Bahá’í News/Issue 60/Text
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada
| No. 60 | MARCH, 1932 |
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Shoghi Effendi, dated February 20, 1932, Addressed to the National Spiritual Assembly. I wish to add a few words in person in order to re-affirm the paramount, the urgent necessity for devising ways and means that will ensure the success of the Plan of Unified Action, and compensate for the disadvantages it has, unavoidably and owing to unforeseen circumstances, suffered. I would appeal to every conscientious follower of the Faith in that land, not to rest until the means have been made available to insure the completion of the decoration of the Dome of this imposing and marvelous edifice before the end of the spring of next year. The Cause will suffer, its prestige will no doubt be affected if the Plan, so admirably conceived, should again fall into abeyance. This we must at all costs prevent. May the Almighty inspire and sustain you in your arduous task. SHOGHI.
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BUILDING THE TEMPLE[edit]
Thus, the Guardian has set a definite objective for us in the completion of the exterior ornamentation of the dome and ribs to the top of the first gallery or second story by the latter part of Spring of 1933. To accomplish this great task requires having $30,000 available within the next two months or by June 1st, 1932, and the balance of $120,000 on hand by November 1st, 1932 for the continuance and completion of the work.
On a firm foundation has arisen the present Temple structure. The exterior ornamentation, which will reveal the beauty and glory of the design, will be applied beginning with the dome and its ribs. Our supervising engineers have estimated that it will require six months of labor and expenditure of about $30,000 to prepare models and molds. Subsequently an additional six months period will be necessary for the manufacture and erection of the sections of the ornamentation.
In a time of great financial difficulties and business depression, we are confronted with a task that will truly test our faith, our courage, and our capacity to unitedly and wholeheartedly sacrifice to do His will.
“If we falter or hesitate, if our love for Him should fail to direct us and keep us within His path, if we desert Divine and emphatic principles, what hope can we any more cherish for healing the ills and sicknesses of this world?”
ENLIST WORLD-WIDE SUPPORT FOR THE NEW PLAN OF UNIFIED ACTION[edit]
Assemblies of His Divine Plan of Unity: We are all one! Although humble and defective is this poor one’s effort, may it indicate the beauty and power of the Word of God in action, in Unified Action and Deeds! The Temple invites you all. Mashriqu’l-Adhkár invites you all. The New Plan of Unified Action is the prelude so sweet and tender to the melody of world order and international commonwealth of God! This is the Truth—this is the test for us—this is the path of our advancement all over the world-wide globe. Help support this Plan. Make it a joyful noise in the Assemblies. Make it a song of the heart and hand of every living believer. Support the World-wide Plan. Build up Mashriqu’l-Adhkár everywhere! If you will support the New Plan endorsed by our Guardian, if you will recommend it amongst your Local Spiritual Assemblies and groups, you will have served the Threshold of ’Abhá and its advancing strides of justice and selflessness and cooperation, preparing thus and developing the Cause toward the ultimate end of the Creative Will, upholding the international relations and universal ideals of the Bahá’í world community!
In service to our Guardian,
(Continued on page 8.)
A cable from Shoghi Effendi was received on March 9th commenting upon the action of the National Spiritual Assembly in calling the Twenty-fourth Annual Convention as disclosed by the Minutes of the Assembly meeting forwarded to him. The cable is as follows: Haifa, Palestine, March 9, 1932. Spiritual advantages derived from deliberations of delegates in Convention assembled outweigh financial ''considerations. Urge eliminate unnecessary expenses. SHOGHI.
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CONVENTION ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has approved the following program for the coming Twenty-fourth Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, to be held at Temple Foundation Hall, Wilmette, Illinois, April 29th, April 30th and May 1st, 1932.
The Hospitality Committee for the Convention has been named consisting of—
- Miss Edna True, Chairman
- Mrs. May Scheffler
- Dr. Zia Bagdadi
- Mr. Willis Hilpert
- Miss Sophie Loeding
who will have headquarters at the Evanston Hotel, chosen as the official Convention Headquarters. We have arranged with the management of the Hotel Evanston to provide room and meals to all attending Bahá’ís and their friends without racial discrimination. Delegates and friends should in all cases, however, consult the Hospitality Committee at the Hotel before applying for rooms. A special dining room will be assigned to Bahá’í guests so that we may all be together.
Mrs. Nellie S. French has been appointed Chairman of the Ridvan Feast Committee
(Continued on page 8.)
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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
Editorial Manager
SOPHIE LOEDING. ALBERT VAIL.
Editorial Office: SARAH WALRATH, 1415 Sherwood
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In the last several issues the Editorial Committee has appealed to the friends for news items from the Bahá’í Communities throughout the country, asking that every Assembly make a point of sending a brief newsy report of current activities in its Community each month. These should reach the Chairman of the Editorial Committee at the above address not later than the fifth of the month.
- EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
E D I T O R I A L
THE GOAL OF MANKIND[edit]
It is with joy, assurance and gratitude that we peruse and study the great epistle of our revered Guardian, dated November 28th, 1931 , and published under the caption The Goal of a New World Order. This luminous document is not, in circulation, limited to believers, but it is our hope that it will mould the thoughts and enlighten the hearts of many people of influence and capacity who are in a state of inquiry. It brings us measureless aid by its clear, simple and forceful analysis of the world situation; by the faith it deepens, the hope it brightens, the love it inspires. Wonderful is its exposition of that great principle of Bahá’u’lláh, the Oneness of Humanity and its binding power in the new cycle. There is the gentleness, yet decisiveness of the true physician who lays bare the wound he would treat, in the very striking picture of the way of fiery trials through which mankind must pass in its journey to the desired goal. The vanity of adherence to out-worn dogmas and forms that have no bearing upon present needs; the stirring appeal for general recognition of the Supreme authority of Bahá’u’lláh, the impressive quotations from the Manifestation of God and from the Center of His Divine Covenant, the focussing of our attention upon the signs that make it clear that human problems have over-reached human control, while humanity totters to the brink of a great cataclysm; and the supreme guidance and confirmation that animate every syllable of this eloquent missive, compel our reverent homage. Graphic is our Guardian’s vision of mankind as a whole, regenerated by the Breath of the Infinite and at length finding its reality in a world that reflects the light of Heaven.
