Bahá’í News/Issue 61/Text
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The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada
| No. 61 | APRIL, 1932 |
LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE VARIOUS NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES OF THE WORLD FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada greet their beloved co-workers of the National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world, and seek from the Hand of Divine Bounty the great gift of an enduring and ever more radiant unity with you. May this unity, and the spiritual love that is inseparable from it, attain to the supreme degree residing within the Spirit of Faith, as defined by ’Abdu’l-Bahá (Bahá’í Scriptures, pp. 815, P. 447-48). The radiance and warmth of Bahá’í love, and that rare spiritual joy that ever accompanies the deepening of consciousness of the Divine Knowledge, must be our common possessions. Through the attainment of these priceless gifts the vigorous health of the Cause becomes assured, its triumphant advance confirmed, and its resistance to every attack immeasurably strengthened, —for this degree of unity is impregnable. It destroys both wavering and doubt, and converts the ignorance of uncertainty into the light of wisdom and guidance. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada earnestly desires for itself, attainment to this degree of oneness, so that we may work hand in hand with you in service to humanity, and the accomplishment of the noble aims recorded by Bahá’u’lláh, to which we all have steadfastly aspired.
We are informed, from time to time, recently, of the problems that have assailed the integrity of the Cause in certain countries and centers of Bahá’í life, which though minor and negligible in effect, have saddened the hearts of the true and faithful friends of God. These disturbances gravitate around that failure in vision and faith which sees in the blessed Will and Testament of ’Abdu’l-Bahá a mere human document susceptible only, for proof of Its validity, to the capricious and fallible judgments of men. This attitude is but a repetition of the dissentions following the
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GUARDIAN to the National Spiritual Assembly March 14, 1932 Dear and valued co–workers: I grieve, beyond words, to learn of the scanty response of the friends to the Plan of Unified Action to which the sacred interests of the Faith are at present so vitally and closely related. I am acutely conscious of the unprecedented character of the depression under which you labor. I am fully aware of the sacrifices you have already made, and realize the urgent need of alloying the burden which weighs so heavily on some of the poor and distressed believers. But I realize also the uniqueness of the opportunity which it is our privilege to seize and utilize. The world is watching the progress of our Faith and the steady expansion of our institutions. The eyes of countless men and women, both high and low, whether in the East or in the West, friendly or critical, are fixed upon the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, eager and expectant to know whether the growing vicissitudes and the successive crises that afflict your country are such as to deflect the American believers from their high purpose or to paralyze their efforts in the prosecution of their sacred task. Ours is the duty to vindicate the vitality and invincible power of our Faith. SHOGHI.
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execution of His Holiness, the Báb, and the departure of the Manifestation of God, Himself. Logically and consistently, those who question the truth of the Will of the Master on this ground, should demand the submission of Bahá’u’lláh’s Testament, Kitáb-i-‘Ahd, as well as the documentary evidence relied upon by Subi Ezel to establish his spurious claim, to handwriting experts, and meanwhile, to disavow their faith in Bahá’u’lláh as well
as in ’Abdu’l-Bahá, until proof satisfactory to them is adduced,—for those proofs of the succession were never treated in the manner now demanded concerning the Will and Testament of ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The adherence of the believers to Bahá’u’lláh, as “He whom God shall manifest,” and later, to ’Abdu’l-Bahá as “The Center of His Covenant,” was not based upon the imaginations, or the findings of non-believing experts, but upon an inherent and understanding Faith, upon the illumination of the inner consciousness, and the recognition of the innate qualities that ever differentiate the genuine from the counterfeit.
Notwithstanding the bounty that this great instrument confers upon all humanity, certain souls have arisen to weaken and, if possible, destroy one of its greatest bestowals, the institution of the Guardianship. The rock of test upon which these souls have cast themselves, is the divine law of consultation and obedience to its considered decisions. Consultation in turn, implies detachment from (insistence upon) individual opinion. Unwillingness to accept the results of consultation of the duly elected administrative bodies, we believe, is the real basis of this agitation. It is the reappearance of the disorganized forces, (made up of those whose faith is too weak to allow them to yield their opinions to the collective opinion), which have appeared at the dawn of every great religious cycle, to breed schism and compromise. These forces, at the present time, utterly disregard the divine bounty which, in this age, is intended to safeguard the divine Cause from autocracy and tyranny through the institution of the electoral franchise in each individual believer. They are impatient and do not care to await the gradual evolution of this unprecedented addition to the previously ordained religious foundations of the past. This is manifest blindness, for it supports a kind of freedom contrary to the Tablet of Bahá’u’lláh. They do not apparently realize that every reasonable right of individual initiative has been preserved, and a balanced order established. May these souls reconsider and witness the real divine purpose hidden and manifest in the
(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
SARAH WALRATH, Chairman, ALBERT WINDUST, Editorial Manager
SOPHIE LOEDING. ALBERT VAIL.
Editorial Office: SARAH WALRATH, 4639 Beacon
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The Editorial Committee is happy to report a generous response to its appeal for news items, and wishes to thank all who have contributed. The Committee regrets that limited space in this issue makes it impossible to publish all of the interesting articles received and hopes that the friends throughout the Bahá’í world will continue to send in monthly reports from their Communities.
EDITORIAL
BUILDING BAHÁ’Í CHARACTER
Are We Equal to Our Task?
The thought that is uppermost in our hearts is the building of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár— the Bahá’í Temple. To that thought let us add also the building of Bahá’í Character. Without the strength of the one the other can never be fully realized in all its beauty.
The architect’s plan for this beautiful edifice is clearly and perfectly defined. There is symmetry and harmony in every line, and by following the plan accurately, we know what we are producing.
