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| Bahá’í News | November 1976 | Bahá’í Year 133 |
Nairobi: catapult for heroism
Cover photo captions on back cover
Universal House of Justice[edit]
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Believers in Khurásán, Iran brilliantly achieve objective Five Year Plan
Rejoice share with friends at Nairobi Conference joyous tidings received from cradle Faith friends province Khurásán where mighty events took place early years heroic age have distinction. Every Local Spiritual Assembly even every group that province has formulated its local goals and every individual believer has adopted personal teaching goals. Objective envisaged Five Year Plan brilliantly outstripped. Fervently praying shrines Spiritual Assemblies groups individual believers every land will be inspired follow this example. Universal House of Justice
Share grief passing dearly beloved Charlotte Linfoot. Her tireless selfless service wholehearted commitment teaching and administration of Cause she embraced nearly fifty years ago indelibly inscribed annals American Bahá’í Community. Convey loving sympathy assurance prayers her sister Gladys. Advise hold befitting memorial service Temple. Universal House of Justice Conference Nairobi landmark irresistible march Faith African continent To the Friends gathered at the International Conference in Nairobi Beloved Friends, The flames of enthusiasm which ignited the hearts of the followers and lovers of the Most Great Name in Helsinki, in Anchorage and in Paris are now being kindled in a city which occupies a central and envied position at the very crossroads of the vast African mainland and are destined to illumine its horizons. This Conference marking the imminent approach of the mid-way point of the Five Year Plan which coincides with the anniversary of the birth of the Blessed Báb, will no doubt go down in Bahá’í history as a further landmark in the irresistible march of events which have characterized the impact of the Faith of God upon that continent. We recall that in addition to Quddús the only other companion of the Báb on His pilgrimage to Mecca was an Ethiopian, and that he and his wife were intimately associated with Him and His household in Shíráz. During the Ministry of Bahá’u’lláh a few of His stalwart disciples reached the north-eastern shores of Africa, and under His direct guidance, announced the glad tidings of the New Day to the people of the Nile, thus opening to the Faith two countries of the African mainland. Soon afterwards, His blessed person approached those shores in the course of His exile to the Holy Land. Still later He voiced His significant utterance in which He “Compared the coloured people to the black pupil of the eye,” through which “the light of the spirit shineth forth.” Just over six years after His ascension, the first member of the black race to embrace His Cause in the West, who was destined to become a disciple of Abdu’l-Bahá, a herald of the Kingdom, and the door through which numberless members of his race were to enter that Kingdom, came on pilgrimage to the Holy Land with the first group of Western friends who arrived in ‘Akká to visit the Centre of the Covenant. This was followed by a steady extension of the teaching work among the black people of North America, and the opening to the Faith, by the end of the Heroic Age, of two more countries in Africa, under the watchful care of the Master, Whose three visits to Egypt have blessed the soil of that Continent. Prior to the conclusion of the first Bahá’í century, the number of countries opened to the Faith had been raised to seven, and the teaching work among the black race in North America had entered a new phase of development through the continuous guidance flowing from the |
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pen of Shoghi Effendi, who himself traversed the African continent twice from south to north, and who, in the course of his ministry, elevated two members of the black race to the rank of Hand of the Cause, appointed three more believers residing in Africa to that high office, and there raised up four National Spiritual Assemblies. At the beginning of the Ten Year Crusade the number of countries opened to the Faith had reached twenty-four, including those opened under the aegis of the Two Year African Campaign coordinated by the British National Spiritual Assembly. The Ten Year Plan opened the rest of Africa to the light of God’s Faith, and today we see with joy and pride in that vast continent and its neighbouring islands the establishment of four Boards of Counsellors, thirty-four National Spiritual Assemblies—firm pillars of God’s Administrative Order—and over 2800 Local Spiritual Assemblies, nuclei of a growing Bahá’í society. Africa, a privileged continent with a past rich in cherished associations, has reached its present stage of growth through countless feats of heroism and dedication. Before us unfolds the vision of the future. “Africa”, the beloved Guardian assures us in one of the letters written on his behalf, “is truly awakening and finding herself, and she undoubtedly has a great message to give, and a great contribution to make to the advancement of world civilization. To the degree to which her peoples accept Bahá’u’lláh will they be blessed, strengthened and protected.” The realization of this glorious destiny requires that the immediate tasks be worthily discharged, and the pressing challenges and urgent requirements of the Five Year Plan be wholeheartedly and effectively met and satisfied. As the forces of darkness in that part of the world wax fiercer, and the problems facing its peoples and tribes become more critical, the believers in that continent must evince greater cohesion, scale loftier heights of heroism and self-sacrifice and demonstrate higher standards of concerted effort and harmonious development. During the brief thirty months separating us from the end of the Plan, Africa must once again distinguish itself among its sister continents through a vast increase in the number of its believers, its Local Spiritual Assemblies and its localities opened to the Faith, and by accelerating the process of entry by troops throughout its length and breadth. The deepening of the faith, of the understanding and of the spiritual life of its individual believers must gather greater momentum; the foundations of its existing Local Spiritual Assemblies must be more speedily consolidated; the number of local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and of local endowments called for in the Plan must be soon acquired; the basis of the recognition that the institutions of the Faith have succeeded in obtaining from the authorities must steadily be broadened; mass communication facilities must be used far more frequently to teach and proclaim the Faith; and the publication and dissemination of the essential literature of the Faith must be given much greater importance. Above all, it is imperative that in ever greater measure each individual believer should realize the vital need to subordinate his personal advantages to the over-all welfare of the Cause, to awaken and reinforce his sense of responsibility before God to promote and protect its vital interests at all cost, and to renew his total consecration and dedication to His glorious Faith, so that, himself enkindled with the flames of its holy fire, he may, in concert with his fellow-believers, ignite the light of faith and certitude in the hearts of his family, his tribe, his countrymen and all the peoples of that mighty continent, in preparation for the day when Africa’s major contribution to world civilization will become fully consummated. We fervently pray at the Holy Shrines that these hopes and aspirations may soon come true, and that the “pure-hearted” and “spiritually receptive” people of Africa may draw ever nearer to the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh, and may become shining examples of self-abnegation, of courage and of love to the supporters of the Most Great Name in every land. The Universal House of Justice |
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Bahá’í News In this issue
Bahá’í News is published monthly 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. Manuscripts submitted should be typewritten and double spaced throughout; any footnotes should appear at the end. The contributor should keep a carbon copy. Send materials to: Bahá’í News Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, U.S.A. Change of address should be reported directly to Office of Membership and Records, National Bahá’í Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, U.S.A. Please attach mailing label. Subscription rates: one year, US $8; two years, US $15. Second class postage paid at Wilmette, Illinois 60091. Copyright 1976, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World Rights Reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. |
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Corrections For the August, 1976, issue of Bahá’í News: page four: The photograph in the bottom left corner is Auxiliary Board member Anna Grossman, Germany, not Counsellor Dorothy Ferraby. page eleven: Switzerland has four, not three, official languages. They are French, German, Italian, and Romansh. page eleven: Switzerland’s Local Spiritual Assembly goal for the Five Year Plan is 30, not 25, plus the formation of a Local Assembly in Lichtenstein. page twelve: Fritz Semle was not the first Swiss Bahá’í; Joseph Debons, who is mentioned in Bahá’í World, vol. XIII, p. 878 ff., was the first Swiss Bahá’í. |
Nairobi: catapult for heroism[edit]
[Page 3]
A total of 1,363 Bahá’ís from 61 countries congregated at the International Teaching Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, October 15-17, for the fourth of eight Bahá’í International Teaching Conferences called for in the Five Year Plan.
