Bahá’í News/Issue 57/Text
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada
| No. 57 | DECEMBER, 1931 |
“THE GUARDIAN HAS CALLED US TO FULL MATURITY”[edit]
On November 12, the National Spiritual Assembly issued the first of a series of communications on the subject of the “New Plan of Unified Action,” addressed to the Local Bahá’í communities through the Spiritual Assemblies, with the request that it be presented at the next Nineteen Day Feast.
This letter, prepared by the Office of the Treasurer and signed by the Treasurer, Associate Treasurer and Financial Secretary, carried the glad tidings that the urgent appeal for $10,000 made in October had been fully met. It was brought out, however, that larger regular contributions will be required in order to sustain the current Annual Budget, irrespective of the vital needs of the new Temple Construction Fund.
“It is now over a year since the Guardian called us to full maturity in those tremendous letters published as ‘The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.’ Surely it is necessary for us to temper our joy at being received into the Kingdom with an ever-increasing effort to demonstrate to others that the Kingdom means ‘Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven’.”
“It is an occasion for every believer to deepen his inner life, attain a higher standard of devotion and sacrifice, and bring order in his daily affairs. As the world plunges farther into confusion and chaos, emergencies will continue to arise, until the friends of God are united and wholly active in their services to the Cause.”
On November 26, the second letter in the series was mailed. This communication emphasised the fundamental importance of full and frank consultation on the part of the Local Bahá’í communities at every Nineteen Day Feast, and reported the Financial Statement to October 30, 1931.
Although the contracts for heating installation in the Temple, amounting to about $10,000, can be met from funds now on hand, the National Spiritual Assembly wishes to impress upon the friends the fact that, between November 1 and December 31, other requirements of the Budget will amount to approximately $9,500. The principal item is the printing cost of the “Nabil Narrative,” about $7,500 over and above cash received to date for advance orders on the books.
In order to make an increased effort to achieve success in its paramount task set forth in the “New Plan of Unified Action,” the National Spiritual Assembly has elected Horace Holley to the office of Associate Treasurer, as assistant to Ray C. Wilhelm, Treasurer, and Carl Scheffler, Financial Secretary.
THE DRAWING POWER OF THE TEMPLE[edit]
The attendance at the public meetings in the Temple is steadily increasing and the influx of visitors most encouraging. A large group of students from the Northwestern University came to the Temple after ten o’clock one evening and remained until past midnight. It has been observed that many who come first merely through curiosity return again and again because of awakened interest, and a number have become confirmed Bahá’ís. The visitors from the environs of Chicago are kept systematically informed of the classes and group meetings throughout the city by the Secretary of the Hospitality Committee. Those from other cities and states are supplied with free literature and their names are also sent to the Secretary of the National Teaching Committee, who endeavors to bring about an association between these seekers and groups of Bahá’ís or isolated believers near them. This splendid co-operative work between the two committees is producing excellent results. During October the speakers at the Sunday afternoon meetings in the Foundation Hall of the Temple were Miss Pearl Easterbrook of Peoria, Mrs. Corinne True, Mr. Albert Vail and Dr. Zia Bagdadi, all of whom delivered very fine addresses.
The meetings in the Foundation Hall continue with unabated interest. The attendance has not fallen off, despite inclement weather, and the addresses seem to become more interesting and instructive each week. Speakers during November were Mrs. Corinne True, Mr. Albert Vail and Mrs. Sarah Walrath.
The number of daily visitors to the Temple is increasing, on November 9th three hundred club women having been guests. Truly we are witnessing the fulfillment of ’Abdu’l-Bahá’s words that the Temple will be the means of attracting countless souls to the Cause. How much more potent will be its influence when it is completed in all its beauty and splendor! Let us make every sacrifice to attain the accomplishment of this great purpose. Let us respond as never before to the support of the New Plan of Unified Action. It is our God-given privilege. Are we going to deny ourselves this blessing?
A short time ago, following a Sunday
afternoon meeting, a few of the friends
had the opportunity of making a tour of
inspection, under the guidance of Mr.
Edward Struven, of the new machinery
for heating and ventilating the Temple.
This is the machinery which is so urgently
needed to protect the structure during the
winter months, for the payment of which
the recent call for $10,000.00 was made
by the National Spiritual Assembly. The
response to that call was splendid and
the work of installation is going forward
with all possible speed. It is regrettable
that not all of the friends can see this
installation, the majestic boilers, for there
is majesty in machinery, the tremendous
valves, the intricate flues and the still more
intricate electrical devices governing this
heart of the material shell which is the
expression of a spiritual ideal.
PUBLICATION OF NABIL NARRATIVE DELAYED.[edit]
The Bahá’í Publishing Committee regrets to announce that the publication date for The Down-Breakers is unavoidably postponed until February 1932. For this reason we will allow the 10% discount from regular price of Standard Edition until February 1, 1932. Bahá’í Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York, N. Y.
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NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA General Address: Bahá’í Secretariat, Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, N. J. ALLEN B. McDANIEL, Chairman,
ALFRED E. LUNT, Secretary, 89
NELLIE S. FRENCH, International
ROY C. WILHELM, Treasurer,
HORACE HOLLEY, Associate Treasurer,
CARL SCHEFFLER, Financial Secretary,
The Bahá’í News is the Organ of
SARAH WALRATH. Chairman. ALBERT WINDUST, Editorial Manager
SOPHIE LOEDING.
ALBERT VAIL.
Editorial Office: SARAH WALRATH, 1415 Sherwood Terrace, Chicago, Illinois. |
In Bahá’í News No. 55, Page 6, it was stated that “The latest News Bulletin advises us of the result of the election of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of England.” This is an error in translation from “Die Sonne der Wahrheit,” as we are informed that there has been a National Spiritual Assembly in England since 1923. The editors offer apologies.