How about ourselves? What kind of character are we producing? What are we trying to produce? Evidently this is our task as a religious movement, as a religious agency. For are we not the agents and disciples of Bahá’u’lláh? As such we are called upon to serve many purposes, but the building of Bahá’í character is fundamental to them all.
The fact is that Bahá’í character is a perfectly definite type. The plan has been given by Bahá’u’lláh. While it does not reduce all persons to the same level of lifeless sameness, its outstanding marks, its dominating spirit, are the same for all.
Do we know as much about the spiritual plan for the building of Bahá’í character as we do about the architectural plan of our Mashriqu’l-Adhkár? Do we know enough about this character because of the way we are living to be able to reproduce it? This is our first great business: the completion of the Temple will naturally follow. We must think this question through until we have an answer as clear and definite as the architectural plan. We must think this question through until we have an answer as personal and definite as the individual who is to be influenced by what we are and by what we are doing as followers of the Bahá’í Faith.
We are all aware that nothing but the power of the Holy Spirit is able to create Bahá’í character so necessary to meet the test of the days that lie ahead.
A few years back the followers of Bahá’u’lláh supplicated the Master to grant them the privilege of building a Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in America. We all know the answer and are familiar with the many Tablets in which ’Abdu’l-Bahá pointed out the blessings and benefits that would accrue to all mankind when it was completed. But he also pointed out that during the interim great self-sacrifice had to be made and ceaseless effort exercised to attain to the “Standard” set before us. As we read and meditate over the Tablets and the Words of Bahá’u’lláh, the “Standard” set before us is the building of a living temple to our God.
In passing might we not say that our temptation has been to depend too much on the beautiful promises to secure results, and too often fall utterly to hold ourselves sternly to the requirement that brings about the result mat is reached only by untiring effort!
In the dome of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár there is to be a beacon light that will illuminate the country for many miles around. In the heart of Bahá’í character Bahá’u’lláh has placed a light that is far more permeating. When we move about in this light we become the real soldiers of light, fighting against the forces of darkness. Our Supreme Commander is Bahá’u’lláh; from the heights of Glory He is directing us. To the degree of our attraction and exultation will the searchlight of Truth penetrate our being; and little by little the darkness of self will vanish. Self is effaced, every longing, every ideal, every plan that is not loved by God is given up completely to the “Will of God.”
Bahá’í character means the willingness to sacrifice everything and submit ourselves entirely to expressions of real obedience to Bahá’u’lláh and absolute readiness to follow through and perform whatever we are called upon to do in the Cause of God.
LETTER FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI TO THE WASHINGTON ASSEMBLY[edit]
Dear Mr. McDaniel:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter dated Dec.
8th, 1931. You mention the need of the
Cause for capable and enlightened souls
who would arise and help the promotion
of our beloved Faith and the carrying
through of its divine plans. This has been
for long the earnest prayer of Shoghi Effendi
but for some reason or other it does
not seem to be realized. It may be because
we have failed to do our best, in
living the life, and promoting the spread
of the Message to the best of our ability.
We have first to create the material with
which we have to work and then hope to
succeed. In the Bayán the Báb says that
every religion of the past was fit to become
universal. The only reason why they fail
to attain that mark was the incompetence
of their followers. He then proceeds to
give a definite promise that this would not
be the fate of the revelation of “Him
whom God would make manifest,” that
it will become universal and include all the
people of the world. This shows that we
will ultimately succeed. But could we
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not through our shortcomings, failures to
sacrifice and reluctance to concentrate our
efforts in spreading the Cause, retard the
realization of that ideal. And what
would that mean? It shall mean that we
will be held responsible before God, that
the race will remain longer in its state of
waywardness, that wars would not be so
soon averted, that human suffering will last
longer.
Shoghi Effendi will pray that the friends of God be helped in their task, that the hand of divine mercy lead us on to victory and that we may win the good-pleasure of our Lord.
Assuring you of his loving greeting, I remain,
- Yours ever sincerely,
LETTER FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI TO MRS. CORINNE TRUE[edit]
“Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated January 23, 1932, together with the enclosed photograph of the Master.
Concerning the number nine: the Bahá’ís reverence this for two reasons, first because it is considered by those who are interested in numbers as the sign of perfection. The second consideration, which is the more important one, is that it is the numerical value of the word “Bahá.” (B equals 2, h equals 5, a equals 1, and there is an accent at the end of the word which also equals 1; the “a” after the “B” is not written in Persian so it does not count). In the Semitic languages, both Arabic and Hebrew, every letter of the alphabet has a numerical value, so instead of using figures to denote numbers they used letters and compounds of letters. Thus every letter had both a literal meaning and also a numerical value. This practice is no more in use but during the time of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb it was quite in vogue among the educated classes, and we find it very much used in the Bayán. As the word Bahá also stood for the number nine it could be used interchangeably with it.
Besides these two significances the number nine has no other meaning. It is, however, enough to make the Bahá’ís use it when an arbitrary number is to be chosen.
Dear and precious co-worker:
The news of the splendid results of the completion of the Temple superstructure is a source of great joy and satisfaction and greatly heartens me in my arduous work. I would urge you to do all in your power to arouse the believers, far and near, to continue in their heroic efforts for the completion of their great enterprise. You should regard it as your first and most sacred obligation to stimulate the friends to maintain, nay to raise, if possible, the already high standard of their self-sacrifice. You will thereby be ennobling and enriching the record of your manifold and unforgettable services to the Cause in that land.
