Bahá’í News/Issue 81/Text

From Bahaiworks

[Page 1]


BAHA’I NEWS


Published by
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, New Jersey


No. 81
FEBRUARY, 1934


PRESENT STATUS OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION[edit]

Work To Be Continued Under New Contract[edit]

As you read this brief statement, the last section of the ornamentation of the Temple dome will be bolted in place and the many thousands of people who pass daily along Sheridan Drive through Wilmette will be thrilled with the radiant glory of the completed dome. The low temperature and high wind conditions that have prevailed in and about Chicago during the last month have somewhat delayed the placing of the last and topmost ribs and the removal of the great steel derrick that was used to lift them in place, the 387 great sections of architectural concrete on the steel structure of the dome. When it is realized that the sections varying in weight up to 2½ tons each had to be lifted to a height of 100 feet from the ground and fitted in place, it is remarkable that the entire framework and ornamentation has fitted together without a single error or modification. Never before in the history of the world has a dome with the great ribs of this unique and beautiful character been raised. It will stand evermore as a fitting memorial to the faith and sacrifices of a devoted people throughout the world.

Now that the victory has been achieved the devoted followers of Bahá’u’lláh who have made this possible will be interested in a brief analysis of the extent and cost of the work. Quoting from a letter dated January 15, 1934, from the contractor, Mr. John J. Earley, we have the following explanation of the extent and cost of the ornamentation.

“The approximate estimate of the cost of the architectural ornamentation of the Temple was made in the year 1930 and in the amount $450,000.00. Subsequently in May of the year 1930 an estimate was made of the cost of the first story which amounted to $150,000.00. This was made because at that time it was thought that the ornamentation might be begun at the base of the Temple. In January 1932 an estimate was made of the cost of the Temple dome, which was $150,000.00. This left the second story and drum of the dome, which likewise amounted to $150,000.00, but which was subdivided to read $100,000 for the second story and $50,000 for the clerestory or drum of the dome. These estimates were based upon a cost experience of many years with the material but upon no experience with the structure, because nowhere in the world today is there one who has built such a building as the Bahá’í Temple. ... The bottom sections of the great ribs, which coincide with the elevation of the clerestory, were estimated with the clerestory. But when we came to develop the dome, we found that the ornamental motif of the ribs was continuous without regard to dome or clerestory and that the most economical method of construction required the clerestory sections of each rib to be in place for the support and erection of the whole rib.” From the statement of the Contractor, it is obvious that with the completion of the recent contract we have finished a work originally estimated to cost $150,000 for the dome plus the cost of the ribs which Mr. Earley’s estimate has given as $16,237.60, making a total amount of work done of about $l66,000.00. This cost does not include the engineering supervision and management at a fee of 6%. This fee will amount to about $9,000 additional, making a total expenditure slightly over $175,000.00.

Of the amount spent for actual construction costs about $7,000 was required for the casting shed and erecting machinery at the Rosslyn, Virginia Plant and for the hoisting machinery at the Temple. All of this equipment will be of service in the preparation and placing of the remainder of the ornamentation on the Temple. Hence the cost of this equipment should be pro-rated or distributed over the entire cost of the ornamentation which will effect a saving of about $4,500 in the cost of the dome ornamentation.

About a month ago the National Spiritual Assembly sent a cablegram to the Guardian requesting his instructions relative to proceeding with the ornamentation of the clerestory sections of the Temple, as increasing expressions from believers all over the country had manifested the hope that during this year and the re-opening of the Chicago Exposition this additional section of the dome ornamentation might be finished. The ‎ Guardian‎ immediately cabled the following reply: “Heartily welcome proposal. Additional sacrifices entailed clerestory ornamentation will add further laurels to crown already won American believers and hasten fulfillment long cherished expectations.” The N. S. A. at its meeting at Evanston, Illinois on January 27, unanimously voted to enter into a contract with Mr. John J. Earley for the preparation and placement of the clerestory ornamentation below the dome and between the great ribs. Mr. Earley estimates that this work will cost about $35,000 (not including engineering supervision and management) and if started right away can be completed by next fall and during the extension of the Chicago Exposition. Mr. Earley has generously offered to start the preliminary work right away and to receive compensation over a period of twelve months beginning April 1st. These monthly payments based on services actually rendered will involve an average monthly payment of about $3,000 including all charges.

The Research Service will continue to supervise and manage the work for the Temple Trustees and has offered to reduce its fee from 6 to 4%. Dur-

[Page 2] ing the construction of the Temple the services rendered by the engineers in the planning and erection of the work has resulted in savings to the extent of many times the amount of the fee.

In a letter to the Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, dated January 17, 1934, the Guardian writes through his Secretary H. Rabbani: “In reply to the N. S. A.’s telegram expressing the hope of the American believers of proceeding with the ornamentation of the clerestory section of the Temple, ‎ Shoghi‎ Effendi has sent the following cable and has given his whole-hearted approval to this new step which the friends have been prompted to take and which fully testifies to their exemplary resourcefulness and indomitable will in upholding the Cause of the Temple: (Cable as quoted above).

“The Guardian’s motive in giving the believers the promise of one year’s complete respite was to alleviate the financial burden which had for so long been weighing on their shoulders. His intention, however, was by no means to check the free and spontaneous desire of the friends to maintain the contributions to the Temple should they find it possible to do so. And it is really gratifying to witness that the promise instead of retarding, however temporarily, the ornamentation work of the Temple, has on the contrary stimulated the friends to redouble their efforts until the entire construction work of the dome and clerestory have been brought to full completion.”

This statement on the Temple is completed by reporting to the believers that the sum of $14,300 must still be contributed to make final payment on the present dome contract.

THE BAHA’I FUND AND THE NEW WORLD ORDER[edit]

The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh has without doubt set its roots deep into the soil of America. Even though at present numerically the believers are weak, spiritually they are undaunted because they have a strong courage of conviction and consecration. They are distinguished through the fact that they have had the courage to face the realities of life as they are revealed to them by the very Sun of Reality, and not by the standards set by a complacent and ever-drifting society.

The Bahá’í Faith, with its marvelously beautiful, yet uncompromisingly searching new plan of life, accepting naught but a pure devotion, is so complete in its plan and method as to leave no hiding place whatever for those who would still compromise with it. The machinery of its operation is so designed that sooner or later each soul realizes that his connection with it means the surrender of every last stronghold of materiality, prejudice and selfishness.

No people can come under the penetrating rays of the Sun of real religion and remain the same. But the very perfection of the Bahá’í Faith with its complete plan for the regeneration of mankind, makes it different and makes comparison with past, though similar experiences impossible.

The distinguishing feature of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is the oneness of mankind. Consider then that the establishment of the administration in the body of the believers becomes the machinery to effect this unity, and through its functioning the individual is brought face to face with the issues that God the Great Physician has placed before the world and the acceptance of which is prerequisite to solution of the difficulties that now beset it.

The past has shown us that the religious devotee oftimes is permitted, even led, to separate himself from his fellowmen and in isolation seeks to attain a higher spiritual development. How different then the proposition presented by the Bahá’í Faith, for here instead of isolation he is thrust into the company of others and he finds that his salvation depends upon his willingness to unite and to work with them. Withdrawal is in no wise permitted and until he has subjugated himself, eliminated destructive prejudices within his own heart, learned to seek the face of God in those around him, he knows that he has not yet really come into the Faith.

Every thoughtful believer who attends unity Feasts knows that there he has entered upon the active working out of the Plan of Bahá’u’lláh to effect the unification of the human race. And as he there actively enters into the spiritual realities he is gradually and definitely brought to a realization that the unity of the friends is the foundation stone of the new world order. The society there developed under the guidance of the words of the Manifestation will, without doubt, have a character quite different than that of the world we have known before.

But to become a member of such a society implies certain things. To assume that an outward acceptance of the glorious teachings is sufficient without a surrender to their requirements becomes obviously impossible. This but very little experience in any Bahá’í community demonstrates. The relationship is two-sided, since the Messenger of God has showered upon us the blessing of His Guidance, it follows that we in turn must also do something. Active participation therefore, implies the recognition of a definite obligation by the individual, just as if he had entered upon a contract with God, so that thereafter no part of the utterances of the Founders and Establishers of the Faith may be neglected, but with an ever increasing devotion he joins with his fellow believers to spread and firmly establish the Faith in the world.

