca, Bangladesh, in front of the National Bahá’í Center, following the celebration of the Martyrdom of the Báb.

Bangladesh:

Faith attracts city residents

Seventy-five Bahá’ís, and their guests from Denmark, Guam, and Malaysia, attended the second Bahá’í Winter School of Bangladesh, at the National Bahá’í Center in Dacca, January 25-27, 1974. A large Banner announcing the event was placed atop the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, attracting a substantial number of inquiries from city residents during the meeting.

Bahá’ís from the village of Fatehabad, Bangladesh

[Page 5] Chile:

Chile plans large deepening project

Six of Chile’s seven foreign pioneers attended the Continental Board of Counsellors Conference in Valparaiso, Chile, in November 1973. Sitting are Mrs. Paula Siegel, with her daughter Lua, left, and Laurel Schaeffer, right. Standing from left to right: John Caruana, Robert Siegel, Reed Chandler, Continental Counsellor Masu’d Khamsi, and Bill Allmart. The seventh pioneer, Miss Betty Becker, was ill in Punta Arenas when the photograph was taken. The pioneers will participate in a large-scale deepening project in Southern Chile during March and April. The project will be sponsored by the Hand of the Cause of God Rúhíyyih Khánum. A report of the project will appear in BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

Malta:

Malta elects Local Assembly

The first Local Spiritual Assembly of Malta, formed at Riḍván 1973. The independent state of Malta consists of three islands in the Mediterranean Sea, about 58 miles South of Sicily, Italy. The major island of the group—Malta—is 95 square miles in area. The country’s population is 330,000. The members of the Assembly are, seated from left to right: Ms. Beatrice Newman, vice-chairman; Ms. Mary Newman; Ms. Olga Mills, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh to Malta; Ms. Jean Campbell, treasurer. Standing from left to right: Mrs. Paulette Crockford; Mr. Cecil Crockford, secretary; Mrs. Ghodsieh Ala’i, chairman; Ms. Marion Bradley; and Mr. Philip Harcourt.

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A Bahá’í family in Indonesia during a Naw-Rúz celebration.

Indonesian family life

Children’s class sponsored by the Local Assembly of Tambakredjo, East ‎Jawa Java‎.

[Page 6] Mrs. Parsons with her son Jeffrey; taken before her first pilgrimage to Haifa in 1910

[Page 7]

The first nine days:

Selections from the diary of Agnes Parsons
on the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Washington, D.C.

Few Bahá’ís in America received as many blessings during the visit of the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in 1912, as did Mrs. Agnes Parsons, of Washington, D.C. Selections from her diary, dealing with the first days of the Master in the United States, have been edited for use in Bahá’í News and are printed below. A brief biography of Agnes Parsons was published in Bahá’í News in July 1973. Some additional information about her efforts to achieve race unity in the U.S. will appear in a forthcoming edition of World Order.

Saturday, April 20, 1912

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s steamship, Cedric, reached New York Wednesday night, April 10th, 1912. Many Bahá’ís were at the wharf to greet Him, but the passengers were not permitted to leave the ship until late Thursday morning because of illness in the steerage. The Bahá’ís were there early. And ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sent them a message not to wait, that He would see them later at the hotel. But they would not go away. When the reporters boarded the Cedric—off quarantine—they found ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the upper deck. He was dressed in a long, flowing black Oriental gown, underneath which was another of a light tan color. On His head He wore a snow-white turban. He gave the reporters a hearty welcome and He proved such a good talker that there was no occasion to ask questions. He talked of newspapers, of women’s suffrage, of universal peace, of religion, and of Persia. When the Cedric was opposite the Statue of Liberty, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá extended His arms in a salute and referred to His own long exile in Syria. The skyline of New York greatly interested Him. He called the skyscrapers “the minarets of the Western world’s commerce and industry.” Many were on the pier to greet Him, and the welcome pleased Him immensely. He, however, shrank from a public reception and asked, through Dr. Amínu’lláh Faríd, that they go away, saying that He would meet them in the hotel in which He would stay in the afternoon.

I gave Mírzá [Aḥmad] Sohráb a letter to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and another to Mírzá Asadu’lláh, but the letter did not come to this country. I received a letter from Mírzá Sohráb dated April 12th, saying ‘Abdu’l-Bahá seemed inclined to stay at an apartment, coming to our house each day for meetings and appointments, and he enclosed a Tablet from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, kind and lovely, but making no promises. I wrote again saying the house was all arranged for His party, and reminded Him of His promise in Syria to stay with us. Through Dr. Faríd has come a Tablet from which I quote: “The promise I made thee I will certainly carry out. I will come to thy city and to visit with thee. I will come to thy house. Rest thou assured.”

This was dated April 16th, and on April 15th I had a long letter from Dr. [Edward] Getsinger and a message in a letter from him to Mrs. Boyle. Speaking of the food, and the hours for it which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is accustomed to, I wrote to Dr. Getsinger that we had rooms ready for all the party and that it was perfectly convenient to have the food arranged at the hours mentioned; but that if, after all I said, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá preferred to go to the apartment I should know that He knew best. Meantime, Jeffrey¹ wrote Him a little note of invitation. Then came a short note from Dr. Getsinger, containing a kind message from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ending with: “Also tell her that my decisions will all be made upon my arrival in Washington.”

Today, April 19th, has come a telegram from the Master to Jeffrey, saying, “LETTER RECEIVED. GRATEFUL. FOR YOUR SAKE, MYSELF AND TRANSLATOR COME YOUR HOUSE. (SIGNED) ABBAS.” Mírzá Sohráb told me over the telephone that he had also just had a telegram saying they would leave Saturday, 8 a.m., but not to let it be generally known. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had a very appreciative reception in New York. I cannot, however, write of the meetings and interviews as I must begin tomorrow to record the details of His visit here.

