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PRE-CONVENTION NUMBER

[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. 91

APRIL, 1935

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CONVENTION COMMITTEES

Information Bureau: May Scheffler, Chairman; Mineola Hannen, Mrs. Barton.

Housing Committee: Chicago Spiritual Assembly.

Decoration Cmmmittee: Harry Walrath.

Devotional Program: Gertrude Struven.

Building and Grounds Committee: Carl Scheffler.

Ridván Feast: Albert Windust, Chairman of devotional period in Temple auditorium. Roy C. Wilhelm, Chairman of informal social program. Spiritual Assemblies of Wilmette, Evanston and Chicago jointly to serve refreshment.

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GENERAL ORDER OF CONVENTION BUSINESS

Friday April 26. A. M.

Opening remarks by the Presiding Officer of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Roll Call of Delegates.

Election of Permanent Officers of Convention.

Report of National Secretary.

Report of National Treasurer.

Friday. P. M. and subsequent morning and afternoon sessions.

Discussions of Bahá’í Administration. Committee representative, Allen B. McDaniel.

Temple Trustees. Committee ‎repsentative representative‎, Carl Scheffler.

Teaching. Committee representative, Leroy Ioas.

Race Amity. Committee representative, Louis G. Gregory.

Bahá’í Summer Schools. Committee representative, George O. Latimer.

Bahá’í Youth. Committee representative, Paul Haney.

Green Acre Trustees. Committee representative, Alfred. E. Lunt.

World Order (Bahá’í Magazine). Committee representative, Stanwood Cobb.

Publicity. Committee representative, Ruth Randall Brown.

Publishing. Committee representative, Horace Holley.

Archives. Committee representative, Edwin W. Mattoon.

Note: These special topics for discussion will take the place of the customary Annual Committee Reports, which reports are to be published prior to the Convention. The committee representative will briefly outline the topic and then lead the general consultation which follows.

Election of National Spiritual Assembly to be held at 2:00 P. M., Saturday, April 27.

Evening sessions (open to all Bahá’ís).

Friday. Consultation on teaching—a general discussion, the Chairman of the Teaching Committee to be the leader.(This is the third of the subjects for consultation listed above, and has been assigned to an evening session on account of the paramount importance of Bahá’í teaching.)

Saturday. Ridvan Feast.

Sunday. Consultation with incoming National Spiritual Assembly.

Sunday afternoon. The business session will recess for the usual Public meeting. Program will be reported later.

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THE ANNUAL BAHA’I CONVENTION

A Statement by the National Spiritual Assembly

(Approved by the Guardian)

Despite the repeated explanations given by the Guardian on this subject, there seems to exist each year, prior to and also during the Convention period, some misunderstanding as to the nature of the Annual Meeting.

In order to establish a definite standard of Convention procedure, the following statement has been ‎aproved approved‎ and adopted, and in accordance with the vote taken by the National Assembly, a copy of the statement is placed in the hands of the presiding officer of the Convention to control the Convention procedure, after being read to the delegates by the officer of the National Spiritual Assembly by whom the Convention is convened.*

“The delegates present at this Annual Bahá’í Convention are called upon to render a unique, a vital service to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Their collective functions and responsibilities are not a matter of arbitrary opinion, but have been clearly described by the Guardian of the Cause. If civil governments have found it necessary to adopt the doctrine that ‘ignorance of the law is no excuse,’ how much more essential it is for Bahá’ís, individually and collectively, to base their responsible actions upon thorough comprehension of the fundamental principles which underlie that Administrative Order which in its maturity is destined to become the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. “Considerable confusion would have been avoided at Conventions held during the past three years had the delegates, and all members of the National Spiritual Assembly itself, given sufficient consideration to the fact that BAHÁ’Í NEWS of February 1930, contained an explanation of the Annual Convention which had been prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly, submitted to Shoghi Effendi, and definitely approved by him. It is because this statement of four years ago has gone unnoticed that successive Con-

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* This reference to “being read to the delegates” was in connection with the 1934 Convention only. The statement is here published for the general information of the believers.

[Page 2]

ANNUAL CONVENTION 1935

Participating communities	Delegates
Phoenix, Arizona	1
Berkeley, California	1
Geyserville, California	1
Glendale, California	1
Los Angeles, California	5
Oakland, California	1
Pasadena, California	1
San Francisco, California	2
Santa Barbara, California	1
Montreal, Canada	1
Vancouver, B. C.	1
Colorado Springs, Colorado	1
Denver, Colorado	1
New Haven, Conn.	1
Washington, D. C.	3
Miami, Florida	1
St. Augustine, Florida	1
Honolulu, Hawaii	1
Chicago, Illinois	10
Evanston, Illinois	1
Peoria, Illinois	1
Springfield, Illinois	1
Urbana, Illinois	1
Wilmette, Illinois	1
Indianapolis, Indiana	1
South Bend, Indiana	1
Eliot, Maine	1
Baltimore, Maryland	1
Cabin John, Maryland	1
Boston, Massachusetts	3
Worcester, Massachusetts	1
Detroit, Michigan	1
Fruitport, Michigan	1
Lansing, Michigan	1
Muskegon, Michigan	1
Minneapolis, Minnesota	1
St. Paul, Minnesota	1
Montclair, New Jersey	1
Newark, New Jersey	1
Teaneck, New Jersey	2
Binghamton, New York	1
Buffalo, New York	1
Geneva, New York	1
New York City, New York	9
Yonkers, New York	1
Akron, Ohio	1
Cincinnati, Ohio	1
Cleveland, Ohio	2
Columbus, Ohio	1
Lima, Ohio	1
Toledo,Ohio	1
Portland, Oregon	1
Philadelphia, Pa.	1
Pittsburgh, Pa.	1
Monroe, Washington	1
Seattle, Washington	1
Spokane, Washington	1
Kenosha, Wisconsin	1
Milwaukee, Wisconsin	7
Racine, Wisconsin	2
	_____ 95

ventions, acting upon some matters as a law unto themselves, have inadvertently contravened the Guardian’s clear instructions.

“The National Spiritual Assembly now calls attention to two specific portions of the 1930 statement approved by the Guardian which have been neglected in subsequent Conventions: first, the ruling that non-delegates do not possess the right to participate in Convention proceedings; and, second, that the time of the election of members of the National Spiritual Assembly shall be fixed in the Agenda at such a time as to allow the outgoing Assembly full time to report to the delegates, and to allow the incoming Assembly to have full consultation with the assembled delegates. It is surely evident that a procedure or principle of action once authorized by the Guardian is not subject to alteration by any Bahá’í body or individual believer to whom the procedure directly applies.

“In order to remove other sources of misunderstanding, the National Spiritual Assembly now feels it advisable to point out that the Guardian’s letters on the subject of the Convention, received and published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS this year,* do not, as some believers seems to feel, organically change the character and function of the Annual Meeting, but reaffirm and strengthen instructions and explanations previously given. In the light of all the Guardian’s references to this subject, compiled and published by the National Spiritual Assembly in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of November 1933 and February 1934, the following brief summary has been prepared and is now issued with the sole purpose of contributing to the spiritual unity of the chosen delegates here present:—

“1. The Annual Bahá’í Convention has two unique functions to fulfill, discussion of current Bahá’í matters and the election of the National Spiritual Assembly. The discussion should be free and untrammeled, the election carried on in that spirit of prayer and meditation in which alone every delegate can render obedience to the Guardian’s expressed wish. After the Convention is convened by the Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, and after the roll call is read by the Secretary of the Assembly, the Convention proceeds to the election of its chairman and secretary by secret ballot and without advance nomination, according to the standard set for all Bahá’í elections.

“2. Non-delegates may not participate in Convention discussion. All members of the National Spiritual Assembly may participate in the discussion, but only those members who have been elected delegates may vote on any matter brought up for vote during the proceedings.

“3. The outgoing National Spiritual Assembly is responsible for rendering reports of its own activities and of those carried on by its committees during the past year. The annual election is to be held at a point midway during the Convention sessions, so that the incoming Assembly may consult with the delegates.

“4. The Convention is free to discuss any Bahá’í matter, in addition to those treated in the annual reports. The Convention is responsible for making its own rules of procedure controlling discussion; for example, concerning any limitations the delegates may find it necessary to impose upon the time ‎alloted allotted‎ to or claimed by any one delegate. The National Assembly will maintain the rights of the delegates to confer freely and fully, free from any restricted pressure, in the exercise of their function.

“5. The Convention as an organic body is limited to the actual Convention period. It has no function to discharge after the close of the sessions except that of electing a member or members to fill any vacancy that might arise in the membership of the National Spiritual Assembly during the year.

“6. The Convention while in session has no independent legislative, executive or judicial function. Aside from its action in electing the National Spiritual Assembly, its discussions do not represent actions but recommendations which shall, according to the Guardian’s instructions, be given conscientious consideration by the National Assembly.