And even though in the passing of time the character of his service may change somewhat, there will without doubt always be ways in which a believer can actively enter the service of God, through some service to mankind. What a glorious concept that makes salvation contingent upon active service to one’s fellowmen.

Our glorious opportunity is in the establishment of the Bahá’í administration and the erection of the Temple. And here again we find in both projects perfect mechanism for our unification. In the administration we unite through cooperation with one another to carry into effect the provisions for the establishment of Bahá’í life and living, so that we reconstruct our lives to conform with the requirements of a divine new world order, and our affairs becoming adjusted to new concepts allow us to make provision for every condition that the circumstances of our time in the general development make necessary.

The Bahá’í Fund is but a part of such a project. Nevertheless it is a vital part. Conscientious believers who are mindful of their responsibility in respect to the Faith must make it as much a part of their effort to be a part of the Cause as they do every other thing. The erection of the Temple is an added opportunity opening the way for extraordinary service to humanity the world over. And its gradual accomplishment will stand for centuries, a monument to the Power of God that moved our little band to do that wonderful service. Alone no one could do it, together if we have faith, we will succeed.

Let us then, one and all, consider carefully our relation to the Bahá’í administration and the Bahá’í Fund, and solemnly and with a spirit of consecration, undertake to render to the fullest extent of our capacity, such sacrifice as will be worthy of the tremendous part we are called upon to play in the greatest drama of all times.

[Page 3] Chaos and doom are about to overtake a world crumbling from within. The Ark of the Covenant carries forward through fire and storm and in it there is safety for us, for all mankind, but the measure of our devotion must demonstrate our faith to those about us else we fail and like all else perish.

Day by day the need increases. The time shortens rapidly. Let us not remain negligent.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

By: ROY C. WILHELM, Treasurer

CARL SCHEFFLER, Asst. Treasurer

THE NATURE AND AIMS OF THE ANNUAL BAHA’I CONVENTION[edit]

(Continued)

Note: the following instructions from the Guardian have been received by the National Spiritual Assembly since it compiled the words on the subject of the Convention published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for November, 1933.

1.[edit]

Concerning the status, rights and prerogatives of the Annual Bahá’í Convention, the Guardian wishes to make it quite clear to all the believers that this annual meeting of the delegates is by no means a continuous consultative body all through the year; that its twofold function of electing the body of the National Spiritual Assembly, and of offering any constructive suggestions in regard to the general administration of the Cause is limited to a definite period; and that consequently the opinion current among some of the believers that the delegates are to serve as a consultative body throughout the year is at variance with the fundamental, though as yet unspecified, principles underlying the Administration. Shoghi Effendi firmly believes that consultation must be maintained between the N.S.A. and the entire body of the believers, and that such consultation, while the Convention is not in session, can best be maintained through the agency of the local Assemblies, one of whose essential functions is to act as intermediaries between the local communities and their national representatives. The main purpose of the Nineteen Day Feasts is to enable individual believers to offer any suggestion to the local assembly which in its turn will pass it to the N.S.A. The local Assembly is, therefore, the proper medium through which local Bahá’í communities can communicate with the body of the national representatives. The Convention should be regarded as a temporary gathering, having certain specific functions to perform, during a limited period of time. Its status is thus limited in time to the Convention sessions, the function of consultation at all other times being vested in the entire body of the believers through the local Spiritual Assemblies.—To the National Spiritual Assembly, November 18, 1933.

2.[edit]

Dear and precious co-workers:

I wish to affirm without the least hesitation or ambiguity, that the annual convention is not to be regarded as a body entitled to exercise functions similar to those which an ordinary parliament possesses under a democratic form of government. The administrative order which lies embedded in the Teaching of Bahá’u’lláh, and which the American believers have championed and are now establishing, should, under no circumstances, be identified with the principles underlying present-day democracies. Nor is it identical with any purely aristocratic or autocratic form of government. The objectionable features inherent in each of these political systems are entirely avoided. It blends, as no system of human polity has as as yet achieved, those salutary truths and beneficial elements which constitute the valuable contributions which each of these forms of government have made to society in the past. Consultation, frank and unfettered, is the bedrock of this unique order. Authority is concentrated in the hands of the elected members of the National Assembly. Power and initiative are primarily vested in the entire body of the believers acting through their local representatives. To generate those forces which must give birth to the body of their national administrators, and to confer, freely and fully and at fixed intervals, with both the incoming and outgoing national Assemblies, are the twofold functions, the supreme responsibility and sole prerogative of the delegates assembled in Convention. Nothing short of close and constant interaction between these various organs of Bahá’í administration can enable it to fulfill its high destiny.—To the National Spiritual Assembly, November 18, 1933. (The Guardian’s postscript to the foregoing letter.)

3.[edit]

Concerning the status of members of the N.S.A. at Convention sessions, the Guardian feels that the members both of the incoming and the outgoing Assemblies should be given the full right to participate in the Convention discussions. Those members of the N.S.A. who have been elected delegates will, in addition to the right of participation, be entitled to vote. The Guardian wishes thereby to render more effective the deliberations and the recommendations of the national representatives. He feels that the exercise of such a right by the members of the N.S.A. will enable them to consult more fully with the assembled delegates, to exchange fully and frankly with them their views, and to consider collectively the interests, needs and requirements of the Cause. This he believes is one of the primary functions of the Convention.—To the National Spiritual Assembly. December 25, 1933.

THE CHARACTER OF BAHA’I ELECTIONS[edit]

“Let us recall His explicit and often-repeated assurance that every Assembly elected in that rarified atmosphere of selflessness and detachment is, in truth, appointed of God, that its verdict is truly inspired, that one and all should submit to its decision unreservedly and with cheerfulness ... The elector ... is called upon to vote for none but those whom prayer and reflection have inspired him to uphold ... Hence it is incumbent upon the chosen delegates to consider without the least trace of passion and prejudice, and irrespective of any material consideration, the names of only those who can best combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience ... Nothing short of the all-encompassing, all-pervading power of His Guidance and Love can enable this newly enfolded order to gather strength and flourish amid the storm and stress of a turbulent age, and in the fulness of time vindicate its high claim to be universally recognized as the one Haven of abiding felicity and peace.”—Shoghi Effendi.

From time to time the question is placed before the National Spiritual Assembly as to what a Local Assembly should do when it has evidence that some believer has attempted to exert influence upon other believers in order to affect their votes in a Bahá’í election.

In deliberating upon this important matter, the National Assembly has

[Page 4] sought to arrive at and define, in the light of the Guardian’s instructions, the true Bahá’í attitude toward all elections held within the Cause, whether they are elections for members of a Local Spiritual Assembly, of Convention delegates or of members of the National Spiritual Assembly.

The Guardian’s words quoted above, all taken from the volume “Bahá’í Administration,” clearly create the spiritual standard which each and every voting member of a Bahá’í community must endeavor to attain. Such a standard compels us to leave behind many practices to which we have become accustomed through the influence of the political society existing throughout the world.

Thus, the ‎ Bahá’í‎ Faith contains no partisan factions corresponding to the political parties dominating the civil community. The issue before a Bahá’í electoral body is never the obligation to choose between rival candidates nor rival platforms and policies. The sole issue is the spiritual problem consisting in the obligation of each believer to uphold those qualities which the Guardian has enumerated in the selected passages quoted above. If we would meet this obligation faithfully, we must eliminate our own personal likes and dislikes and rise to the station of pure and selfless vision.

Such vision, as Shoghi Effendi declares, is inspired by prayer and reflection. The voter’s vision will only be clouded if he permits any other believer, directly or indirectly, to influence his choice. If it is contrary to the Bahá’í standard for any believer to attempt to influence the votes of other believers, it is likewise contrary to that standard for any believer to allow himself to be influenced.

The character of Bahá’í elections is such that the National Spiritual Assembly feels profoundly that its maintenance depends upon the loyal faithfulness of all believers in the community much more than upon the vigilance and authority of the Spiritual Assembly alone. Methods and practices contrary to the true Bahá’í standard can in any locality be quickly extirpated if the believer approached with improper influence and suggestion will immediately, in every instance, not merely reject such invasion of his spiritual rights and duties but also sternly rebuke the wrong doer. It is not the few wrong doers here and there who can do injury to the Cause, but the negative and passive attitude of his or her fellow-believers who fail to assert the power of the Teachings.