Sunday, April 21, 1912

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Dr. Faríd, Dr. Getsinger, and two Persians, arrived in Washington about one o’clock on Saturday, April 20th. Mrs. Hemmick sent her motor, and I my carriage, to meet the party. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had asked that the time of His arrival be kept quiet as

[Page 8] He was anxious that no demonstration be made. He was met by Mírza Sohráb, Mme. [Florence Breed] Khan and her children, and immediately brought to our home. The day before leaving New York, He had interviewed two hundred and fifty people in the morning, besides speaking before large audiences in the afternoon and evening, and Dr. Faríd thought it would be wise for Him to rest as much as possible before the meeting at which He would speak in the evening. Consequently, He went to His room where He rested before luncheon and again immediately afterward, while Dr. Faríd and I went to a reception at Rauscher’s. When we returned, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Dr. Faríd, and Mr. [Charles Mason] Remey went for a short drive.

While we were at dinner, Mrs. [Helen S.] Goodall and Mrs. [Ella G.] Cooper arrived to see ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by appointment, which detained us. The meeting was held at the Carnegie Library. When we reached the hall we saw that every inch of standing space was occupied. A path had to be made along the halls and stairs for our party and I noticed that there were several who reached out to touch His garment. There were present five reporters, taking account of the proceedings.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá made His address which Dr. Faríd translated into beautiful English. He spoke mainly of peace and arbitration. The people were asked to stand while He gave His blessing in Persian—this was not translated. There was great insistence on the part of many in the audience to meet Him, but this had to be refused as He needed rest.

When we reached home, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s evening meal was served to Him in the morning room and we talked for some time. I asked about Mr. (F.D.) Millet who was recently lost in the Titanic disaster, telling ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that he had been very dearly beloved. Mr. Millet was an artist whose person and whose work had been appreciated in both Europe and America. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s answer was: “Where one has been devoted to his work in life—art, or whatever it may be—it is regarded as worship and he is undoubtedly surrounded by the mercy of God.” He also said: “If one does you a service and at some other time a wrong, overlook the one for the other—think only of the good.”

I told him that from having thought that Muḥammad was an imposter I now knew Him to be one of the Prophets of God.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá has His meals as follows: 7 a.m., Tea and bread; 1:30 p.m., Dines with the family; 4 p.m., Tea; 7:30 p.m., Sits with the family at dinner, but partakes of no food Himself; 10 p.m., Simple meal. While sitting with the family last night at the dinner hour, He looked over many cablegrams mainly from foreign and far-off places, congratulating America on having the honor of His presence.

On Sunday morning ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had interviews with Mrs. Sexton, Mrs. Noyes, and others. I was present with Mrs. Noyes. She asked many interesting questions concerning rhythm. The time between half-past nine and ten ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spent with Jeffrey, looking at his toys, books, and pictures. Afterward they went on the roof garden together. At eleven o’clock ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in company with some of the Persians of His party walked to the station hall on Connecticut Avenue, where He gave a beautiful address, after which He came down the aisle greeting the people. The children were brought forward and put into His arms. The blessing, given in Persian, was not translated. I took Jeffrey Boy to the service with me—he remained until after the address was made. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Dr. Faríd, and Dr. Getsinger drove for an hour after the meeting, then went to Mrs. Hemmick’s to luncheon. Mrs. Seth Ackley and Mr. [Oscar W.] Underwood were present.

I was eager for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to see Mrs. Noyes dance, in order that He might say whether, from the ethical standpoint, there was any value in her work. Before leaving in the morning He very indulgently promised Mrs. Noyes to see her dance at 3 o’clock, if she would return at that hour, adding, as though He were very much amused: “I’ve done almost everything, but I’ve never watched dancing.” After seeing Mrs. Noyes dance, He said it was very good and blessed her work.

At 4 o’clock, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Dr. Faríd and I went to the Universalist Church, of which Dr. Van Schaick is pastor. We found him standing on the pavement, waiting to receive ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Whom he conducted through a side door to the chancel. Dr. Van Schaick said that because of the many engagements of the great Teacher of the East, the order of the service would be changed—that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would first address the audience and then leave. Dr. Van Schaick made an address of welcome to which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá responded; then He gave a beautiful address—the theme unity—which was quickly and most satisfactorily interpreted by Dr. Farid. A prayer in Persian by the Master followed. When I supposed that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would be free to leave and go home for a little rest. Dr. Van Schaick made such a strong appeal from the people to shake hands that the request was granted. It was quite a long time before we were able to return. But instead of finding an opportunity for a quiet rest, we found a group of people awaiting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the little room: Mírzá Ali-Kuli Khan. Mme. Khan and the two oldest children; Mrs. [Frances] Breed and a young secretary of the Persian Legation; Mrs. Severance and Mrs. Lane; also Mrs. Lane’s brother, who had been on the ship with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a friendship having sprung up because of the children’s fondness for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. He (Mrs. Lane’s brother) was quite surprised when he reached Washington to find that his sister had become interested in the Bahá’í Teachings.

Tea was served in the large room, a circle being formed; ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as it were, at the head of the circle. After this group left, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá returned to the little room, where Dr. Farid read to Him for half an hour. After this He had an interview with Mr. Innes and Mr. Cram, which had been previously arranged.

[Page 9] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with the Turkish Ambassador, Díyá Páshá

[Page 10] TOP: The home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Parsons at the corner of 18th and “R” Streets, N.W. in Washington, D.C., where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed from April 21-28, 1912.

BOTTOM: First floor room of the Parsons’ house where it is believed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá greeted visitors and made His talks. Washington Bahá’í used this room for the meeting held on the 50th anniversary of His visit to their city.

[Page 11] I came upstairs for a little rest and do not know the later happenings. During our dinner at 7:30 p.m., ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sat and talked with us. I never dreamed that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would wish to add another activity to this already full day. Mr. Parsons suggested going one evening to the Library to see it lighted. Realizing what a full day it had been, He thought it might be wiser to appoint another night. But ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said: “So, let us go tonight.”