“7. The National Spiritual Assembly is the supreme Bahá’í administrative body within the American Bahá’í community, and its jurisdiction continues without interruption during the Convention period as during the remainder of the year, and independently of the individuals composing its membership. Any matter requiring action of legislative, executive or judicial nature, whether arising during the Convention period or at any other time, is to be referred to the National Spiritual Assembly. The National Assembly is responsible for upholding the administrative principles applying to the holding of the Annual Convention as it is for upholding all other

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* February, 1934.

[Page 3] administrative principles. If, therefore, a Convention departs from the principles laid down for Conventions by the Guardian, and exceeds the limitations of function conferred upon it, in that case, and in that case alone, the National Spiritual Assembly can and must intervene. It is the National Spiritual Assembly, and not the Convention, which is authorized to decide when and why such intervention is required.

TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION On February 14 the National Spiritual Assembly issued the notice of the 1935 Annual Convention. It will be held in the Foundation Hall of the Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, on Friday, April 26, Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28. Will local Assemblies report on election of delegates at their earliest possible convenience, as the Convention is to be held during the Ridván period, a month earlier than in the past two years.

“8. The National Spiritual Assembly feels that it owes a real duty to the delegates, and to the entire body of believers, in presenting any and all facts that may be required in order to clarify matters discussed at the Convention. There can be no true Bahá’í consultation at this important meeting if any incomplete or erroneous view should prevail.

“9. The National Assembly in adopting and issuing this statement, does so in the sincere effort to assure the constitutional freedom of the Convention to fulfill its high mission. The path of true freedom lies in knowing and obeying the general principles given to all Bahá’ís for the proper conduct of their collective affairs. While the entire world plunges forward to destruction, it is the responsibility of the National Spiritual Assembly to uphold that Order on which peace and security solely depends.”

ANNUAL COMMITTEE REPORTS

1934-1935

Note—The following Reports have been prepared in brief and condensed form, for publication in advance of the Convention. The detailed facts and conditions can be presented by the representative of each Committee during the Convention sessions.

I.—Archives

The attention of the American believers is called to a statement contained in a letter written by the Guardian in 1929 to a member of the Committee on Editing Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This statement reads: “The work of collecting and publishing Tablets is one of the most important tasks that this generation has to undertake, for upon it depends our true understanding of the Cause and its principles. The more we put it off, the more we are apt to lose some of the original writings.” The statement continues that, “Early translations are far from being accurate,” and that, “... only Tablets with the Master’s signature and in the original tongue should be recognized. Any translations or copies of them fail from having real authority.” The Guardian has indicated that in the future only those Tablets will be published of which there are signed originals.

The responsibility of the collection and preservation of the original Tablets rests with the National Archives Committee, and over a period of more than twenty years the members of this Committee have persevered in their efforts to fulfill this responsibility. The task is still far from completion, however, and as a distinct aid toward its completion the Committee urges the adoption of this recommendation:—That the National Spiritual Assembly request each local community and group to appoint a Local Archives Committee, whose first duty shall be to cooperate with the National Archives Committee in the collections of Tablets and other records desirable for preservation in the National Archives.

In a supplementary report of this Committee published in the BAHÁ’Í NEWS, No. 87, it was urged that each American Bahá’í community found local archives for the preservation of the minutes and correspondence of the local Spiritual Assembly; records, photographs, newspaper clippings, et cetera, pertaining to the history of the Cause locally; and accurate individual records of all members of the local Bahá’í community. A form for such an individual record has been prepared by the Committee and, through the Chicago Spiritual Assembly, has been presented to the National Spiritual Assembly for its approval. The above statements suggest additional important duties for local archives committees.

During the current year numerous Tablets have been received for preservation. Several communities and individuals have also forwarded letters from Shoghi Effendi. Among the Tablets received is a group of twenty-five originals with translations from the Master to Miss Sarah Farmer. Other materials received include a small collection of sacred relics which belonged to Dr. Susan I. Moody, and a collection of notes, correspondence, newspaper and magazine clippings and photographs which belonged to Keith Ransom-Kehler, which form an excellent record of her teaching activities. In behalf of the “Hosts of the Kingdom” of the future the Committee wishes to thank those who have so selflessly parted with their treasures in order that their preservation may be made more certain, and to express appreciation for the services of those who have so graciously aided in collecting and forwarding material for the Archives.

EDWIN W. MATTOON, Chairman

MAY SCHEFFLER, Secretary

1821 Lincoln Street

Evanston, Illinois.

‎GERTRDE GERTRUDE‎ BUIKEMA

JULIA SOBEL

ALBERT R. WINDUST

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2.—Bahá’í World

(FOR VOL. VI, 1934-1936)

The editorial staff for the Bahá’í World Vol. VI consists of six members including the chairman and secretary for the United States and Canada, with the foreign members from Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, France, Persia, India and Burma, Palestine, Egypt, Australia and New Zealand, ‘Iráq and the International member, Miss Root. These individuals aided by their respective National Spiritual Assembly constitute what may be termed an International Network whose duty it is to watch and faithfully record the progress of the work of the Faith in all lands and to collect any and all data which may contribute to the enrichment and interest of the Bahá’í World.

The progress which may be noted from year to year as each new volume appears is an evidence of the unfolding of the Cause and the more able and exact method of compilation. Up to the present time the International Sur-

[Page 4] vey prepared in this country by Mr. Holley, the chairman, has been as complete and accurate a resumé of international affairs as it was possible to make. Now however, the Guardian has signified his desire to have from each of the countries where National Spiritual Assemblies exist, a national survey which will appear irrespective of the general survey. These national reports are to be prepared by the members of the editorial staff with the approval of their National Assemblies and by the Guardian’s explicit direction they are to be sent to the office of the secretary of the Committee in Pasadena and there prepared for submission to the ‎Guardain Guardian‎. This arrangement has been undertaken in order that the Guardian may be spared all unnecessary labor in connection with the book.

Owing to the fact that Vol. V was late in appearing the actual collection of material for Vol. VI has been somewhat delayed, but during the remaining months of this year those who are responsible for the material for Vol. VI are urged to prosecute their labors with the utmost zeal and to leave no stone unturned to produce a really thorough and complete record of the affairs of the Cause in every avenue.

Urgent letters have been sent to all the members of the staff, to the National Spiritual Assemblies and to each and every one of those teachers in distant fields whose experiences in presenting the Teachings must have resulted in interesting and valuable contacts.

All material for Vol. VI should be in the hands of the secretary of the committee not later than the end of December of this year.

If any of the friends at any time have any valuable information which may be of service to the committee will they please communicate at once with the chairman or the secretary.

HORACE HOLLEY, Chairman

NELLIE S FRENCH, Secretary

501 Bellefontaine Street,

Pasadena, Calif.

BISHOP BROWN

RUTH BRANDT

ELSA RUSSELL BLAKELEY

MARION HOLLEY

VICTORIA BEDIKIAN, Ass’t Photograph Editor.

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3.—Braille Transcriptions

“O Thou tender Lord!—Cast Thy glance of favor toward us! Give light to the eyes, give hearing to the ears and understanding and love to the heart—”. (Prayer of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá from Prayer Book).

The Committee on Braille ‎Transscriptions Transcriptions‎ consists of two eager, enthusiastic and helpful members and a chairman who for lack of time has had to depend on these two valuable assistants for the actual work of transcribing, for the tooling of a printed book into Braille is a long and laborious task which must be done with the greatest care and which really amounts to making a manuscript. As the Braille pages are thick sometimes a small printed book will make two or three volumes in Braille writing.

The committee on hearing of the desire of Mr. Harald Thilander in Sweden to have some of the Bahá’í writings in Braille, fell to work at once and completed the “Goal of a New World Order” and the “Golden Age of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh” for him. These books were reviewed and bound by the Braille department of the Library of Congress and by the Director of that department forwarded to Mr. Thilander. Thus was a promise made by the chairman of the committee to Mr. Thilander last summer when in Stockholm fulfilled, and the letter of appreciation received in consequence is so sincerely grateful that the committee feels amply repaid for their efforts.

Some time ago a letter was received from the Guardian by the chairman in which he requested that a Braille copy of the “Book of Iqán” be sent to him. Steps were immediately taken to perform this beautiful service and at the present time the work is moving forward with what rapidity possible to insure a correct and beautiful manuscript. When completed this work will be proof read and suitably bound and sent at once to the Guardian.

The committee has under way also the transcription of the “Divine Philosophy” which we hope will be completed within a few weeks.