- Your true brother,
EXTRACT FROM LETTER FROM RUHI AFNÁN TO MR. ROY WILHELM[edit]
My dear Roy:
Many thanks for your card of Jan. 12th . . . . Shoghi Effendi and the rest of us are delighted as to the work that is being accomplished in America. This failure of material civilization should bring man near to spiritual matters. Working for material comfort and prosperity is becoming so useless and hopeless that we may well turn our attention more to God and the future life. The Temple also seems to be attracting so much attention and arousing so much interest in the teachings. We do hope that the friends are availing themselves of these opportunities and are really active in spreading the Message.
Shoghi Effendi and the rest of the family are well and send you their loving greetings.
- Yours ever sincerely,
EULOGY OF ABU’L-QÁSIM KHURÁSÁNI BY SHOGHI EFFENDI[edit]
[It is with deep regret that we learn of the passing into the Realm of the Unseen, of the faithful Custodian of the Sacred Shrine of the Báb on Mt. Carmel, Abu’l-Qásim Khurásání. He was greatly loved by ’Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi and recognized as an outstanding servant of the Cause. His loving devotion to the care and upkeep of the gardens surrounding the Shrine was reflected in the exquisite beauty of that Sacred Spot recognized as the most beautiful in Palestine.]
Dear Mr. Lunt:
Shoghi Effendi sent today a cable addressed to “Bahá’í, New York” conveying the sad news of the sudden death of our dear and beloved friend, Abu’l-Qásim Khurásáni, custodian of the international archives and caretaker of the gardens surrounding the Holy Shrine of the Báb on Mt. Carmel.
Though originally from Khurásán, Persia, he had spent most of his life in the near East, especially Egypt and Palestine. He came to Haifa at about the same time that the Master returned from Egypt, after His tour in the West. All during the history of the Cause, the friends of Khurásán have been known for the tenacity of their faith and their desire to sacrifice their all in the path of God. During the war, the caretaker of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh in Bahjí passed away, and the Master, seeing in Abu’l-Qásim the same spirit that animated the friends that came from that part of Persia, chose him as custodian of that blessed spot. With such sincerity did he serve the Shrine that the Master looked to him with great admiration. He used often to say that “when Abu’l-Qásim is in Bahjí, my heart is at rest.” He was confident that that servant of His would perform his duties properly and use true love and worship in pursuing his noble task. So conscientious was he, that when the Master passed away, instead of rushing to Haifa to attend the service and partake of that wondrous honour and privilege, he remained at his post, even more vigilant than before—knowing that at such a crisis the enemies of the Cause would become even more active than before.
His fears were not wholly unwarranted, for only a few days later the violators pretending to desire to visit the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh wrested the keys from his hands. He refrained from violence but informed Haifa immediately and remained himself on the spot to see that no object was taken away. Fortunately, the government immediately stepped in, took over the keys and placed guards to see that peace was kept. After thorough investigation on the part of the government as to the rightful successor of the Master as custodian of the Shrines—in connection with which the Will of the Master was seen and authenticated—and constant cables from all parts of the world saying that the keys should go to Shoghi Effendi, the governor in Haifa withdrew the guards, delivered the keys in person to Abu’l-Qásim and returned to our exclusive care the service and custody of our Most Sacred Shrine.
All during this period, Abdu’l-Qásim showed wisdom coupled with devotion and untiring vigilance. Those were difficult days, but he performed his task in a most exemplary manner.
A few years later, Shoghi Effendi
transferred him to Haifa and put the gardens
surrounding the Shrine of the Báb
under his care. Those who have had the
privilege of visiting that beautiful spot will
bear witness to the wonderful spirit of
love, absolute self-abnegation, strenuous
exertions and exemplary fidelity that he
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put in his work. He showed his devotion
to the Báb and ’Abdu’l-Bahá by making
the gardens adjoining their resting place
the most beautiful in the country.
When Shoghi Effendi decided to create an international archives, he chose Abu’l-Qásim as its caretaker. He tried to keep the place spotlessly clean and night after night kept watch over its precious contents.
Besides these services, he was always ready to contribute from his meagre means to the progress of the Cause. When Shoghi Effendi made an appeal to the friends to contribute to the Temple fund, he was the first in Haifa to send his share and also donate the little sacred treasures he possessed to the archives in America.
His funeral was very simple but the service was led by Shoghi Effendi. The sense that everyone of us had of losing a precious and devoted friend has undoubtedly gladdened his spirit. We are sure that in the world beyond he will receive the blessings and bounties that await every true and devoted servant of the Master. Knowing how Shoghi Effendi was attached to him and how deeply he mourned his loss, we feel a certain sense of envy. But, however much Shoghi Effendi’s affection, Abu’l-Qásim fully deserved it— he has on his record almost nineteen years of devoted service to the Shrines. Shoghi Effendi hopes to include in The Bahá’í World a copy of his photograph. Maybe the friends would desire to see the face of one of the most selfless and humble servants of our Beloved Faith.
In closing may I assure you of Shoghi Effendi’s best wishes and loving prayers.
- Yours ever sincerely,
P. S.—Shoghi Effendi would like you to publish this letter in the Bahá’í News. He wishes the friends to know something of Abu’l-Qásim Khurásáni, the faithful gardener of the Shrines.
A DISTINGUISHED SERVANT OF HUMANITY[edit]
On the ninth of February last, a remarkable woman completed her earthly journey and ascended to her Lord—Mrs. Nora Burt Dunlap, wife of Senator Henry M. Dunlap, who for some thirty years has been a noble member of the Legislature of the State of Illinois.