EDITORIAL
BUILDING THROUGH CONCERTED EFFORT[edit]
One of the unique features of the Bahá’í Cause is this, that the spread of its teachings depends upon the individual effort of its adherents. No one is exempt from this responsibility and we have the command from ’Abdu’l-Bahá, “with a firm resolution, a pure heart, a rejoiced spirit, and an eloquent tongue, engage your time in the promulgation of the divine principles.” If we lack the training, the eloquence, to set forth convincing arguments and fervent appeals that will reveal to our brothers the value of the Message that has come to us, each one of us may nevertheless directly assist in national teaching work by his sustained support of the New Plan of Unified Action.
Our National Spiritual Assembly, faced with an immediate necessity in the building of the Temple, has again been obliged to urge our support of the New Plan of Unified Action. In meeting this minor crisis the American believers seem to have overcome that paralyzing inertia which overpowered us after the goal of the first Plan of Unified Action was reached. Now that we have conquered this inertia, let us direct all our efforts toward increasing our momentum so that the accelerated motion may sweep us on to our new goal on scheduled time.
This challenge which we are now facing represents not an isolated phase but the whole present-day purpose of Bahá’í Administration in the United States and Canada. The Temple is the great outstanding teaching activity in this country. Remember that ’Abdu’l-Bahá said, “When the foundation of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is laid in America and that divine edifice completed, a most wonderful and thrilling motion will appear in the world of existence. . . . From that point of light the spirit of teaching, spreading the Cause of God and promoting the teachings of God will permeate to all parts of the world.”
Even in its present unfinished condition the Temple is a powerful center of teaching. The attendance at the services in the Foundation Hall is most gratifying, not only because of the increasing numbers but also because of the genuine interest and appreciation shown. The Temple serves the entire country. Visitors from all parts of America have found it a unique and illuminating experience thus to come into contact with the Bahá’í Movement with its teachings for the unification and service of all mankind.
Today the most effective work is done in groups and the strongest call for group action comes from the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. Such an effort shared in by each member of the group will culminate in a collective deed that will evidence to this country a spirit of faith that will compel attention to the Cause of which it is the fruit. The voluntary character of contributions to the National Fund insures a direct relation between giving and maturity of understanding. When a believer has really given all he can to the National Fund, then and only then has he risen to the opportunity afforded him in this group deed. And it cannot be stressed too often that the value of the gift lies not in its amount but in the degree of self-dedication that impels it. This is because self-dedication forms the spiritual Temple which must precede the physical Temple that is its counterpart.
Let us not deceive ourselves. The present economic depression has little to do with our success or failure in meeting this opportunity. Our financial support of the New Plan of Unified Action is of the same substance as our individual dedication to teaching. Both are dependent, not upon present world conditions, but rather upon the spiritual understanding and consecration of the individual believers.
It may be that some can most effectively aid in spreading the Cause through large contributions to the National Fund. Many of us, however, wish to supplement our necessarily limited material assistance by devoting all the time we can give to individual or group leaching activities. Never before have there been so many opportunities for Bahá’í service, never a greater receptivity on the part of the people. We have common interest with, and therefore a sympathetic approach to, almost all thinking people. We can offer the Divine Plan of Bahá’u’lláh with assurance to a bewildered world lost in the maze of conflicting human solutions to problems of international peace or economic stability. Not only does the Bahá’í Message offer the Plan, but it also supplies the spiritual dynamic which energizes it. With such a gift to share, do we dare to remain silent? It may be that we can teach only through our actions, or in terms of very general principles, but if we are sincere and steadfast and patient, the time will eventually come when we can speak more directly of our beloved Cause. Here again our greatest obstacle is our own inertia.
Shoghi Effendi has tried again and
again to arouse us from our sleep of negligence.
He has sounded many a stirring
call to action through his letters and cables
to the National Spiritual Assembly;
he has urged individuals to concentrate
their efforts on arousing the believers to
greater and more sacrificial effort; he sets
us a stimulating example by his own
generous and regular giving; he constantly[Page 3]
prays for our spiritual awakening to our
responsibilities. And now he has sent us
Nabil’s Narrative with the expressed hope
that through it we may gain a larger realization
of the degree of devotion and steadfastness
to which he is calling us. May
we through its stirring recital of events in
the history of the Cause in Persia become
imbued with the spirit which motivated
the early believers.
We in America have been clinging in the past to superficial excuses for our lack of performance, whereas the fundamental reason has been our spiritual immaturity. Let us from now on reflect the spirit depicted in Nabíl’s Narrative, and we shall see that in spite of small numbers, lack of material wealth, and a disordered world, the Temple will be speedily completed and all lines of teaching will meet with unprecedented success.
THE TEMPLE AND THE NINETEEN-DAY FEASTS[edit]
By “Auntie Victoria” (Mrs. Victoria Bediltian)
“May the Assembled Believers, now but a tiny nucleus of the Bahá’í Commonwealth of the future, so exemplify that spirit of universal love and fellowship as to evoke in the minds of their associates the vision of that City of God which the Almighty Arm of Bahá’u’lláh can alone establish!”
Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’í Administration.
O Beloved of God!
The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár with its central Edifice stands as a symbol of Bahá’í Unity. Its lights are pervading Humanity’s existence and its meanings are drawing the seekers and the beloved into the City of God not built by hands.
In our weakness, we have arisen to finish the Temple of the Lord of Hosts. We are assured of the Assistance of the Divine Arm of Bahá’u’lláh. We seek the guidance of the Master through our Beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. It is clear that all failings shall be turned into blessings when we renounce them and enter the Arena of sacrificial service to the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. The Way has been shown to us by our National Spiritual Assembly. The New Plan of Unified Action has verily brought to all our Assemblies a new courage, a renewed desire to forget self and enter the Kingdom of God.