We first went up in the elevator to the rotunda, looking down into the reading room. Two of the bronze figures were examined, when Mr. Parsons turned to conduct the party to another part of the Library. When it was told ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that Mr. Parsons would like to show Him over some other part of the building, He replied: “When one undertakes to see a thing, one should see it thoroughly,” and continued around the rotunda until He had looked carefully at, and asked the name of each bronze figure. After doing this part of the Library, we went with Mr. Parsons to his division, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá began to see it as thoroughly as He had examined the figures. We were soon told that very soon the lights would be extinguished. However, Mr. Greene, the Superintendent, whom we met shortly afterward, gave the order that the lights were to be kept on and no doors locked for the present. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was shown the stacks, some of the machinery for taking up books, and also some Turkish books. Before very long we had turned homeward, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had His evening meal upon arrival, and very soon went to His room.

Monday, April 22nd, 1912:

Early Monday morning, the household was called together, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave a short talk and His blessing. He admonished each one to be faithful and said He had prayed for all. Afterward He gave each servant a handmade silk handkerchief as a souvenir.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá saw several people before He went out for a drive. He returned in time for luncheon. Before He went for His drive, He gave Jeffrey a very handsome Persian inkwell. At lunch, He presented Mr. [Arthur J.] Parsons with a manuscript of Bahá’u’lláh. It contains very interesting illuminations.

He had interviewed 250 people in the morning, besides speaking before large audiences in the afternoon and evening.

Just before or after lunch (I cannot recall the exact time ‘Abdu’l-Bahá handed me a pair of glasses, asking to try them on. I was obliged to tell Him they did not suit. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá then gave them to Mr. Parsons, who accepted. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá took out another pair, asking me to try them. They did not seem to help the eyes, so I gave them back to Him; but He put them in the case and handed them to me. Of course, I shall keep and try them again. After lunch ‘Abdu’l-Bahá rested until four when He had interviews for three-quarters of an hour. At four forty-five, He went into the large room to meet and talk to the great number who had assembled to see Him. This talk was along the general lines of the former addresses, but more fitted, I thought, to deeper thinkers. He said religion is one—imitations of religion, many. Mrs. Richardson sat next to me. She said: “Isn’t He a dear?” “Oh, is it over? I’m coming again tomorrow.”

The people lingered a long time after the talk. The Persians who were present went into the little room with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, where tea was served, and they probably discussed business matters for a while. Certain people were taken into the little room to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. I presented Mrs. Randolph and Miss Eliza Hay. Both, He greeted warmly; also Dr. Chase, Miss Maude Davidge, Miss Janet Richards, and Mrs. Ramsay. The two latter asked questions, receiving answers just according to their needs. I also presented Miss A.E. Marsland, and arrangements were made for Mrs. Randolph to play for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the evening.

Mr. and Mrs. Lane, two children, and a maid came by appointment at 6 o’clock. They were shown into the library and kept waiting for some time owing to a mistake on Dr. Faríd’s part. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá finally went to them, and they had a most interesting conversation on the subject of economics—the great needs of capitalists to study and improve the conditions of laborers, or face serious results; the harm of strikes or of gaining things by force that should be settled amicably. Late in the afternoon ‘Abdu’l-Bahá walked.

A Persian dinner cooked by Mírzá Sohráb was served by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at about 8 o’clock. The appointed hour was 7:30 p.m., but they say a Persian dinner is never on time. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá walked around and talked while the others ate. There were present Siyyid Asadu’lláh-i-Qumí, Mírzá Maḥmúd, Ali-Kuli Khan and secretary, Dr. Faríd, Dr. Getsinger, Mírzá Sohráb, Mr. Remey, and Mr. [Joseph H.] Hannen.

After dinner ‘Abdu’l-Bahá dictated answers to cablegrams that have recently come on account of the Feast of Riḍván. I asked if these cablegrams were to be destroyed, “Would you like to have them?” He asked. I told Him I would and Dr. Faríd has promised to translate them.

Mr. Parsons had his Persian costume brought down. It was much admired. One of the Persians who examined it said the embroidery was very beautiful and at least three to four hundred years old.

(Interpolated note about the glasses: They were first given to Jeffrey, I think, and when he said they did not suit him they were given to me. After trying them I also said they did not suit me, but He replied, “They will suit you.” I do find them very soothing and intend to use for reading constantly.)

Mrs. Randolph came at about ten o’clock to play for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The party went into the large room, but ‘Abdu’l-Bahá went into the little room,

[Page 12] where His dinner was served. He preferred hearing the music at a distance. Juliet Thompson, who had telephoned me of her arrival, came in and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá invited her to sit with Him. “Eat, eat!” He said. So a plate was brought and she shared the meal with Him. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said Mrs. Randolph’s music was very good, then jokingly said: “Ask Dr. Getsinger to sing now—he sings like a canary.”

Dr. Randolph came for Mrs. Randolph. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asked that he sit by Him and He spoke of the healing power of music in the belief of the ancient Persians—certain airs were supposed to be healing to tuberculosis in its early stages.

Also, the subject of Charles Rann Kennedy’s play, The Terrible Meek, was commented upon. Mr. Kennedy had persuaded ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to see the play in New York. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said “If, instead of making it sensational, he had taken certain incidents in the life of Christ, the play would have had great value!” Then ‘Abdu’l-Bahá touched on the salient points in the life of Christ in a most wonderful manner.

During the evening Mr. Parsons asked me to put on the Persian costume and show it to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. As I came into the room, He laughed and shouted: “Mrs. Hemmick!” The costume had many bright colors.

Tuesday, April 23, 1912

On Tuesday, after seeing several people in the morning, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Dr. Faríd went for a short drive, stopped at Mr. and Mrs. Hannen’s, and afterward went to Howard University, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá made an address before a large audience of professors and students. He dwelt largely upon the need for love and unity between the white and black races and spoke of the gratitude which the colored people should feel for the white, because through them came not only freedom for their race, but the beginning of freedom for all slaves. He also told them that through education the difference between the two races would be lessened.