Although the results of our labors would at first glance seem somewhat limited, the many hands through which the books must pass in being proofread and bound brings to the eyes and fingers of many the Creative Word, and the committee feels that in establishing this relationship with Mr. Thilander who is himself blind, but who is the most important editor and owner of publications for the blind in Sweden, a great field of service has been discovered. An article describing Mr. Thilander and his wonderful work appeared in a recent number of the Bahá’í Magazine.

In submitting this report the committee desires to express its gratitude for the privilege accorded its members to serve the Cause in this way and only regrets that more of the friends, who may find active teaching work beyond their ability for one or another reason, have not arisen to assist.

NELLIE S. FRENCH, Chairman

ELLA QUANT

CONSTANCE RODMAN

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4.—Central States Summer Schools

The fourth session of the Central States Summer School, June 25-July 8 inclusive, followed a different plan this year in that the youth group had a separate session by themselves preceding the general session. This idea really started with the young people themselves in the summer of 1933. Their joyous enthusiasm extended to June, and for four days, June 25-28 inclusive, they proved to the Bahá’í world that in the hands of tomorrow’s adults lies a real gift to our beloved Cause.

The resident attendance of Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í youth students was forty, but approximately sixty actually contacted the teachings. The principles of Bahá’u’lláh were presented by Mr. Harlan Ober, and a lively forum period followed. Mr. Bishop Brown conducted a class in effective leadership; Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford gave an inspiring group of talks on the spiritual teachings; and our young people themselves added greatly to the program in the presentation of the history of religion by James McCormick and of stories from the Dawn-Breakers by Mary Maxwell. Mrs. Dorothy Baker and Mr. Stanley Mason acted as counsellors and advisors for the young people.

The committee feels that the importance of this definite beginning of a distinct youth conference cannot be overestimated. We pray that through the power of the Spirit its growth may be unbounded and its influence in establishing the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh unlimited.

Many young people remained through the general session which covered nine days, June 30-July 8. June 30 was registration day with a program of welcome, inspiration and fellowship in the evening, and on the remaining eight days a regular program was carried out. For the entire session 94 were registered and there was a total of 156 different souls in attendance.

Four courses were given besides the daily devotional period. These were: Bahá’í Administration, Bishop Brown, Marlan Ober; Dawn-Breakers, Mary Maxwell; Bahá’í Teachings in Daily Living, Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford; Bahá’í Teachings and the Bible, Mrs. Shahnaz Waite

Each afternoon a public lecture was

[Page 5] given. The evening programs were varied and required less concentration. Often there were stories of Akka, Haifa and the Master. Sometimes there was group singing. Two evenings directed by the young people were given over to Temple inspiration.

All the courses were directly concerned with some aspect of the teachings and each course made its own especial appeal. Mrs. Waite gave us out of the abundance of her long years of study of the Bahá’í Teachings and the Bible. Her lessons developed the great new Bahá’í truths and shed light on the Bible. The daily living of a spiritual life seemed possible, necessary indeed, after listening to Mrs. Ford’s brilliant talks on Spiritual Freedom, Prayer, Servitude, Faith, Spiritual Healing and other subjects. She spoke from the fullness of her own experience. The early history of the Cause as told in the Dawn-Breakers took on new reality when presented by Mary Maxwell. No one listened unmoved to her inspired rehearsal of those early thrilling and sacred events and no one failed to feel an increased urge to live nobly for a Cause for which so many had died.

The interest in Bahá’í Administration was marked. The well organized presentation of the subject by Mr. Brown and Mr. Ober appealed to all and the opportunity for questions and discussion seemed to satisfy a widely felt need and to indicate a growing consciousness that each individual is a member of and each local community a unit in Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order.

The committee feels that the interest in the summer school is increasing as its aims and opportunities become more widely known. It was suggested by some that two sessions, one in July and one in August, would be well attended. We are eager to expand and develop as fast as demand and funds warrant. We seek advice and suggestions.

L. W. EGGLESTON, Chairman

BERTHA HYDE KIRKPATRICK, Secretary

DOROTHY BAKER

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5.—Contacts Committee

The work of the Contacts Committee has been carried on primarily to arouse an interest in the Bahá’í Faith in prominent people of capacity. To that end letters have been written and literature sent, and the question asked whether the recipient would like to receive the bi-monthly Bulletin published by the National Spiritual Assembly. The replies indicate the number of people who responded, expressing a desire to have the Bulletin mailed to them. Through the efforts of the Committee, 66 new names have been added to the Bulletin mailing list this year.

CONVENTION DEVOTIONAL SERVICES At the request of Mrs. Gertrude Struven, in charge of the devotional program to precede and prepare for the Convention sessions, the special attention of the believers is called to the fact if they would avail themselves of the benefits of the preliminary devotional service in the House of Worship, they should be present fifteen minutes before the hours set for the business sessions. The spiritual program is just as much an organic part of the Convention as the consultation.

The individuals approached are in almost all instances, nationally known figures in the educational, sociological, literary and lecture fields. Many of the responses have been intensely interesting, and have shown how general is the search for a solution of the difficulties confronting humanity today. When it is pointed out that men such as Horace Bridges, Graham Taylor, Howard Vincent O’Brien, and others of a similar stamp eagerly responded, it is clearly apparent that “the world is waiting.” Archie Bell, internationally known newspaper and magazine correspondent said, along with a request to have the Bulletin sent him: “I talked with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá several times in Tiberias in 1914.” Innumerable items like the above could be cited, did space permit. Suffice it to say that the work thus far done has merely scratched the surface. There is yet a great untouched area in this field. True, the ratio of actual responses is not great, but how are we to know that the seed dropped now, may not take root when the soil has had a little more preparation?

A word of explanation as to how some of the names of those approached were culled might be interesting. Not having an extensive acquaintance among the important people of the land, a few of the members of the Committee resorted to the aid of “Who’s Who in America.” The biographies of the people listed in this book were studied and the names of those chosen whose education, occupation and achievements seemed to indicate that they might be responsive to the Bahá’í Message. Personal letters were then written and literature sent, and further free copies of the Bulletin offered.

The total cost of this work has been $72.02.
Of this sum the National Spiritual Assembly expended	$49.52
One member expended from own funds	7.80
One member expended from own funds	14.70
	_____
	$72.02

Briefly 618 persons have been individually approached and supplied with literature, at a cost of 11 6/10c each.

We hope that this work can be carried on and that the results of succeeding years will far surpass our humble efforts.

SOPHIE LOEDING, Chairman.

LUCY MARSHALL

ETHEL REVELL

GERTRUDE L. MATTERN

ROLAND ESTALL

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6.—Editing Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The editing committee for Volume IV of the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá made their last report in September, 1934. That report covered the work of sorting, classifying, separating and the making of three copies of each of the 397 Tablets not already contained in the three previously printed volumes.

We wish now to supplement this report with the following:—

One hundred and thirty-two more Tablets, also separated from much other material belonging to the Archives, classified and copied—three copies of each.

These are now filed alphabetically and returned to the Archives. We have found it necessary to go over the Tablets many times for different details which has made it slow and particular work, there have been unavoidable interruptions which have slowed it up considerably, and a great deal of additional work has been done in connection, difficult to describe.

We find many original Tablets which have no translations, and likewise some translations with no original Tablets.

CORINNE TRUE, Chairman

GERTRUDE STRUVEN, Secretary

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7.—Bahá’í Magazine

(Editorial Committee)

It does not seem necessary to make a long report this year concerning the work of the editors of the BAHÁ’Í MAGAZINE.

First and foremost, however brief

[Page 6] the report, we wish to express deep gratitude for the bounty of being allowed to serve in this capacity.

Secondly, we feel grateful to the writers who have helped to make the magazine significant. Many letters have been received indicating great appreciation of the constant improvement in the style and literary quality of the magazine, as well as the character and interest of the articles published.

Every effort has been made by the editors to secure articles of a superior kind and of a nature to give diversity and broad scope to the magazine. A considerable number of articles by writers and scholars, not Bahá’ís, have been contributed and published. Numbers of people outside of the Cause have manifested great interest in the contents of the magazine as indicated by requests for a continuation of subscriptions by public libraries, as well as other libraries,—thus showing that the Bahá’í Teachings as set forth in this publication have been appreciated and found of sufficient interest to warrant reading the magazine. The Bahá’í Name and teachings have been widely spread through this magazine so that the Name—Bahá’í—has become more familiar to the reading public.

As usual the magazine has found a wide use as a teaching medium according to reports received, and has been more successfully used each year to interest new people.

We have been particularly grateful for the very valuable record of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s activities in this country as described in the anonymous series of articles published under the title Portals to Freedom. This we feel is not only a very inspiring human document but also a record which will be of inestimable value in the history of the Cause as time goes by.