DATE OF 1934 CONVENTION


On February first the National Spiritual Assembly cabled Shoghi Effendi: “On account of reopening of Chicago Fair June first, also continuance Temple construction under new contract, Assembly prefers fix Convention date May thirty-first to June third, subject your approval.”

The Guardian to this inquiry cabled on June second: “Heartily approve. Deepest loving appreciation.”

A World Order still in its infancy must inevitably pass through all manner of test and experience in order to become mature and strong, able to detect error and fallacy from any and every source and prevent the entrance of even the subtlest negative suggestion. For this reason the National Spiritual Assembly believes that whatever evidences there may be in any locality at present of unBahá’í electoral practices, the problem in essence is one of educating the believers to understand, appreciate and uphold the Guardian’s standard rather than of disciplinary action on the part of the Local or National Assembly.

As the Guardian recently advised, it is only when repeated warnings are unheeded, and deliberate disloyalty has become manifest, that the extreme measure of expulsion should be undertaken. The test of our collective wisdom now is the capacity to distinguish between deliberate disloyalty and the errors that proceed from lack of knowledge, heedlessness or immaturity.

The National Spiritual Assembly will never fail to assist with all its power any Local Assembly confronted by conditions arising from deliberate disloyalty; but the view expressed here is that most misconduct surrounding Bahá’í elections can be extirpated entirely by wise action on the part of the believers themselves.

The concrete suggestion is however made that each Local Spiritual Assembly, immediately preceding elections, shall remind the friends of the Guardian’s words concerning their spiritual character. Indeed, the importance of developing the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh is so vital that the question of whether a Bahá’í should or should not vote in political elections is merely secondary.

SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES AND THE RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL BELIEVER[edit]

In our collective haste to establish one of the fundamental principles of Bahá’í administration, the authority of Spiritual Assemblies, another important principle, the rights of the individual believer, seems here and there to be occasionally overlooked.

To correct this over-emphasis upon authority at the expense of rights, the National Spiritual Assembly reminds the American believers that the Guardian has more than once definitely upheld an area of individual rights which the authority vested in Spiritual Assemblies cannot invade. While that area can not be marked off with finality, like boundaries on a map, nevertheless by careful reflection we can at least grasp the essential principle which must be applied in all cases where the exercise of authority upon individual believers is questioned.

Generally speaking, an Assembly’s authority extends throughout the realm of collective Bahá’í activities—the actions undertaken by the local Bahá’í community and those actions which express the Cause in the eyes of the public. The question of authority can not legitimately be raised in connection with the holding of Nineteen Day Feasts, public teaching programs, the raising of Bahá’í Funds, the approval of publicity put forth in the name of the Cause, the calling of Bahá’í elections and all other similar matters which concern the local Bahá’í body as a whole. Such matters are clearly subject to the authority vested in the Spiritual Assembly.

There is, however, a realm which is primarily personal in character, where the exercise of Assembly authority has sometimes been exceeded. For example, a Spiritual Assembly has no authority over any individual believer’s private property, neither his income nor his home or business establishment. Neither can an Assembly hope to exercise any useful authority over the efforts of individual believers to spread the Teachings by employing the opportunities which arise in the course of daily life. These considerations lead the National Spiritual Assembly to feel that each and every believer is free to arrange informal gatherings in his own home, for the promotion of the Cause, without formal approval or action by the Spiritual Assembly. If in such cases a believer feels it desirable to invite another believer to deliver the Message at a home gathering, the believer’s choice of

[Page 5] teachers can clearly not be restricted arbitrarily by the Assembly, for such restriction would invade the privacy of the home.

As a matter of fact, since the element of personal initiative is an integral and infinitely precious part of the Faith, the Spiritual Assembly itself is in duty bound to uphold and protect the rights of individual believers just as it is in duty bound to uphold and protect any other organic Bahá’í teaching or principle.

This is not to sanction a lesser degree of loyalty to the institution of a Spiritual Assembly on the part of any individual believer; nor should these remarks be taken to imply that “authority” and “rights” are mutually exclusive and incompatible realities. Rather is this statement a plea for more mutual consideration, more encouragement of individuals by Assemblies, more respect for Assemblies by individuals. The inter-relationship of an Assembly and members of the local Bahá’í community can not be mechanical, for it is based upon the fundamental principle of unity which, if it is to be achieved and preserved, bids an Assembly deal with all believers in kindness and forebearance, and bids every individual Bahá’í maintain an attitude of true respect for an institution created by Bahá’u’lláh Himself, and as such not to be judged by the personalities of those called to administer the institution during these difficult days of its infancy.

Just as authority and power can be abused, so can individuals abuse their God-given rights. Thus, while the holding of home meetings is a sacred right, there might be an instance in which a home meeting could result in the raising of personal issues affecting the Cause in that community. As the Guardian has declared, “Let us also remember that at the very root of the Cause lies the principle of the undoubted right of the individual to self-expression, his freedom to declare his conscience and set forth his views ... Let us also bear in mind that the key note of the Cause of God is not dictatorial authority but humble fellowship, not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving consultation. Nothing short of the spirit of a true Bahá’í can hope to reconcile the principles of mercy and justice, of freedom and submission, of the sanctity of the right of the individual and of self-surrender, of vigilance, discretion and prudence on the one hand, and fellowship, candor, and courage on the other.”

EXPLANATION OF PASSAGES IN “AMERICA AND THE MOST GREAT PEACE”[edit]

The Guardian’s general letter published under the title of “America and the Most Great Peace,” contains two passages which many believers have wished to be explained. The National Assembly therefore requested Shoghi Effendi to state what were the three aims which were the principal objectives of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ministry, and also to give the names of the five teachers sent to America by the Master.

In a letter dated December 14, 1933, the Guardian through his secretary has replied to these two questions as follows:

“As to the three aims which Shoghi Effendi has stated in his “America and the Most Great Peace” to have been the chief objectives of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ministry, it should be pointed out that the first was the establishment of the Cause in America. The erection of the Bahá’í Temple in Ishqabad, and the building on Mt. Carmel of a mausoleum marking the resting-place of the Báb, were the two remaining ones.

“The following is the list of the five teachers whom the Master sent to America in order to spread the Cause. They were not all Persians. As a matter of fact, the first one was a Syrian. Their names are as follows: Khayru’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Karim, Haji Mirza Hasan, Mirza ‘Abdu’l-Fadl and Mirza Asadu’lláh.”

THE GUARDIAN’S LETTERS TO INDIVIDUAL BAHA’IS[edit]

Recently the National Assembly made a decision in a matter concerning an individual believer, and shortly afterward learned that Shoghi Effendi had written that believer a letter which might be taken as approving a suggestion which the National Assembly had felt unable to approve.

Desiring only to serve the Guardian’s wishes, the National Spiritual Assembly immediately wrote Shoghi Effendi to explain the situation and request his advice. The letter received in reply to this inquiry conveys the Guardian’s attitude on a general matter of such importance that excerpts are published at this time for the information of all the believers. The reply is dated December 10, 1933.

“As to the important issue you have raised in this connection regarding the nature and significance of the ties which must unite individual Bahá’ís with their Guardian, it should be made clear that such a relationship, though it transcends any relationship to an Assembly, is by no means intended to curtail the authority of the administrative bodies of the Cause, that it rather serves to strengthen and consolidate the unity of the Administration. Administrative efficiency and order should always be accompanied by an equal degree of love, of devotion and of spiritual development. Both of them are essential and to attempt to dissociate one from the other is to deaden the body of the Cause. In these days, when the Faith is still in its infancy, great care must be taken lest mere administrative routine stifles the spirit which must feed the body of the Administration itself. That spirit is its propelling force and the motivating power of its very life.

“But as already emphasized, both the spirit and the form are essential to the safe and speedy development of the Administration. To maintain full balance between them is the main and unique responsibility of the administrators of the Cause.” (Here follows the Guardian’s postscript.)

“It is invariably my purpose and constant effort to uphold and reinforce the administrative principles of the Faith, and I trust that nothing will be allowed to interfere with the proper functioning of these administrative bodies.”