Four Hands of the Cause of God attended: William Sears of Canada, the representative of The Universal House of Justice, Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, Enoch Olinga, and John Robarts. In addition to the Hands of the Cause were ‘Aziz Yazdí of the International Teaching Center as well as 13 other Counsellors, 17 members of the Auxiliary Board, 58 representatives of National Spiritual Assemblies, 20 Knights of Bahá’u’lláh, numerous pioneers, and 134 children.
Laban Wekesa, Chairman of the National Assembly of Kenya, officially opened the Conference on October 15th and introduced Mr. Sears, who read the message from The Universal House of Justice to the assemblage.
The message of The Universal House of Justice reminded the friends of the Guardian’s statement in a letter written on his behalf, about the destiny of Africa, that “To the degree which her peoples accept Bahá’u’lláh will they be blessed, strengthened and protected,” and called upon them to recognize that “As the forces of darkness in that part of the world wax fiercer, and the problems facing its peoples and tribes become more critical, the believers in that continent must evince greater cohesion, scale loftier heights of heroism and self-sacrifice and demonstrate higher standards of concerted effort and harmonious development.”
The Conference was then addressed by the Honorable N.W. Munoko, M.P. and Minister for Works, who welcomed the Bahá’ís to Kenya and spoke warmly of the efforts of the Bahá’ís to establish peace. “I’d like to commend the local Bahá’í community,” he said, “for their good work in the promotion of unity and peace, education, equal rights, opportunities, and privileges amongst men and women of this country. Promotion of the spiritual wellbeing of the community is central to the promotion of world peace, unity, and prosperity.”
Each of the Hands of the Cause addressed the gathering. Mr. Olinga on the theme “Arise and Serve”; Mr. Robarts on “The Distinctive Character of Bahá’í Life”; and Dr. Muhájir directed attention to the need to establish strong communities in rural areas.
Four Hands of the Cause of God attended the conference. From left to right, they are Enoch Olinga; William Sears, representative of The Universal House of Justice; John Robarts; Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir. Bottom photograph, this page: over 1300 Bahá’ís from 61 countries attended the conference. Opposite: Bahá’ís of diverse backgrounds gathered in the spirit of unity.
Mr. Sears stirred the hearts of the friends by reminding them of the responsibility to teach placed upon the Bahá’ís in the Writings, and of the promised assistance. “Victory can be ours,” he said, “for the promise is that if we arise to serve the Cause every deficiency in our lives will disappear.”
Recommitment to the goals of the Five Year Plan and strengthening our desire to follow the will of God were central themes of Mr. Robarts’s address, in which he stressed the effect of prayer on our lives.
At another point in the program Mr. Robarts and Dr. Muhájir spoke on the subject “Life Blood of the Cause”.
Two thrilling moments in the Conference were provided by the arrival of three cables from The Universal House of Justice, one describing the unique distinction achieved by the believers in Khurásán province; a second reporting on the status of pioneer settlements at the midway point of the Five Year Plan; and a third—the first received and historically the most significant of the three—announcing the first visit by a Bahá’í reigning monarch to the resting place of Shoghi Effendi, which occurred on September 12, 1976, when His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II of Western Samoa, with members of his official party and accompanied by the Hands of the Cause of God Ugo Giachery, Dhikru’lláh Khádem and ‘Alí Muḥammad Varqá, representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom and other Bahá’í friends, proceeded to the Great Northern London Cemetery, New Southgate and offered prayers.
Two women were among those who gave major addresses at the Conference—Thelma Khelgati of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Western Africa, who spoke on “Bahá’í Family Life”, and Catherine Mboya, a distinguished Kenyan Bahá’í, whose remarks concerned the Bahá’í understanding of the emancipation of women and their role in Bahá’í community life.
Throughout the conference musical interludes were provided by singing groups, musicians, and dancers from various parts of Kenya under the direction of Auxiliary Board member Festus Shayo.
The conference closed with an address by Mr. Sears, who challenged the friends to scale loftier heights of service.
A small measure of the success of the Conference may be gleaned from a cable received at the World Center which stated that outstanding publicity and media coverage had been obtained, including a special Bahá’í supplement in a local newspaper; that more than 200 volunteers had arisen for pioneering and teaching; that generous contributions had been pledged and all in attendance and affirmed their resolve to hasten the achievement of the goals of the Five Year Plan.
International Teaching Conferences[edit]
New York Conference called by Continental Board of Counsellors[edit]
On the weekend of October 15-17 a conference was held in New York City with about 400 believers from the surrounding area, including a busload from Washington D.C., in attendance. The conference had been called by the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Protection and Propagation of the Faith in North America, most efficiently coordinated by Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khádem who had recently been assigned the State of New York as a part of her area, and graciously hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of New York City. This was to be the first such conference held in the newly acquired Bahá’í Center of New York City. The meetings enjoyed the distinguished presence of the Hand of the Cause of God Mr. Dhikru’lláh Khádem and Counsellor Edna True. Its theme: “1979 and Our Destiny”.