During the Nineteen-Day Feast, we are exhorted to fortify this New Plan and set it into a well-functioning Reality. This Plan is God’s Plan, it is an outgrowth and the fulfillment of the Creative Word. Bahá’í activities and Temple activities are identical and will be supported by the Divine Plan; thus the Temple, its accessories and the Plan are one movement, a mighty clock-work of wheels marking the advance of Divine Education, Spirituality, Progress and Knowledge upon the earth.
The New Plan of Unified Action is a God-send to all the Bahá’í Communities upon the earth, and an example to be followed by all the Assemblies. Its varying commands will open for us the flood-gates of success in every task of importance laid before us, and materialize our ideals and visions. Our Beloved Guardian says that the New Plan is “Al at once, concise, appealing in tone, dignified in presentation and practical in its conception.” World-wide support has also been commanded for this Plan. Verily, it is a mighty example to all the Bahá’í World, and inspires the groups of Abhá in many different ways and directions.
It inspires us to become selfless, it teaches us to give, it glorifies the Feast Day, it broadens the vision, it teaches obedience and subordination, it regulates practical service, it distributes practical help, it teaches the power of the Word, it brings out prayer and supplication, it proves to us that in unity there is strength and that anything can be accomplished in correspondence with such a divine Plan and appeal.
MT. CARMEL PROPERTY
The National Spiritual Assembly desires to make known to the friends an interesting piece of news which was transmitted through the medium of a letter from the Guardian under date of August 25th, 1931. The section of that letter follows:
“It would interest you to know that the American National Spiritual Assembly, Palestine Branch, has been incorporated according to the law in Palestine, not as a foreign corporation or a charitable trust, but as a “religious society” enjoying all the privileges attaching to recognized religious institutions in the Holy Land. Shoghi Effendi hopes to transfer to the name of your Assembly additional plots of land in the vicinity of the shrine of Bahá’u’lláh at Akka and of the Báb at Mount Carmel as soon as he obtains the necessary authorization from the authorities, inasmuch as the right of holding real estate by religious institutions is strictly limited according to Palestinian law. This step which he has taken, which has necessitated many months of careful and delicate negotiations with both the local and central authorities, our Guardian feels will constitute the prelude to the eventual formation and recognition, by the Palestine Government, of a properly constituted International Bahá’í Assembly, functioning as an independent religious body in the Holy Land.”
The measures thus taken by the Guardian and now made known to the friends will render it possible for those who have acquired pieces of property either at Akka or Haifa, or on Mt. Carmel to transfer these holdings to the National Spiritual Assembly should they so desire.
The knowledge of the necessary legal procedure which such transfer would entail may be obtained from the members of the National Legal Committee, of which Mr. Horace Holley, No. 125 East 10th St., New York, is the chairman.
PROTECTIVE SUGGESTION
Every so often word comes to the National Spiritual Assembly of the visit to a city where an organized Assembly exists, of a traveler who is not a Bahá’í and who refers to his acquaintance with some Bahá’í or Bahá’ís living in distant cities and represents himself as being sponsored or approved by such distant Bahá’ís. On this ground, the friends have made cash gifts or loans to the person applying, only to find out later that his or her statements were inaccurate or wholly untrue.
In order to protect the friends from this kind of imposition, the National Spiritual Assembly feels that in all cases sufficient time should be taken to verify the statements through communication with the believers whose names are given as references in each case, and this action is recommended to the friends in all parts in case such a situation arises in their city or cities. Care should be taken to ascertain the exact status of the applying visitor as reported to your Local Spiritual Assembly by those to whom he refers as sponsors.
ESPERANTO
We are indebted to Mr. H. G. Pauli of New York City for translations of excerpts from Sonne der Wahrheit published in Germany, telling of the ever increasing interest manifested throughout Europe in Esperanto. The inhabitants of the world are learning that direct communication through a universal medium of expression is conducive to the wellbeing of the nations.
IN MEMORIAM
Mrs. Earl H. Kaley, an isolated believer of Edmore, Michigan, passed away on September 15th, after a prolonged illness. On behalf of the readers of the Bahá’í News we extend loving Bahá’í greetings and heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Kaley.
CONCERNING THE FEAST DAYS
AND BAHÁ’Í HOLY DAYS AS
MENTIONIED IN THE
NOTES OF MRS. CORINNE
TRUE AND SUBSTANTIATED
BY THE
GUARDIAN.[edit]
Mrs. True brought definite word from Shoghi Effendi relative to the Bahá’í Holy Days to be observed by all. At the time that these days were enumerated there was no mention of the day called in our calendars “Fete Day of ’Abdu’l-Bahá”, i. e., November 26th.
The Guardian was appealed to so that no misunderstanding should arise and he substantiated the nine Holy Days mentioned by Mrs. True and stated further in a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly that the Celebration of November 26th was to be observed. The following is the exact text of the section of the letter from the Guardian bearing on this matter:
“Regarding the quotation from Mrs. True’s notes, Shoghi Effendi wishes me to assure you of both their authenticity and present application. The celebration of November 26th as the Day of the Covenant should be observed by the believers throughout the world.” (Letter of August 25th. 1931.)
LETTER TO MRS. CORINNE TRUE, DATED AUGUST 29th, 1931[edit]
Dear Bahá’í Sister:
I am charged by Shoghi Effendi to acknowledge on his behalf the receipt of your kind letter of July 30th, 1931, and to extend to you his loving appreciation of your precious and continued services to our beloved Cause.