The Guardian has paid a tribute to the fathers of the American Government for the vision and sacrifices that created so noble a structure. Students of our constitutional history may well be amazed by the range of his knowledge, yet nothing is hidden from the One who sees with divine insight. That he sees in some of our institutions and the early struggle for their erection, an analogy, in some ways, to the form which a federated world is to take places upon American Bahá’ís both an honor and a responsibility. It is nothing short of divine favor that we have been privileged to live in a system from which some ideals are to be used for the building of a universal structure. Can we value too highly the opportunity of service and sacrifice that arises for the restoration and expansion of ideals now veiled in darkness, as well as the greater panacea which showers upon mankind the wealth of God in new principles of light and a world system that banishes strife?
While it is made clear that frowardness of spirit on the part of weak mortals will take their toll in mortification and mental agony, in heart-breaks and the ordeal of fire and blood, yet it is consoling to know that this, too, will ultimately pass. The time is here authoritatively set when the many shocks that befall mankind will be absorbed by the music of real life. May our efforts be increased that the Divine Cause, although its adherents be but clay, should at all times express perfect harmony, the effect of which both as object lesson and magnet will attract and tranquilize the world.
Letters written by Shoghi Effendi since this great epistle make it clear that he wishes us to emphasize its positive program and not dwell too much upon the thought of calamity.
CHICAGO ASSEMBLY INCORPORATES[edit]
Under date of February 16, 1932, incorporation papers were filed with the Recorder of Deeds of Cook County, Illinois, to meet the requirements of the Illinois State laws for religious organizations.
We quote the following paragraph which was used as an introduction to the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws:
“The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of Chicago adopts this form of corporate
association in order to supply proper legal
status to its conduct of the affairs of a religious community, which has had continuous
existence for thirty-six years, and
continuous organized existence since 1901
A. D., in the City of Chicago, County of
Cook, and State of Illinois, being the first
local Bahá’í community established in
North America. During the period from
1901 to the present date the Spiritual
Assembly has been recognized, encouraged
and instructed in nineteen Tablets and
letters addressed to it by ’Abdu’l-Bahá.
This first Local Spiritual Assembly of
Bahá’ís in North America was vested with
the responsibility of founding the first
Bahá’í Temple—Mashriqu’l-Adhkár—in
the Western Hemisphere, until the organization
of a National Body in 1909 A. D.
The Spiritual Assembly was visited by
’Abdu’l-Bahá three times in the year
1912, during His sojourn in North
America. The Spiritual Assembly has
been recognized since the Ascension of
’Abdu’l-Bahá in letters addressed to it
by the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith. The
Chicago Bahá’í community has been continuously
and uninterruptedly represented
by delegates in the Annual Meetings held
[Page 3]
by the recognized National Bahá’í body
of North America, since the foundation
of that body in 1909 A. D. The Spiritual
Assembly is at present enrolled in the
list of Local Spiritual Assemblies recognized
by the National Spiritual Assembly.
“The members of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Chicago have taken this action in full unanimity and agreement. They acknowledge for themselves and on behalf of their successors the sacred meaning and universal purpose of the Bahá’í Faith, the teachings and principles of which fulfill the divine promise of all former religions.”
NEW YORK
New York City: During the month of February the Sunday meetings, for the public, were as follows: February 7th, Mr. Hooper Harris spoke with interesting and illuminating detail concerning “Prophecies Fulfilled,” explaining how the seven great cycles of history fulfilled the great vision or prophecy revealed by God to Enoch of old.
On February 14th, Mr. Horace Holley inspired his audience with his portrayal of “Spiritual Citizenship” which would through man’s complete and harmonious development of physical, mental and spiritual capacities, enable him, through co-operation with all, to evolve the World Federation for which Bahá’u’lláh has given the plan, the power and the promise of ultimate accomplishment.
On February 21st, Ex-Governor W. E. Sulzer of New York spoke eloquently on “Abdu’l-Bahá Marching On.” He rejoiced us with his account of meeting ’Abdu’l-Bahá in New York and Washington, and with his appreciation of ’Abdu’l-Bahá’s message which he earnestly summoned the people to study and follow.
On February 26th, New York was indeed happy to hear Louis G. Gregory, who spoke on the “Consciousness of Peace.” stressing the thought that all peace, whether between individuals or nations, can result only through definitely organized effort of those inspired by justice and love for their fellow beings.
The “Tuesday afternoon teas” afforded much pleasure and profit and opportunity to demonstrate the Bahá’í culture. Those who were able to attend enjoyed hearing, on February 2nd, Charles Edward Davenport’s dramatic reading of his “Silent Forces,” and on February 28th, Miss Grace Stanistreet’s beautiful rendering of modern poems, and some brilliant piano selections by Mercedes Raminez. Then on February 9th, following the glorious song recital by Mrs. Charlotte Wallace Murray, we had the opportunity to witness and take part in a demonstration of the Cseh method of teaching Esperanto, given by Professor Jens Schjerve of Stockholm. On February 16th, Jennie M. Davis gave a masterful talk on “The Way of Peace”—peace that cannot be enforced but must be provided for and promoted by definite steps in education for appreciation of unity and justice.