Preceding the opening of the conference was a Unity Day Feast on Friday evening, at which Mr. Khádem spoke to the friends, inspiring them with his love and knowledge.
The Saturday morning sessions were opened with a warm welcome from a representative of the New York City Assembly, and greetings from the Hand of the Cause and the Counsellor. “How happy I am to be in this beautiful Center in the city of the Covenant, so blessed by Abdu’l-Bahá. We are all serving one important purpose, serving the threshold of Bahá’u’lláh,” were among the opening remarks of Mr. Khádem. Miss True recalled the great bounties bestowed upon New York in the repeated visits of the beloved Master during his travels in America, and added, “We hope that the fragrance of His presence will permeate each session of this Conference and go with us as we return to our homes and our responsibilities in the Five Year Plan.”
Mrs. Khádem stated that the purpose of the conference was to energize the believers so that they may find their abilities and give their talents to the Cause and look to the harvest in 1979. In fulfilling the Five Year Plan objectives given to the United States Community by The Universal House of Justice, New York State has been designated by our National Spiritual Assembly as one of the states visited by
Hand of the Cause Dhikru’lláh Khádem spoke at the conference.
Abdu’l-Bahá in which intensive teaching and consolidation efforts are to be carried out “designed to attract great numbers to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh thereby initiating a process leading to the entry into the Faith by troops alluded to by the Master.” In addition to very ably and inspiringly chairing the entire conference, Mrs. Khádem spoke in one of the sessions on “The Golden Chain, 1844-1979, Our Destiny,” eloquently describing the Covenant of God as the golden chain connecting five stages in the unfoldment of the Faith, beginning with the Blessed Báb, concluding with the establishment of The Universal House of Justice, and now continuing in the execution of the Five Year Plan which terminates in 1979.
Also among those participating in the program were Auxiliary Board members Jane Faily, D. Thelma Jackson and Albert James, whose addresses covered the topics “The Bounties of God for Our Age,” “Teaching and Pioneering,” “The Universal House of Justice and Its By-Laws,” “Enrollment - Its Quality,” and “Abdu’l-Bahá.”
William Foster, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh, spoke of “Translation of Love into Action,” sharing his reminiscences of fifty-seven days in Haifa with the Guardian and his pioneering effort in Africa. As a result of reading a message from Shoghi Effendi addressed to the American believers, Mr. Foster had arisen to pioneer to Africa. His stories were moving and touched the heart.
The Saturday evening program was “An Evening with the Hand of the Cause and Counsellor.” It began with Miss True speaking briefly to the gathering about the beloved Master. She pointed out that although it was an indescribable experience to actually be in His presence, the believers had no real conception of the true significance and importance of His visit to America, at which time “seeds of undreamt-of potentialities” had been sown in the fertile fields of the Western world. Mr. Khádem spoke of the “Mystery of Sacrifice”, touching the hearts with his stories of the lives that had been given and suffering endured by the early martyrs of the Faith. He explained the mystery of sacrifice as the key for the rise and triumph of all religions, and that today, although of a different kind, Bahá’ís must be ready to sacrifice for the success of the Five Year Plan and the progress of the Faith.
Mr. Khádem said to the listeners that it is easy for us to say we love Bahá’u’lláh, but in two-and-one-half years we must complete the Plan and demonstrate our love for Bahá’u’lláh through sacrifice.
Nancy Mondschein, representing the Regional Teaching Committee of New York, began the last session of the conference with a discussion of their goals. She proceeded to give an enthusiastic and optimistic report on the progress of goals for New York, illustrating her remarks with a map.
During the last session, a question and answer period was held with the Hand of the Cause and the Counsellor, followed by some of the beautiful music which had run throughout the sessions. The music had been outstanding in its quality and selection, a definite contribution to the spirit of the conference.
The conference came to a close with the loving remarks of Mr. Khádem urging the friends to teach in response to Bahá’u’lláh’s will.
[Page 8]
Albert Windust was 23 when this photograph was taken in 1897.
The education of an editor:[edit]
Albert Windust and Star of the West[edit]
First of two parts
by Bruce Whitmore
| The Columbian Exposition, which brought news of the Bahá’í Revelation to the Western Hemisphere, opened May 1, 1893. The cornerstone for the House of Worship in Wilmette was laid May 1, 1912 exactly 19 years later. The superstructure of the Temple was completed May 1, 1931, at the end of a second 19 year period. |
He watched the twig somersaulting through the air as his collie ran beneath with single-minded determination. As the stick fell to the ground and was seized victoriously, the boy gazed about the vast openness surrounding his home. How he longed to have friends to play with and a real school to attend! As he threw the stick again he wondered about what he would do when he grew up. Certainly neither he nor any of his family had any inkling that someday an overwhelming diversity of talents would cause people to regard him as the remarkable Albert Windust.
Albert’s father, Thomas, left his native land for America in 1871. New York was a marvelous place, but he found himself fascinated by the numerous stories of the Great Fire which had just reduced Chicago to ashes. A printer by trade, Thomas recognized that the rebuilding of the city would offer many employment opportunities and he immediately traveled westward.
In Chicago less than a year later he fell in love and married a young school teacher, Sarah Sheffield. On March 28, 1874, Sarah gave birth to twins, but one was still-born. The surviving baby was baptized Albert Robert Windust.
When Albert was still quite young the family moved into a new development south of Chicago, known as Woodlawn. This area was later used for part of the World’s Columbian Exposition and today is the site of the University of Chicago campus.
Albert was a sickly child and Sarah constantly fretted about his health. She refused to permit his entrance into school, undertaking the task of education herself. With no playmates in the immediate neighborhood, young Albert’s greatest moments of joy came from roaming the nearby woods and prairies accompanied by his collie. Undoubtedly it was this frequent intimacy with nature, as well as the influence of his father’s fondness for gardening, that nurtured and expanded his lifelong love of the outdoors and his sensitivity toward all things of beauty.