Most valuable the past year, as in previous years, have been the generous efforts of Miss Martha Root in the matter of contributions to the magazine featuring important contacts in many parts of the world; also, the valuable cooperation which she has given in the way of spreading the influence of the BAHÁ’Í MAGAZINE through the distribution of its issues in foreign countries among leading people, resulting, in many cases, in the ‎translatiton translation‎ into other languages and reprint of special articles from the magazine in newspapers and publications in other countries.

Many other writers whom we will not take the space here to mention, we wish to thank for their generous and much appreciated contributions.

The poetry submitted the past year has been of marked improvement over the past, showing a higher quality than at any previous time. The poems published during the year have added to the aesthetic and inspirational quality of the magazine.

As for the rest, the actual issues of the magazine—the twelve copies issued during the year—are their own record of the work accomplished.

We wish also to thank the friends who have cooperated through their generous orders for extra copies of various issues which they distributed in their teaching campaign for the Cause. This type of cooperation was very, very encouraging.

In conclusion may we state that our period of editorship has been characterized by a great happiness in this special form of service, and by a most gratifying experience of effective cooperation in the joint work in which the builders of each number took part, each individual in the Editorial Committee merged to form a successful whole.

We feel assured that the friends who have lent their generous efforts in the way of contributions to the BAHÁ’Í MAGAZINE (a great many of whom were trained into such ability during this period of ten years) will continue so to serve the new magazine, World Order, giving to this magazine the maturing fruits of their experience in the highly necessary and valuable work of presenting the Cause to the world through the printed page.

STANWOOD COBB

MARIAM HANEY

BERTHA HYDE KIRKPATRICK

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8.—Bahá’í Magazine

(Business Office)

The Report of the Business Office of the Bahá’í Magazine
Bahá’í Year Ending March 31, 1935

This, our last report of the Bahá’í Magazine under the present management, does not cover the full year for the books were closed March 9 instead of the 30th, so there should be a larger number of renewals as March is renewal month; nevertheless we can report an increase in renewals over last year which, considering the state of the finances of the world, we feel is encouraging. The decrease in new subscriptions and bound volumes is also largely accounted for by world conditions as well as the fact that the believers have made such great sacrifices for the Temple. Our decrease in total receipts over last year is $355.55.

We are glad to state we have not had to ask for temporary advance payments from the National Spiritual Assembly. The support from the National Spiritual Assembly was the same as last year—$291.00 per month. We turned over our books to the new management with a bank balance of $541.40 on March 9.

It is our hope and belief that all those on our list of subscribers who have not yet renewed their subscriptions and many, many others will hasten to subscribe to the reorganized BAHÁ’Í MAGAZINE “World Order.” Unexpired subscriptions will of course be filled with copies of “World Order” throughout the period covered by each subscription.

With every good wish for the success of the magazine in its new home,

MARGARET B. MCDANIEL, Business Manager

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9.—Free Literature

The purpose of this Committee is the arrangement of a series of teaching pamphlets on different Bahá’í principles that will have a new and universal appeal to newly attracted people, and be a guide to a further study of the Cause. The teacher generally finds a seeker interested in some particular problem such as peace, education or the solution of the economic ills of the world and these teaching pamphlets are intended to attract the attention of the seeker to the specific subject in which he is concerned. Then other of the series can be presented to him showing the universal scope of the Cause.

The following manuscripts have been received by the Committee:

1. The Bahá’í House of Worship, by Dr. Genevieve L. Coy.
2. The Most Great Peace, by Marion Holley.
3. Homoculture—The Educational System of the Bahá’í World State, by Professor Stanwood Cobb.
4. What Shall It Profit Mankind, by Dale S. Cole.
5. Prophecy—Its Place in Religion and in History, by Howard R. Hulburt.
6. Your Destiny and Mine, by Dorothy Baker.
7. Thoughts for Creative Living—A Compilation by Mary Collison.

Manuscripts on The Oneness of Mankind by Doris McKay and The Power of Religion by Bishop Brown are under preparation.

The Committee suggests that when these articles are finally approved for publication that they will be published in a uniform size that will be the same as the new attractive catalogue of Bahá’í Literature. The committee

[Page 7] recommends printing in large quantities so that the pamphlets can be sold in quantity lots at a reasonable price to aid in wide distribution. It is also recommended that the last page of these pamphlets include a short reference list of Bahá’í books and an address where further information may be obtained. It might be advisable to have a space for local Assemblies to stamp their address.

The Committee wishes to call attention to the fact that it is not a committee for the distribution of literature and has none on hand for such purposes. Such requests are referred to Publishing Committee in the usual way.

In closing, the Committee wishes to express its appreciation to the National Teaching Committee and to individual friends for their helpful suggestions in outlining this series. Likewise our thanks is extended to the authors of the different manuscripts for their prompt response to requests for material and the skill with which they have handled the subject matter in concise form and the splendid presentations they have made of these vital Bahá’í principles.

GEORGE LATIMER, Chairman

LOUISE CASWELL

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10.—Green Acre Summer School

The Green Acre Summer School for the 1934 season began its organized courses on Monday, July 9th, and courses continued in session five mornings a week for seven weeks. It was necessary to make a few changes in the personnel of the teaching staff, as advertised in the Program of Courses and in the BAHÁ’Í NEWS. These changes were as follows: the classes for the second week were taught by Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf, Bahiyyeh Lindstrom and Genevieve Coy, instead of all being given by Mrs. Lindstrom; Mr. Saffa Kinney was unable to be at Green Acre to give a course of evening lectures during the week of July 30 to August 2, and Dr. Ali Kuli Khan, who was giving the morning course that week, was kind enough to give three lectures on Mr. Kinney’s topic, “Bahá’í Teachings concerning the Evolution of the Soul.” The course on Economic Problems and Solutions was given by Mr. David Hofman instead of by Mr. Bishop Brown.

The first two weeks were devoted to a careful study of the Kitáb-i-Iqán. Since comparatively few guests had arrived at the Inn during these two weeks, the attendance at these classes was not large. But those who were in attendance felt that they gained much added insight into this book of Bahá’u’lláh’s. Mrs. Greenleaf was particularly helpful in the way in which she linked the Teachings of the Iqán with the present problems and needs of the Bahá’í Faith.

The third week consisted of five lectures given by Miss Mary Maxwell on Nabil’s Narrative: the Dawn Breakers. In this series, Miss Maxwell narrated the story of all the important happenings in the life of the Báb and His followers, and thus gave a most dramatic and inspiring review of this remarkable book. It seems certain that no person who had not previously read the Dawn Breakers could have heard these lectures without making a resolve to immediately begin to read the whole Narrative.

During the fourth week Dr. Ali Kuli Khan gave a series of lectures on some of the Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, which are most difficult for the Occidental Bahá’í to understand. He explained much of the Persian symbolism used, corrected some mis-translations, and added greatly to our spiritual appreciation of these majestic Tablets. The following Tablets were discussed by Dr. Khan during this week: The Tablet of the Virgin; the Tablet of the Holy Mariner; the Tablet of Wisdom; The Discourse on the Temple; The Seven Valleys; The Four Valleys.

The topic of the fifth week’s course was “How can the individual meet the spiritual conflicts of the modern world?” with Dr. Genevieve Coy as leader of discussion. The purpose of this course was to aid Bahá’ís in meeting some of the spiritual conflicts within their own lives, and also to provide means of greater understanding of the spiritual problems one meets in teaching the Bahá’í Faith.

The sixth course, taught by Mr. David Hofman, was entitled “Proposed Solutions of the Economic Problem compared with the Bahá’í Economic Program.” In clear and simple language which could be understood by the listener with no background of study of Economics, Mr. Hofman presented the basic ideas involved in Technocracy, Communism, Capitalism, etc. The course was concluded by a discussion of the economic provisions of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, and showed in what ways the Bahá’í Program provides strength at points in which the other solutions were weak.

During the seventh week of the Summer School Mr. Horace Holley presented important points concerning “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.” In a twenty minute introductory talk each day, Mr. Holley discussed ways in which the individual Bahá’í may most usefully relate his life to the World Order. This talk was followed by readings from the World Order Letters of Shoghi Effendi. The morning’s session was concluded by a round table discussion of points related to the Introductory talk and the readings. This course drew a large audience, who were very appreciative of Mr. Holley’s stimulating presentation of both the material and spiritual aspects of our participation in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

The average attendance for each week of the Summer School, together with the number of different individuals present each week, is shown in the following table:

		Av. Attendance	No. different People
Course	1.	12.0	22
“	2.	10.5	25
“	3.	30.0	56
“	4.	42.0	81
“	5.	30.0	55
“	6.	26.0	59
“	7.	47.2	74

Three week-end Conferences were held during the course of the summer:—Youth Conference, July 27-29; Amity Conference, August 4, 5; Teaching Conference, August 26-28.

GENEVIEVE L. COY, Chairman

HARLAN OBER

HELEN CAMPBELL

GLENN A. SHOOK.