SHOGHI EFFENDI APPROVES NEW TEACHING BULLETIN[edit]

In November, 1933, the National Spiritual Assembly issued the first number of a bulletin entitled “A New World Order” consisting of excerpts from words of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, selected from the point of view of their application to current social conditions. Two thousand copies were mailed to representative people throughout the United States and Canada.

In a letter dated December 20, 1933, the Guardian has made the following comment:— “The bulletin entitled “A New World Order,” which the N. S. A. has issued to representative people throughout the States is, in the opinion of the Guardian, an important and unique step your Assembly has taken in the direction of teaching. He does not only approve of your plan in this connection, but wishes to encourage you, and to urge you to persevere in your efforts for the further extension of the Cause in important social circles. Your bulletin can develop into an effective and world-wide organ of

[Page 6] teaching provided you do your best in order to heighten its literary as well as its intellectual standard.”

BAHA’I PUBLISHING COMMITTEE[edit]

The Committee requests that correction be made of the price of the new Swedish edition of the Esslemont book, announced in BAHÁ’Í NEWS last month as $1.00, while the correct price is $1.50.

The friends are reminded that according to a decision by the National Spiritual Assembly, the Publishing Committee can give the discount of 33⅓% only to Spiritual Assemblies, and not to groups or individuals. A discount of 10% however is allowed on orders amounting to $10.00 or more, whether received from groups or individual believers.

The matter of free literature also needs explanation. The Publishing Committee has no authority to supply free literature for teaching purposes, but can only send out such literature on order from the Teaching or Inter-Racial Amity Committee, each of these committees having been given a budget for this purpose. All requests for free literature, then, are to be made direct to either the Teaching or Amity Committee, and the Publishing Committee acts only on orders received from those committees.

Will the Western friends kindly note that after March 1, 1934 the address of the Western Division of the Bahá’í Publishing Committee will be: Mrs. Emma F. Smith, 940 Leavenworth Street, San Francisco.

The article on the Cause prepared for the magazine Unity has been reprinted in pamphlet form and an edition presented to the Publishing Committee without cost. The title is “The Bahá’í Faith” by Horace Holley. The price is 15 copies for $1.00. Orders can be filled by March 1.

SUGGESTIONS FROM YOUTH COMMITTEE[edit]

1. Outline of Talks[edit]

Choose a subject of general interest.

  1. In the introduction we strive to be in sympathy with our hearers and a part of them.
  2. In the first part of the talk, open with a challenging statement, speaking with a general appeal, using a modern scientific authority if possible.
  3. Bring in the Bahá’í point of view with quotations from the Teachings to confirm what has been said previously in the talk.
  4. Close in the Bahá’í spirit.
2. Technique in Teaching Work[edit]
  1. Sincerity must be the keynote of all we do and say. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says that our words must first have a profound effect upon ourselves before they can affect our hearers.
  2. Use simple and natural words, phrases and actions.
  3. Our conviction should be felt more than heard, based upon knowledge of the fundamental teachings, but not imposed on our hearers by dogmatic attitude.
  4. A Bahá’í should never need to apologize for lack of preparation or immaturity. An apology denotes fear, and fear denotes a lack of faith. Speak with dignity and confidence, relying on the power of Bahá’u’lláh.
  5. Awaken interest by not telling too much; maintain that interest by not speaking too long, remembering that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá usually spoke for about twenty minutes. If interest has been aroused, the question period will prove it.
  6. It is better not to read or memorize our talks. Make a broad outline, have a clear and definite idea of the salient points to be developed, turn to Bahá’u’lláh, then speak spontaneously with full confidence in His power.
BAHÁ’Í YOUTH COMMITTEE
By: Rosemary Gillies.

LETTER FROM PUBLICITY COMMITTEE[edit]

Dear Co-workers:

The greatest source of publicity at the present time in this country is the Temple. The completion of the Dome is near at hand. At that time we should make great effort to use every channel possible in getting the news of the Temple and some of the teachings before the public.

We plan to send publicity with pictures for your use but in the meantime it would do no harm to approach the editors on this matter and ask how best to present the material. A feature article for the Sunday paper could be used and in that case the feature editor should be consulted. It is not easy to secure space for such material but we must recall constantly those wonderful friends in Nabil’s Narrative who remained undaunted when the most difficult tasks were presented to them for accomplishment.

On every Christian calendar is noted the celebration of Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. In sufficient time to be used we will send you publicity for the first day of the Bahá’í Fast. This will be followed with material to be used at the celebration of Ridván. Any copy that you are successful in getting printed kindly send us clippings.

There are many broadcasts all over the country that have to do with prayer or devotional ideals. The thought has been suggested that the Bahá’ís of every Community whenever there is a devotional period on the radio endeavor to contribute some of the Bahá’í literature in connection with the particular subject or make up a small compilation to be used in these broadcasts. It would further the spread of the principles of the Cause and their spiritual ideals and make contacts which might open further doors for publicity. We suggest that this should be handled by your publicity chairman.

On December 21st we sent you a news release based on the memorial service held for Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler, with the request that you send it to your local papers the night of December 31st. We also asked your secretary to send us the name of your publicity chairman and to report the result of this news effort in your city. We are grateful for the cooperation which in an increasing number of centers is helping to bring the name and facts of the Cause before the public.

The secretary of the committee, Doris McKay, reports, “In many cities the account of the memorial meeting was well placed and published in full.” This is very encouraging because it shows an advance in our two objects, namely:

  1. The preparation of suitable material.
  2. The technique of approach to editors.


In both these aims the local publicity chairman features, especially by his adaptation of the material through the use of a local tie-up.

It is noticeable that there was a greater proportion of success in this last release in the smaller cities and to overcome this difficulty in the large cities we suggest a special planning to conform to the requirements of the large city papers. In that case the publicity should be rewritten and submitted as a news story of the type appearing in the Sunday papers. Then there is the possibility of linking the information with some speaker of note who may be appearing on your program or with the announcements of your meetings. We are hoping that our co-workers will experiment until a way is found to win a place in your local news. Many friends have reported personal interviews with editors—the telephone can also be used. It is a proven fact that with editors

[Page 7] “persistence often succeeds.”

PUBLICITY COMMITTEE.
By Ruth Randall Brown, Chairman.

IN MEMORIAM[edit]

The friends are requested to remember in prayer these believers who have passed into the Kingdom.

Mrs. Mary Lucas, Boston.
Mrs. Agnes Parsons, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. George W. Busey, Urbana.
Mrs. Katherine Sankey, Oakland.
Mr. M. B. Lassen, Racine.
Mrs. Katherine Miller, Racine.
Mrs. Mary B. Morris, San Francisco.
Mrs. Katherine Bertlessen, Kaloma, Wash.

SHOGHI EFFENDI REQUESTS MEMORIAL MEETINGS FOR MRS. AGNES PARSONS[edit]

On January 27, 1934, the following cablegram was received from the Guardian concerning Mrs. Parsons, whose sudden and unexpected death had been reported to him.

“Greatly deplore loss distinguished handmaid of Bahá’u’lláh. Through her manifold pioneer services she has proved herself worthy of implicit confidence reposed in her by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Advise American believers hold befitting memorial gatherings. Assure relatives heartfelt sympathy, prayers.” (Signed) SHOGHI.

In accordance with this request, the National Assembly has requested Mrs. Mariam Haney to prepare a statement recounting Mrs. Parsons’ Bahá’í services, especially her notable and truly historic relation to the establishment of the Inter-Racial Amity Conferences. This statement will be sent by the National Assembly to all Local Assemblies, with the request that it be read to the believers at the next Nineteen Day Feast.

TRANSLITERATION OF PERSIAN BAHA’I TERMS[edit]

The friends are reminded of the Guardian’s wish that in all printed literature of the Cause, the Persian words and terms be transliterated according to the correct standard observed by the Guardian. This standard will be found in The Bahá’í World, Vol. IV.

INCORPORATION OF TEANECK BAHA’I COMMUNITY[edit]

The Spiritual Assembly of Teaneck (West Englewood), New Jersey, on November 2, 1933, effected an incorporation of the Bahá’í community under New Jersey State Statutes, the third local Assembly in the United States and Canada to take this step which the Guardian advocates for local communities sufficiently large and stabilized.