In 1885 Sarah became quite ill and it was decided at last to send Albert to school. Despite her poor health, Sarah, who was a deeply religious woman and a devout church worker, campaigned early in 1886 for the building of a community church and is accredited with founding the Christ Episcopal Church of Woodlawn. Albert’s driving passion of never being satisfied with merely a superficial understanding of anything, an attitude toward life that contributed significantly to the development of the Faith in this country in later years, stemmed from Sarah’s strong religious convictions and the extensive religious training she gave him.
Having attended the 5th grade and two-thirds of the 6th, Albert’s life changed dramatically as Sarah’s health continued to deteriorate. Albert’s tender nature coupled with his youth must have made this ordeal very painful, possibly so painful that when he recorded each devastating event in his small diary only simple statements could be managed:
- Jan. 4, 1887 - Mamma had a cancer removed.
- March 22, 1887 - Moved to Evergreen Park
- April 8, 1887 - Mamma had a cancer removed.
- May 11, 1887 - Mamma had 3 cancers removed.
- Nov. 19, 1887 - Mamma died
- Fri. March 16, 1888 - Bob died (my dog)
- Mon. May 28, 1888 - Went to work.1
Barely fourteen years of age, his formal education of less than two years at an end, Albert became an apprentice in the printing firm where his father worked. He spent the next three years living with Mr. Frank Pearson and his family. Music was a focal point in the lifestyle of that home since Mr. Pearson was both a well-known organist and the librarian of the noted Apollo Music Club of Chicago. Albert often helped Mr. Pearson with his librarian duties; one of his favorite chores was placing the sheet music on the singers’ chairs before a performance. This environment spawned an enduring love for classical music. One particularly memorable occasion for Albert was the dedication of the Auditorium Theater in Chicago when Benjamin Harrison, then President of the United States, was the guest of honor. Another was the dedication of the World’s Columbian Exposition for which the “Apollo Club constituted the nucleus of the large Exposition Chorus.”2 An account of the events surrounding that performance is found in Stephen Longstreet’s book, Chicago - 1860-1919:
| “The conventional idea of Christians the world over is that Christianity is true, all other religions false... You know better, and can testify that there may be friendship instead of antagonism between religion and religion.” This sentiment was expressed at the closing of the Congress of Religions, at which the name of Bahá’u’lláh was first heard in America. |
Seven thousand men worked on the project. In 1891 alone eighteen were killed, seven hundred injured in accidents. But the conceptual dream went on. Not everything was ready on Dedication Day. The grounds were still muddy, some of the bridges were still temporary and rickety. But there were on hand, count them, five thousand singers, and enough visitors to fill twenty-five acres. The ticket holders, thirty thousand of them, many of them made it to see what their money had bought. Gate crashers came in droves. Some men and boys were hanging from the iron trusses, climbing higher. Theodore Thomas led the fair band in John K. Paine’s “Columbian March.” The singers launched into Haydn’s “The Heaven’s Are Telling,” then the “Hallelujah Chorus” rang out in hysterical ecstasy its nonstoic acceptance of morality.
It was a day before public-address systems and microphones. Miss Harriet Monroe’s “Columbian Ode” was hardly heard by anyone. Levi P. Morton (few can identify him today; he was the Vice-President of the United States) muttered with dignity and compassion, “I dedicate these buildings to humanity.”
This famous Exposition, at which the existence of Bahá’u’lláh’s Message was announced to the western world, officially opened on May 1, 1893, exactly nineteen years prior to May 1, 1912, when the Master placed a historic stone in a small hole a few miles to the north; an amazing coincidence considering that in another nineteen years, on May 1, 1931, the Temple’s superstructure was officially completed.
It was quite common for Chicago’s citizens to interact with the Exposition; nonetheless, Albert’s involvements, considering the Exposition served as the platform for the formal introduction to America of the Faith he was to later espouse, are quite interesting. Not only did he participate in the musical presentations, but it was at this time that his talents as an artist began to unfold. He frequently carried a sketching pad, drawing many of the major buildings and attractions.
One such building was the Memorial Art Palace. Amid the material splendor and concurrent chaos and moral degradation that characterized most of the Exposition, this building was the scene of the celebrated Congress of Religions, witnessing not only the famed statement of the Reverend Doctor Henry H. Jessup concerning the “Persian sage—the Babi saint, Beha Allah,” but also a remarkable demonstration of the unity of mankind which is the pivot of the Bahá’í Revelation. Never before had such diverse religious elements assembled to share ideas and philosophies. The harmony and goodwill was attested to by the following statements, made at the closing of this historic gathering:
By this parliament the city of Chicago has placed herself far away above all the cities of the earth. In this school you have learned what no other town or city in the world yet knows. The conventional idea of religion which obtains among Christians the world over is that Christianity is true, all other religions false... You know better, and with clear light and strong assurance can testify that there may be friendship instead of antagonism between religion and religion, that so surely as God is our common Father, our hearts alike have yearned for Him, and our souls in devoutest moods have caught whispers of grace dropped from His throne.
Another statement:
Fathers of the contemplative East; sons of the executive West—behold how good and how
[Page 11]
One of Albert’s hobbies for much of his life was sketching the scenes of life around him. The three drawings shown here were done during his youth. On the facing page, “Going for mail,” was done on a visit to North Carolina in 1897, when Albert was 23 years old. “Street corner in New Berne, N.C.,” left, was done during the same visit. “Germany Bldg.,” right, was one of a series of sketches done at the Columbian Exposition in 1893.
| In 1920, 34,000 visited Chicago’s Art Institute to see a model of the House of Worship done by Bourgeois. Albert, with Charles Ioas, drafted the petition to the Master seeking permission to build the Temple. |
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. The New Jerusalem, the city of God, is descending, heaven and earth chanting the eternal hallelujah chorus.6
Only the mystery and power of God could have created such an atmosphere for the triumphant, albeit unrecognized, entry of our Faith into this land!
Years later Albert took art lessons at the very building, renamed the Chicago Art Institute. In 1920 that same building, one of only two not demolished at the end of the Exposition, housed Louis Bourgeois’ huge model of the House of Worship and witnessed 34,000 people stand in long lines to view the display. By 1894 the long hours of work and the continuing tendency to strive for perfection caused Albert’s health to deteriorate so badly that Thomas sent him to Canada to recuperate. Throughout the summer Albert was lost to nature, drawing and painting numerous scenes of the rolling hills which surrounded him.