He wishes me also to inform you of the receipt of the picture of the first Convention which you had sent for him, and he has placed it in the Mansion at Bahji.
Regarding the statements which you had made in your recent talk to the Racine Bahá’ís, Shoghi Effendi fully approves their validity and urges all the American believers to abide by them. He wishes you, therefore, to write again and recommend Dr. Morris, whose last letter addressed to you he read with careful attention, to not let himself become involved in the policies of the different new movements that are springing up in the States, and to concentrate all his efforts on activities which are purely Bahá’í in character.
This should not mean that the ideals which these societies are promoting are contrary to those proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh. Most of them present great similarities to the Bahá’í teachings. But the chief difference is that the Bahá’í principles and the Bahá’í institutions are divine in their origin and their character and that they are under the divine protection of Bahá’u’lláh. It is in His Name therefore, that the Bahá’ís should strive. It is to Him that they should look for help, and it is in His Bounty that they should have an unswerving faith.
With the renewed assurance of Shoghi Effendi’s best wishes and of his constant and fervent prayers for your spiritual advancement and success.
- Yours in His Service,
(Signed) H. RABBANI.
Written on the above letter by Shoghi Effendi:
“Dear and esteemed co-worker:
I have corroborated, in my recent letter to Mr. Lunt, the statements that you have made regarding my conversations with you in Haifa. They have been accurately and faithfully conveyed. Your staunch, unswerving faith, your boundless devotion and assiduous care to preserve the integrity and extend the bounds of the Cause, are among the most richly valued assets that the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh has in that land. Every visit you pay us in Haifa serves to confirm this conviction. I would now urge you to remind, encourage and appeal to all believers you meet, to arise, however great the obstacles, to contribute their share to the New Plan of Unified Action recently announced by the National Spiritual Assembly. The Plan has my wholehearted and unqualified approval. May every believer speedily and generously respond.
Copy of Mrs. Corinne True’s Notes Taken at Haifa, Palestine[edit]
(1) The function of the Geneva International Bureau. The notes state that our Guardian defined this as follows:
“The Bureau at Geneva is auxiliary to Haifa. Haifa is the International Center and Geneva is auxiliary to it. It forms a link between all other centers, therefore, it is International. Geneva is not administrative. It is a link. The National Centers should if possible support the Bureau in all ways financially as much as possible.”
(2) Spreading the Cause among young people and in the Colleges. The notes record our Guardian as stating:
“The Bahá’í young people should make a deep study of the Bahá’í teachings themselves and as they are able to contact with other groups of young people, they should show them the great advance these teachings have over other teachings, especially along the lines of its social and economic plans. The young are not so apt to be attracted to the religious side of our Teachings as to the social and economic. We must point out where the Bahá’í Teachings differ from Communism in the matter of the preservation of the rights of the individual. Bahá’u’lláh was very strict on this point.”
(3) Definition of the Nine Holy Days of the Bahá’í year:
“On these days, as far as possible, the friends should refrain from work and should even apply to the Government to allow the Bahá’ís to keep these as their Holy Days.” (Stated in Notes.)
- 1. March 21st—Naw-ruz.
- 2. April 21st. 3. April 29th. 4.
May 2nd—These three days are most important of all; they are Rid-ván Days (April 21st to May 2nd).
- 5. May 23rd—The Declaration of
the Báb.
- 6. May 28th—The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh.
- 7. July 9th—The Martyrdom of the
Báb.
- 8. Oct. 20th—The Birthday of the
Báb.
- 9. Nov. 12th—The Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh.
(4) As to the building of the Bahá’í House of Worship and its unusually quick progress:
“At last Chicago is taking her right position and is now the center of the Cause in America. This will be made more apparent as time passes. The Cause was started on the Western Continent in Chicago. Later on, when it can be afforded, the Foundation Hall is to become the National Archives and the Convention and other things held in a separate building for that purpose.” (Stated in Notes).
(5) As to the duty of Bahá’ís in relation to war:
“Shoghi Effendi stated that Bahá’ís should apply to their Governments for exemption from the operations connected with the killing or shedding of blood as the Quakers have done. Some may confuse this with “Conscientious Objectors” who refuse to sustain the Government in any way, but this plan of “Conscientious Objectors”, to refuse service of any kind and receive prison sentences for this abstentionwas not right.”
(6) The notes state that it is advisable for the Wilmette Assembly to use Foundation Hall for Teaching meetings, subject to agreement and consultation between the Temple Program Committee and the Wilmette Assembly.
(7) As to the Day of the Covenant (Fete Day of ’Abdu’l-Bahá): “The celebration of November 26th as the Day of the Covenant should be observed by the Believers throughout the world.”
(8) Commemoration of the Ascension of ’Abdu’l-Bahá November 28th.
[Page 5]
BAHA’I NEWS
AN ECHO[edit]
From the Central States Teaching Conference-Notes by Recent Pilgrims to Haifa.
“Teachers should be pure channels for teaching the Word.”
“There are international, national and local teachers. The National Assembly selects those to act as National teachers. The Local Assembly selects those to act as Local teachers.”
“National teachers, when not on some special mission for the National Spiritual Assembly, should work with the Local Assembly of the city in which they are to teach. There should be co-operation.”
“The Local Assembly chooses the teachers it wants in its locality except when the National Assembly has some plans to be carried out.”
“There should be a variety of teachers. If the Assembly does not choose several teachers, then the teacher it selects should see that the group has other teachers. Sometimes in beginning to interest a new group one teacher is desirable for a brief period.”
“Nearby Assemblies should look after groups and isolated believers by sending teachers to help build up an Assembly so that it can come under the protection and blessing of the Administration.”