Mrs. Dunlap was a member of Mr. Albert Vail’s congregation in Urbana, Illinois and became a Bahá’í while Mr. Vail was living in Urbana. She was one of the most beloved women of the State of Illinois, and spent her life in traveling throughout the State, speaking to thousands of people upon making better homes and upon scientific and spiritual education. She served high and low, rich and poor as though each one was her best friend. A leading magazine recently published a long account of her life and services. The University of Wisconsin awarded her special recognition as a “Master Homemaker.” It was while preparing to leave her home to speak at a meeting of the Urbana Bahá’í study class that the call came and her spirit was released.
Following is a quotation from the Champaign News Gazette:
“A life characterized by ‘personalized friendliness, pioneering spirit, pleasure in the beautiful, preference for home-making, public service of an unselfish sort, and pursuit of knowledge,’ was honored by state executives, Home Bureau leaders, educational organizations, and women’s clubs of many types, at the funeral service of Mrs. Henry M. Dunlap, at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon at Senator Dunlap’s “Rural Home,” on the Savoy Road.
“On the bright sunshiny afternoon of Lincoln’s birthday, this country home was the scene of one of the largest gatherings ever assembled at any event in this part of the community, in some years. Old and young, men and women, from state administrator to farm homemaker, assembled to pay high homage to the life of a woman whose work in the last several decades stands as a high symbol of her character and her efforts.
“The house, although spacious and roomy, could not hold many of those who gathered in silence, to honor their friend, and co-worker. Expressions of sympathy in the nature of huge floral offerings banked the entire east end of the living room, there being flowers from state officials, agricultural organizations, women’s societies, the University of Illinois, and individual friends.
“Following a dignified service at the home conducted by Mr. Albert R. Vail, national Bahá’í teacher, from Evanston, and Rev. H. Clifford Northcott, pastor of the First Methodist Church, Mrs. Dunlap was laid to rest in the Dunlap family lot, in Mt. Hope Cemetery alongside the graves of her four children.”
MRS. KEITH RANSOM-KEHLER IN BURMA[edit]
Our distinguished Bahá’í teacher and the indefatigable promulgator of the Word of God, Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler of New York, came from Singapore to Rangoon according to her itinerary, on the morning of February 16, 1932. The Rangoon friends received her at the wharf and welcomed her with spiritual affection. She was the guest of Dr. ’Abdu’l Hakim, the President of the Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly of Rangoon.
At the decision of the friends Mrs. Ransom-Kehler left for Mandalay by the noon express on the very day of her arrival in Rangoon. After delivering instructive lectures and giving the divine Message with much success in cultural circles, in Mandalay and Maymyo, she returned to Rangoon on Wednesday, February 24th, accompanied by the well known American Bahá’í, Mrs. Schopflocher, who is touring around the world with the object of taking motion pictures of interesting places. It is understood that these pictures will enable Mrs. Schopflocher to illustrate her lectures which she intends to deliver in the United States and Canada next winter.
In Rangoon, Mrs. Ranson-Kehler delivered her first lecture on Wednesday, February 24th, at 6 P. M., at the Theosophical Society, on the subject of “Universal Brotherhood,” and her eloquent and inspiring discourse was deeply appreciated by the President, Mr. Ankel Saria, B. A., and the enlightened members of the Society.
On Thursday, February 26th, Mrs. Ransom-Kehler and Mrs. Schopflocher visited the Bahá’í village Koongyangoor with a party of friends and returned to Rangoon on the same day at about six o’clock in the evening. Mrs. Ransom-Kehler, by her lively talks relating to the Bahá’í Cause infused quite a new spirit in the friends in that village, who immensely enjoyed her pleasant and highly inspiring company. Mrs. Schopflocher took some motion pictures of the Koongyangoor Bahá’ís.
Three public lectures were arranged for Mrs. Ransom-Kehler after our return from Koongyangoor, the announcement of which was duly published in the two leading papers, the Rangoon Gazette and Rangoon Times. A large number of handbills advertising her lectures were also printed and promptly circulated.
Mrs. Ransom-Kehler’s addresses delivered in the above mentioned Societies before an audience composed of men of all shades, creeds and thought, were enthusiastically received. After every lecture pertinent questions were asked and their answers by Mrs. Ransom-Kehler were received by the audience with great satisfaction. Both Mrs. S. N. Sen and Mr. B. R. Rao, who took the chair, expressed their profound appreciation of the glorious principles and teachings advocated by the Bahá’í Faith.
The reporter of the Rangoon Times, who had an interview with Mrs. Ransom-Kehler, caused an article to be published with her photograph in that newspaper.
A meeting of the Bahá’í ladies of Rangoon was held on Sunday evening, February 28th at the residence of Mr. Syn Abdu’l Hassain Shrezee where Mrs. Ransom-Kehler addressed the ladies on the Teachings of the Cause and proposed to them various measures for their spiritual advancement.
On the morning of the first of March, 1932, all the friends met at the Rangoon wharf to bid farewell to our precious and well beloved teacher, Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler, who sailed on that day for Calcutta. We are all fervently praying at the Divine Threshold for her health and happiness as well as for her success in spreading the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the world.
With high spiritual regards, your humble brother in El ’Abhá,
- S. G. MURTAZA ALI.
LETTER FROM ORCELLA REXFORD[edit]
The Bahá’í Message was given in Miami, Florida, to about seven hundred people. It was most fortunate that Miss Fanny Knobloch of Washington, D. C. was present to take charge of the study classes which were formed at the conclusion of the lecture on the Cause. Miss Knobloch reports that the first meeting was attended in the evening by about one hundred and fifty people and the morning class by about seventy-five. The number has dwindled somewhat in the weeks that have passed, but the attendance in the evening class is averaging around seventy-five and eighty and the morning class around thirty-five and forty. All are very much delighted with her presentation of the Bahá’í Teachings and many of the students have written expressing their gratitude at having the privilege of hearing her.