From Howard University ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Dr. Faríd were taken to Mine. Khan’s, where I also was at lunch with the party. There were nineteen present besides ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. These are the names that I recall: Mírzá Ali-Kuli Khan, Mme. Khan, two children, Mrs. Breed, Mrs. Severance, Mrs. Goodall, Mrs. Cooper, Miss A. Dow, Dr. Getsinger, Dr. Faríd, Mírzá Sohráb, Miss Juliet Thompson, Mr. Louis Gregory, Mr. Remey and myself.

“I’ve done almost everything, but I’ve never watched dancing.”

A Persian meal was served. The flowers were lovely, rose leaves having been strewn over the table. There was some delay in the luncheon, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá saw fit to change the places of some of the guests. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá insisted that I have the armchair that had been set at the table for Him and so I was next to Him, Mrs. Severance next to me. On the other side of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sat Mrs. Goodall, Mrs. Breed and Miss Juliet Thompson—the other seats Mme. Khan arranged. After luncheon ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke to a group of people in an upper room; later, to 30 or 40 who had assembled in another room to hear an address.

The Turkish ambassador [Ḍíyá Páshá], who had previously met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, was present. He had a talk with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, came into the long room to hear His address, and said to someone: “I want to go to the home where He is going to speak next.” So he came to my house and afterwards invited ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Dr. Faríd, Mrs. Parsons, and myself to dine on Thursday evening.

The young Turkish secretary was speaking very appreciatively of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, when I had the opportunity of commenting on the breadth of the Teachings—I told him that from having thought that Muḥammad was an imposter I now knew Him to be one of the Prophets of God. He replied that the Muḥammadans were much more liberal than the Christians, inasmuch as they have accepted Christ as a Prophet, whereas the Christians did not accept Muḥammad.

Admiral [Robert] Peary was also present. I heard ‘Abdu’l-Bahá compliment him on having reached a point very far to the North. From the Khan’s we returned to this home, where we found the place thronged. There were probably 250 people present, many standing. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke about the Titanic disaster. When He finished, He said, “I am very tired! Next time I will do better.” After the talk, He went into the little room where He saw several people, then for a drive with Mrs. Hemmick. The Turkish Ambassador also drove with them, being so interested in the conversation. When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá returned He went into the morning room where Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Belmont, Miss Juliet Thompson, and two Persians were assembled. Tea was served and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá honored me by giving me tea which had been specially prepared for Him. Very soon afterward the Persians left and we succeeded in getting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá into His room for a rest, before going to the colored church, where He was to make an address in the evening. He was not with us, as usual, during the dinner hour.

After dinner, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá went with Mírzá Ali-Kuli Khan to fulfill the engagement at the Metropolitan Church. When He returned, we sat with Him while He had His evening meal, talking along general lines. Mr. Parsons and Dr. Faríd had chocolate. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had invited me to sit next to Him on the sofa. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá started off to bed, Mr. Parsons assisted Him up the stairs, and I heard Him say lovingly to Mr. Parsons, “My son, My son.” (Someone told ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that this was Royall’s [Parsons’ eldest son] birthday. “Why was I not told before, that I might have prayed for him at dawn,” He said.)

Wednesday, April 24, 1912

Wednesday morning was given mostly to private interviews. A drive to Arlington had been arranged by Dr. Faríd. At noon, just before we left the house, I said to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “May I have a few of your roses and may I choose them?” I intended to take the least beautiful ones. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá made the choice Himself, taking them out one by one, saying “I will carry them.” While we were waiting for the

[Page 13] TOP: A second floor room of the Parsons’ house.

BOTTOM: The library of the Parsons’ home, also on the second floor.

[Page 14] TOP: The staircase leading to the front door of the Parsons’ house.

BOTTOM: An office on the second floor of the Parsons’ home.

[Page 15] carriage, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Dr. Faríd, Mr. Remey and I walked up 18th Street nearly to “T”. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá observed an electric motor on the other side of the street, stopped, remarked about it, and asked the price. As none of us possessed one, it was very amusing to hear how we groped around for the price. Finally Mr. Remey said he thought that they could be bought from $800 upward to $2,000 and promised to get a price list for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. We then walked on and as we turned back saw the carriage approaching. When we reached Arlington, we got out at the house and went through some of the rooms. Afterward we sat outside, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá enjoying the softness and freshness of the air, which was laden with the odor of flowers; admiring the view in the distance, with the domes of the Capitol and Library showing up conspicuously. After this ... we walked down to the tombs. On the way, as I passed the monument of General King, I said, “This is where my Father’s best friend is buried.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá took out a white rose and placed it on the monument. When we reached the graves of my Father and Mother, He divided the roses, placing them in the receptacles for flowers, then chanted a Tablet—a large portion of which Dr. Faríd took down. On our way back to the carriage I said I feared I had made my Mother unhappy by trying to keep my thoughts from her after she had passed away. She had had such an overwhelming affection for me while she was here, that I felt then that unless I did this, the constant thinking on my part might hold her here, which I wanted to avoid. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said I had done right not to sorrow, that the spirit of another rejoices in the joy of the loved one, and that it is very wrong to allow ourselves to grieve for those who have passed away. “If friends go to live in another city they do not like to hear that their friends are lamenting.”

When we returned from Arlington we had luncheon and almost immediately afterward went to the studio to a children’s meeting. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asked me to sit next to Him. Jeffrey followed. As there were no extra chairs, Jeffrey sat on my lap for a while, then stood. All the children came up—‘Abdu’l-Bahá took them in his arms, patted them on the head, asked their names, and kissed each one. I said to Jeffrey, “You go too.” “I live in the house with Him,” was Jeffrey’s reply. “You would like to do what the others are doing, would you not?” So when a pause came, Jeffrey went forward and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá embraced him. “It is like Jesus and the little children,” Jeffrey said to me. “The expressions on the children’s faces were very lovely.” After ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had greeted the children individually, He made a short address to the mothers, telling them that they had a great work to prepare the children for their life’s work. When driving home, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said to Jeffrey, “They were all beautiful children—they are the soldiers and you are the general.”