The Spiritual Assembly of Washington, D. C., is also in process of effecting a Bahá’í corporation, while the Montreal Assembly is working out the problem of incorporating under Canadian law.

NEWS OF THE CAUSE[edit]

1. The United States and Canada[edit]

The “Oregon Mineralogist” official publication of the Oregon Agate & Mineral Society, Portland, has in its January, 1934 Anniversary Number devoted one page to an illustrated article on the Temple written by F. S. Young, Chairman of the Portland Spiritual Assembly, who edits this magazine. The publication circulates extensively among teachers and students of geology, and the article in consequence has been privileged to bring the first information about the Faith to many important educators.

The New York Assembly reports that since August, 1931, Mrs. Lily Armstrong, member of the local community has been regularly including words of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi in broadcast programs she has rendered from various radio stations in New York and also New Jersey.

Miss Beatrice Irwin has broadcast a remarkable talk on “The Temple of Peace” from large stations in Chicago, Cleveland and New York City during recent weeks.

Mrs. Ida A. Finch, now a member of the Portland, Oregon Bahá’í community, has prepared a leaflet entitled “Recurring Cycles” which is much appreciated as a contribution to the teaching work.

The magazine entitled “Unity” of which Dr. John Haynes Holmes is editor, has been publishing a symposium on the subject of “Trends in Present-Day Religion,” to which Horace Holley has been invited to contribute a paper on the Bahá’í Faith. The Bahá’í article is scheduled to appear in February.

The National Assembly has recently prepared material on Bahá’í activities for the year 1933 to appear in the current volume of The International Year Book, published by Funk & Wagnall, New York. The previous volume of this annual work also contained reference to the Cause.

The Washington Assembly during November 1933 added two new members to the local community. Three new believers were enrolled by the Los Angeles Assembly in August, 1933. During the same month the Portland Assembly enrolled four new believers, one new believer in September and three in the month of November.

Los Angeles. During August a public feast was held which was attended by about one hundred non-believers recently attracted to the Cause. A special meeting was also arranged that month for colored friends, at which Willard Hatch delivered the Message. A memorial meeting was held at the grave of Thornton Chase on September 30. An Inter-Assembly meeting in October brought representatives from Bahá’í communities throughout southern California. The general letters received from the National Assembly are now being reproduced and copies supplied to all Los Angeles believers. The monthly public meetings are being continued with considerable success.

Milwaukee. The public meetings are attracting an ever-increasing audience. Among the speakers have been: Mirza Ali Kuli Khan, Dr. Zia Bagdadi, Mrs. Shahnaz Waite, Dr. A. L. Morris, Alahi Kalentar, Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford, H. R. Broadhurst, Robert H. Theiss, Mrs. Ruth Moffett. Bahá’í activities also include a children’s class, a study class on “Some Answered Questions,” another class which studies “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era,” a class in public speaking, and a Bahá’í Youth Group. The Bahá’í hall is open daily from noon until four P. M. The Milwaukee Assembly now issues a bulletin regularly for the local community.

Phoenix. A great stimulus has been given the community activities by Madame Margarita Orlova, leading to the enrollment of many new believers and the opening of a public Bahá’í Center in Room 16, Arizona Fire Building. Among the meetings addressed by Madame Orlova were: Y. W. C. A., Beth Israel Synagogue, a group of about sixty young Jews, the Dons luncheon club, Literary Department of the Women’s Club, the student body at Teachers College, the students at Phoenix Colored High School, Womens Club at Glendale, Arizona, in addition to many meetings arranged in homes. The Phoenix believers are enthusiastic over the results of these meetings, and have arranged to have the new study classes continued by Mrs. A. Y. Seto of San

[Page 8] Francisco.

Pittsburgh. A series of meetings has been arranged for Wednesday evenings, at the King Edward, devoted to the general subject of “Bahá’í Interpretations of Religious Beliefs.” Among the special phases of the subject treated during November were the Idea of God, Man Made in the Image of God, Man as Immortal Soul, and Body, Soul and Spirit.

Yonkers. Public meetings are held weekly at The Towers. The Yonkers community in December served as host to an Inter-Assembly meeting attended by believers from Montclair, Jersey City, West Englewood and New York City. On October first the Spiritual Assembly issued a general letter to reinforce the Temple appeal sent out by the National Assembly on September 26, 1933.

Honolulu. A Monday evening meeting is held devoted to the study of Bahá’í Administration, and a Thursday morning class is studying the Tablet of Iqan. After years of service in Japan, Miss Agnes Alexander has returned to Honolulu, and the believers hope that she will remain indefinitely. A visit paid by Mr. Grosvelt, of Java, has been greatly appreciated.

Monroe. The newly elected Spiritual Assembly has been holding weekly public meetings, and reports that local interest in the Cause increases steadily. A series of public lectures was planned for November, with Mrs. Luther and George O. Latimer as speakers.

Montreal. Two new believers were enrolled in September and October. The unique service being rendered by preparing papers for the first incorporation of the Cause in Canada, mentioned elsewhere in this issue, will be reported later in more detail.

Urbana. The Spiritual Assembly has voted to adopt the By-Laws of a Local Assembly recently issued by the National Assembly in pamphlet form. This action gives added stability to the deliberations and functioning of a Local Assembly, and can be taken before the Assembly in any city is legally incorporated. After thorough study of Bahá’í Administration, the weekly study class is now studying The Dawn Breakers. Recent public meetings have been addressed by Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford and Mirza Ali Kuli Khan. The Young Peoples Group, meets twice weekly and has become very active.

New Haven. The study class is using the general study guide of thirty-six lessons and three reference books prepared by the Study Outline Committee, and it is reported that eight newly attracted friends have been attending regularly. The Assembly has been made happy by visits paid by Mrs. Florence Morton, Louis Gregory and Philip Marangella.

Miami. A Bahá’í Reading Room has been opened at 709 N. E. First Avenue. Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf has gone to Miami to undertake a special teaching campaign in cooperation with the Spiritual Assembly.

San Francisco. The San Francisco Bahá’í News as issued monthly has been received from September to December, 1933, and conveys a brief but most interesting report of local activities. Among the items of interest are: a class in voice culture conducted by ‎ Madame‎ Orlova, Temple meetings for prayer and meditation; Sunday morning meetings, speakers at which have been Madame Orlova, Leroy Ioas, H. R. Hurlbut, Mrs. A. Y. Seto, Mrs. Ella G. Cooper and Miss Charlotte M. Linfoot; Home Meetings conducted by Mrs. Burland, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Shaw and Mrs. Ella G. Cooper; an Esperanto Class at the Marshall home; Temple Meetings at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Smith. An Inter-Assembly meeting held at San Francisco recently has pledged unanimous support to any plan the National Assembly may adopt to continue Temple construction after completion of the present dome contract.

Chicago. Detailed monthly reports received from the Spiritual Assembly bring news of many activities going forward under the inspiration of Temple construction. Lack of space prevents more than a brief summary here. The regular meetings include: a public meeting at the Bahá’í Center each Wednesday noon, a Friday evening meeting of artistic and cultural character, a children’s study class on Sunday morning, Youth meeting Monday evenings, and “Fireside” groups in the homes of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Smith, Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Matthisen, Mr. and Mrs. Paton, Mrs. Fannie Lesch, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. Mortenson, Dr. and Mrs. Bagdadi, Mr. and Mrs. Amerson, and a group at Park Ridge. A number of the believers have opened their homes to Bahá’ís and their friends as reading libraries. As result of a letter offering Bahá’í speakers to clubs and organizations, the following teachers have been placed on various club programs: Mrs. Shahnaz Waite, Miss Fanny Knobloch, Mirza Ali Kuli Khan, H. R. Broadhurst and Mrs. Sarah Walrath who, in November, spoke on “The Bahá’í Temple and What It Stands For” at four clubs. During October Dr. Khan spoke on the same subject to three clubs. Mrs. Florida Thomas is placing copies of The Bahá’í Magazine, made available by different believers, in ten club libraries each month. Dr. Bagdadi spoke at the Esperanto Congress held at Hotel Morrison on July 11, and Mirza Ali Kuli Khan addressed the Congress on the following day. New believers are enrolled by the Chicago Assembly steadily, showing a strong power of growth. The community gratefully acknowledges visits from a number of active teachers from other cities, including Mrs. Shahnaz Waite, Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford, Ali Kuli Khan and Allahi Khan Kalentar.