The Friday night Bahá’í Study Class affords great comfort and progress to those who avail themselves of the opportunity to read, ponder, and clarify their views through the effort to clearly express those views.
The Nineteen Day Feast held February 7th was given by Mrs. Marion Little and the selections from the Holy Utterances were most inspiring.
Mrs. Florian Krug’s informal gatherings on Thursday afternoons are a joy and inspiration to the friends who are thereby enabled to hear from Mrs. Krug her personal experiences with the Master and with the Holy Family.
An hour of prayer and meditation is held at noon at the Center, daily.
During February there were started Sunday evening meetings for prayer, meditation, and the reading of the Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá.
On Wednesday, February 17th, the Young People's Committee was asked to meet with the Local Spiritual Assembly to discuss their activities and budget in relation to the work of the Bahá’í Community as a whole. The reports of their regular Tuesday night meetings for discussions, and other monthly meetings for spreading the Bahá’í principles through social contacts, and of the personnel of those attracted were very encouraging. The Local Spiritual Assembly felt that the young people, sensing and experiencing the need for some solution of the economic conditions of the world today might in their discussions formulate some practical suggestions for bettering the economic condition along with Bahá’í principles, amongst the members of the Bahá’í community itself. Therefore, the Young People’s Group was made a committee for this purpose and they will report back to the Local Spiritual Assembly.
The Saturday, February 27th issue of the New York World-Telegram printed in full as long and scholarly article on the Bahá’í Cause which Horace Holley was requested to write for it. This is the sixth in a series of articles explaining the “Little Known Religions in New York.”
As a superb climax to the activities of the month the National Bahá’í Committee for Racial Amity and the New York Local Spiritual Assembly gave a dinner in honor of the National Association for the Advancement of the Colored People and the New York Urban League, “in appreciation of their devoted service in the cause of justice and protection of the Negro People”—at the Hotel Shelton.
Mrs. L. A. Mathews and Louis G. Gregory presided. All felt that the evening was unique in the history of inter-racial love and fellowship. All shared in making the occasion one to be remembered and recalled with joy—those who spoke, those who gave their message through piano selections or through song, and those who demonstrated their love and fellowship through genuine appreciation, enjoyment and accord. A full report of this meeting will be given elsewhere.
The portrait of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá painted by Sigismund Ivanowski seemed to have become an integral part of the Center, when it was taken from the rooms and placed in the Art Center at 55 East 56th Street. where the public has been very responsive to it. A leaflet telling about ’Abdu’l-Bahá and his mission was prepared for distribution to those who wished to know.
The New York Assembly was pleased to record that the Committee appointed during December availed itself of the opportunity to send to each delegate who sailed on the President Harding for the Disarmament Conference at Geneva, two or three of the Bahá’í leaflets including a copy of the new leaflet on “The Most Great Peace.”
On January twenty-seventh, the Bahá’í Community assembled to hear read the letter of Shoghi Effendi, dated November 28, 1931, to the believers of the West. After the reading we were pleased to hear Mr. Albert Windust of Chicago who had just returned from Haifa, tell about his recent visit and the seriousness and purpose of Shoghi Effendi in sending this letter at this time. After allowing a week for the members to re-read and study the letter individually the community will meet again on February 3rd, to discuss the letter, its meaning, and what we might do toward preparing for the great days immediately ahead of us—days of final victory to be sure, but following these days of great tribulations.
PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia: Recently Mr. Horace
Holley of New York City came here to
follow up the Bahá’í work done by Miss
Martha Root. In the morning he spoke
at the Friends Meeting House in Lansdowne,
Pennsylvania, to a splendid audience.
His talk covered, in general, some
of the points in Shoghi Effendi’s letter of
November 28th, 1931. In the evening
he addressed a very appreciative audience
at the rooms of the Ethical Culture Society[Page 4]
His subject was “A World Economy—
The Reconciliation of Ethical
Values and Human Needs.” The address
was followed by an open forum.
NEW JERSEY
Newark: During the past year the activities of the Newark Community have increased. On November 12th the birthday of Bahá’u’lláh was celebrated in a beautiful and impressive manner at the home of Mrs. Clark. At that time Mrs. Knowles of Portland, Oregon, paid the Community a visit. On February 10th a public meeting was held, at which Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford spoke on “The New Day.” Much interest was manifested and questions were answered. It is planned to hold further public meetings from time to time. On March 2nd a Bahá’í meeting was held at the home of Mr. Henry Grasmere. Mrs. Ford was the speaker and gave interesting reminiscences of ’Abdu’l-Bahá.
ILLINOIS[edit]
Chicago: The Feast of February 7th was given by Peter Walrath, it being the occasion of his fourteenth birthday, and was the last one celebrated in our old room. The large attendance proved to us again the inadequacy of the quarters we had occupied for a year. It was a gathering long to be remembered because of the items of interest marking the event. Mr. Windust had just returned from the Holy Land and it was the “Welcome Home” of the Chicago Community to this devoted servant. At this time the marvelous letter from our Guardian, “The Goal of a New World Order” was read for the first time to the friends.
On March 1st our next Nineteen Day Feast was celebrated in our new home, in the same building at 116 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 308-310. It comprises a large hall for public meetings and a smaller room which serves as office and library. There is also a well equipped kitchenette which greatly simplifies the serving of feasts. The carefully planned furnishings, the softly carpeted floors, beautiful hangings and comfortable chairs, lend to the room that air of grace and dignity so beautifully in keeping with our beloved Cause.