He called the skyscrapers “the minarets of the Western world’s commerce and industry.”

The people were all assembled in the large room when we returned. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá paid a beautiful tribute to the teachings of Christ. The people showed great interest and as usual were loath to go.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá went for a short drive after the meeting. When He returned, I was sent for to have tea, and again He paid me the special attention of handing me the cup of tea that was prepared for Him. At luncheon we had as guests Mrs. Belmont and the (Leone) Barnitz “little girl”; at dinner Mrs. Belmont, who remained for the night. They are both here anxious to do some service for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Mr. Belmont answers the telephone and the “little girl” conducts the visitors to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s room for interviews, keeping a list of the names.

In the evening ‘Abdu’l-Bahá went to a meeting of colored and white people at Mrs. Dyer’s and later to Mr. Alexander Graham Bell’s.

Thursday, April 25th, 1912

Besides receiving the people for private interviews on Thursday morning, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá addressed a small group of Theosophists in my large room. I had invited them here to save ‘Abdu’l-Bahá having to go out so much. The Theosophists had asked Him to speak to them.

Mr. and Mrs. [Charles] Haney and the baby [Paul] drove with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the morning. At the children’s meetings the baby had screamed when he saw ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and I thought at the time I heard of it that the child had probably been overwhelmed by seeing a greater spirituality in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá than many saw. Before they went to drive I had advanced this theory in speaking to Mr. and Mrs. Haney, for she had shown such distress in her face when it occurred. I believe Mr. Haney agreed with me. He said: “Three months before the child was born we were in Accá.” Afterward, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá returned from the drive, I said to Him: “How was it with the baby?” “Everything quite right,” was His reply. I told Him I thought the baby had been conscious of more than we were. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s answer was: “You have much insight.”

Dr. Faríd gave me an hour to dispose of. I got a message to Miss Hay, who had a short interview, and afterward ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke very beautifully of the Teachings to Miss Ernelyn Bailey, Mrs. Wells, Miss Anne Wells, and Miss Larkin of England.

After luncheon there were interviews. At a quarter to five came the meeting in the large room, which was thoroughly filled. In ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s talk, He explained some of the principles in the Teachings ofBahá’u’lláh, which will be continued in the address today (Friday). After the meeting He went out in the motor with Mrs. Elenis and during the afternoon saw people at Mrs. Hemmick’s and Mme. Khan’s. Mr. Parsons and I stopped at Mme. Khan’s for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on our way to dine at the Turkish Embassy. At the dinner, besides ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, were the Ambassador, his son, son’s wife, daughter, Mírzá and Mme. Khan, Dr and Mrs. Williams, Dr. Faríd, the two visiting Persians, the Persian secretary,

[Page 16] Mr. Parsons, and myself. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was seated opposite the Ambassador. Mme. Khan was to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s right, and the Ambassador’s daughter to His left. I was to the right of the Ambassador, Mrs. Williams to the left. The Ambassador had much conversation with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Turkish. The latter part of the dinner, the Turkish Ambassador drew out from his pocket a paper on which was written some sentiments in praise of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was not outdone, for He likened the Ambassador to the sun. I hope to get the translations. The Ambassador’s nephew and some members of the Embassy came in after dinner.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Ambassador remained in the room where the men had smoked until Dr. Faríd joined them, suggesting to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that it was time to leave—so I imagined, as He very soon went down and we followed. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave me a small package to keep for Him for the present.

Friday, April 26th, 1912

On Friday morning I dressed early hoping to get over to the Unitarian church to hear ‘Abdu’l-Bahá speak to the Women’s Alliance, but it was quite over when I reached there, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was on His way home. I found Dr. Faríd and Mírzá Sohráb at the church—they said the address had been much appreciated. I do not recall the subject. I took the carriage on Massachusetts Avenue and was brought home—asked ‘Abdu’l-Bahá if He would drive, but He said He preferred to walk. Mírzá Maḥmúd was standing at the door. I asked if he were going with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “I have not been told to do so,” was his reply. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá went out alone.

Before the luncheon hour a message came from Mrs. John J. White, making the request of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to speak to a few people at her home. He again preferred to walk. The Turkish Ambassador was to be with us at luncheon, as well as Nina Hopkins. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did not return by half past one our luncheon was late. It was about two when we sat down to the table. Miss Hopkins spoke French to the Ambassador and again, as on the night before, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Ambassador talked a great deal in Turkish. At one

‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied: “If each one tried to do his duty there would be no labor question.”

time when they were speaking and seemed amused, I said in a low voice to Dr. Faríd, “I think we should hear what that was.” His reply was, “I have not been told to translate it.” It was quite late before the Ambassador left, after which there were interviews, and at a quarter to five, the meeting in the large room. It was filled with people, eager to hear His last talk at my home. His subject was the human and divine Spirit in man. He made a little farewell talk also, expressing his gratitude and happiness, and added and admonition to all who had heard the spiritual Teachings to endeavor to gain something from them. Before dinner I was given a private interview with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, when we spoke of Mr. Parsons and Jeffrey.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá rested during the dinner hour. Knowing that Dr. Faríd had had such full days and so much responsibility, I suggested that he also rest, which he was glad to do. But he did not allow himself to fall asleep, fearing that he would not awaken in time. I was sorry I had not thought to tell him that I would see that he was aroused at the proper time. He had food with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when we returned in the evening. At a quarter to nine we left for Continental Hall, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was to speak. We stayed in a very ‎confortable comfortable‎ room, until the early part of the program was over. Mr. [Samuel] Gompers [labor leader] was brought in to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Among other things, he said: “I try to do my duty.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied: “If each one tried to do his duty there would be no labor question.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke of what women had done and the great work they would do in the future; the fact the Continental Building had been so beautifully planned and built by women was an indication of what women could do with the proper training. A large part of the lower portion of the building was filled, but the galleries were not. After the speaking we went back to the same room, where several people were introduced to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. On our way we met Mrs. Scott, the president of the D.A.R’s, and had a few words together.