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11.—History

Three week-end Conferences were from the Assemblies collectively and from the Friends individually, data necessary for the compilation of this history.

It is hoped that mention of this work will be made in the coming Annual Bahá’í Convention in the hope of stimulating the Friends toward sending in to the committee this needed Bahá’í Historical Data. The work of compilation cannot go very far until all the data is in hand.

Ella G. Cooper, 2550 Buchanan St., San Francisco, California.

George Latimer, 1927 N. E. 40th Ave., Portland, Oregon.

Albert Windust, 5624 Emerald Ave., Chicago, Illinois.

Gertrude Buikema, 1827 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, Illinois.

Mariam Haney, 1763 Columbia Rd., Washington, D. C.

[Page 8]

May Maxwell, 1548 Pine Avenue,

W. Montreal, Canada.

Charles Mason Remey, Chairman, 2440 Massachusetts Ave., Washington, D. C.

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12.—Index

At the last national convention, Mr. J. V. Matteson made a stirring appeal—one overflowing with the true spirit of the faith when he suggested an index committee be appointed. It is a keen disappointment not to be able to carry out the great community work which was then suggested but when we, as a committee, studied our problem we found the actual work of indexing or cataloguing was one for ‎tranied trained‎ workers in this field if the result of these labors was to be such as to please the Guardian by its high quality and accuracy as well as stand favorable comparison with the work of the libraries of our country.

Three members of our committee are untrained in library science and we learned that indexing is very detailed but that full and careful cataloguing will cover the subjects mentioned in the literature so we recommend cataloguing at present. (Indexing and cataloguing are used in this report in their technical meaning. Perhaps one could almost compare technical cataloguing with what laymen term careful indexing.)

Cataloguing Bahá’í literature needs those trained not only in a technical way but in the teachings of our Faith. This is illustrated by the mistakes on the cards prepared by experts of the Library of Congress and sent out to the libraries in our country. It is also illustrated by the need of a technical terminology which can only be developed by experts who are well versed in the Cause.

This committee has therefore endeavored to compile a list of trained cataloguers and indexers among the Bahá’ís. We have also attempted to discover what work has been done or is being done at this time in cataloguing and indexing. We find that there are many workers and that at the present time there is an index or catalogue of THE BAHÁ’Í NEWS LETTERS compiled by Mrs. Holley and by Mrs. Stebbins and Isabelle Stebbins, The Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Vol. 1-3 incl.) compiled by Lucy Heist as well as one by O. D. Wolcott, The Bahá’í Administration and National By Laws (Vol. of 1928) compiled both by A. G. Tichenor and Lucy Heist, The Bahá’í World (Vol.1-4 incl.) compiled by Mrs. Stebbins, and the Kitab-i-Iqán (Shoghi Effendi’s translation) compiled by Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Clark. “The Goal of New World Order” was condensed by Lucy Heist.

The committee, after consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly, suggest for cataloguing a list of books which by authorship and translation may be considered authentic viz: Bahá’í Administration (new edition), The letters of Shoghi Effendi, the Kitab-i-Iqán (Shoghi Effendi’s translations), Hidden Words (Shoghi Effendi’s translation), Some Answered Questions, The Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Divine Philosophy, Epistle to Son of the Wolf, Promulgation of Universal Peace (Vol. 1 and 2), The Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh. By comparing the two lists you see how much has been accomplished.

The committee is grateful to the National Spiritual Assembly for its loving co-operation also to all those assemblies and individuals who have written the information desired.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said “I ask God to strengthen His firm beloved in a great service and sufficient endeavor.”

ESTHER G. HARDING, Chairman

ANNA KUNZ

J. V. MATTESON

MABEL H. PAINE

MRS. JOEL STEBBINS

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13.—Legal

The Legal Committee submits the following report of its activities for the current Bahá’í year:

1. Indentures.

The Indenture conveying the valuable West Englewood property upon which the National Bahá’í headquarters are situated as well as the parcel of land in the grove where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá held his memorable Unity Feast in 1912, from Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm to Trustees for the National Spiritual Assembly, has been completed and executed.

The Indenture conveying to Trustees for the National Spiritual Assembly the former home of the late Maria P. Wilson in Malden, Mass., which the Master blessed by living there for some time, in 1912, has been completed and forwarded to Shoghi Effendi for his signature, which will complete the transfer from the Guardian, the original devisee in Miss Wilson’s will.

The Indenture of the Bosch property at Geyserville, California, upon which the Pacific Coast Bahá’í Summer School has been held for the last eight years, is in the final stages of completion and this generous gift of John and Louise Bosch to Trustees for the National Spiritual Assembly for the benefit of the Cause will be completed in a short time.

2. Incorporations of Local Spiritual Assemblies.

The Montreal, Washington and Milwaukee Assemblies have drawn up incorporation papers according to the form recommended by the National Spiritual Assembly and will be passed upon as soon as some legal points affected by certain provisions of the various State codes have been cleared up by our attorney. The Montreal incorporation has been approved.

In view of the fact that the laws of the different states affecting religious corporations vary widely, the local assemblies are again reminded of the decision that they are to submit to the National Assembly for final approval their plans for local incorporation before the legal action is consummated.

3. By-Law Changes and Interpretations.

The friends are again reminded of the following amendments to the By-laws adopted April 14-15, 1934, and to make notation of such changes in their copy of By-Laws:

Art. VIII, Sec. 7, add the words “by ballot” between “electing” and “a presiding officer.”

Art. VIII, Sec. 12. Delete present section 12 and change number of section 13 to section 12.

Interpretation by N. S. A. of Art. VII, Sec. 12 on residential qualification of voting believers: First, that when a member or officer of a local Spiritual Assembly cannot function for an indefinite period; and there is no certainty of return to service, the Assembly should recognize the vacancy and arrange a meeting of the community to elect a new member; and Second, that the requirements of residence as one of the qualifications of a voting believer should be based upon definite proof of capacity to associate with the Bahá’í community. This means that a voting Bahá’í is not considered a resident of the local community merely through ownership of property or through paying rent, but solely by reason of actual ability to attend meetings in person.

4. Bequests.

A new form of Bequest is being prepared so that if the friends wish, they may leave a legacy in proper form to the Cause. This past year bequests have been left to the Cause by Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons, Mrs. Mary Harriman Rudd, Madame Frida Stjerna and Doctor Susan Moody. According to Bahá’í law it is incumbent upon every Bahá’í to make a Will.

[Page 9] 5. The Greatest Name.

The symbol of the Greatest Name is now legally protected for proper use under trade mark registration recently made by the National Assembly through the U. S. Patent Office. Action has also been taken to obtain similar protection in Canada. The National Assembly has limited this use to books and pamphlets containing the words of Bahá’u’lláh. The word “Bahá’í” was legally protected several years ago.

6. Temple Property.

A suit brought by the State’s Attorney of Cook County to assess taxes on the Temple property last October has apparently been dismissed after attention was called to the fact that the property was exempted from assessments for taxation by the Board of Review in September, 1924.

7. Illinois Legislation.

Plans are being made to obtain a new statute from the Illinois legislature that will conform to the Bahá’í administrative organization which will retain the religious feature absent in its nonprofit sharing code and which will incorporate the Spiritual Assembly of nine rather than the community.

8. Palestine Branch of N. S. A.

Deeds transferring several parcels of land in Haifa to the Palestine Branch of the National Spiritual Assembly have been received from the Guardian. Several American believers are taking steps to transfer their Mt. Carmel land to the Palestine Branch. According to Ottoman law which still persists in Palestine a foreigner cannot dispose of his land after passing in accordance with his wishes as embodied in a Will. The property will pass to a special class of heirs.

GEORGE LATIMER, Chairman

HORACE HOLLEY

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14.—Library

The plans for continuing the activities for Public Library contacts were not developed until September 1934. Then a letter was formulated stating these plans and was published in the November 1934 News Letter.

It requested each Local Assembly to make a follow up contact with their respective Public Library to whom they had previously presented Bahá’í Literature, and offer them Bahá’í World Vol. IV, so that they might have a consecutive record of Bahá’í international progress. If any library wished additional literature, the Library Division would provide Some Answered Questions. An appeal was made to all to patronize the Public Library, which was to maintain and increase the interest of the librarians in the literature. Another statement was published in the January 1935 issue of the News Letter, requesting every believer to inform all their acquaintances and as many other people as possible, that their local Public Library had a selection of Bahá’í Literature. It also requested each Local Assembly to donate to their respective Public Library, if possible, the two outstanding new books, Security for a Failing World, by Dr. Stanwood Cobb, and The Promise of All Ages, by Christophil.

The cooperation of the Local Assemblies and the friends in carrying out these plans has been greatly appreciated and the results have been most successful for the short period of time.