The public addresses given on Wednesday noons and Friday evenings are meeting with splendid response, enabling us, as they do, to convey the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to seekers who find it difficult to attend the Sunday afternoon lectures in the Temple. Our desire is to utilize our new hall to the fullest possible extent, and for that reason further public meetings are being planned.
Once each month an inter-racial amity meeting is held. In furtherance of the spirit of amity, a delightful dinner was given at the home of one of the believers, at which forty-two friends were present. The spontaneity of the love and happiness manifested on this occasion will long be remembered. Because of the results of this gathering, which are now becoming apparent, other amity dinners are being planned.
Our Sunday School is filling an important place in the development of the Cause in this city. Under the guidance of Mrs. Maria Ioas and her daughter, Mrs. Viola Tuttle, the attendance is rapidly growing and the children are being trained in the historical and spiritual aspects of the Cause. A new activity, the study of Esperanto, has recently been added to the Sunday School curriculum.
In addition to the public meetings, study classes each week are being conducted in the homes of believers and in the hall. It is these classes that are the means of attracting and training the many new believers who are becoming members of the Chicago Community.
A report from Chicago would hardly be complete without a word about Mr. Windust’s recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This beloved brother, who has given so many years of service and devotion to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, was, we feel, the true emissary of Chicago to that blessed spot, and has brought to us a vision of what it means and will in the future mean, to the world. We feel that the fulfillment of his deep desire to visit the Holy Shrines has enriched not only his life, but that of the Community as well.
WISCONSIN
Racine: We are happy to share with our Bahá’í brothers and sisters the result of four weeks of intensive teaching in our vicinity which created a great deal of interest in the Bahá’í Movement.
A series of lectures was given by Mrs. Ruth Moffett of Chicago, Illinois, which were the means of adding thirty-one new believers to our community. Realizing the importance of follow-up work, classes for study and teaching have been organized. These are well attended by large and interested groups of students.
Sunday evenings are devoted to public meetings where addresses on the Bahá’í Cause are given by visiting teachers. Among the recent guest speakers were Mr. Robert Lee Moffett, Dr. Zia Bagdadi, Mr. Benjamin Shapiro, Mrs. Sarah Walrath, Miss Sophie Loeding and Mr. Albert R. Windust, all of Chicago. Mr. Windust having just returned from the Holy Land, brought to us a clearer vision of the greatness and wisdom of our beloved Guardian.
MINNESOTA
Saint Paul: We are pleased to inform you that the Bahá’ís of St. Paul have opened an Assembly Room at 414 Midland Trust Bldg., Number 8, East 6th Street. We have a seating capacity of seventy-five people. It is equipped with a kitchenette for “Feast” purposes.
Our program at present consists of an Esperanto Class, Advertised Lectures, a meeting for Bahá’ís to study the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá. and a public meeting Sunday afternoon. We lovingly solicit from other Assemblies any helpful suggestions which may be offered.
MONTANA
Winifred: The Wilcot family wishes to thank all the assemblies for the help rendered during the economic shortage in their vicinity. They are relieved and grateful.
ARIZONA
Phoenix: Mrs. Shahnaz Waite of Los Angeles visited our city from January 16th to February 16th, during which time she gave her twelve lessons compiled from the Bahá’í writings. We are deeply appreciative of the inspiration brought to us by this beloved teacher.
Mrs. Cinita Knowles from Portland, Oregon, and Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Ioas of San Francisco, California, also visited our Community. Such visits are tremendously helpful and stimulating and a great aid in the spread of the Cause.
CALIFORNIA
San Francisco: Mrs. Ella G. Cooper was recently asked to address a group of musicians at the home of Mrs. F. Stebinger in St. Francis Wood, and her talk on the Bahá’í Cause was received with enthusiasm. Mr. LeRoy C. Ioas has just returned from a trip, in the course of which he spoke on the Bahá’í Cause in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, Arizona; as a result of this several groups have accepted the Bahá’í Faith.
Bahá’í study classes such as those held by Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Shaw and Mr. and Mrs. Lorne Matteson are interesting weekly events and prove continually that Bahá’í home meetings are an effective means of offering the Bahá’í teachings to attracted inquirers.
The San Francisco Extension Division of the University of California announces a course in Esperanto beginning Wednesday, March 16th.
Oakland: The Oakland Assembly has conducted two study classes all during the fall and winter. The one on Friday night was arranged for the friends who wished to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Teachings and the Monday night class was organized as a result of the interest in the Cause aroused through a series of inter-racial amity meetings held monthly through the spring and summer. The Friday classes have also been most worth while. In addition to the two adult study classes there is a Sunday School. The theme for the Nineteen Day Feasts this spring is based on passages chosen from our Guardian’s recent document. The Assembly continues to hold one public meeting each month with a good speaker on some aspect of the Bahá’í Movement.
Pasadena: Since the receipt of the recent letter from Ruhi Effendi Afnan emphasizing the importance of using the medium of the good local newspapers for bringing out the Teachings, the Editor of the Pasadena Star News has been approached by the Secretary of the Spiritual Assembly and he has graciously accorded the privilege of the use of space for five hundred words on the Bahá’í Cause each week. It is the intention to send in excerpts from the teachings chosen with a view to interesting the public in a general way, and probably entitle the articles the “Loom of Reality” as this name seems to have a special application to the teachings, and may arouse interest because of its novelty. The first article will be a somewhat condensed reproduction of one which appeared in the New York World-Telegram of Saturday, February 27th.