When we returned home, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had His evening meal and food was also served to the others. We sat in the small room and had a very interesting talk.

Saturday, April 27, 1912

Early Saturday morning ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sent for me. I dressed and got down in fifteen minutes. I found Mrs. Belmont fitting His coat, which she was making for Him. He said some very sweet things about her and asked me to look after her.

The night before I had seen Mrs. Nourse at the Continental Hall and invited her to lunch on Saturday. Mr. Parsons had had a talk with Mrs. Cabot. She was in Baltimore and left her phone number with Mr. Parsons, so I called her up and invited her to lunch also. Mrs. Cabot had a lovely talk with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. During luncheon ‘Abdu’l-Bahá talked of the proper method of taxation. He said a great deal. The following I remember clearly: that if a man owned only one house and land, the products of which supported his family, he should not be taxed for that; but if he owned a second house, a certain rate should be levied on that. If a third, a greater rate, etc. By this method, a man could not accumulate a colossal fortune. We appealed to Dr. Faríd to put all that was said regarding taxes into English for us. He said it would be better for him to write it in Persian, correct it and then translate it into English.

Juliet Thompson came in for quite a while on Saturday. Miss Gaith arrived in the afternoon, expecting to spend the night and attend the reception.

I went down at 9:30 p.m. and found everything looking very lovely. I had arranged for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to sit on the large sofa in the southeastern corner of the library, but others took possession of it. As I had to receive the guests, I did not hear in detail the way in which people were presented to Him. Several told me of things that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had said to them. To General Greely He

[Page 17] said: “I have often sympathized with you in the experiences of hardship which you had in your earlier years,” showing that He knew the General’s history and adventures in the Arctic regions. To Admiral Wainwright: “You are an admiral because you believe in peace.” Admiral Wainwright answered: “My wife makes me do so!” I found that Mrs. Sherman Miles had not met Him and I told her I wanted to present her to Him. He said something very lovely about her: “You are a good daughter and here is your good mother.” I said: “She has a good mother of her own.” Just then Mrs. Noble came up. I said: “This is her mother.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied: “You are very happy to have two mothers.” This was interesting, as I have had a very unusual affection for Julee, although I have seen little of her.

Most of the people had gone away by the time I went down to the music room. We expected ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would follow, but a little later, when Dr. Faríd went upstairs to see if He would grant an interview to Mr. Garfield, who had come in, he found that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had gone to bed.

The music seemed to be enjoyed and seven persons spoke in complimentary terms of the way things went off.

Sunday, April 28, 1912

Early Sunday morning Dr. Faríd arranged for Mr. and Mrs. Karney Carr to have an interview with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at 2:30 p.m. They are both thoughtful, spiritual people. Dr. Chase would come with them as he had not been able to see ‘Abdu’l-Bahá before.

Mr. Innes, who particularly asked for another interview, was asked to come at 9:30 a.m.. I telephoned Dr. Faríd, asking if I could be present at the interview with Mr. Innes, if there were no objections. Dr. Farid said there would be no objections, so I sat at the large table in the library and ate my breakfast while the talk progressed. Many interesting questions were asked and answered. I remember distinctly that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said: “A man who has been injured should not retaliate—but that the law should carry out retribution. In its doing so there is not the spirit of revenge, for this that the law does is for the safety of the body politic.”

Sunday morning ‘Abdu’l-Bahá went to call on the Turkish Ambassador. He asked me to accompany Him, which I did. The conversation was in Turkish. The Ambassador’s son, a very polite young man, spoke English with me until I said to him, “We can have a conversation at another time. I do not wish to deprive you of hearing what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and your Father have to say.” So he listened, and all seemed intensely interested.

After this visit, we drove to the White Lot and then home to luncheon. There were many private interviews in the early part of the afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Carr and Dr. Chase had to wait some time. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had them come to His own room and they were greatly interested in His answers.

Dr. Faríd and I were in the carriage with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the way to the station. We stopped at Mrs. Hemmick’s to say goodbye, but she was out. Afterward, we drove to Mrs. John J. White’s. She was most happy to have another word with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá before He left. The Turkish Ambassador and his son came to the station to say goodbye, leaving before the train did, but the rest of the party—Mírzá and Mme. Khan, Mírzá Sohráb, Mr. Remey, Mrs. Belmont, the “little girl” [Leone] and two or three others, remained to see the train go off. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá assured me that He would be with us although He was going to Chicago.

1. Jeffrey Parsons, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Parsons.

[Page 18]

Bahamas air shuttle

International teaching teams spread Faith on islands

by Jean Bellows

It was January 26, 1974. As we flew towards Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, I wondered if anyone else on board the plane was aware that this was an anniversary. One year ago this same weekend, on January 25, 1973, the first flight of Operation Airlift Bahamas had taken off from Fort Lauderdale International Airport and had landed one-half hour and 50 air miles later—on Grand Bahama Island.

The other eight passengers and the pilot of our 10 seater twin-engine private plane were enthusiastically pointing out landmarks on the island, stretching in a long emerald curve below us. Oil storage tanks marked one end of a long narrow road. “That’s Pinter’s Point,” someone said. “There are many new Bahá’ís there.” The road, a narrow strip winding along the gem-green of the subtropical island, appeared to go from point “A” to point “B” with no real purpose. Small houses were placed along its length. No visible line indicated where Pinter’s Point left off, and Lewis Yard, or Hunters, began.