“There should be a variety of speakers on the program. Some can read beautifully and some can offer prayer with spiritual effectiveness who cannot make even a five minute talk. Some can speak fifteen minutes who cannot give a thirty minute address. Few can speak effectively for an hour.”
“Some people are attracted through public meetings while some must be personally taught before ready for public meetings.”
“Informal discussion meetings are a good type for young people, especially college students. Education, social science, and economics are good subjects to consider. We must remember that the Cause contains these as well as the religious teachings.”
“The psychic and the “mystical” is not a wise approach in teaching. There is truth in some visions and dreams but some come from physical causes, some from over-mental activity. They are not reliable. Visions and dreams must never be forced on others.”
“The ancient religions have very few of the exact words of the Manifestations.” (The question arises as to how much we should dwell on the old.)
“We must avoid leadership in the Cause. There is too much personality. It should be eliminated. This can be done by a variety of teachers and a variety of speakers on the programs. In the House of Worship all should face the East.”
“Meetings (especially referring to those in the Foundation Hall) should have a dignified approach to the subject. Young people making this sort of an approach could be asked to take part on these programs.”
“Bahá’ís need not feel they must prove science. It should be left to the scientists. They are making many discoveries.”
“Shoghi Effendi said several times that each country has its problem. Primarily, in Germany it is the anti-Semitic problem, in England the class problem, in India the caste system, in America it is the race problem. We must accept the principles or teachings laid down by Bahá’u’lláh for this age. He knew what was best. Living the teachings or putting them into practice, such as accepting the colored races without distinction, would do more to convince the world of the value and efficacy of our beliefs than all our talking. It would also tend to attract openminded people. We must not think of people as colored or white but as souls.”
CENTRAL STATES TEACHING CONFERENCE[edit]
The second Central States Teaching Conference met in the Foundation Hall at Wilmette, Illinois, October 17th and 18th. Though not a large meeting it was a very enthusiastic one. Sunday morning a devotional meeting was held in the Auditorium of the House of Worship. It seemed as though we were immersed in a spiritual outpouring which inspired those attending with a deeper desire to carry the Great Message to new territory.
Mr. Carl Scheffler, Mr. Albert Windust, and Mr. E. W. Mattoon assisted in presiding at the three sessions, because of the illness of the Conference Chairman, Dr. Clement Woolson of St. Paul, Minnesota.
There was a symposium on the subject, “Teaching Children” led by Mrs. Maye Harvey Gift, and one on “Teaching Young People” led by Paul Haney, in both of which several had a part. There were many very valuable suggestions for this exceedingly important work.
’Abdu’l-Bahá’s Teaching in America was summed up in a clear, concise and forceful manner by Dr. Bagdadi. The presentation was full of valuable hints for our teaching work. Dr. L. H. Clark was in charge of a symposium on Inter-Assembly Teaching. He has been instrumental in arranging teaching circuits for the North Shore. Reports were made of some of the work in the Michigan, Cleveland, Cincinnati and the Illinois-Wisconsin districts. All are carrying on some teaching work but none of the districts have begun expanding very rapidly into new territory. The discussion regarding this phase of teaching resulted in a motion to ask the Chicago Assembly to especially undertake to open new centers for Bahá’í work.
Three unusual types of teaching were mentioned. The report from Peoria, telling of nearly two hundred interested in the teachings, given by Miss Pearl Easterbrook following another lecture series, gave us a new ideal for classes of beginners. Other teachers are there being given an opportunity to try out their talents and so develop ability to present the Cause.
The Kenosha delegate enthusiastically reported the remarkable results from an intensive Teaching Campaign then in progress in the form of meetings held each evening, in a store building rented for that purpose.
The Chicago Assembly reports that the activities inaugurated about a year ago at the Bahá’í Reading Room, 116 S. Michigan Ave., through the Noon-Day Public Meetings, where short addresses are given on the Teachings, the Friday Noon-Day Public Prayer Services, the Evening Study Groups at the Reading Room and in the various homes throughout the city and suburbs, have shown splendid results in the confirming of many new believers.
The report of the Central States Summer School held on the Eggleston farm near Flint, Michigan, gave us a new insight into what can be accomplished in a brief time when all is done in His service and for His glory.
KENOSHA BAHÁ’ÍS GIVE A UNIQUE LECTURE SERIES[edit]
The Bahá’í Community of Kenosha,
Wisconsin, having without success tried
various methods of attracting the public,
decided to do something quite different.
Our Spiritual Assembly, after earnest
consultation, came to the conclusion that
it might be a good plan to rent an empty
store for a lecture series and that many
people passing by would be attracted by
the lights and activity within. The plan
was presented to the Bahá’í’ Community
and all were in favor and offered to fully
co-operate in promoting a three weeks
series of lectures, meeting every evening
in the week and twice on Sunday. The
Local Spiritual Assembly therefore
began formulating the necessary plans. We[Page 6]
had only fifty dollars to meet all expenses,
including electric lights and possible
traveling expenses for the many speakers
we wished to have take part in the
program. However, Bahá’u’lláh, the
Blessed Perfection, “assists all who arise
to serve Him,” and as we were all thoroughly
united in this project, His Bounty
descended upon us in such a measure that
we were able to attend the series to six
full weeks, and still have about ten dollars
in the treasury.
The following details will be of interest to those wishing to try a similar plan. A vacant store was rented in the heart of our business district where hundreds pass every day. Large signs proclaiming a series of lectures on World Problems, absolutely free and no collections, were painted by our chairman and erected across the store front. In one window an excellently planned display, illustrated by means of a series of steps the succession of Prophets, with Adam the lower step and Bahá’u’lláh the top step, with a background placard of the twelve principles. Temple pictures, words of Bahá’u’lláh, photographs of Conventions and Bahá’í picnics filled the other window, making a very attractive display which was arranged by a new Bahá’í, who is a window dresser. Chairs were loaned us gratis by a local manufacturer. The believers contributed the piano, tables, curtains and lamps, making the store a beautiful homelike hall. Five thousand program cards were printed by a friend at half price, and out of town speakers were invited to take part in the programs.