The Message was presented to about one hundred people at the home of Mrs. Clayton Sedgwick Cooper, one of the leaders of society of Miami Beach, who was conducting a study class of comparative religions at her home. There was great enthusiasm shown by the audience and many inquiries received regarding literature and where further instruction could be obtained.
On March 22nd the Message was delivered in Jacksonville to an audience of four hundred. The Seminole Hotel, one of the leading hotels in the city, very kindly offered the use of the ballroom for the occasion and the management was most co-operative in assisting us to have our Bahá’í class there. Again, fortunately, a Bahá’í of many years’ experience was able to take charge of the class. Dr. Walter Guy came up from St. Augustine, a distance of forty miles, to teach the class. Dr. Guy reports there were about seventy present at the first class and that much enthusiasm was expressed. The meetings continue at the Seminole Hotel and it is hoped that a center will be established in Jacksonville in the future as the outcome of these efforts.
We ask that the friends supplicate the Master’s blessing on the work in Florida, that it may be productive of results, and upon the dear teachers who are so earnestly striving to bring about these results.
TO THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES AND BAHÁ’Í TEACHERS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA[edit]
The National Teaching Committee wishes to bring to your attention certain matters of vital importance in teaching work.
At a recent meeting the National Spiritual Assembly considered in detail the relation of the work of traveling teachers to the spread of the Cause and the feasibility of supplementing it effectively by the distribution of literature to progressive, broad-minded non-Bahá’ís. As a result of their discussion, the National Teaching Committee was asked to present to you the three following points:
- (1) The National Spiritual Assembly
wishes all teachers to realize more fully the importance of instilling into the heart of the believers whose groups are visited the need of their own arising for action in teaching. It is felt that every group conceals latent teaching talent that is sorely needed in the service of the Cause and that perhaps can best be detected and encouraged by a sympathetic and experienced individual from outside of the locality. It is the earnest hope of the National Spiritual Assembly that the traveling teachers will continually bear in mind this important, though perhaps less obviously conspicuous, part of their work.
- (2) The National Spiritual Assembly
wishes to have both the traveling teachers and the Local Assemblies send to the National Teaching Committee from time to time the names of people in various places who they believe would welcome Bahá’í literature. This would include both representative people already interested in the Cause and broad and progressive types who would be responsive to our universal program. The National Spiritual Assembly believes that a careful use of literature with such a list would have excellent results in spreading information about the Cause among people whose opinion is of value, as well as introducing the teachings to some who may be personally attracted.
- (3) The National Spiritual Assembly
wishes to urge upon both the teachers and the Local Communities the importance of having the teacher stay long enough in a place so that newly attracted individuals or groups may be established on a firm basis; and that when the work of the teacher is turned over to the local believers, the latter should carefully plan and carry out follow-up contacts that will bring to fruition the labor already expended.
In bringing these three items to the attention of the Local Assemblies and the traveling teachers, the purpose of the National Spiritual Assembly is to co-ordinate the entire teaching program by both reaching representative people of capacity through the distribution of literature and sewing immediate seekers through direct teaching.
Present world problems not only make the spread of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh imperative but economic conditions within the Cause are placing the responsibility for this expansion more and more upon the individual and the Local Assembly. We, therefore, urge your community to analyze critically the effectiveness of its teaching work and to seek a new vision and impetus for the coming year through the Teachers’ Conference and the Convention.
- Sincerely in the service of the Guardian,
- NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE
- by CHARLOTTE LINFOOT, Western
- Secretary,
- MARY COLLISON, Eastern Secretary.
TO THE BAHÁ’Í YOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA[edit]
Dear sisters and brothers:
Was there ever a more thrilling age to be alive in! The recent stupendous letter from our Guardian makes us realize this more clearly than ever. It is a challenge to us and a bounty so great that we do not comprehend it now.
Perhaps we are beginning to understand more vividly than ever before that we must arise, individually and collectively, and that it must be at once! From day to day world events are shaping with terrific speed. Shall we turn our hearts to Bahá’u’lláh, have faith, and call to the four comers of this continent the Message of salvation for the world, or shall we wait just too long and find ourselves repenting eternally for opportunities lost? With these glorious words of ’Abdu’l-Bahá ringing in our hearts we can accomplish anything we desire! “The triumphant Hosts of the Celestial Concourse arrayed and marshalled in the Realms above stand ready and expectant to assist and assure victory to that valiant horseman who with confidence spurs on his charges into the Arena of service.”
What shall we do? Could we not hold Youth Conferences in co-operation with important organizations in each city? This idea has been enthusiastically received by leading youth groups in Montreal with the result that a mass meeting for peace, for ten thousand people, is being planned for the middle of April. Plays and pageants are another means of reaching people, liberal clubs and large public speaking classes, also. Through consultation we can evolve worth while plans. Will you please send us your ideas, quickly! What do you feel would bring the thought of Peace most forcefully to the greatest number of people in the quickest way?
Although we know that a world catastrophe is upon us, yet ’Abdu’l-Bahá has said: “I charge you, each one, to concentrate all thoughts of your heart on love and unity. When a thought of war comes oppose it by a stronger thought of peace, a thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love.” This does not mean that we can be inactive, it calls us to a greater effort than we have ever made, in these drastic times.
When we receive your suggestions for service and action we will write again telling you the consensus of opinion. Then together as one unified body throughout the country we can help set in motion a powerful force for peace. It seems as though this is a period when only through unity and solidarity of purpose can we withstand the tests and negative forces assailing us on every side. By keeping in touch with one another, exchanging advice and ideas, we can become living dynamos of constructive energy. In Montreal, New York, Washington, etc., there are many of us longing not only to know each other better here in the east but to feel close to you all, throughout the country.