For me, the flight was a time for reflection. When Operation Airlift Bahamas began in 1973 there were three Local Spiritual Assemblies in the Bahama Islands, one in Nassau, the capital, the others (none of which were functioning), on Grand Bahama Island. Pioneers had been sent to Grand Bahama Island to reactivate the Bahá’í communities there. The goals in the Bahamas were an integral part of the Nine Year Plan, and had to be won.

The plane banked to the left, the port wing dipping toward the sea. The tourist posters describing the Caribbean are no exaggeration. The dark shadows of the reefs stand out boldly against the white sandy sea bottom. With a little imagination one can see shipwrecks left from the days when the pirates occupied these islands. The sea is a clear turquoise, and when the sun dances off the waves and ripples, the effect is like sparkling diamonds.

My mind flashed back to that first trip to Freeport, just one year ago. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Spiritual Assembly had undertaken the task of coordinating a series of teaching trips to the Bahamas under the guidance of the International Goals Committee of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly. The goals were to reactivate the existing Bahá’í communities; to help the Local Spiritual Assemblies on Grand Bahama Island, and in Nassau; and to build additional Bahá’í communities, and win goals of the Nine Year Plan.

Ron Hauck, a Fort Lauderdale Bahá’í, owner and operator of an aeromotive company, had offered the Assembly the use of one of his charter planes, if the friends would cover gasoline and other incidental expenses, such as landing and immigration fees. It was the height of the winter season in Florida, and Ron’s planes were solidly booked by charter parties and tourists. Each trip the teaching teams took in one of his planes amounted to a real sacrifice on his part. But without the use of his planes, the teaching trips would have been too expensive to make and could not have been undertaken. A series of eight trips were scheduled in 1973. A total of 63 Bahá’ís (20% of whom participated in more than one trip) traveled to the islands, with three trips to Nassau and five trips to Freeport between January 25 and April 22. It was the first teaching journey for many of these

[Page 19] TOP: Florida teaching team members with friends at the home of Mrs. Williams in Hunter, Grand Bahamas Islands, during a recent teaching/consolidation trip.

BOTTOM: One of the teams during a March, 1973 trip to the Bahamas. Standing in front of the Bahá’í Center are (left to right): Ms. Jean Bellows, Mr. John Hatcher, Ms. Linda Shaw, Mrs. Sandi Bullock, with her baby, Poova, Mr. Charles Bullock, Ms. Fern McBride, Ms. Marcia Groen, Mr. Siggle Shaw, and Ms. Liz Venter.

[Page 20] Bahá’ís.

The Bahamas, in the West Indies, consist of a chain of 700 islands (30 of them uninhabited), and 2,000 islets and reefs extending 760 miles southwest from Grand Bahama Island (the point nearest to the U.S. A.). New Providence Island, one of the smallest of the chain, is the most important; it contains the capital, Nassau. The rest of the archipelago is known collectively as the Out Islands, and is at a more retarded stage of development. The population of Nassau is more worldly-wise than that of the Out Islands. Nassau is the most popular tourist resort, having many glittering hotels, yacht basins, and expensive tourist shops.

The Bahá’í community of Nassau is mainly comprised of native Bahamians. Many can trace their ancestry back to the American Revolutionary period when the Colonial Loyalists, under the very favorable terms extended by the British Crown, emigrated from the newly-independent territories, bringing with them their Negro slaves. Reaching the Bahamian people with the Bahá’í Message was not difficult. The fact that the teaching teams were not tourists, that they visited the areas where the people lived, removed from the tourist routes, intrigued and impressed them. Native Bahamians declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh on each occasion when Bahá’ís sojourned in the islands.

The Bahá’ís of Nassau worked with us at all times, street teaching, often leading the teaching and the deepening work, and guiding us through their Assembly decisions. Karen and Bob Leonard and their daughters, pioneers to Nassau, provided welcome hospitality, transportation, love, and constant assistance.

Of course, the Bahamians living on all of the islands share the same heritage. The Bahá’í communities on Grand Bahama Island, however, are largely made up of Haitians, emigrants from their own island country. The Haitians, away from their native soil, “outsiders” amongst the Bahamians, speaking Creole and French, with very little English, accept the Faith readily and begin to teach their friends immediately.

Describing a typical teaching situation in Freeport will more dramatically demonstrate the challenge of teaching in the Islands, and the power of the

LEFT: Mrs. Sandi Bullock with Charles Thompson and his daughter.

RIGHT: Teaching team members and Bahamian Bahá’í friends cluster around Charles Thompson’s automobile during the 1974 visit.

Holy Spirit when the friends are sincere in their approach.

It was one Friday in March, during our third trip to Freeport. Some of the Freeport friends, and Charles and Sandi Bullock, the pioneers who lived at the Bahá’í Center, met our plane. By this time, the immigration and customs men knew us well and let us pass very quickly. They knew that our cameras, guitars, slide projectors, sleeping bags, and teaching books would not be given as gifts but would go back with us on the Sunday return flight. The officials, usually stern in their demeanor, joked with the Bahá’ís. They let us pass without questioning. Our identification cards were officially stamped, “No Gainful Occupation Permitted,” a provision which makes it impossible for pioneers to be self-supporting in the Bahamas.

Charles and Sandi had an old beat-up car, which had been donated to the Faith. Gasping and wheezing, it managed to get us to the Bahá’í Center. Our first activity upon arrival was to meet with the pioneers, who explained the plans for the weekend. [During the first visits these guidelines came from the pioneers, and from the Local Assembly of Fort Lauderdale. But as our teaching progressed with many visits, the Freeport Spiritual Assembly began to meet, and we were soon working under its instructions.] The local believers then began to arrive, bringing their children. After the evening meal, teams were sent out to work in 5 different towns. The people in Williamstown are all Bahamian, so an English-speaking team was assigned there. The other teams each had at least one French-speaking believer.