The opening date was Sunday, October 11th. The meetings continued for six weeks, concluding on Sunday evening, November 22nd. During this period a total of forty-eight lectures was given with an average attendance of sixty-five, and twenty-five afternoon forums with an average of eighteen present. Those who assisted us so splendidly by coming here to give the talks and provide music were the following sincere devoted friends: Dr. Zia Bagdadi of Wilmette, Dr. Loftin Clark of Milwaukee, Drs. E. Lenore and A. Lawrence Morris of Racine, and from Chicago, Mrs. Sarah Walrath, Mrs. Nina Matthisen, Mr. Albert Windust and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Moffett, and Mr. Willard P. Hatch of Los Angeles, California.
During Mrs. Moffett’s stay in Kenosha she made many contacts with churches and clubs.
Among those who assisted in the series by rendering music were Miss Annalean Nelson, Mrs. Mae DeBruin, the Misfits Parvene, Rouhieh and Rouha Bohanan and Mrs. Frederick Congdon and pupils of the Congdon Conservatory of Music.
As a fitting close to the lectures, all who attended were invited to the Dayton Hotel on Monday evening, November 23rd, for a social gathering. Mr. and Mrs. Congdon and pupils gave an excellent musical program and dramatic readings, after which refreshments were served.
As a result of the lecture series, eight old believers, who had not been active for many years are again happily engaged in service to Bahá’u’lláh. Many of those who came regularly have manifested deep and sustained interest in the teachings and a few have become confirmed Believers.
We praise Bahá’u’lláh for His great Bounty. We extend thanks to the regional teachers and others who assisted. Our future Sunday evening meetings will be held at the Dayton Hotel in the foundation hall and we invite all Bahá’í's passing this way to visit us.
- Humbly your co-workers,
- Kenosha Bahá’í Community,
- Louis Voelz. Sec.
MINNESOTA
St. Paul-Minneapolis: In a truly Bahá’í manner Dr. Zia Bagdadi of Wilmette, Dr. A. Lawrence Morris of Racine and Dr. Loftin Clark of Milwaukee recently addressed gatherings in these two cities. About one hundred and fifty in St. Paul and sixty in Minneapolis heard the Divine Message.
NEW YORK
New York City: During the month of October, New York City started a very full and constructive program of Bahá’í activities for the coming year.
At the Sunday afternoon meetings subjects were discussed covering many aspects of the international and economic questions of the day.
On October 4th, Miss Jessie Faufet Harris and Miss Martha Root presented the need for kindly sympathy, understanding and love expressed in the common daily contacts between peoples of the several races and nationalities.
On October 11th “The Bahá’í Peace Program” was discussed by Mr. Allan McDaniel, Mr. Alfred Lunt and Mrs. Nellie French of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Miss Martha Root. Each in turn gave the program of Bahá’u’lláh as the only possible basis for the Most Great Peace between members of the one human family.
On the 18th Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford told in her inimitable way of her “Experiences in Europe This Summer.”
On October 25th there came the climax when the Young People's Group arranged for an opportunity for representatives of many Youth Groups to express their realization that after all, the world problems are indeed theirs to study, that they may evolve and hasten a permanent solution therefor. Their subject was “Youth and the Economic Peace: A Challenge and a Solution.” Miss Elsa Russell, the chairman, conducted the discussion with the rare art of understanding, tact and grace.
Rabbi Jacob Eisen of the Jewish Institute of Religion pointed out that the difficulties and fears and hatreds experienced by members of any group—family, racial, religious, national—when trying to live together in harmony and accord within their own or with other groups must be overcome through sympathetic knowledge of one another.
Then Mr. Paul M. Reid, President of the Student Body of the Union Theological Seminary, advanced the necessity of a truly ethical Christianity as the solution for all the social difficulties about us. He felt that the social meaning of Christianity evidenced in the spirit of service and sacrifice of the individual for the advancement of the whole, would, through the non-violent power of such Christ-like love, bring about that justice and peace and goodwill which is the goal of humanity—the Kingdom of God on earth.
Mr. Paul M. Reid was followed by Mr. Ira De A. Reid, Director of Research of the National Urban League. He made still clearer the principle that there could be no peace until an identity of interests and purposes amongst the various groups of peoples developed that art of living which in turn offered to each individual a chance to “joy of living.”
Mr. Max Delson offered the ideals of the Socialist Party as a solution for the condition which makes possible a country like the United States having at once the greatest wealth in the world and the greatest amount of unemployment with its consequent suffering. The socialist, by transferring the control of necessities, productions and profits from the few to the many —to the producers themselves—promise peace, plenty and freedom for all.
Last of all, the Divine and therefore the only effective solution, that which is offered to the world by God through Bahá’u’lláh, was put forth by our beloved Martha Root as a call to Youth to study seriously that Divine Plan.
Following these inspiring efforts to
promote the understanding and co-operation
of all, the first session of the Interracial
Amity Committee held its meetings
at the New York Urban League Rooms
on Saturday, October 31st, and at the
Bahá’í Center on Sunday. November 1st.
Professor W. L. Hansberry of Howard
University was the outstanding speaker.
His talk on the “Scientific Proofs of the[Page 7]
Oneness of Humanity” from the standpoint
of the anthropologist and archeologist
was indeed as illuminating and instructive
as it was interesting and thrilling.