The friends of Pasadena sincerely hope that in other cities this very helpful policy may obtain a foothold as there is no more efficient way of presenting the Cause to the public.
Los Angeles: On February 27th an interesting inter-racial amity dinner arranged by Mrs. Sarah Witt was given at the Metropolitan Club under the auspices of the Los Angeles Assembly. The American Indian, the Chinese, Japanese, Filipino and Negro were represented. Mrs. Stuart French of Pasadena acted as chairman and among the principal talks given were “The First American and Peace” by Chief Standing Bear; “World Court and Peace” by Emmett Smith; “Esperanto and World Friendship” by Joseph R. Scherer; and “The Oneness of Mankind” by Willard Hatch. Shorter talks were given by representatives of the various races. Many favorable comments were made by friends who were guests of the Bahá’ís and there was much rejoicing over the spirit manifested in a meeting that brought together the various races in friendship and fellowship.
NEWS OF THE CAUSE IN FOREIGN LANDS[edit]
INDIA
A real “New Era” for the Cause must have dawned in India, judging from copies of the Poona Edition of the Indian Daily Mail of Bombay, of the dates of January 24th and 26th which have just been received by the International Correspondent of the National Secretariat.
The Secretary of the Poona Spiritual Assembly, in a fine Bahá’í letter, announced that he was sending copies of this newspaper which contained the advertisement of the Bahá’í Book Stall in the National Hotel at Poona. This very well worded advertisement which appears in the upper corner of one of the most important pages of the paper is devoted to a statement of the Bahá’í Principles headed by large type announcing “The New Era.” Below, there appears a beautiful statement of the purpose and Founder of the Bahá’í Cause with a description of Dr. Esslemont’s book, and the information that catalogues of Bahá’í Literature will be furnished gratis to any one applying
A printed catalogue of the complete list of English translations with their prices quoted in Indian money has also been received, and we heartily congratulate our Indian brothers on the efficiency and initiative which they have displayed.
PALESTINE
’Akká: Upon a request a correct translation of the Holy Koran has been sent by Yadollah Irani, Secretary of ’Akká Assembly, to one of the friends of ’Akká for intense study of God’s knowledge from that direction for the sake of enlightenment of the Christian seekers. A fine edition has been obtained from Ispendiar Bakhtiari, Secretary of Karachi, India, Assembly, and brought by an Indian pilgrim to ’Akká. It is now in the grateful hands of “Auntie Victoria,” and whosoever wishes such a Koran may note the publishers: The Koran, Translated from the Arabic by Rev. J. M. Rodwell, M. A., J. M. Dent and Sons, Ltd., E. P. Dutton and Company, New York City
ENGLAND
London: A delighful letter from Mr. Ziá’u’lláh Asgarzadeh of London, that faithful and devoted servant of the Cause who is the medium through which all communications are sent to the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Caucasus and Turkistan, and who will always be remembered as the donor of that marvelous silk carpet now reposing in the Foundation Hall of the Temple which was originally his gift to ’Abdu’l-Bahá and by Him placed in the Holy Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, tells of the success of the weekly meetings in Ishqabad, and also of the meetings which are held by the Bahá’í women of that city. He is rejoiced, as are we, to learn of the progress of the Cause there.
Mr. Asgharzadeh also mentions a publication called “My Magazine” in the February issue of which there appears an article entitled “The Garden on Mt. Carmel.” He comments that although not quite accurate as to the history of the Cause, it gives a very good description of the Garden and of our aims.
NEWS ITEMS FROM INTERNATIONAL BUREAUS AT GENEVA[edit]
“The foundation of the Palace of Peace is the Consciousness of the “Omness of Mankind.”
Shoghi Effendi said to a believer recently in Haifa that “ by ‘Oneness of Mankind’ is meant an organized unification, not mere brotherhood. It is not a humanitarian principle, it does not imply a theoretical abstract conception, but a promise that the world is going to be unified politically, socially, economically and religiously.”
The question of ’Iraq entering the League of Nations is being discussed in the Council of the League and in the Mandates Commission even as we write these lines. It will be remembered that one of the conditions of ’Iraq’s admission as member of the League was a solution, in the spirit of justice, of the question of the Bahá’í property at Baghdad. We shall incorporate in our next Circular, extracts from the Minutes of the next Session regarding the final decision on the matter.
We are happy to welcome to the Bureau our indefatigable worker in the Cause, Miss Martha Root, who arrived in Geneva on the 29th of January. She is attending diligently the public sessions of the Disarmament Conference. She is meeting also many people privately, and we hope will find time to give some public talks at the Bureau.
We are happy to announce that the French translation of Dr. Esslemont’s book is going to press, and soon will be ready for distribution.
On the 29th of December, Mr. Windust
of Chicago, Illinois, arrived in
Geneva on his way from Haifa, and we
were very happy to welcome him at the
[Page 6]
Bureau. He left for Germany on the
2nd of January, where he visited friends
in Weinheim and Berlin, thence proceeding
to England before sailing for America.
Mme. Dreyfus-Bamey finds time in between the Sessions of the Disarmament Conference and her activities with the International Council of Women to pay occasional visits to the Bureau. Mme. Dreyfus is one of the Vice-Presidents of the Disarmament Committee of Women’s International Organizations representing fifteen organizations with branches in fifty-six countries and a membership of forty-five million. The first week of the meeting, this Committee presented a petition to the Disarmament Conference through Mary A. Dingham, its President.