We realize that in the activities of the Administration of the Cause age limits are non-existent, we all stand as one. Some contribute the flame of youthful enthusiasm and others the guiding wisdom of maturity; there are no differences, and each aspect is essential to the unity of all. But in turning our attention to the outside world it is necessary to teach each in his own sphere. Therefore those of us who are contacting younger people can unite in our efforts and if we do, how great will be the results!
We are longing to hear from you and to be of service in any way possible.
- Eagerly in His service,
THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE,
- EASTERN DIVISION.
- REX COLLISON, Chairman,
- 681 Castle St., Geneva, N. Y.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT TEACHING CONFERENCE[edit]
The Fourth Inter-Assembly Teaching Conference of the Southern District, in which the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D. C., Communities participated, was held in Baltimore on Sunday, March 27th. In view of the enormous importance of the Guardian’s letter on the New World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, this subject was selected as the general subject of the Conference, and different aspects of it were touched upon by various speakers. At the morning session, at which Miss Jessie Revell presided, the first speaker was Miss Doris Lohse, who discussed the Bahá’í Economic Plan and Economic Co-operation; next Mr. Howard C. Ives discussed the duty of the Bahá’í in World Reconstruction, followed by a general exchange of constructive thought. Mr. Ives presided at the afternoon session, at which the first speaker, Mrs. Pauline Hannen, gave ways and means of hastening the New World Order by obedience to the Master’s injunctions to spread the Cause. Mrs. Howard C. Ives then spoke on “The Spiritual Significance of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh” after which general discussion followed.
JAPAN[edit]
This is to convey to the friends the glad news that a Bahá’í Assembly of Tokyo has been formed, and this week, March 25th, we will hold the first gathering. Now we know that the work here will take on new life and progress. Our Assembly is composed of five ladies, two of whom are American (myself and Mrs. Naganuma, who is married to a Japanese), and four men.
Yesterday we held a happy Naw-rúz gathering in Dr. R. Masujima’s garden and library where we had some talks, heard the record of the Master’s voice and started a work for the poor in the northern districts where they have been almost starving because of loss of crops last year, besides starting a Memorial Library of Bahá’í books to the memory of our dear brother, Mr. Susumu Aibara, who died last December leaving his daughter, one month old, and young wife. He was thirty-two years old and was working in the League of Nations’ Tokyo office.
Last evening I sent a cable to our Guardian to let him know the happy news of the Assembly formation and this morning a reply has come: “Loving remembrance, Shoghi.”
Our Assembly may be addressed in care of Agnes B. Alexander, 31 Nichome, Fujimicho, Kudan, Tokyo, Japan.
- In His great love, your sister,
“BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND THE NEW ERA” IN BRAILLE FOR THE BLIND[edit]
Subsequent to the transcribing of the Hidden Words in Braille for the library at Bahjí, by command of the Guardian, a request has just been received from him to transcribe Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era also, if feasible. It has been found entirely feasible to do this and the work has been ordered and should be ready for delivery by July first.
The plates are being made in Los Angeles and will be the property of the National Spiritual Assembly when finished, and the intention is to order printed from them a certain number of copies which will undoubtedly be placed in circulation through the medium of the larger state Braille libraries, of which there are now nineteen. The details of circulation and disposal of the books will rest entirely with Shoghi Effendi, as this matter is not one which is at present being handled by the National Publishing Committee.
To render the book in Braille will require four months and the text will make three large volumes, so that in ordering, if the friends desire to do so, they should understand that the sets of three volumes will cost $7.00. The sets which have been ordered thus far are for public circulation, but wherever the friends desire to acquire a set the orders should be placed at once, or before June first.
MINNESOTA
St. Paul: The St. Paul Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly, 414 Midland Trust Building, St. Paul, Minn., has been the recipient of a beautiful oil painting reproduction, of the “Paris” photograph of our beloved ’Abdu’l—Bahá, painted by the donor, Dr. Charles Frink, of the Minneapolis Bahá’ís. Dr. Frink expressed his willingness to make more of these portraits, with the idea that they might be hung in the various Public Bahá’í Assembly Rooms throughout the country.
“The only cost,” he said, “to any Assembly having a public meeting place, who might wish to have a life-size, oil portrait of our beloved Teacher, would be for actual materials such as an enlarged photo copy which greatly facilitates accuracy and saves time in drawing, canvas, transportation and suitable framing; all of which should not exceed $12.00.” Should any Assembly, having a public meeting place, desire to have such a portrait of the Master, it is suggested that they communicate with Dr. C. S. Frink, 24 West Grant St., Minneapolis, Minn.
ILLINOIS
Chicago: The recent outstanding activities were the Inter-Racial Amity meeting on March 25th and the Pageant presented by the Sunday School children at the last Nineteen-Day Feast on April 9th.
The Inter-Racial Amity meeting was one which will long be remembered by the friends who were present, not only because of the spirit of loving fellowship manifested, but also because of the exceptionally fine program presented. Many races were represented, and each had a part in the evening’s entertainment. The meeting was opened with a chant by Sayed Mehrem, atter which Biblical references pertaining to the Message were read by Mr. J. V. Richardson. The address of the evening was given by Mrs. Ruth Moffett on “The Great New Mosaic.”
The musical part of the program consisted of songs by Miss Edna Ketchum and Mrs. June Fischer, a piano solo by Miss Mame Hampton and several charming numbers by Professors Franklin Gordon, tenor, Nicanor Abelardo, composer and violinist, and Randolph Comejo, pianist, members of the faculty of the Chicago Musical College.