New York. A series of ten Lessons in Religion were conducted by Louis Gregory at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bishop Lewis from October 30 to January 1, firmly establishing 21 Bahá’í meeting in Harlem. Meetings at the Center include: Sunday afternoon public meeting, a Forum each Tuesday evening, general study class for the community Wednesday evening, now devoted to the Tablet of Iqan under the leadership of Mrs. Marie Moore, Tuesday afternoon Teas devoted to cultural subjects. “Fireside” groups are maintained in the homes of Mr. and Mrs. Bishop Lewis, Miss R. Sunshine, Miss Winifred Richards, Mr. and Mrs. Thurston Vaughn, Miss Ethel Bellows, Mrs. Ethel Murray, and at a neighborhood tea room a group is conducted by Miss Juliet Thompson. The New York community on February 17 will hold an Inter-Assembly meeting for discussion of the Guardian’s words on the subject of the Annual Bahá’í Convention.

2. International[edit]

The International Bahá’í Bureau at Geneva reports the passing of Frau Elisabeth Klitzing of Gehlsdorf-Rostock, Germany, who with her husband rendered great service through translating Bahá’í literature from English into the German language. Bulletins have been issued by the Bureau dated May 25 and November 12, 1933 which contain news items from Bahá’í Centers in Europe and the East. These bulletins also reflect the movement toward world peace animating the many institutions established at Geneva. The devoted services rendered by Miss ‎ Julia‎ Culver and Mrs. Emogene Hoagg are now to be reinforced by Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Bishop, of Portland, Oregon, who have gone to Haifa to consult with the Guardian and receive advice on how they can best assist the Cause at the International

[Page 9] Bureau. The importance of this international Bureau is great; undoubtedly it deserves increasing support from all National Spiritual Assemblies.

The Spiritual Assembly of Haifa issues a monthly bulletin containing most interesting and valuable news items translated from general letters and reports received from all parts of the Bahá’í world. Recent issues have contained the text of the letter addressed by Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler to the Shah of Persia and also the text of the letter written by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Iraq to his Majesty King Chazi I, on the occasion of the death of his father, the late King Feisal, together with the reply received from his Majesty’s private secretary. The following report is quoted from a general letter issued by that National Assembly: “The National Spiritual Assembly has appointed this year a Teaching Committee whose efforts have been crowned with success, a number of young men, intelligent and enthusiastic, have embraced the Faith. For the first time in Iraq, a group of young and zealous Bahá’ís have, under the auspices of the Spiritual Assembly, formed a committee known as ‘The Bahá’í Young Men’s Committee.’ This Committee secured permission from the authorities to have its group photograph taken in the Garden of Ridván, the historic site where Bahá’u’lláh declared His Mission. It is of interest to note that this is the first photograph ever taken of believers in that consecrated place. One of the believers—Adib Effendi Ruda—is translating the Nabil Narrative into Arabic. At the Guardian’s request, the Esslemont work is being translated into Kurdish by a very learned Kurd who is a lover of the Cause.”

The Haifa letters also quote from the communications sent by the Unity of East and West Committee, in Tihran. “Among the great undertakings which it was Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler’s mission to further in Persia is the construction of Persia’s first Mashriqu’l-Adhkar. Recently ninety members of committees met at the Hazirat-ul-Qods as luncheon guests of Dr. Yunis Khan Afrukhteh, and ways and means were discussed in the light of the experience acquired from construction of the Temples in Ishqabad and in Wilmette near Chicago. The Persian friends hope to build in their midst that great center for the attraction of divine bounties, the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar.

“In Kashan a police inspector bought and carried to headquarters a Bahá’í calendar printed in Tihran and sold at the Hazirat-ul-Qods in Kashan. The believer who sold the calendar was summoned and interrogated, and afterward taken to the Department of Justice, where among other matters he was questioned as to his religion. Infuriated at the reply that he was a Bahá’í, the examiner stated that there are only four recognized religions in Persia (probably Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism and Judaism—Editor) and asked to which of these he belonged. The believer repeated that he was a Bahá’í, whereupon the examiner wrote in the registry ‘I have no religion—I am a Bahá’í,’ and told the believer to sign this statement. The believer thereupon wrote: ‘I did not say that I have no religion—I am a Bahá’í’ and to this signed his name. After further investigation a case has been filed against this believer, the outcome of which is not yet known.”

“Friends throughout the world will be interested in news of Dr. Susan I. Moody, that Bahá’í pioneer who settled in Persia a generation ago and has since been an important factor in the development of unity between East and West. Because of advancing years, Dr. Moody now rarely leaves her home, but receives visitors daily. She speaks Persian by preference, even to her American friends, and her greatest happiness is to hear about the progress of the Cause. Dr. Moody is much loved throughout Persia, where she has become a symbol of the new world amity.”

The Committee on Unity of East and West, Tihran, makes the following request: “We would request all Bahá’í centers to send us copies of their News Letters and periodicals and to keep us informed of their important activities. We further request them to assist in the realization of the following items of our program (1) Collection of a comprehensive and up to date list of all periodicals, magazines, News Letters, books and pamphlets published throughout the Bahá’í world. (2) Collection of addresses of similar Bahá’í groups having a similar program in every country, and of individuals, Bahá’í or non-Bahá’í, of wide outlook, who would welcome correspondence with our Committee on the subject of the Bahá’í principles.

“As our circular letters suffer from the restrictions still vigorously observed against Bahá’í literature in this country, we would request all Bahá’í centers and groups to give the fullest distribution to the few copies of our circular letters we are able to prepare and send by post.

“We give below an outline of Bahá’í news collected during the month of September, 1933.

“Because spring freshets had for some time been damaging Bahá’u’lláh’s house and washing away adjoining lands in Takur, the Guardian gave instructions for a dam to be built which would safeguard the property. Last summer Aqay-i-Asási of the Tihran Spiritual Assembly made a trip to Núr and built a strong dam, so that the property is now safe from floods. Although the Guardian had arranged to pay half the cost of construction Aqay-i-Asási insisted on paying the entire sum; he further returned to Núr this year and undertook the work of restoring Bahá’u’lláh’s house.

“The Declaration of the Bab and the birthday of ‘Abdul-Bahá celebrated at this season by the Bahá’ís of the Orient, was the occasion this month of a large public festival in the garden of the Hazirat-ul-Qods. A concert including a children’s chorus was given, and Jinab-i-Fadil spoke on the importance of the day and dwelt on events in early Bahá’í history; more music followed, during which refreshments were served: Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler then discussed the progress that the Cause has made throughout the world, and showed how the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh are the only solution to world problems.

“The Children’s Service Committee celebrated the re-opening of its character training classes, which begin annually on September 15th, with a play put on by committee members and students for an audience of about 1,000, who assembled in the beautifully decorated hall of the Hazirat’ul-Qods. The play, written by a young Bahá’í, was in 4 acts; to emphasize the importance of character training; Act I contrasted the lives of two families, one Bahá’í, the other non-religious; act II illustrated the conflict of religion, portraying various religionists in their ecclesiastical robes, and showing the expectation each Faith has of a Promised One, and the gradual darkening of a world disrupted by conflict, the act closed with a Sunrise, and an Angel of Salvation chanting of the new day of universal peace, harmony among religions, the oneness of humanity; Act III brought on the scene two great Bahá’í poets, Mirza Na’im Aghay-i-Síná to recite verses on human oneness and the vanishing of religious prejudices, and chant a welcome to the Promised One, urging the faiths of the world to unite under new laws; act IV illustrated the usefulness of lessons in character building and the effect of

[Page 10] this training on the children.

“Out of eighty students selected by the Gov’t for foreign study, 9 were Bahá’ís; a farewell tea attended by approximately 100 people was given for them recently at the Hazirat-’ul Qods. After introducing the students Aqáy-i-Mesbáh, head of the Tarbiat School for boys, addressed them, reminding them of their great opportunity and the good uses they should make of it, and urging them not to exchange for materialism their spiritual outlook on life. Through the spokesman the students thanked Aqáy-i-Mesbáh and pledged themselves to live up to their religious ideals.