Mr. Mountford Mills is in Geneva again attending to the Baghdad question. He spoke recently at the Bureau on disarmament from the Bahá’í approach, when Martha Root was hostess.
Several inquiries about the Cause have been addressed to us by people who have read Dr. Auguste Forel’s Testament, which has been published in pamphlet form by “Edition de la Libre Pensee Internationale,” 4 rue de la Paix, Lausanne. The reference is as follows: “In 1920 I learned at Karlsruhe of the non-confessional world religion of the Bahá’ís, founded in the Orient seventy years ago by a Persian, Bahá’u’lláh. This is the real religion of ‘Social Welfare,’ without dogmas or priests, binding together all men of this small terrestrial globe of ours. I have become a Bahá’í. May this religion live and prosper for the good of humanity! This is my most ardent desire.”
Two Hebrew translations of Dr. Esslemont’s book, and one in the Portuguese language have been donated by the Guardian to the International Bureau Library.
Albania: Our friend, Mr. Refo Chapary (N. K. Luno Skendo, Tirana), writes us that he is translating Some Answered Questions and the Book Of ’lqan into the ancient language of Squip (Albanian). Quite recently we heard that he has also begun to translate Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era. He has published a very handsome edition of the Hidden Words in the same language.
Bulgaria: Miss Jack’s enthusiastic and laudable work in Bulgaria has resulted in the establishing of a group in Sofia. There are five declared believers, all of whom are helping with the work.
Germany: From Mr. Paul Wustrow we have received a notice of a very interesting public meeting held at Berlin on the 12th of November in commemoration of Bahá’u’lláh’s birthday. The program was interesting and many outsiders were present. This is very encouraging. We hear from Herr Klitzing of Ostseebad Muritz that he is preparing a compilation of biblical texts referring to this Day and especially to Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá, as explained and elucidated by ’Abdu’l-Bahá.
Norway: Mr. Ludwig Anjer of Oslo writes that he and Miss Schubarth, the only believers in that country, meet twice a month and are working on the translation of Dr. Esslemont’s book into the Norwegian language.
Poland: We hear from Miss Lidja Zamenhof that she is especially happy to know that Martha Root is to be in Europe this year, and hopes to meet her and other friends in Paris where she is going to attend the Esperanto Congress.
Switzerland: Mr. Leo Bernhard of Zurich, writes that he and Mme. Vautier meet twice a month to discuss possibilities of spreading the knowledge about the Cause. Mr. Bernhard is a new believer who came into the Cause through Dr. Forel’s Testament.
Hungary: Mr Nicholas Erdelyi of Gyor writes us that it is his desire to translate the Bahá’í literature into Hungarian. He and Mr. George Steiner are isolated believers. So far there have not been any publications in the Hungarian language excepting the pamphlet “The Dawn of the New Day.”
MRS. KEITH RANSON-KEHLER IN NEW ZEALAND[edit]
The long hoped for visit of a Bahá’í teacher in New Zealand materialized on November 10th, 1931, in the arrival of Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler of New York. Her charming and gracious personality won the hearts of her hearers, but not more so than the “light of illumination” on her countenance as she delivered the “Most Great Message,” a light peculiar to those who have “seen the Glory.”
On the evening of her arrival Mrs. Ransom-Kehler attended a great Disarmament Meeting. This afforded an opportunity for her to meet some of the representative people of Auckland, and later to speak for the League of Nations Union at their monthly luncheon.
The next day Mrs. Ransom-Kehler met the Bahá’í Group at the home of the chairman Mrs. E. M. Axford who welcomed her on behalf of the Bahá’ís of New Zealand. In a very helpful talk Mrs. Ransom-Kehler urged the necessity for consultation, and stressed the importance of individual consecration to Bahá’í ideals and service.
Mrs. Ransom-Kehler spoke for the Theosophical Society on the evening of Sunday, November 15th, on the subject “The Hope for the New Day.” On the 29th at the Higher Thought Temple, and Sunday. December 6th, she occupied the Unitarian Pulpit for the evening service, the subject being “The Most Great Peace.”
In furtherance of the object of her visit to this country, namely the promotion of the Bahá’í Cause, Mrs. Ransom-Kehler gave a series of six free public lectures in the Friends Meeting House, kindly lent for the purpose.
On the last Sunday of her stay she spoke from the wireless station on “The New Adventure,” a plea for peace and goodwill. To us Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler has been an inspiration and a benediction. Our faith has been strengthened, our power increased, and our vision extended and clarified. We pray that she may be permitted to return to these shores in the not distant future—the field is wide, the workers are few.
REVIEW AND PUBLICATION OF BAHÁ’Í LITERATURE BY LOCAL ASSEMBLIES[edit]
With the development of the Cause, the increased opportunity for teaching arising among local Bahá’í Communities will from time to time bring up the question of whether a Local Spiritual Assembly has the right to publish Bahá’í literature. This question, in turn, brings up the parallel question of how far the jurisdiction of a Local Spiritual Assembly involves the right of review.
In order to anticipate these and similar questions, the National Spiritual Assembly has noted in its minutes a general policy which is now brought to the attention of the believers.
By “publication” several different activities are implied. Many Local Spiritual Assemblies already issue printed programs and bulletins which contain excerpts from the literature. In this case no question arises as to the jurisdiction of the local body. Each Assembly has not only the right but also the duty and responsibility of presenting its activities to the Bahá’í Community and to the public in the most dignified and effective form.
Similarly, a Local Spiritual Assembly is responsible for the accuracy of the teachings as presented by members of its Community or by visiting believers. This, in a way, corresponds to the function of review. Moreover, a Local Spiritual Assembly alone can pass upon the material furnished to the press on behalf of its Bahá’í Community.