His theme developed the efforts and
results of the scientists to trace in “bones”
and “stones” the truths and evidences of
the origin and evolution of mankind
which ’Abdu’l-Bahá describes in chapter
XLVII of Some Answered Questions.
This passage, in fact, Professor Hansberry
used as his text.
Mrs. Loulie Mathews of New York City spoke very impressively and at length on the wasted effort expended in the thoughts and acts of prejudice. Mr. Louis Gregory and Mrs. Mary White Ovington, one of the Directors of the Society of the National Improvement for Colored People, dwelt respectively upon the religious oneness of mankind and the human likenesses between the several races of mankind. The Convention was most inspiring and the spirit of oneness was manifest throughout.
The Nineteen Day Feast of October 16th was given by Miss Mary Bauer in celebration of her 15th birthday. It was very beautiful and Mary herself added much to the program.
The Young People’s Group met each Tuesday night. The clear statement of the program they wished to provide for their Sunday afternoon, the 25th, and the efficient way in which they carried out their plans speak for the assurance and power gained through their weekly studies and discussions.
Last, but by no means least, were the meetings of the Friday Night Study Class, which started October 23rd and which will continue to be held on Friday nights throughout the year. This is a class for study and discussion for all, with no “teacher”. A chairman helps by recognizing those who wish to speak, giving them their opportunity in turn, and summing up at the end of the hour the points discussed. Outlines and references for the lessons are previously distributed for study and the contributions, responses and questions put forth manifest an earnest, sincere effort to know the teachings.
Surely the results of these splendid October meetings will be felt throughout the year, stimulating and inspiring to still greater effort.
PENNSYLVANIA
Pittsburgh: A Conference for Interracial Amity was held in this city October 25th, 26th and 27th, through the co-operation of Mr. Gregory and the local community of Bahá’ís. Prominent musicians and speakers of both races contributed to the program of the three sessions.
CALIFORNIA
San Francisco and Oakland: These bay cities of the west coast are concentrating, with excellent results, an interracial amity. The racial question is an important one today, and the friends in California are bending every effort toward bringing about that essential love and unity between the races.
A Teaching Conference and Interracial Amity meeting took place in Berkeley on October 18th, at which many phases of the teaching work and methods of instruction were discussed and compared, especial emphasis being laid on the training of children.
The Philanthropic Fund of San Francisco is already filling an important place in the community life, carrying out in concrete form, as it does, one of the principles laid down for the solving of the economic problem.
FIFTH ANNUAL BAHA'I SUMMER SCHOOL AT GEYSERVILLE[edit]
1931 Season
The sessions of the Bahá’í Summer School at Geyserville, again manifested the spirit of “unity and interest” and made a deep impression upon Bahá’ís and strangers alike.
Through the loving service of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Bosch, many improvements in housing conditions were made. To those attending the Summer School, it was truly a demonstration of the statement of Bahá’u’lláh that: “The city is the home of the body, while the country is the home of the soul.”
There were about one hundred and seventy-five members and guests in attendance at the annual reunion under the “Big Tree.” The registration of the members during the sessions numbered ninety-nine, with an average attendance of forty-five.
The sessions were addressed by Professor William John Meredith, Dean of the Montezuma School for Boys, Mr. LeRoy Ioas, Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, Mrs. Grace Holley, Professor Ward, of the University of California, Mrs. Helen Bishop, Dr. George P. Hedley, Archaeologist and Scholar Pacific School of Religions, Mr. George Latimer, Dr. E. C. Getsinger, Mrs. James Otis Lincoln, on such subjects as: “Accord of Science and Religion,” "Universal Education." “The Development of a Universal Consciousness,” “The Solution of the Economic Problem,” “The New Political Outlook,” “The Machine Age.” “The Relation between Invention and Universality,” “The Abolition of Racial Barriers and the Development of Latent Powers in All Peoples,” “The Aspects of Christianity,” a series of lectures on the Economic Plan as outlined by Bahá’u’lláh and the presentation of the educational film, “The Pyramid of Cheops.”
Those who were privileged to attend the Summer School at Geyserville received both spiritual and intellectual stimulation from these varied and comprehensively presented subjects.
BAHA'I ACTIVITIES IN ISOLATED GROUPS[edit]
CONNECTICUT
West Hartford: Through the teaching work of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Ives, and Ides O. Johnson, a united, earnest group of believers has been established in West Hartford. They meet once a week in the various homes. For a half hour preceding their Bahá’í Meeting. Stuart Kettredge, one of the youngest members of the class teaches a class in Esperanto.
Hartford: This Bahá’í Group is now tentatively organized. There are just seven souls. Doris Chamberlain writes: “We are so happy in Hartford because we have an organized group of seven and are hoping for an Assembly in April.”
Norwich: Of course our group is going to join the New Plan of Unified Action. We belong to the New Haven Assembly although we never get there but we will send our monthly contribution through this Assembly.
INDIANA
Indianapolis: Dr. Lillian Sielken is conducting a Bahá’í Study Group in Indianapolis—about thirty members when we last heard. Some of these people first heard of the Cause when Orcella Rexford gave the Message in that city last summer.
MARTHA’S BUSY SUMMER[edit]
Miss Martha Root has spent an exceedingly busy summer, engaged, as always, in the spread of the Cause. She has addressed gatherings at Harvard University, Boston University, New Hampshire University and Green Acre. The aim is to continue to stress the university circles. Each day new engagements are being made. November will be spent in Washington with short trips to other cities for university engagements. Visits to Boston, Pittsburgh and the universities of central New York are also planned. Miss Root will sail from New York for Europe the third week in January.