Upon returning to Chicago he joined another printing company, working as a typesetter. Here his knowledge of the contemporary world rapidly expanded, for every magazine article and book he helped assemble was read and re-read, the meanings of words not understood were learned and ideas thoroughly grasped. Through new acquaintanceships he also began preparing artwork for commercial advertisements and illustrating articles and stories, many by well-known authors of that time, such as Opie Read and H. Ryder Haggard.
Albert had joined the Methodist Church in 1892 and had been initially active in its affairs. However, his developing comprehension of the reality of existence, coupled with his inquisitive and questioning nature, soon placed him at odds with several of the Church’s theological beliefs. His search for religious truth began.
Unfortunately there is no indication of what sects or movements were explored by Albert. We do know, however, that his health was still a problem and that he journeyed to North Carolina to avoid the winter of 1897. It was summer before he returned and secured work at another printing firm. One of his fellow workers was Arthur Agnew and slowly a friendship was kindled between the two that endured to their last days. It was Mr. Agnew who first told Albert of the Faith and encouraged him to attend a meeting.
Albert often recounted how, after departing from the classes conducted by Mr. Paul K. Dealy, he would walk home oblivious to time and space, filled with “the amazement, shock and happiness of that revelation.”7
... I realized that I was confronted with the most important decision of my life. Either this
| Before the turn of the century, Albert, Thornton Chase, Charles Greenleaf, and other believers met for lunch at Kimball’s Restaurant, where business associates would join them to discuss the Bahá’í Faith. |
was the truth or it was the most terrible untruth ever perpetrated upon the human race. It did not take long to make the decision...8
Enamored with the ideals proclaimed by the Faith, Albert attempted to share his discovery with and seek the opinion of many of his friends, particularly those in his congregation. When the minister learned what was happening he prepared a harsh sermon on believing in and following false gods. Albert must have been greatly distressed sitting there “while the sermon thundered around his ears;9 but suddenly his mind was flooded with the words of God to Abraham: “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee.10 The decision was made!
Albert did not immediately sever all ties with the church, probably because the woman he loved, Lucy Rutter Roberts, was also a Methodist. It was the same minister who gave the sermon on false gods that married Albert and Lucy on September 20, 1900, possibly, as Albert’s daughter Isabelle suggested, “... to see that my mother was not getting off on the wrong foot.” If so, the minister’s plan failed. Shortly after her marriage Lucy accepted Bahá’u’lláh.
The Faith quickly became the pivot of Albert’s life and many lasting friendships were made. Several of the Bahá’í men worked near the print shop and each day Albert would accompany Arthur to meet Thornton Chase, Charles Greenleaf, George Lesch, and others at Kimball’s Restaurant, where a large table was always set aside for them. Friends and business associates would often join them and, with Mr. Chase at the head of the table, the topic of discussion would always be the Bahá’í Faith. Several men accepted the Cause as a result of these fireside luncheons.
Chicago’s first Bahá’í institution (initially called the House of Justice, then the House of Spirituality and, finally, several years later, the Local Spiritual Assembly) was formed on September 15, 1900. Although not elected to it initially, Albert found himself a member of the institution early in 1902. From that point on, his life was constantly directed toward serving the Faith.
It was Albert who, on behalf of the House of Spirituality, was in communication with the Bahá’ís of ‘Ishqábád, receiving their letter describing the initial stage of construction of the first Bahá’í House of Worship.
It was Albert who with Charles Ioas (father of Leroy Ioas, noted secretary of the Guardian for many years), drafted the House of Spirituality’s petition asking ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s permission for the erection of the great American House of Worship.
It was Albert who located one of the three sites considered for the House of Worship, a beautiful tract of land just south of Jackson Park, sight of the World’s Columbian Exposition.
It was Albert who helped form the Bahá’í Publishing Society and who was responsible for the first English printing of The Hidden Words, and for the first English prayer book, known as Daily Communes.
It was Albert who, on behalf of the House of Spirituality, began collecting and preserving the Master’s Tablets, founding what would later become the Bahá’í National Archives where hundreds of thousands of precious documents are stored today.
And it was Albert who later assembled and produced those same Tablets into the three volumes of Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the first volume of the set was in March 1909. All of these contributions, however, pale when compared to the one achievement that will affix Albert’s name in Bahá’í history for all time: the creation of Star of the West.
Two events of 1909 led to the establishment of the magazine. The first was a group of Chicago Bahá’ís, among them Albert, Arthur Agnew, Mary Lesch, Thornton Chase, Gertrude Buikema and Carl Scheffler, became excited by a proposal of Mírzá Aḥmad Sohráb that a magazine entitled The East and the West be published. This magazine would contain sections in both English and Persian, and would be devoted to articles which would help proclaim Bahá’u’lláh’s Message. The idea failed when several interested individuals withdrew from the project.
The second event was the cessation, in the summer of 1909, of a news bulletin produced by the New York Board (forerunner of the Local Spiritual Assembly) and distributed to other communities. Its publication was apparently erratic and the news it carried mostly oriented to New York. Albert, concerned by the demise of the “Bulletin”, decided that, rather than a magazine like Sohráb proposed, some type of professional publication was needed for the Bahá’ís “... to read what people are doing—not thinking.”12 He realized that if such a magazine was to be founded, it would be only through his efforts.
He found one ally, Gertrude Buikema. Not only was she enthusiastic about his idea, but, as an experienced secretary and as the principal Mid-West correspondent for the defunct “Bulletin”, she possessed the very capabilities needed to complement Albert’s skills.
He wrote the New York Board about the idea, stating he had no intention of proceeding if the “Bulletin” was to be reissued, but pointing out to them that “... we need a reliable medium of information now.”13 Four agonizing months passed with no decision forthcoming. Finally, on February 19, 1910, an affirmation was received. Albert was ready. He immediately formed a legal partnership.