Refreshments were served and a delightful social hour gave the friends an opportunity to strength the bonds of friendship.
The children called their little play the “Pageant of the Prophets,” the underlying idea of which was the progression of the prophets since the time of Abraham, and the Message each brought to the world. The readings given outlining the teachings of each Manifestation were short essays prepared by the children in their Sunday School work. The Hidden Words, which struck the note for the New Day, were recited by the children individually and in unison. The third part of the Pageant beautifully brought out the Plan of Unified Action in a dialogue emphasizing the need of sacrifice and devotion for the building of the Temple. By contributing $63.91 during the last six months, these children have demonstrated that “sacrifice” is not merely a word to them, but a fact which they are actually living.
The musical part of the program was delightful. In chorus the children sang the “Song of Peace,” the words of which were written by the late Janet Bolton and set to music for this occasion by Nina Matthisen. A duet, “The Making of Temple,” and a violin solo, “Concerto” by Seitz, followed. This was a joyous occasion and we hope that our children will continue to live and radiate the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with ever increasing beauty.
NEW YORK
Yonkers: It is with a feeling of deep joy that we convey to the Bahá’í News the activities which the Yonkers Center is able to report.
This past winter in Yonkers witnessed the enthusiastic awakening of a number of young people. In the last month our Assembly has received and accepted the declaration of four confirmed believers in all the requirements of voting members of the Cause, from the ages of twenty-one to forty. We now have a Tuesday afternoon study class in addition to our regular Friday night meetings. All show absolute devotion to the Nineteen-Day Feasts. At our Feast of Naw-rúz the friends came out in spite of a very dangerous ice storm. A committee had prepared a pilau feast and there was much joy and happiness throughout the evening. The last Bahá’í News was read and very enthusiastically discussed as one of the inspiring contributions to the Temple readings.
For the Feast of April 9th we have invited some of the young believers of New York City, West Englewood and Montclair to join us in a unity Feast and we hope to have Mrs. Edith Inglis sing for us and tell us some of the wonderful stories of the Master, of which she has such a rare store, as the Master was many times in the home of her beloved mother, Mrs. McGee.
FLORIDA
Miami: As a result of a unique and convincing lecture given by Orcella Rexford in Miami on March 4, 1931, a class of sincere seekers has been formed. It has been the privilege of Miss Fanny Knobloch to follow up the interest so marvelously awakened in the blessed Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. The first evening the class met there was an overflow attendance, many standing during the entire evening. During a four-week period of intensive teaching, the attendance was very well sustained. Some of the subjects upon which Miss Knobloch spoke were, “History of the Bahá’í Cause,” “Golden Rule and Comparative Religions,” “Bahá’í Calendar,” “Taking the Message to South Africa.” “A Pilgrimage to Akká” and “The Bahá’í Temple.”
The members of the classes were invited to join with the friends in celebrating the Naw-rúz Feast, at which Miss Knobloch spoke on “The New Year and New Dispensation.”
Deeply grateful for the opportunity to spread the Cause, the friends in Miami hope that God will continue to send teachers of ability and influence to carry on the work so splendidly begun.
A WORD OF INSTRUCTION FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
From time to time, requests have been received from Local Spiritual Assemblies, as well as from individuals, to apply for exemption from active military service from the respective Governments. In this connection reference has been made to “Pilgrim Notes,” published in a former issue of the Bahá’í News. For the information of the friends, Shoghi Effendi made it clear to the National Spiritual Assembly that he would advise us in ample time whenever he wishes to have the necessary steps taken to register our attitude towards the shedding of blood and the wanton destruction of property and lives, and that our services should only be called upon towards those activities which would alleviate suffering, such as service in ambulance corps, hospitals and convalescent homes, services which, by no means, are easy to perform, exposing the friends to utmost danger, but would not be designed to arouse the ire and ill-feeling of a war-mad populace. In truth, these services would be worthy of a Cause whose adherents and followers in the past have given to a suffering world thousands of martyrs, who have willingly and unflinchingly given their property, their lives, and their spirits towards the welfare of humanity by upholding the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
It should also be kept in mind that these “Pilgrim Notes” would not necessarily call for action, as Shoghi Effendi has repeatedly emphasized that everything he wishes to be acted upon would be sent to the National Spiritual Assembly over his own signature. We trust, therefore, the friends will rest assured that this Body is fully aware of its solemn and sacred obligations.
This does not mean, however, that the friends should not continue to make suggestions, preferably through their Local Body, but they must not, however, feel hurt if these suggestions are not at all times acted upon, but should continue to give expression to new ideas. The friends should at all times direct their thoughts, activities, and heart-felt desires into positive channels and keep away from the negative.
The greatest need at this moment is the completion of the Temple. No effort should be spared and no sacrifice could be too great to attain this end, and all communications received from our Guardian point out to us the necessity of fulfilling this obligation. We must always be reminded of Shoghi Effendi’s statement—that the Cause will suffer, its prestige be impaired, should we fall short in the fulfillment of this great obligation.
(Continued from page I.)
Bahá’í law. On their part, the organized Assemblies must ever look to the preservation, application and expansion of the indwelling holy spirit of Bahá’í administration, which is loving and humble fellowship with all believers and with the people of the whole world,—free from every hint or trace of autocracy or unauthorized domination, and animated solely by the consciousness of a wise and loving service to the beloved of God. This attitude of love and servitude is, in many instances, divine healing to the disaffected.