During the day, the teams would seek out the believers, offering them deepening on the spot on a one-to-one basis, making friends, accepting new declarations, and giving out invitations to the evening meetings. The teams would return to the Center for dinner, sharing marvelous native dishes served with macaroni and cheese. Afterwards, they would again split up for the meetings in the goal areas.

This particular Saturday we presented a Local Assembly Seminar in Freeport. Many of the friends were there. The old car had served well as a shuttle bringing Bahá’ís from all the areas. We presented deepening materials, using flip charts in French and English; those who understood only Creole had everything translated for them. A trial Assembly meeting was held, the “members” having been asked to resolve a hypothetical problem that was meaningful to their culture. After they worked their way through the steps of deciding the problem, ascertaining the facts, and determining the spiritual principles that pertained to the facts—we listened from the kitchen as they began their consultation. For them, the situation was real. There was no question of their unity and sincerity. Many talked while others were still. We heard the chairman recognize one of the friends, the newest Bahá’í, who spoke no English, and understood only a little French. Slowly and carefully he began to talk for the first time that day. His understanding and depth were of the spirit, and through his statement, the meeting ended with a unanimous decision.

Our next trip to Freeport included a pre-election seminar. The Center was crowded. During the period of the trial elections, the friends prayed, meditated, and carefully looked over the election list, which contained the

[Page 21] names of fruits and vegetables. Some, like Mrs. Williams, couldn’t read or write. As we helped her mark her ballot, she whispered that she thought it was very smart that the trial voting was for fruits and vegetables. “Otherwise,” she said, “if we voted for each other now, there would be prejudice when we get to voting on the real day.”

At Riḍván, 1973, the Freeport Spiritual Assembly was re-elected, along with the Spiritual Assemblies of Nassau and Williamstown. Hunters and Lewis Yard had new Assemblies. The goals of the Nine Year Plan had been met. The Freeport Assembly had become strengthened, and later in the summer, with the help of the Assembly of Fort Lauderdale, had reached out to the neighboring island of Abaco. Through continued teaching trips during the summer months, many staunch new believers were found in the villages of Crown Haven and Fox Town.

My thoughts crowded back to the present moment, as we prepared to land once more in Freeport. What had happened in the intervening months? Why were we going back to Freeport to start nearly all over again? What had happened to the Assembly of Freeport?

Our plane was landed. We were once again in familiar territory. But our arrival this trip was different. There was no one there to meet us; the faces of the customs officials were unfamiliar; Charles and Sandi had long since left the island, there being no work for non-Bahamians.

We hired a couple of taxis and made our way to the Center. No one was there and the door was locked. The old car sat parked forlornly in front of the door. A few of the friends set out on foot for Trish Newton’s house to find the key, while the rest of us searched about and found the back door open. We’d brought our own food with us from Florida; soon lentils and Spam were bubbling on the stove.

After dinner we prayed. The car wouldn’t go. Perhaps we could pool our resources and rent a car? That would be a last resort. We prayed some more. We had to visit all the believers that weekend.

Charles and Sylvia Thompson are Bahá’ís from Lewis Yard. Charles, an excellent mechanic, has an old road-worn car, a mélange of makeshift parts that can reliably carry 8 or 9 people. I don’t think any of us were thinking about Charles when he pulled up to the door of the Center that night. I know he was certainly surprised to see us! He had stopped by to check the Center and answered our prayers!

Charles and Sylvia worked with us the entire weekend, taking us to all the teaching areas. Their little girls went out with the teams, helping them find the friends, many of whom had moved. Everywhere we went we found familiar faces, faces that lit up when they saw us, faces of our brothers and sisters, our family! Happy to see us! Welcoming us!

Antoine Imbert is a tailor in Pinters. He often let us sit and rest in his tailor shop, and always listened as we told the story of the Faith to his friends, who joined us on the long wooden benches. Antoine’s smile when he saw us enter his shop is a memory to last a lifetime. “It’s you!” he exclaimed. “I asked about you ... I thought you might never come back!” And then, later, “I am a Bahá’í now, too!” His hands are always busy, sewing, pinning, pressing. His noble face is always smiling; there is a depth and a stillness to him. His decision to become a Bahá’í was reached after long thought and our many visits to his shop. Antoine helped us. That night, after his working day was finished, he found all the friends that we had missed, and told them we were there.

The next day, Sunday, our meeting began in one of the yards near Antoine’s shop. Chairs were brought from open doorways. We began the meeting with four people. Soon there were fifteen. We sang, we prayed, and we talked about forming a Spiritual Assembly of Pinter’s Point. Three new friends became Bahá’ís that day. All the friends learned to say “Alláh-u-Abhá!”

The team that worked in Williamstown had difficulty finding the Bahá’ís. An Assembly had been elected there also. Papa G., an old Bahá’í in Williamstown, told us, “If a man starts a job he shouldn’t leave until it is all done, otherwise it will fall down.” But we always have to leave.

We were late for our plane that Sunday. After many months away from Grand Bahama Island, all the communities had been reactivated in one weekend. Plans were set in motion to hold a by-election to replace the members of the Spiritual Assembly of Freeport who had had to leave the island when the Bahamas achieved independence in July. All were told of our next trip, scheduled for February. The goal of the next trip would be to conduct an institute and begin training teachers amongst the believers.

And so, Operation Airlift Bahamas continues, with teaching trips still scheduled for all three of the islands. Gradually, slowly, the work will be done. We live on faith, and we know it will be done. The signs are there.

[Page 22]

Childs Way

A bi-monthly magazine for Bahá’í children, with articles, stories, puzzles, and games that introduce children to the treasures of their Faith—and helps to prepare them to become active and deepened members of the Bahá’í world family. Child’s Way can give ideal assistance to parents in providing Bahá’í instruction to their children. Try us for a year. Six issues for $4.50; $5.00 outside the United States. Send orders with payment to Child’s Way, 415 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill., 60091.