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Bahá’í News Magazine, which a year later became Star of the West, made its debut at Naw-Rúz, 1910. Star of the West was published until the mid-1930’s, when it evolved into World Order Magazine. Along the way, in 1924, the present Bahá’í News was created to assume the news reporting functions of Star of the West.
with Gertrude and filed for the necessary postal permits, etc. The publishing company he worked for did not print small orders, so he located two brothers, John and William Grier, who were opening a small print shop. On March 6th he wrote to Mountfort Mills:
Your telegram so kindly sent, announcing the hearty cooperation of the New York Board, was received and acted upon at once. The first issue of the “Bahá’í News” is in the hands of the printers and we expect to issue it within ten days. We thoroughly appreciate the hearty support of your Body and trust that the “News” will be well worthy of that endorsement.14
The magazine made its debut on Naw-Rúz, 1910. The first page of the nascent publication bore a picture of the Purest Branch and an excerpted account from Myron H. Phelps book, The Life and Teachings of Abbas Efendi, on the tragic death of this gentle son of the Blessed Perfection. Other items included an account of a reception given in Tiḥrán for Dr. Susan I. Moody, one of the earliest pioneers to leave the shores of America; an explanation of “The Unity Band”, a group of twelve women who wrote monthly letters to Bahá’í communities in Persia; a previously unpublished English translation of a Tablet of Bahá’u’lláh; the program for the upcoming Second Annual Convention of the Bahá’í Temple Unity; a short letter from the Persian Bahá’í community of Mashad; a report of progress on plans for the House of Worship; an article on the Persian-American Educational Society; and news from the Bahá’í communities of Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Honolulu, Kenosha (Wisconsin), Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C.
Albert wrote the following explanation of the magazine in the first issue:
The need for a Bahá’í News Service is apparent to those who are in touch with the progress of the Bahá’í Movement throughout the Occident. To meet this need this humble publication has stepped forth from non-existence into the court of existence. Whether it shall remain and grow into a distinct department of service in this Glorious Day, we cannot foretell, knowing that “God doeth whatsoever He willeth.” It is the purpose of those undertaking the initial step to do all within their power to make it a success, but the cooperation of all is needed that this Service may extend unto all ...
We trust the Bahá’í News will be a messenger of peace, in accord with the spirit of the Cause it hopes to serve. To this end its editors respectfully request that contributors of news endeavor to follow the Biblical injunction “to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”15
This new medium of communication played a significant role in advancing the Temple project to the stage where Foundation Hall could be built in 1921-22. The magazine frequently carried Tablets from the Master about the Temple and other subjects, and printed Temple financial and progress reports. The fourth issue, the largest published that first year, was devoted exclusively to the Temple Unity Convention. The practice of extensively reviewing the conventions continued for thirteen years, providing a marvelous chronicle of the development of Bahá’í administration during that period.
References
- Isabelle M. Windust, Albert Robert Windust, unpublished manuscript, p. 2.
- Ibid., p. 4.
- Stephen Longstreet, Chicago-1860-1919. (New York, New York; David McKay Company. Inc., 1973), pp. 265-266.
- “The Bahá’í Faith Comes To America,” The Bahá’í Centenary, (Wilmette, Ill.: Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 1944), p. 80.
- Ibid., p. 80-81.
- Ibid., p. 81.
- Isabelle M. Windust, Albert Robert Windust, p. 5.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Holy Bible, Genesis 12:1.
- Author’s interview with Miss Isabelle M. Windust.
- Albert Windust, letter to Mountfort Mills, dated February 7, 1910, Albert Windust Papers, National Bahá’í Archives, Wilmette, Ill.
- Ibid.
- Albert Windust, letter to Mountfort Mills, dated March 6, 1910, Albert Windust Papers, National Bahá’í Archives, Wilmette, Ill.
- “Allaho Abha!.” Star of the West, Vol. I, No. 1, March 21, 1910, pp. 10-11.
Around the World[edit]
Alaska
National Teaching Conference: Alaska[edit]
Approximately 90 Bahá’ís from many parts of Alaska convened in Fairbanks October 1-3 for the National Teaching Conference. This was the third such conference called for in the Five Year Plan.
The conference was distinguished by wide participation of Bahá’ís from all age groups including those new to the Faith as well as long-time believers.
Jetta Brewer, representing the National Spiritual Assembly, reviewed the goals set by the National Assembly for the year.
The first goal is to form 11 Local Spiritual Assemblies, open 22 new localities, incorporate 3 more Local Assemblies and acquire one more local Bahá’í Center. Further tasks to be accomplished include translations, expanding and continued use of radio and television, further travel teaching internationally and on the home front. The goals concerning youth and children were reviewed. Personal goals were discussed, such as deepening in the Kitáb-i-Íqán, holding family prayers and striving to make the 19 Day Feast a joyous occasion.
Marshall Murphy presented a report from the International Travel Teaching and Pioneering Committee. He stressed the importance of working through the institutions when planning a teaching trip.
Marian Johnson reported on the state of affairs in the Bahá’í Information Office. Following the report several one-minute television ads prepared at the World Center were shown.
John Kolstoe, chairman of the National Assembly, spoke on “The Role of the Bahá’í in Today’s World”. Today’s world problems are a result of an excess of materialism, he said. He went on to say that the job of Bahá’ís is to spread the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. He said Bahá’ís can “prop up the old house” or use the blueprint given to us to “build a new house”. He said only we have the plan for a New World Order.
Ray Hudson, Auxiliary Board member, reviewed the new book High Endeavors. He explained the book’s uniqueness to Alaska, and its value as a memento of direct contact with the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi.
Herb Johnson managed the fund during the conference. By the end, over $1300 had been given, with over 90 per cent participation.
Canada
Conference stresses teaching native believers Arctic[edit]
The Inuit are a native people of the Arctic regions of Alaska and Canada. Inuit Bahá’ís assembled to discuss methods of teaching native peoples at the Inuit Policy Conference which was held in Inuvik, North West Territories, Canada, July 15-20, Jameson Bond, representative of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Ted Anderson, Auxiliary Board member, were present.
The friends spoke of their desire to find a dignified way to bring the Faith to the attention of their families and friends. They recognized the importance of Feasts in unifying and strengthening their communities. They realized the need for widening the avenues of communication between the Alaskan Inuit Bahá’ís and those of Canada, and of increasing the relationship between the northern and southern Bahá’ís of Canada. It was felt that a manual compiled by Bahá’ís living in isolated settlements could provide pioneers to the North with encouragement, hints on teaching and even recipes.