“The fort of Shaykh Tabarsi, sacred to Bahá’ís for its rôle in our early history and its many martyrs, has long been a place of pilgrimage for Eastern friends. The local Assemblies of Mazindaran arranged to have the latest Convention for that province at Shaykh Tabarsi, and the delegates, after visiting the martyrs’ graves and chanting a Tablet of Visitation, held their sessions near the shrine, taking new measures for teaching activity and discussing current problems. A recent international service the friends in Mazindaran were able to render was the assistance they gave to a number of Greeks sent there to work on the tobacco plantations; many of these, succumbing to the climate, fell ill and several died, and the friends were active in helping the sufferers and burying their dead.

“It is a great regret to the Tihran Bahá’ís that Keith is no longer here, working with us, writing, lecturing and teaching. Her last weeks here were especially crowded, as many farewell meetings were arranged for her, in addition to other meetings where she emphasized the Guardian’s recent instructions to Persia. Several brilliant receptions were given for her at the Hazirat-ul-Qods and elsewhere and a large group of friends escorted her for some distance when she left the city. Keith is now to spend some three months in Shiraz and throughout the South after which she will visit India.”

Communications intended for the Committee on Union of the East and West should be addressed to the Committee care Dr. Youness Khan Afronkhteh, Cheragh Bargh Avenue, Tihran, Persia.

The principal issues considered by the Seventh Annual Convention in Persia in 1933 are described by the Union of East and West Committee as follows.

“Persia’s seventh annual Convention, made up of twenty delegates from all parts of the country, has recently dispersed, after a twelve-day session in the course of which a strenuous program was drawn up for the coming year. Full details of the Convention will be forthcoming in the next News.

“The attention of the delegates centered on a recent communication from the Guardian, in which are stressed three immediate duties of the Persian Bahá’í. The first of these is the establishing of the National Spiritual Assembly; at present the Teheran Spiritual Assembly, elected indirectly, functions as the National Assembly; certain difficulties in completing the necessary preliminary work, such as the taking of the accurate census, have delayed the establishment of the National Body.

“The second issue is the completion of the Teheran ‘Hazirat-ul’Qods’; this is an imposing structure in a garden outside the city, some halls of which are finished and accommodate the thousands of people who attend public Bahá’í meetings; here the Spiritual Assembly meets three evenings in the week. The ground was purchased about ten years ago and has since almost trebled in value; the building itself, well-known throughout Teheran, is architecturally Persian and technically western, and has cost approximately 50.000 Tomans so far. The Assembly plans to complete the work as rapidly and economically as possible. Of the 500 Bahá’í centres in Persia, a majority have already erected their own meeting house.

“The third task confronting us this year is the purchasing of land on which the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar will be erected. It is evident that the financial responsibilities of such a large community are great, but the Bahá’ís show a marked desire to contribute, and it is not unusual for a man to give one third of his earnings to the Cause. Incidentally one function of the Finance Committee is to provide for Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í poor alike.

“Among decisions reached and subjects considered at the 7th Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Persia were the following:

“Plans were made for ninety-five delegates to meet in Tihran next year and elect the National Spiritual Assembly.

“It was arranged to reduce the number of the few paid Bahá’í teachers which conditions in Persia formerly necessitated; a few teachers are to travel all over the country, assisting the friends to deepen in the Cause and perfecting the administration of Bahá’í affairs; Aquay-i-Adhari will go through Afghanestan on a teaching tour; Bahá’í teachers-training classes to be held throughout the country this year will include the study of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era; an Education Committee was formed to collect and publish statements on the Cause by distinguished observers and to issue pamphlets on comparative religion; children’s and young Peoples’ classes in character training and Bahá’í education will continue as heretofore.

“Local Assemblies were urged not to do construction work this year and to contribute instead toward completing the Haziratu’l-Qods of Tihran; Temple committees are to be appointed all over Persia to raise funds for the Mashriqul-Adhkar which will be erected in the Capital.

“Regarding the ‎ economic‎ situation it was suggested that a nation-wide Bahá’í Company be formed to stimulate agriculture and industry.

“The formation of Bahá’í Alumni Association was planned to further the various Bahá’í educational institutions.

“It was urged that capable writers throughout Persia prepare articles for western consumption and forward them to the East-West Committee for translation.

“Regarding marriage regulations, Bahá’í couples are to register according to recently established civil law, and if they meet with difficulties on religious grounds they are to lodge a formal complaint and to inform the Tihran Spiritual Assembly.

“Those whose Bahá’í books have been confiscated at the frontiers are to appeal personally to the authorities concerned and to report results to the Tihran Assembly.”

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Egypt has been publishing a printed Bahá’í News Letter in two languages, English and Arabic. Three copies have been received during recent months—one dated April, one dated May and June, and one dated July and August, 1933. The items presented in English are summarized as follows:

The Annual Convention was composed of nineteen delegates. Consideration was given to the following subjects—Negotiations with the authorities on the problem of securing civil recognition of Bahá’ís; Teaching the Cause; Establishing a National Haziratu’l-Qods; The National Fund. A letter received from the Guardian emphasized the importance of continuing the negotiations with the government, of building a Hazirat-ul-Qods and of sending annual reports to Shoghi Effendi. The Tablet of Iqan has been

[Page 11] translated into Arabic; translation into Arabic of the chapter in The Dawn Breakers of the martyrdom of the Bab has also been carried out at the Guardian’s request. The Egyptian friends report with grief the passing of the venerable Hafez Nadim Effendi of Cairo, who on July 28, 1933 died in the hospital which stands in the Garden of Ridvan at Baghdad, he at the time being on a journey to Persia. Hafez Nadim Effendi was one of the earliest believers in Egypt, consecrated his life to the Cause, and was sent by the Guardian twice to Tunis to teach and encourage the friends.

From Poona has been received a copy of Sanj Vartaman Annual published in Bombay on the New Year of the Parsees, a large and sumptuous illustrated magazine, in which Shoghi Effendi’s “Goal of a New World Order” is reprinted in full. The Spiritual Assembly of Poona reports that this publication will reach about 35,000 Parsees. The “Kaiser-I-Hind” a magazine published in Bombay, has in its issue of December 31, 1933 a review of The Bahá’í World. The Illustrated Weekly of India for December 24, 1933 reproduces an article on the Cause from a recent volume of The Bahá’í World.

Through the courtesy of Mme. Laura Freyfus-Barney we have received a copy of a book recently published in Paris—“Cette Annee a Jerusalem” by Emile Schreiber, one chapter of which treats of the Bahá’í Faith. The publisher is Libraire Plon.

NEW VISIONS OF HUMAN UNITY[edit]

During the closing days of July, 1933 the annual conference for Racial Amity was held at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine and in the neighboring city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. An unusually large attendance gathered from many sections of the country was greeted by Harlan F. Ober, the chairman of the opening session, who expressed the key-note of the conference as the Oneness of Humanity. He dwelt upon the reality of religion, showing how many previous faiths have lost their power through dogmatism and warned the devotees of the new faith against similar errors. Extracts from the Divine Teachings were read to show the way of guidance which alone can harmonize the world.

Saffa Kinney of New York, the first speaker, told how he first came to Green Acre in 1900 at the invitation of the late Miss Sarah J. Farmer. He related several stories of those early days and of his association with the founder of this spiritual enterprise, whose great heart made possible the program she loved. People of all races and religions found welcome in her home and Green Acre became a center of hospitality. Her dignified presence and genial spirit charmed everyone and she was able to fuse conflicting viewpoints and clashing personalities through her serene and spiritual calm. Her stature grows with years. Her fame belongs to the ages. This brilliant daughter of a great inventor dedicated all her powers and resources to the ideal that all men are brothers.

Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford, lecturer, art critic and writer, saw a new race being evolved in the world. It will be far greater than any racial group of the past because it will have the best traits of every group. No race of today has a monopoly of good qualities. Each group will benefit from amalgamation with others. Superiority is in mankind as a whole. This truth is being rapidly discovered. As a rule the whites are overgrown on the intellectual side. They need more of heart and spirit. Unity and association with other races will bring this. The speaker had a wealth of illustration gathered from travel and contacts with many races. One of these related to the great French poet, Lamertine, a fine example of the astonishing benefits arising from a noble and spiritual love between himself and one of another race.