THE INTERNATIONAL BAHÁ’Í BUREAU AT GENEVA, SWITZERLAND.[edit]
A most interesting letter has come to hand from the Secretary of the International Bahá’í Bureau at Geneva in which the following activities of the League of Nations and of the International Labor Office are noted:
- “At the International Labor Conference
- in June the dominant note
- was that of anxiety. Everywhere
- the economic crisis was being felt and
- unemployment assuming alarming
- proportions. . . . . In the speeches
- of the delegates whether employer,
- worker or representative of government,
- each and all acknowledged
- that the world was facing—‘A disruption
- of the present economic system,’
- and that we need a new policy
- adapted to the new conditions. But
- where the difficulty lies, and where
- the means of meeting the situation
- are matters to be discovered, dealt
- with and adjusted. The employers’
- delegates advocated economy, stringency,
- cutting down of wages, longer
- hours of work. The employees’ delegates
- were much more in the line of
- social evolution—the spirit of the
- age; they proposed dropping the old
- competitive system and bringing
- about co-operation between employer
- and employee, shorter hours, social
- insurance, etc. . . . . Mr. Brauns,
- the German Government delegate
- used a very striking expression when
- he said: ‘We are at the turning point
- in the history of humanity; this is
- the birth of a New Age.’ ”
The personnel of the Bureau endeavors to keep in touch with all the important events which transpire and their work therefore, is very arduous and very confining.
During the latter part of August and the month of September many meetings were arranged for Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford whose services to the Cause in Geneva are of inestimable value.
Mr. Steele, Secretary of the “Life and Work Movement” spoke at the Bureau in July; also in September the Bureau entertained Mrs. Brijlal Nehru ex-secretary of the All Indian Women’s Conference who spoke on “The Spirit of India as revealed by the non-violence movement.”
In June Miss Hayford, a delegate from West Africa to the “International Convention for African Child’s Welfare” gave a fine talk on the West African negro folk songs, etc.
The Bureau announces that the French translation of Dr. Esslemont’s “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” is ready for publication and will be printed as soon as sufficient funds are available. The Guardian is very eager for the distribution of this book and was himself the first contributor to the fund which now lacks about half of the necessary amount.
The Bureau was visited by a number of Bahá’í friends from abroad notably among whom were two Persian Bahá’í students who are studying in Toulouse, France. These were two brothers who came to Geneva expressly to visit the Bureau.
The Bureau acknowledges with great appreciation the receipt of the financial assistance rendered by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, and also express much gratitude for the contributions of books to the Library, which consisted of forty-one volumes sent by various friends.
The report mentions the very serious illness of Mrs. Emogene Hoagg which greatly handicapped the work of the Bureau, but states that Mrs. Hoagg is fortunately much improved in health.
The friends in this country are urged not to forget that the International Bureau, established under the direction of the Guardian and greatly prized by him, is the best means for securing information for those traveling in Europe as the Bureau keeps an accurate record of all Assemblies and of the activities of the friends of the Cause everywhere.
(Summary of Report of International Baháí Bureau made by Nellie S. French, International Correspondent for the Secretariat.)
THE BAHA’I WEEKLY PUBLISHED IN LAHORE, INDIA[edit]
The Bahá’í Weekly which is published in Lahore, India, on the 9th, 19th, and 29th of each month is an excellent presentation of the Holy Utterances of the Bahá’í Revelation and carries also some very illuminating articles on various subjects not well known to the friends in the west. Articles on His Holiness Mohammed, on Saracenic Culture, on the Ahmaddyah Movement furnish valuable information which should be understood by the believers everywhere, and it is very interesting to see how many important items are culled from our western Bahá’í publications as well as from other organs where scientific progress is noted or articles touching on the Bahá’í Principles are appearing from time to time.
The Bahá’í Weekly of Lahore is a very valuable contribution to the list of Bahá’í publications and the Editor. Prof. Printam Singh is to be congratulated on the success of his enterprise.
(NELLIE. S. FRENCH, International Correspondent
- for the National Secretariat.)
INDIA
Burma: A historical survey of the Bahá’í Movement in India, Burma, Java, Siam and Malay Peninsula, from the year 1876 to 1932, is being made by Seyed Mustapha Roumi of Mandalay, Bumia, the first article of which appears in the October issue of The Bahá’í Magazine under the heading, “Bahá’í Pioneers.” Seyed Mustapha Roumi is a much loved member of the Local and National Spiritual Assemblies, and though eighty years of age, is serving the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh undauntedly and courageously.
AUSTRALIA
Melbourne: We are happy to say in all humility that, through the blessing and guidance of the Beloved One and the untiring efforts and devotion of the faithful teachers of the Cause who brought to Australia the glorious news of the Divine Manifestation, and who have been unwearying in the spreading of the Word, we have recently formed an Assembly, and we trust that with a deeper realization of our duty we shall live by His help in absolute sincerity of heart so that we may become mirrors of His Divine and Heavenly Attributes, attracting all we come in contact with toward the beauty of His Manifestation. Any progress we have made we attribute to the love and guidance of the Beloved One.
Victoria: The friends of this city are rejoicing to think that they will soon have with them such an eloquent and able exponent of the glorious Bahá’í Teaching as Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler, and hope and pray that her visit may be the means of greater development in Australia. The work of spreading the Teaching has been so nobly and heroically carried on for about ten years now by Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn, but the field of labor is too great for two, albeit such devoted souls as they, so it is hoped that Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler will be but the first of many teachers who will come to tend the fields so lovingly prepared by these beloved pioneers.
ITALY
Florence: Mrs. Teresina G. Campani and Mrs. Emogene Hoagg have translated “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” into the Italian language. Mrs. Campani is planning to start meetings for the spreading of the knowledge of the Bahá’í Cause in Florence.