The conference received messages of encouragement from the National Assembly, the National Arctic Teaching Committee, and the love of the Hands of the Cause of God conveyed through William Sears.
Ecuador
International Bahá’í School Scheduled[edit]
At the request of The Universal House of Justice, an International Bahá’í School will be held in Cuenca, Ecuador, February 16-21, 1977, following the International Conferences in Brazil and Mexico.
The National Spiritual Assembly of Ecuador has designated the Bahá’í Community of Cuenca as host of this event and to handle all correspondence and arrangements in their behalf.
The cost for the duration of the school is 16 U.S. dollars, which includes meals and room on the premises of the Seminary of Monay where the school will be held.
Please advise the National Assembly of Ecuador by January 15, 1977, how many of the friends from your community will attend the school. The address is: Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de Los Bahá’ís del Ecuador, Apartado 2507, Quito-Ecuador.
El Salvador
Bahá’ís awarded United Nations Peace Medal[edit]
The Bahá’í Community of El Salvador has been awarded the United Nations Peace Medal by the United Nations Information Center for Central America and Panama for their help in publicizing the United Nation’s programs and activities in El Salvador.
In a special ceremony on July 21 at the Regional United Nations Office in San Salvador, Mrs. Dee de Lamb accepted the medal in the name of the Bahá’í Community. She is the Bahá’í representative at the United Nations Office in San Salvador. Special words of appreciation were directed to the Bahá’í Community by the director of the United Nations Office, Vincent M. Piola.
The ceremony was given considerable press and television coverage.
India
United Nations Day observed in Panchgani[edit]
The Bahá’í Youth Community of Panchgani gave support to the endeavors of the United Nations through a series of presentations at five Panchgani high schools, as well as at an open community meeting at the Bahá’í Center on October 24. The programs were in honor of the thirty-first anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
The United Nations currently has a membership of 144 nations and is involved in numerous efforts to further world peace and international cooperation. The Bahá’í International Community is a non-governmental
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representative at the United Nations and has consultative powers.
The chief speaker at each of the Panchgani programs was Marc Vloebergh, a Bahá’í pioneer from Belgium and a former United Nations worker in Africa, Italy, and Turkey.
In his talks, Mr. Vloebergh explained the organization and the function of the United Nations as well as its history. He explained that many of the goals and ideals of the United Nations such as international cooperation, world language, disarmament, and an international army can be traced back more than 100 years to Bahá’u’lláh’s Letters to Kings, in particular the letter to Queen Victoria of Great Britain.
Approximately 75 persons attended the celebration at the Bahá’í Center on October 24, of whom roughly 25 were non-Bahá’ís.
Some of the participants in the United Nations Day program in Panchgani, India, wore their native dress.
Hawaii
Bahá’í float takes first prize[edit]
The Bahá’í float in the 1976 Aloha Week Parade in Honolulu took first place in the non-commercial category. Each year in October, Hawaii observes and celebrates Aloha Week to recall the days of Old Hawaii when it was ruled by kings and queens.
The theme of the parade this year was: The 50th Star ... Hawaii’s Contribution to the United States in Social, Culture and Economy.
The Bahá’í float was made of some 40,000 flowers. Approximately 200 Bahá’ís participated to build the float. The Bahá’ís worked the entire night before the parade to put on the final touches.
At one end of the float was a large five-pointed star representing the state of Hawaii, inside of which rotated a nine-pointed star representing the Bahá’í Faith. On this star was the number “75”, which is how many years the Bahá’í Faith has been in Hawaii. At the front of the float a royal crown symbolized Old Hawaii and its contribution. On the sides of the float in a floral design was the Bahá’í theme: Unity in Diversity. The ideas of many Bahá’ís contributed to the overall design of the float.
The float carried nine Bahá’ís from Chinese, Japanese, Hawaiian, Filipino, Pacific Islander, Caucasian, and other backgrounds.
The Bahá’í float was seen by thousands of people who lined the parade route, and by hundreds of thousands more over local television. The parade was filmed for showing nationwide in the United States on Thanksgiving Day and for showing in Japan. Jack Lord, star of the Hawaii Five-0 television series, made several television spots to promote the Thanksgiving Day showing, one of which was made in front of the Bahá’í float.
This is the tenth year that the Bahá’ís have entered a float in the Aloha Week Parade. They have won prizes nine times.
The first prize in the non-commercial category in the Aloha Week Parade held in Honolulu, Hawaii, Saturday, October 16 was awarded to the Bahá’í Float the theme of which was “Unity in Diversity”.
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Mexico
Presentation to Governor of Yucatan[edit]
Mrs. Carmen de Burafato of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America presenting The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to the Governor of Yucatan, Dr. Francisco Luna Kan, September, 1976.
New Zealand
Bahá’ís participate in religion fair[edit]
The Bahá’í Faith was the only non-Christian organization which participated in a religion fair called Interact ’76 in Dunedin on August 1. Two thousand people of different races and backgrounds attended the fair.
The Bahá’í booth was one of sixteen arranged around the town hall. Its theme, the Oneness of Religion and Progressive Revelation, promoted lively discussions. The booth was filmed for a television news item.
Philippines
Bahá’ís in Philippines for expansive teaching campaigns[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Philippines has issued an appeal for all Bahá’ís in the Philippines to attend teacher-training institutes, or “spiritualization courses” in various parts of the country to prepare for a mass teaching campaign which will be launched at the Post-Hong Kong Conference held December 3-5.
The mass teaching campaign planned by the National Assembly in conjunction with the Continental Board of Counsellors and their Auxiliary Board will cover the entire island of the Philippines.
It is expected that more than one hundred Bahá’ís will have attended the institutes by December. These Bahá’ís will provide the manpower for the teaching campaign.
Students of a teacher-training institute held in Barrio Locacin, Bataan, Luzon Island, Philippines, October 16-25. Auxiliary Board member Joseph Domingo (seated with child) monitored the institute and Auxiliary Board member Ronaldo Padilla (standing third from left) coordinated the event.
Sweden
National Teaching Conference: Sweden[edit]
Bahá’ís in Sweden had the privilege to welcome Hand of the Cause of God Ugo Giachery to the National Teaching Conference in Gothenberg held July 16-18.