During the 4 months from November until March, 26 libraries have been contacted. This includes 3 university libraries, 1 Theosophical Library, 1 Y. M. C. A., and 1 Y. W. C. A. libraries.

The Library Division has donated 121 books; this includes 11 Bahá’í World Vol. IV and Some Answered Questions, the two follow up donations.

Up to date 5 Local Assemblies have presented to their public libraries, 6 copies of Security for a Failing World, and 4 of The Promise of All Ages.

The Library Division has had two generous donations given them this year. A gift of $25 worth of literature from Mrs. Marion Little, and 37 copies of Bahá’í World Vol IV from the National Spiritual Assembly, which had been presented to them by the Poona Assembly for distribution in America.

The Library Division wishes to take this opportunity to request all Local Assemblies, who have not already sent in a list of the Bahá’í Literature catalogued in their respective public libraries to kindly do so, and to offer to present them the additional books the Library Division has at its disposal to donate. One of the important objectives of this work is to keep the library files and records as completely up to date as possible.

MARTHA WOODSUM.

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15.—Publicity

The work of the National Publicity Committee since June has been, for the most part, a continuation of that begun last year. It includes the file of clippings and magazine references to the Cause, distribution of summaries of the Bahá’í Faith and our Bulletin No. 1 on News Writing, publicity comments and instructions in the News Letter, occasional news releases.

A noticeable trend of the year is the shifting of the output of publicity articles from the national to the local publicity committees. The reasons for this are as follows: 1. Need for economy of the national funds. 2. The local center is the true hotspot for news that is timely. 3. For years the national publicity has held as its chief aim the training of the local centers to expert news work. This year has therefore been a test of the initiative of the local publicity committees.

We submit the following new developments in the work of the committee:

1. We have begun a compilation of material relating to radio broadcasting. For this we have invited all the Bahá’ís to share with us their radio experience.
2. Mats are available for line drawings of the House of Worship, picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, memorial for Keith Ransom-Kehler designed by Mr. Myron Potter.
3. In preparation, Bulletin No. 2 on News Writing.
4. We have a news file of publicity information about approximately sixty Bahá’í teachers.

RUTH RANDALL BROWN, Chairman

DORIS MCKAY, Secretary

NELLIE S. FRENCH

NINA MATTHISEN

WILLARD MCKAY

ALICE PARKER

A. LAWRENCE MORRIS

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16.—Publishing

The Publishing Committee, the one business organization of the Cause, necessarily presents a practical business report. But we must stress the spiritual side of our work, for what is more important for the growth of the Cause, than to have its literature made available to all the people of the world; a people waiting hungrily for inspiration to carry on amidst these chaotic, present day conditions and who will find in the words of Bahá’u’lláh, hope for the new era.

The law of balance has been kept, inasmuch as we have met obligations when due and have made payments to the N.S.A. materially decreasing our indebtedness, incurred by heavy expenditures for publishing The Dawn-Breakers and the Bahá’í World. Since December 1930, we have paid to the N.S.A. in cash and books, $11,720.29. The books are supplied for the various Committees on their budgets and are charged at cost always.

[Page 10] The sale of books has kept up consistently this year. The response to our special offer of Bahá’í World IV for $1.00 for three months ending December 31, 1934 was most gratifying. We assure the Assemblies and friends individually who made these purchases that by this generous cooperation, they have contributed most effectively to the teaching activities of the Cause.

For the ten months ending February 28, 1935, the Publishing Committee has distributed:

  8241 books

38960 pamphlets

  1452 outlines

Let us more than double that number next year.

In addition to this distribution, books have been sent at various times to the leading newspapers for review purposes and some very good notices have been received, not enough of course but that is a phase of our work which must be developed.

The Dawn-Breakers: Sales to date,

Standard edition, 1302 copies

Limited edition    127     “    leaving to be sold,

698 copies Standard edition

  23     “     Limited edition

the proceeds will pay balance due the N.S.A. for cash advanced for manufacturing and give a good surplus which will go direct to the National Fund.

The progress of the Western Division is most satisfactory and the Publishing Committee feels that Western States Assemblies and friends are deeply indebted to Mrs. Smith’s wonderful services given so generously and done with a maximum of efficiency. The saving of time and postage is one important factor; surely releasing both energy and cash for other work in the Cause.

At the risk of many times repeating ourselves, we will re-iterate a few suggestions to promote helpful cooperation between the Assemblies and the Committee:

1. We have issued a new catalog this Spring. Please keep it on file for ready reference. Postcards will be mailed at intervals giving new titles as published and these should be filed with catalog.
2. Watch for Publishing Committee announcements in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of new publications, etc. File with catalog for reference.
3. Note that Voice Records, Photographs, Temple postcards, etc., are not carried by the Publishing Committee but are on sale at the Temple. Harry E. Walrath, Librarian, 4639 Beacon Street, Chicago, Illinois.
4. Discount of 33⅓% from list prices is allowed to local Assemblies. Books should be sold always at list price, the profit enabling the Assemblies to have a reserve fund for overhead expenses, donations to National Fund, etc. Discount of 10% is allowed to Groups and individuals on books purchased in quantity amounting to $10.00 or over.
5. The Publishing Committee has no authority to distribute free literature for Amity, Contact, Library or Teaching Committees except when ordered by the Secretary of those Committees. Therefore the friends who need literature for any special Bahá’í work should write to the Secretary of whichever Committee is doing that particular work.
6. Do not return books without consulting the Publishing Committee. It often saves expense and wear and tear on books to have them delivered to a nearby Center when for some unexpected reason, they cannot be used by the purchaser. A damaged or imperfect book should of course be returned for replacement.
7. We urge the local Assemblies to keep at least one copy of each title of Bahá’í Literature on file in their library for reference and to show prospective purchasers.
8. We are glad to extend credit to Assemblies for book purchases but with the understanding that bills must be paid within 30 days. The Committee is not authorized to extend credit to individuals.
9. Again we say there is no more important work than the distribution of Bahá’í Literature and we ask everyone to bring the books to the attention of all who are seeking “The Glad Tidings” of Bahá’u’lláh.

New Publications

Bahá’í World, Volume V, will be ready in time for the Convention.

Index for BAHÁ’Í NEWS, prepared by Committee under supervision of the N. S. A.

Bahá’í Teachings on Economics, compiled by the National Teaching Committee.

Mysticism and the Bahá’í Revelation, by Ruhi Afnan.

World Religion, pamphlet by Shoghi Effendi.

The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; published in pamphlet form.

Bahá’í Teachings on Universal Peace (will be ready May, 1935).

Bahá’í Literature, Catalog in a small convenient size.

Titles Added to Catalog This Year But Not Published by the Committee

Do’a: The Practice of the Presence of the Spirit of God by Ruth J. Moffett.

Security for a Failing World, by Stanwood Cobb.

The Promise of All Ages, by Christofil.

Reprints

Bahá’í Prayers, cloth and paper binding.

Bahá’í Faith, Publicity leaflet.

Golden Age of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, pamphlet.

America and the Most Great Peace, pamphlet.

Translations

World Economy of Bahá’u’lláh, translated into French and German. (The German translation is in stock.)

Note: We believe there may be other translations which have been made during this last year but these two are the ones which have been brought to our attention.

HORACE HOLLEY, Chairman

CLARA R. WOOD, Secretary

ROY C. WILHELM

MARIE B. MOORE

BERTHA HERKLOTZ

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17.—Race Amity

The complexity of the racial situation in America makes the work of building race amity one of delicacy and difficulty that challenges constant effort and the best resources of minds and hearts. The status of the colored race the country over, with marked varieties of degree, is that of an under-‎priviliged privileged‎ and minority group, whose attainment of rights, which theoretically belong to all Americans and whose progress economically, socially, morally and spiritually, is very largely dependent upon the attitude of their neighbors of the majority group.

That the general awakening of the world has favorably affected this problem; that spiritual powers have play, that substantial progress has been made, nothing short of morbid pessim-

[Page 11] ism can deny. The resources of government, education, philanthropy, business and religion have unfolded plans in the effort to bind the breaches among peoples. Yet with rare exceptions even the most active and sincere, unless aided by the Divine Revelation of Today, are veiled by shadows of the past and present. And even among the favored few, tests are many and severe, making a constant demand for faith, fidelity, intelligence, broad-mindedness, courage, love, patience, prayer-fulness and Guidance.

The past year has been one of unusual difficulties, despite which progress has been made and constructive ideals brought into action. We are thankful for all gain.