What the National Spiritual Assembly had in mind in adopting a general policy was the more formal publication represented by pamphlets and books. The question this policy attempted to answer is whether a Local Spiritual Assembly can issue Bahá’í literature of a general character on its own responsibility.
The Guardian’s instructions in Bahá’í Administration make it clear that all Bahá’í literature of a general character, that is, aside from programs and bulletins, are to be reviewed by a committee of the National Spiritual Assembly. This makes it evident that, as far as the review function is concerned, a Local Spiritual Assembly (apart from local leaching and publicity work) is subject to the general jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly.
Still another point to be considered is whether a Local Spiritual Assembly can publish, as a pamphlet or book, any literature (such as excerpts from the recognized writings) already approved by the Reviewing Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly.
Here the policy adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly makes a distinction between publishing for sale and publishing as free literature. According to this policy, the publishing of Bahá’í literature for sale is vested solely in the Publishing Committee appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly, as otherwise it would be impossible to develop one well-organized, responsible and efficient national publishing activity.
On the other hand, if it is a matter of a Local Spiritual Assembly publishing a pamphlet for free distribution, as part of its teaching activity, the National Spiritual Assembly feels that this is permitted by Bahá’í administrative principles, provided that the material so published has already been approved by the National Reviewing Committee. To sum up the attitude of the National Spiritual Assembly, Local Spiritual Assemblies are requested, for the sake of the well being and orderly progress of the Cause in the United States and Canada, to observe this policy. Aside from evidently local matters, like programs, a Local Spiritual Assembly has no right of review or publication of Bahá’í literature except in the one case that it may issue, as free literature, printed leaflets and pamphlets containing material already in its entirety, approved by the National Reviewing Committee and subsequently confirmed by action of the National Spiritual Assembly. The members of the National Spiritual Assembly sincerely hope that this policy will be entirely acceptable to all Bahá’í Communities, as a just and reasonable attitude based upon the Guardian’s instructions.
LETTER FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI TO MR. ALBERT WINDUST[edit]
Dear Mr. Windust:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated February 7th, 1932, written on your arrival in Chicago.
The account of your trip, of the centers you have visited and the friends you have met, was very interesting. Shoghi Effendi is sure that they have enjoyed seeing you as much as you have obtained from meeting them. There is always a mutual give and take in such visits and commerce of love. How much Shoghi Effendi hopes that other pilgrims would do the same! The service rendered is far beyond what we can estimate at the time.
Shoghi Effendi was especially glad to hear of the nice re-union you had with your relatives in England. He sincerely hopes that this introduction you have given them to the Cause, will awaken their interest and induce them to study the teachings. While visiting the Shrines, Shoghi Effendi will pray for them and ask for them all divine guidance and blessings. The Cause in England is at a standstill. It is only occasionally that someone enters the fold as a confirmed believer. They generally get interested and then drop off. The friends there are constantly writing Shoghi Effendi to ask the Bahá’ís who come to Haifa, to so arrange their plan as to visit England on their way home. They need assistance and the friends in America are in a position to render it.
Shoghi Effendi hopes that by now your business has taken some shape and that you do not find life so very exacting. Please convey his greetings to all the friends, especially to your daughters. Assuring you of his prayers and loving greetings.
- Yours ever sincerely,
Dearly-beloved co-worker:
The days of our companionship under the shadow of the holy shrine, our collaboration, our discussions, and prayers at the sacred threshold, will long linger in my memory. Much as I had heard, and through correspondence learned, of your tenacity of faith, your thoroughness, your passionate devotion to our beloved Cause, the intimate experience of our meeting in this sacred spot has served only to heighten my admiration for the spirit that animates you in the service of the Cause. The sequel of your pilgrimage, your journey to Europe, I regard as an added blessing and invaluable service which I greatly value. The letters I received regarding your visit to the Bahá’í centers testify to the deep impression you have made upon the believers. I will from the depth of my heart supplicate for you and your daughters, the Almighty’s richest blessings.
- Your true brother,
LETTER FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI TO MR. AND MRS. HARLAN OBER[edit]
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ober:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated January 22nd, 1932. You inquired concerning the Huquq. Shoghi Effendi would much prefer if the friends in America concentrate their financial resources towards the completion of the Temple, rather than dissipate their energy along the channels that do not as yet call for immediate attention. When the time comes that the Cause would need the enforcement of this religious donation Shoghi Effendi would say it and would set forth the amount prescribed. It is only gradually that the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh can be enforced. The time has to become ripe if the desired result is to be obtained.
Concerning the number of Bahá’ís throughout the world. This is a very difficult question to answer. Shoghi Effendi has been trying hard to obtain even an approximate figure but without result. This is true especially in Persia where besides the large number of the friends who are declared believers, there are innumerable souls who for some reason or other prefer to keep their faith a secret.
Orientalists who wrote many years ago gave the figure as two million. Sir Dennison Ross in an article published last year in the London Times said that over one-half of the educated people of Persia are Bahá’ís. All these, however, are personal impressions, the best thing is to say that we do not know.
Shoghi Effendi hopes that before long the friends in Persia would send him an approximate figure, but he does not know when that will be, for he has been waiting for this figure ever since he took up the reins of the administration.
In closing may I assure you of Shoghi Effendi’s prayers and best wishes for the services you are rendering the Cause.