The highlight of this conference was the formation of a Local Spiritual Assembly in the very suburb of Gothenberg (Partille) where the conference was held.
Switzerland
National Teaching Conference: Switzerland[edit]
Following the Paris International Conference, approximately 200 friends proceeded to the goal city of Lenzberg to
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attend the National Teaching Conference. Seventeen countries were represented at the conference which lasted August 9-15.
Hand of the Cause of God Adelbert Mühlschlegel, Jan Semple, member of The Universal House of Justice, Counsellors Adib Taherzadeh and Manúchihr Salmanpúr, and Dr. Firooz Kazemzadeh, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, gave reports from the two European International Conferences in Helsinki and Paris, and from the World Center.
Bahá’ís from the United States who had been at the International Teaching Conference in Paris and were on tour joined the conference in Lenzberg on the second day.
At the end of the National Teaching Conference, summer school began. Hand of the Cause Mr. Khadem attended a portion of the school. He explained the significance of the Administrative Order on the individual and collective points of view. Most of the summer school sessions were devoted to the history of the Faith and its first teachers.
Every afternoon at summer school teams went to the cities of Aarau, Dietikon and Lenzberg. They held meetings at night, spoke to people, distributed pamphlets and announced with posters a public conference to be held at the Castle of Lenzberg.
Trinidad and Tobago
National Teaching Conference: Trinidad and Tobago[edit]
Approximately 75 friends from all five units of Trinidad and Tobago attended the National Teaching Conference in Perseverence Village, Couva, Trinidad, on August 22.
Goals of the Five Year Plan were presented, showing progress to date. Pledges toward fulfilling the goals of the Plan were requested. Nineteen pledges were received. Approximately $54 was contributed to the National Fund, $37 for the Seat of The Universal House of Justice, and materials in the amount of $132.50 were sold.
Approximately three persons stayed after the conference for the village teaching activity. They invited those they met to the Community Center that night for a public meeting.
At the conference, the youth arranged prayers and songs. Joel Caverly spoke about Bahá’í history, and the significance of the times in which we live.
Peter Coward highlighted the spiritual principles of the Bahá’í Faith, stating truthfulness to be the most fundamental.
Dr. Harry Collymore talked about the spiritual intentions of Bahá’í administration in organizing the world. He said institutions serve as an organic framework through which the Spirit will flow throughout the world and result in changes for the better in world conditions. He related a conversation he had with a Hand of the Cause of God while he was on Pilgrimage, to the effect that Local Spiritual Assemblies must be strengthened.
Dr. Saeed Khadem, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, gave a brief financial report and read from the Writings that only Bahá’ís may contribute to the Fund. He said that local donations received to August 22 from Riḍván were the greatest amount ever given during that period. He concluded by saying that the unity in the Faith is expressed by the universality of participation and the regularity of contribution.
Auxiliary Board member Lawrence Coward said all members of institutions should teach. He said Bahá’ís should pray and teach every day.
Helena Frank spoke about homefront pioneering, and Balram Sarju, from Guyana, spoke about travel teaching. He said ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is our example, having taught the Message of Bahá’u’lláh from East to West.
Nikou Amarsingh talked about child education. She said children could not begin learning prayers or giving to the Fund too early, and that they should be included in 19 Day Feast.
Uganda
Silver Jubilee concludes with a U.N. Day observance[edit]
Twenty-five years ago the Bahá’í Faith reached Uganda. International teachers Musa and Samiheh Banáni, Ali and Violette Nakhjavani and daughter Bahiyyih, and Philip Hainsworth arrived on August 2, 1951. They brought the glad tidings that the Promised One of all ages had come. Today the fruits of His Light are seen in Uganda as Bahá’ís strive to follow the teachings that God is one, mankind is one and all religions are one.
The Silver Jubilee Celebration, commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Bahá’í Faith in Uganda, concluded with a program in observance of United Nations Day, October 24. On that day, the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga gathered with high-ranking official guests, believers who had come from the villages of Buso, Bukedik, and Teso, Bahá’í friends from the Kampala community, youth and many children in the Mother Temple of Africa for prayers for unity.
After a worship service, Mr. Olinga led the principal guest, Kwafe Apeadu, from Ghana, the resident representative of the United Nations, to the beautifully decorated garden in the shadow of the House of Worship.
In an inspiring talk, Mr. Olinga stressed that human happiness stems from spiritual happiness, which is developed through prayerful service to God and mankind.
Mr. Apeadu spoke of the United Nations charter: of striving for world peace universal human rights and full economic and social development for all peoples. He mentioned the relationship of the Bahá’í International Community with the United Nations and praised the Bahá’ís longstanding support in these efforts.
Next, Dr. Hartwell emphasized the international aspect of the Bahá’í Faith in its representation of over 1600 ethnic groups living in over 70,000 localities in 330 countries and territories of the world.
The closing prayer was recited in Asetot, after the presentation of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era to Mr. Apeadu.
The guests were then escorted by members of the National Spiritual Assembly and the friends to the Haziratu’l-Quds, where they viewed a display of Bahá’í books and a history of the Faith over 25 years in pictures and posters.
In sunshine the children lined the flower-bedecked walk leading to the Haziratu’l-Quds. As the Hand of the Cause of God escorted Mr. and Mrs. Apeadu away from the Center, the children sang “Allah’u’Abha”, waved excitedly and thanked the guests for coming.
Then the children gathered in a great circle within the Haziratu’l-Quds to sing. Mr. Olinga shared a gift of pistachio nuts and candies from Iran with the friends.
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Cover photo captions
The cover photos are from the International Teaching Conference at Nairobi, held October 15-17. Top, left to right: resting under the trees, a group of believers study conference materials; a dancer reflects on proceedings before a performance; one of the choirs that entertained the friends at conference sessions. Center left: a view of the meeting hall, showing many of the 1,363 people attending. Bottom, left to right: mothers and children enjoy a moment of fellowship; just a short distance from the dazzling modernity of the conference center life proceeds in a traditional way as a Masai tribesman returns home with the herd; the Kenyatta Conference Center in Nairobi is the finest conference facility in the country.