Upon the loss side of the ledger and grievous to bear was the passing of our noble brother, Mr. Hooper Harris. A profound student of the teachings, an authority on Bible prophecies, a clear and forceful speaker, a mind broadened by teaching experiences in the Orient as well as the Occident, a heart enriched by hard knocks, struggles, poverty and the sacrifices of years, at the very end of his career he for the first time became a member of this committee in whose work he always showed interest and which he often helped. During his all too brief connection and just before answering the great call, he sent a letter to his co-workers, extracts from which may well serve to illustrate his clear vision and sincerity of purpose:

“I feel that for many reasons the most vital question in America today is how can we establish harmonious and mutually cooperative relations between the black and white races? How can they be brought together in unity and love, so that each race will willingly, joyfully, work for the welfare of both. Such free and open discussion as you suggest at Green Acre may be the first step in bring this about.”

The annual conference at Green Acre was of unusually high order and value. Among its features are extra fine music, an especially brilliant and pleasing presentation by the youth, the South African problem brought vividly before us by one of its most noted amity workers; the presence of one whose ripened wisdom through well-nigh world contacts with various races and nations charmed and instructed; to all of which was added what was perhaps a greater range and number of voices than had been raised in any previous gathering.

Among events to be chronicled was the conference of the Denver friends, duly reported at the time, but reaching us too late for our last report.

Two race amity meetings have been held in New York with large and responsive audiences and much good accomplished by follow-up meetings for the training of souls.

Many new faces are found among the Boston friends, a large proportion of whom are colored. These were reported attracted largely through the spiritual finesse of Mrs. Oglesby. This committee answered the vote of the last annual convention, forwarded by the N. S. A., by preparing a general appeal to all centers on the subject of race amity.

The publicity of the year has been greatly amplified by articles in the Chicago Defender, the Pittsburgh Courier and the Amsterdam News, three great weekly journals of the colored race. The authors were respectively R. S. Abbott, L. F. Coles and J. A. Rogers, all nationally known and all expressing allegiance to the ideals of the Faith.

The heroic and joyous devotion of Southern Bahá’ís causes wonder and admiration; while Cincinnati exhilarates with plans and enthusiasm for its first amity conference.

With appreciation to the workers and thanks to the True One.

By LOUIS G. GREGORY, Chairman.

Committee:

MRS. LOULIE A. MATHEWS

MRS. BISHOP H. LEWIS

MRS. MARIAM HANEY

MRS. LUDMILA BECHTOLD

MR. LOUIS G. GREGORY

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18.—Reviewing and Editorial

The National Spiritual Assembly this year combined in one committee the two functions carried on separately by the Reviewing and Editorial Committees last year, band defined the functions of the above committee as follows:

1. To determine whether the manuscript conforms to Bahá’í teaching.
2. To determine whether the manuscript conforms to adequate standards of literary style and taste.
3. To determine whether the manuscript meets a real need in the Cause.

The National Spiritual Assembly also instructed this committee that the notation that the work is approved by the Bahá’í Reviewing Committee is to be limited to such works as have not only been approved by this Committee and confirmed by the National Assembly, but which are also published under Bahá’í auspices.

In other words, a manuscript might be accurate as far as the Teachings are concerned, but badly written and expressed and therefore not recommended for publication by the Bahá’í Publishing Committee. The author might, however, sell this to a magazine. In this case there could be no notation “Approved by the Bahá’í Reviewing Committee” but the author himself would have the confirmation of approval from the point of view of accuracy of the teachings from the National Assembly.

Again a manuscript might be accurate as far as the Teachings are concerned and adequate in form and style but not needed at the moment. For instance, a booklet has been approved and will be published shortly on the Most Great Peace, therefore another booklet would not be needed on that subject at this time on account of limited finances. The author however would be at perfect liberty to have this published through some other channel, without however the Bahá’í imprint.

The Reviewing Committee wishes to remind the friends that it cannot be expected to edit and revise manuscripts.

The following manuscripts have this year been approved from the above quoted points of determination:

HOMOCULTURE — The Educational System of the Bahá’í World State—by Stanwood Cobb. (A pamphlet).

THE MOST GREAT PEACE, by Marion Holley. (A pamphlet).

THE PROMISE OF ALL AGES (Anonymous). A book for orthodox Christians.

COMPILATION ON RACIAL AMITY, by Maye Harvey Gift and Alice Cox.

The Reviewing and Editorial Committee also dealt with and approved a number of manuscripts sent in either not intended for publication by the Publishing Committee or not adapted to such publication. The Committee considered such manuscripts merely from the point of view of accuracy in relation to the Teachings, and among these were:

THOUGHTS FOR CREATIVE LIVING, by Mary Collison. (A compilation).

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, VICTOR HUGO and NABIL, by Willard Hatch. (An essay).

MAHMOOD’S DIARY—edited by Christine Lofstedt.

TWO SHALL APPEAR, by Olivia Kelsey. (A Play).

STUDY GUIDE TO DAWN-BREAKERS IN CONTINUITY, by Emma F. Smith.

TOWARD WORLD UNIFICATION, by Willard P. Hatch. (An article).

WILL THERE EVER BE A UNIVERSAL RELIGION? by Willard P. Hatch.

[Page 12] (An article).

GENEVIEVE L. COY, Chairman

DORIS HOLLEY, Secretary

MARIE B. MOORE

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19.—Study Outline

The study outline committee has during the past winter compiled a study course of twenty lessons on Bahá’í Administration, intended for use by voting members of Bahá’í communities.

The committee hopes this course will be available to the friends through the Publishing Committee at an early date.

MARY COLLISON, Chairman

MARGARITE MCKAY

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20.—Temple Program

The National Program Committee of the Bahá’í House of Worship wishes to inform the friends of the work done during the past year in connection with the conducting of public meetings in Foundation Hall of the Bahá’í House of Worship.

It was brought to the attention of this committee by the National Spiritual Assembly that in preparing the programs, it should be born in mind that Foundation Hall represented a national Bahá’í meeting place possessing a more sacred and significant character than any of the halls or rooms at present rented by local assemblies for public teaching programs. Also that all meetings should be conducted consistent with the dignity of the Bahá’í House of Worship.

Public meetings are held every Sunday at 3:30 P. M. The average attendance at these meetings is approximately 175, mostly strangers. The local speakers have been:

Dr. Zia Bagdadi, Mrs. Howard Ives, Mr. Howard Ives, Mr. Philip Marangella, Mr. Carl Scheffler, Mrs. Corinne True, Mrs. Sarah Walrath, Mr. Albert Windust.

Our visiting speakers were:

Miss Fanny Knobloch, Dr. E. Lenore Morris, Madame Barry Orlova, Dr. Ali Kuli Khan, Mrs. Shahnaz Waite.

A new procedure is being tried out for the Sunday lectures which is that speakers be assigned subjects following in sequence, so as to give strangers coming to the Temple Sunday after Sunday a broader and fuller scope of the Bahá’í Teachings.

A series of special week-day evening meetings was held during December and January with Madame Orlova as the guest speaker.

Special meetings observing the “Holy Days” of the Bahá’í Year were held; Chicago, Evanston and Wilmette Assemblies alternating in collaboration with the Temple Program Committee in arranging the spiritual program and in preparing the material feast when the occasion demanded it.

At the request of Shoghi Effendi, a memorial service was held at the Bahá’í House of Worship in commemoration of the passing of Dr. Susan I. Moody, one of the pioneers of the Bahá’í Faith. The Chicago Spiritual Assembly was asked to assist the Temple Program Committee in preparing the program for this memorial, inasmuch as Chicago was originally the home of Dr. Moody.

This committee requested that the pamphlet “The World Religion,” by Shoghi Effendi be printed for free distribution at the Bahá’í House of Worship, in addition to the pamphlet “The Temple of Light” which is now being used. The National Spiritual Assembly authorized the Publishing Committee to send us 2,000 copies of the “World Religion,” which were received, and stated that we might have 10,000 copies printed at a later date when the National Fund has a surplus over current liabilities. The present supply of our literature is just about exhausted and the curtailment of funds has made this committee reluctant to distribute it as freely as we should like. May we take this opportunity to inform the friends that there is a crying need for free literature at the Temple as a very important teaching service, and may we suggest that you bear this in mind when making your contribution to the National Fund, which is the source of our supply of free literature.

Visitors coming daily to see the Temple, totaling approximately 12,000 in 1934, were conducted through the building, questions answered, etc., by guides, arranged for by this committee working in conjunction with Mrs. True, chairman of the guides.

Many special tours of the Temple by clubs were made during the past year. Arrangements were made for speakers to be present who conducted these tours through the building and gave a talk on the Bahá’í Faith. Many questions were asked and answered. These clubs represented people from many walks of life and from many parts of Chicago and surrounding area. The total number of persons was approximately 1,130 from the following clubs:

Lourdes’ Woman’s Club, Wilmette Woman’s Club, Irving Park Woman’s Club, Niles Center Woman’s Club, Oak Park Woman’s Club, Prairie Club, Chicago Geographical Society, Second Presbyterian Church of Evanston, Norwood Park Club, Quarter Century Industrial Art Club, Kenmore Woman’s Club, Eleanor Club, Wilmette Congregational Church, Evanston Methodist Church, Woman’s Club of the Evanston Congregational Church.