These waverings of faith and understanding, are inevitable in the growth of so great a Cause; and have always emanated from those who are unwilling to accept the implications and direct definition of the Most Great Infallibility, as stated in the Tablet of Ishráqát. These people would substitute for the divine Word. “Verily, He doeth whatsoever He willeth and commandeth whatever He desireth,” their words “we do what we will.”
We are speaking here of the fomenters of this effort to break down the orderly processes of the Bahá’í administration. Unaware of those authentic writings of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, revealed long prior to His passing, which deal directly and positively with similar instances, they advance the idea that He, ’Abdu’l-Bahá, could not have used the words found in the Will and Testament, wherein the wrath and indignation of God is invoked against those who deviate and turn away from the Guardian and the established representative bodies. Nevertheless, in many Tablets, the Master made mention of these things, involving identical situations, and quoted extensively from the Words Of Bahá’u’lláh, Himself, to the same effect. These pretexts, and false interpretations are all definitely described in the Will, itself, (see p. 12 Bahá’í Administration), as the means by which the Covenant of God is sought to be broken by the stubborn and rebellious. Can it be the hope of these few leading spirits to bring adverse publicity to bear upon the Cause of God, to split it asunder, and to destroy the unity of the people of faith? Little do these misguided ones realize what chaos would follow such a result. They are ignorant of the requirements of Divine Civilization, and of the World Order created by Bahá’u’lláh. Were they in the least aware of the inner realities of the Divine Unity, they would know that the Holy City, which is the Law of God, is organized in accordance with the universal requirements; that a center is found and exists in every essential organism; that the Guardianship represents and is that Center in the establishment of the Kingdom of God in this universal cycle. Defining Shoghi Effendi as the “primal branch,” “the blest and sacred bough,”—“that shadoweth all mankind,” ’Abdu’l-Bahá, in His Will, has established this merciful Center, in office and in identity, not only as an absolute requisite of the world-wide Bahá’í organism, but also as the channel through which the blessings of Providence may continue to flow to humanity. Without this function, so divinely bestowed, no spiritual equilibrium in the world of the Kingdom could be attained, for this exquisite balance is necessary to preserve harmony and order between the otherwise conflicting forces of human will and destiny. This third agency, hitherto lacking in the organizations of nations and peoples, from antiquity to the present hour, is the advent of the divine lineage itself into its appropriate field of the World Order, as that third or triune principle existing in every universal organic form. It is the fulfillment of the promise mentioned in the Holy Books, the establishment of the continuity of divine guidance and protection to all peoples, in this cycle of the Day of God. It is a mark of permanence and eternality. Nations of the past, having fulfilled their brief cycles of glory, have crumbled and passed. Their weaknesses are found in the lack of true equilibrium in their governmental order. Monarchies and Republics alike have respectively exalted, on the one hand, the power of the individual sovereign, or on the other, the will of the people. A few nations have essayed to combine the two, even though, inevitably, one must need find subordination. But in this glorious age, when the spiritual realities must needs be unfolded, that missing element, vitality needed to harmonize and balance the age-long conflict,— the true supplement of that which is otherwise imperfect and divided,—has been revealed and made a part of the World Order, in the institution of the Guardianship. It is the spiritual fulcrum, as it were, holding in equilibrium these two otherwise conflicting and incompatible forces or tendencies of individualism and collectivism in human society, the monarchical and republican schools of thought. This alone would amply justify the new World Order.
But the divine outpourings are not purely static. Through this Center, the emanations of love, wisdom and justice radiate as water from a full, pure and undiminished reservoir, reviving, restoring and refreshing the souls, and sustaining in full co-operation every agency of Bahá’í government. Through this divine agency, the blessings of unity find their ultimate guaranty, for the door of the guidance, protection and love of God is thereby left open. In former cycles, confusion, discord and even warfare have fallen upon the believers who survived the passing of the Manifestation of God. Compromises were set up in the effort to preserve unity, and lacking access to an appointed Center, the people at times became the prey of misguidance and of the ambitious plots of wolves in sheeps’ clothing, in the guise of true believers. The world was not yet ready to avail itself of or to accept an established continuity, through divine appointment, of the guardianship succession, which should protect not only from worldly compromise but from hypocritical attack. But in this “Promised Age” the matured thought of humanity sees the introduction of this new principle as the uttermost of God, while the prophetically minded find in it the brilliant light of God’s presence, foreshadowed yet concealed in countless divine texts.
But even apart from these essentials, the authenticity of the Will and Testament of ’Abdu’l-Bahá is as clear as limpid water to any discerning eye. Only dimness of vision, and utter lack of rapport with His spirit and with His inimitable, unique mode of expression, could account for failure to witness in this epoch-making document the very essence of the heart and mind of the Master, whose style none has ever been able either to imitate or emulate. As Mohammed said to the scoffers of His time. “Produce a Sura (of the Qur’án) like unto this, if ye speak truth”; so let these questioners and doubters of the validity of the Will, who ascribe its brilliant and eloquent words to mere forgery, strive to produce its peer.
With an ever-increasing realization of the sacredness and vital importance of this hour in the history of the Cause, and wholly assured that every basic principle of the divine teachings will, like the great waves of the ocean, cast every opposing element upon the shores as innocuous foam, and become firmly established in the hearts and minds of all mankind,—we inscribe ourselves as your loving and devoted brothers and sisters.
- In His Path,
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
By Alfred E. Lunt, Secretary
“O ye servants of the Merciful One! Arise to serve the Cause of God, in such wise that cares and sorrows caused by them that have disbelieved in the Dayspring of the Sign of God may not afflict you. At the time when the Promise was fulfilled and the Promised One made manifest, differences have appeared amongst the kindred of the earth and each people hath followed its own fancy and idle imaginings.”—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