Mrs. Ludmila Bechtold of Brookly presided at the next session and there were brief addresses from workers and lovers of the cause of racial amity. Mrs. Hebe Struven of Worcester led with a spirited appeal to hearts. Then followed Joel Marangella, spokesman for those of tender years; Mrs. Aline S. Devin, long a summer resident of Green Acre, whose winters in the far South bring to her a knowledge of many social problems; Samuel A. Allen of New York, industrial secretary of the Urban League; Mrs. S. E. J. Oglesby, who recalled the instructions given her by Shoghi Effendi about race relations; Mrs. Mabel Ives, a very active teacher; Stanley White and Carl Cartwright, representing respectively the younger generation of Northerners and Southerners, one in their vision of and loyalty to the ideals of the new age; and Mrs. A. S. Parsons who told a number of fascinating stories of the visit to America of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912. In introducing the last speaker, the chairman voiced the penetration and power of the Great Message of the Kingdom. In the midst of this session came a hiatus, during which the Spiritual Assembly of Eliot favored the friends with an afternoon tea.

The final day of this amity conference was a busy one for its members who had gathered from practically every state east of the Allegheny Mountains, with visitors from many points farther West and South. The attendance was the largest of any conference at Green Acre in many years and the Inn and surrounding properties bustled with activities. At this Sunday morning session, which it is the aim to make most spiritual, Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf presided. Mrs. Louise Gregory read from the Holy Utterances and Mrs. Dorothy Richardson, with Miss Dorothy Wood as accompanist, sang. Three speakers, Mrs. Ford and R. G. Barrow and Saffa Kinney responded to the subject: How the Supreme World Illumines this World. With the chairman, they reviewed the whole matter of prejudice and averred the need of the Divine Power to lift humanity to a new plane of understanding. The reality of man is noble, fearless, open-minded, loving and intelligent. Today countless souls are showing forth this reality, scrapping ancient superstitions and prejudices and revealing in this way the foundations of human brotherhood. Every Divine Teacher of the past has unified races and nations. He has displaced hatred and prejudice with love and justice. Now antagonistic peoples are finding ideal unity through the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. This is a Light which shines for the whole world.

The afternoon session was devoted to the general subject of making the world better. Howard Ives presided. Dr. T. E. A. McCurdy, of Boston, the first speaker, presented the situation now confronting the colored people of New England who during the past decade have found themselves debarred from all medical schools in New England despite high scholastic standing. This manifest injustice leaves a considerable portion of the population without adequate medical care. The executive secretary of the Boston Urban League, declared in his interesting address that our social attitudes are primarily due to our education, there being no inherited aversion of people of one race to those of another. Children of different races left to themselves seek each other’s society. True education which looks at souls rather than color will unfold a new world of happiness to man.

[Page 12] Mrs. Zylpha O. Mapp of Boston, in a chart talk outlined the principles of a plan of education which will bring amity in all human relations. Realization of the oneness of mankind she regarded as fundamental. The hope of the world rests with those noble men and women who show forth in their lives the ideals of the new education. They are free from prejudice, just to all men and are the embodiments of that exalted word: “Ye are all the leaves of one Tree and the fruits of one Branch.”

The final meeting was held at the People’s Baptist Church in Portsmouth. The chairman, Philip Marangella, read to the audience a beautiful poem. Judge E. H. Adams, an honored citizen of Portsmouth extended to the delegates and friends a cordial welcome, expressing admiration for the principles of brotherhood and peace and a special love for the chairman and a colored friend, one of his fellow members of the bar, who was present. Portsmouth in many ways proves the worthiness of its title as “the City of the Open Door.”

The executive secretary of the New York Urban League, James H. Hubert, who knows economic conditions over the country, spoke of the difficulties arising from replacing colored workers with whites through racial antagonism during this critical period of business depression. He expressed the fervent hope that the spirit of this conference might soon pervade the nation as the solution of the great problem now confronting both races. Mrs. Grace Ober spoke of the wonder-working power of the love of God. This power enables souls to discover each other’s reality and so to become intimate upon the high plane of association and righteous endeavor. This new spiritual springtime brings not only light, but the heat necessary for growth. New ideals of unity are pervading the world. One who has long faced racial problems, Reginald G. Barrow, challenged both the white and colored groups. He felt that the former must assume their responsibility as the majority and ruling group which is responsible for the presence of their darker brothers on American soil. He felt that the colored in view of their difficulties, should show resolution and aim at a standard that would be even higher than those of others. He believed that merit cannot always be suppressed.

On Sunday afternoon a reception and tea was held for all delegates and visiting friends at the beautiful country estate of Mr. and Mrs. S. Schopflocher in Eliot. A very attractive program of music and reading was carried out and in social commerce all found opportunity to get better acquainted. The beauty of the surroundings and the spirit of hospitality shown made a very deep impression.

The difficulties in the way of this Amity Conference in view of the depression and other obstacles loomed larger than those which confronted any previous similar gathering. That they were met and overcome is certainly due to nothing less than Providence whose ways are ever marvelous in our eyes. Many of our visitors and workers traveled under such handicaps as to make their presence seem well nigh a miracle. Thus the mystery of sacrifice was attained and the devotion of hearts was freely given in service to the True One. It was an effort which commanded the united support of friends, those from afar and those near at hand. The power of these meetings was most impressive.

HARLAN F. OBER
LOUIS G. GREGORY

REPORT OF THE POONA BAHA’I SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]

Praised be the Lord that the Bahá’ís of Poona, though few in number, have been united in obedience to the life-giving commands of our beloved Guardian whose unfailing grace and loving kindness have surrounded us at all times, enabled us to surmount obstacles and march on towards victory.

How can we ever recount his manifold blessings? How can we ever render sufficient thanks for the fountain of life that ceaselessly flows from his pen? For his precious Book of Nabíl, a portion of this fount? Regularly have we met and studied this wonderful book and from the heroic deeds it portrays have realized how short, how far short we fall of the mark of a true Bahá’í. But we have not given way to despair, nay, rather, we have turned towards the Abhá Kingdom and have implored the Blessed Beauty to grant us purity and wisdom and strength that we might be enabled to discharge our sacred trust.

It was Nabíl’s Narrative that caused Poona to contribute Rs. 3708/- to the Temple Fund. For what heart could remain unmoved by its tale of devotion to and sacrifice for the Cause? What hand would, then, dare to withhold aught that might conduce to the progress of our glorious Faith? Hardships though the giving of this amount may entail upon the friends they are yet too fully conscious how infinitesimal is what they have surrendered compared to what they have received. We are deeply impressed by the sacrifice that our noble brothers and sisters in America are making and must still make to accomplish the mighty task laid upon their shoulders and can only pray, and pray unceasingly, that the Spirit of our gracious, our loving Master may sustain them, enrich them, and enable them to complete, in good time, the glorious work of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár.

Four new friends have accepted the Cause this year. Now the total number of declared adult believers in Poona is 21. The people of our town are conservative; our former co-religionists, especially, have resented the acceptance by these friends of the Truth and in ways innumerable have sought and still seek to injure us. The invincible power of the Lord, our God, the Almighty doth protect us, however, and shall surely confound and put to flight the forces of darkness.

For the first time in Poona the first day of Ridván of the year 90 was observed as a holiday, the friends refraining from work on that day. The notices, displayed beforehand at the few Bahá’í shops, intimating that these would be closed on April 21st, it being a Bahá’í holiday, caused the fire of hatred burning in the hearts of the enemies of the Cause to blaze more fiercely still. These witness the growing power of the Faith, its onward, irresistible march, and are consumed by their wrath.

We take this opportunity of thanking all the kind friends and Assemblies of India and Burma who have helped us during the year with their orders for Bahá’í literature and The Bahá’í Magazine. Our net gain from these sales has been about Rs. 45/-.

During the period under review the Poona friends have contributed a sum of Rs 165/- to the National Fund and Rs. 200/- to the Haziratu’l-Qods of Calcutta.

During this year we have subscribed to the following Magazines and mailed them regularly to various libraries or other public institutions:—

6 copies of The Bahá’í Magazine
6 copies of the Herald of the South
6 copies of The Bahá’í Weekly
12 copies of the Kaukab-I-Hind

We have also distributed the following literature to Educational Institutions or Public Libraries in Poona and elsewhere:—

12 copies of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era (To be continued)


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