- Yours very sincerely,
Dear and Precious co-workers:
I wish you to urge the friends, far and
near, to concentrate their energy, attention
and resources on the immediate needs and
[Page 8]
requirements of the Temple. Everything
else, except the Teaching work, must be
sub-ordinated to this pressing issue, this
high enterprise, this noble ideal. I will
continue to pray at the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh
for the success of your unsparing
efforts, and wish to assure you in person of
my great love and appreciation of your
many past and present services to our beloved
Faith.
- Your true brother,
CONCERNING GREEN ACRE[edit]
At last Green Acre plans for the coming Summer are forming and the prospect looks well for a constructive season. Mrs. Valentine has taken over the Inn, Tea House and cottages and will care for all who can be there with the same co-operative spirit as in the past two years. The dates for opening have not yet been set but at the Convention more details will be available.
In the effort to follow the Guardian’s instructions of January 9th, 1932 to the National Spiritual Assembly that “Green Acre is to be developed into a center where teachers are created to go out into the field as able servants” there will be held at Fellowship House a Teacher’s School conducted by a faculty Committee composed of well known teachers in the Cause.
In spite of depression and hard times we hope the friends will make every effort to spend at least part of their vacation in Green Acre.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
Robert J. Edgar, member of the Phoenix Assembly, passed on to the ’Abhá Kingdom on February 13th, 1932. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him because of his beautiful and illumined character. Always a seeker after knowledge, Robert attended Orcella Rexford’s classes and thus became acquainted with the Bahá’í Teachings. The Bahá’í service was the first one in Phoenix and very beautiful and impressive to all those who attended.
Our dear brother is survived by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Edgar, and two brothers, Earl and Everett.
A young daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kendricks, new believers of Hinsdale, New Hampshire, has ascended to the ' Viogdom.
- 3 its many readers, The
extends to the bereaved . rtfelt sympathy.
(Continued from page I.)
SYRIA
Beirut: We supplicate for the success of the wonderful and lofty Plan initiated by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of America. We all pray to the Almighty Father, and to the Threshold of Bahá’u’lláh, that we may prove worthy to behold that great day in all its splendor and glory. This enterprise of ours is a great one, a divinely supported one, an age-marking and epoch-making one! It is a command of Bahá’u’lláh, and that is sufficient to make the Bahá’í world rally to its wafted banner! We hope to make our contribution, although insignificant it may be, very soon. Our beloved Guardian tells us of the Promised Day at hand. Let us march on courageously and unselfishly, trusting in His supreme guidance!
SWITZERLAND
Geneva: Now about the Plan—you know that we are very poor in Geneva and our little incomes must carry us along with the work here, but your energy is certainly worthy of a great attempt, so we are going to try and save our pennies. The “mite” will certainly be small, but it will be a help.
ENGLAND
London: That vast and poverty ridden greatest city in the world is giving its blessed “mite” to the Mother Temple of Wilmette. Although the friends of God just manage to pay the rent for their headquarters which the Guardian recommends, they are able to put aside a sum for the Holy Structure of Nations. Isabel Slade, beloved Treasurer, writes that as soon as she is able to she will buy a ten pound draft for the collected contribution for the Temple from London Community. This is great news and a sign of the workings of the Divine Plan through the New Plan. Verily this is a glorious beginning, and poverty is no object, for the Lord provides, He turneth stones into jewels and hearts into living spirits! We are thrilled with the accounts of the Temple. It will be as the Master said, the cause of a great blessing to the Movement. Progress is slow here and we have no great increase in numbers, but the seed is being sown and we must not expect to see the harvest at once.
ILLINOIS
Springfield: Hurrah! Our plan for Springfield, Illinois Bahá’ís is 100 percent. Each of the believers (14) is pledging a regular sum each month, beginning January, 1932. That brings the total to $14.85. Some of us who can spare more at times will just add to this amount.
(Continued from page I.)
and this will be held on the evening of Friday, April 29th at six o’clock, in Foundation Hall.
The delegates will assemble on Friday, April 29th, at 9:30 A. M. The sessions will be continued throughout Friday morning and afternoon; Saturday morning, afternoon and evening; Sunday morning and Sunday evening. Sunday afternoon will be devoted to a public meeting to be arranged by the Temple Program Committee at 3:30 P. M. in Foundation Hall. The Sunday evening session will be for consultation with all believers present including both delegates and non-delegates. The election of the National Spiritual Assembly is scheduled for four P. M. Friday, April 29th. Printed programs giving Convention details will be available at the Convention.
The National Secretary requests us to include in this announcement the desirability that all elected delegates who are unable to attend and hence unable to cast their ballots in the Convention, mail their ballots and other required papers to Alfred E. Lunt, Secretary, 89 State Street, Boston, Mass., on or before April 15th. In case of inability to do this, ballots may be mailed after April 15th to the Secretary, care of the Evanston Hotel, Evanston, Illinois. Ballots received after four P. M., Friday April 29th cannot be counted.
The believers will be happy to read the cablegram recently received from our Guardian calling us to realize the spiritual advantages which these annual consultations bring. The National Spiritual Assembly is certain that the coming Convention possesses a great potentiality for service to the Cause and to the world, and hopes every delegate as well as every believer will seek guidance for the evolution of far reaching plans which will promote the “Oneness of Mankind” and achieve victory in the face of the unprecedented conditions of the present hour.
TEACHER’S CONFERENCE APRIL 28, 1932[edit]
The National Teaching Committee is planning to hold a Conference the day before the Convention. Detailed announcement will appear in the next issue of the Bahá’í News. It is hoped that the delegates and friends will all participate in this most important phase of Bahá’í work, as “teaching is one of the twin outstanding activities of the believers in America.”