It was, indeed, a privilege to serve on this committee.

CARL SCHEFFLER, Chairman

MARGARITE ULLRIC, Secretary

Mrs. A. W. BARTHOLOMEW

Mrs. E. EDWARDS

MONROE IOAS

R. D. PEPPET

CORINNE TRUE

SARAH WALRATH

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21.—Bahá’í Youth

As we approach the end of the second year of Youth Committee existence, we find ourselves with certain definite accomplishments, certain aims, and problems of philosophy and technique

Since the Committee’s inception in 1933, communication has been established with nineteen international groups representing fifteen nations, and with fifty-three local groups. These do not, however, adequately represent the youth groups of the world.

The activity this year has been along established channels. Bulletin No. 1, mailed to 150 addresses, was followed by Bulletin No. 2, with a mailing list of 350. This increase represents a body of 200 young people, between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one, for whom the second Bulletin was designed. A third Bulletin is now in preparation, to be issued before the Summer School sessions. The Committee recommends these publications to every local Assembly, for each carries material invaluable in the formation and planning of youth groups.

The Committee has also prepared two open letters to young Bahá’ís, (one was published in the November NEWS), and a series of concise outline on modern subjects with references, suitable for groups in search of a changing program. These will appear monthly in the BAHÁ’Í NEWS. It is interesting that every issue of the News Letter this year (No. 84-90) has carried some reference to or article by the Youth Committee.

Other matters include a study of the suggestion for a Children’s Bank, and plans for the Green Acre Youth Conference and the Convention meeting.

We turn now to projects for the future. The N. S. A.’s decision that youth of sixteen to twenty-one may de-

[Page 13] clare their interest in the Cause and attend Nineteen-Day Feasts makes the education of this age-group a paramount concern.

A second matter is that of world peace. By proper presentation of the Bahá’í attitude, many young people who are devoting themselves to this issue could be attracted to the Cause. The consolidation of all young Bahá’í is also demanded, in order that they shall not be caught in the maelstrom of popular fury in the event of war.

Thirdly, a plan for the adequate handling of correspondence with national and international Bahá’í youth groups and individuals is imperative, and the Committee has worked out several possibilities.

Fourthly, no effective use has yet been made of the youth section of the Herald of the South. Here is a medium open to our younger writers, which is especially significant until the establishment of an American magazine. Local Assemblies by subscription can help to make this magazine accessible to their youth groups.

A fifth suggestion is the setting aside of one day each year for an international youth rally.

At present, several problems of policy confront us, foremost of which is the responsibility laid upon American youth to create “an international body of active young Bahá’í men and women....” This ‎ is‎ the greatest challenge to our creativity. Then there is the need for fuller integration of American youth groups, both with the National Committee and with each other. Only by an intimate relationship can an effective service be rendered by the Committee.

Lastly, we must all join to clarify, ever more completely, methods for drawing our ideals into common use. Ours is the challenge of self-defeat. For as we gain maturity, as we ennoble our actions and approach the standard of earnest service to Bahá’u’lláh, we shall become less youth, more citizens of the Bahá’í Order.

PAUL HANEY, Chairman

MARION HOLLEY, Secretary

KENNETH CHRISTIAN

GERTRUDE GEWERTZ

DAVID HOFMAN

MARY MAXWELL

SYLVIA PAINE

ROSEMARY SALA

DOUGLAS STRUVEN

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22.—Green Acre Trustees

The Green Acre Summer School of 1934 was carried on under the direct supervision of the Committee consisting of Dr. Genevieve Coy, Chairman; Professor ‎Gleen L. Glenn A.‎ Shook, Mrs. Coristine, in accordance with the policy established some years previously by the National Spiritual Assembly to develop Green Acre as a teaching and training center for the believers of the Cause. It was believed that this season established a high-water mark of interest, enthusiasm and attendance.

Special teaching and racial amity conferences were held during August and the meetings were well attended. Outside speakers aroused much enthusiasm and valuable contacts were made with the churches at Portsmouth, N. H.

Miss Helen Campbell operated the Inn and cottages during the season and had the assistance of an expert dietician in the preparation and serving of the meals. During the early part of the season, the number of people living at the Inn were relatively small but as the season progressed the number increased and during week-ends it became necessary to turn people away. It is hoped that arrangements can be satisfactorily made for the season of 1935 so that rooms may be provided either at the Tea House or Fellowship House to take care of these overflow conditions.

We are pleased to report that Miss Campbell was about able to break even financially at the end of the season. It should be noted that at the beginning of the season it was necessary to purchase additional dishes and kitchen equipment in order to operate the kitchen and dining room on an efficient and satisfactory basis.

The caretaker, Mr. Bert Hagadorn, has been continued during the year on the same basis as previously; namely full time service but at a lower rate than in previous years. During the fall, winter and spring, Mr. Hagadorn, under Mrs. Flynn’s direct supervision, has made a large number of repairs and improvements to the various buildings and utilities. Such repairs are required each year in order to keep the buildings in proper physical condition and to take care of depreciation and obsolescence.

At a meeting in September the Trustees appointed Mrs. Emma D. Flynn as supervisor of the Green Acre properties with the function of supervising the caretaker’s work and making all necessary local expenditures.

Arrangements have been made with Miss Campbell to serve as manager of the Inn and cottages for the season 1935 and to have the assistance of Miss Thomen as dietician. The rates for room and board to believers will be maintained at a slightly higher scale than last year which makes it possible for all to receive the benefits of Green Acre at exceptionally reasonable rates.

Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Flynn arrangements are to be made for having available a rentable cottage on the property near the old barn which was formerly used as a theater. This cottage will be constructed from the two small camps on the property adjacent to the Pines.

It is hoped that the 1935 season at Green Acre will attract a very large number of believers to partake of the spiritual bounty that will be offered by the very attractive program that has been arranged. This program is outlined in the March 1935 issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

ALLEN MCDANIEL, Chairman

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23.—Temple Trustees

The believers throughout America will recall the statement made at the 26th Annual Convention held in the Temple Foundation Hall the early part of June, 1934, concerning the action taken by your Temple Trustees on January 27, entering into a contract with Mr. John J. Earley, of Washington, D. C., for the preparation and erection of the ornamentation of the clerestory section of the Temple. Many will recall that it was explained at this Annual Convention after investigation with Mr. Earley that the clerestory or drum should be considered a part of the dome ornamentation. In the original estimate made by the Earley Studio, the curved part of the dome was figured independent of the 19-ft. drum, and it was originally planned to construct this ornamentation in two separate steps. Subsequently, during the ornamentation of the dome in the summer of 1933, it was found desirable from construction and economic considerations to carry the ribs down to the floor of the second gallery or base of the clerestory or drum. In consultation with the Guardian concerning the desirability of proceeding with the clerestory ornamentation, the action of January 27, 1934, was taken upon receipt of the following cablegram:

“Heartily welcome proposal additional self-sacrifices entailed clerestory ornamentation. Will add further laurels to crown already won American believers and extend fulfillment long cherished expectations.”

The preparation of the clerestory ornamentation involving the making of the necessary structural layout and plans, the preparation of the clay models and the subsequent plaster of

[Page 14] Paris models and molds was begun early in March, 1934.

The work of the clerestory ornamentation proceeded on an efficient and economical basis at the Rosslyn, Virginia, plant during the spring and Summer of 1934. On May 22, the first carload of 97 casts of the various elements of the ornamentation, including panels, brackets, modillions and arches were shipped from the Virginia plant to the Temple. During the latter part of June the second carload containing 21 casts, including 14 arches and 7 brackets, was shipped to the Temple. During this same month the erection or placement of the ornamentation was begun at the Temple.

During the month of July the work at the Rosslyn, Virginia, plant was delayed for a period of about 3 weeks due to the strike of the plasterers’ union in the District of Columbia. Fortunately for our work the strike was settled without any increase in wages or costs of the craftsmen employed by Mr. Earley.

During the summer, fall and early winter months, the work proceeded at the Rosslyn, Virginia, plant and at the Temple, without any further delays or interruptions until the severe low temperature conditions required the cessation of the work at the Temple about the middle of December, 1934. During the second week of December, the molds for one section of the cornice or cresting were set in place and the concrete poured. The work was protected and heated but the wind conditions were so severe that it was found impracticable to keep the temperature of the concrete above freezing. After consultation with The Research Service, the supervising engineers, the contractor decided to abandon the work at the Temple until about April 1, 1935, when it is assumed that the climatic conditions would be favorable enough to proceed safely with the casting.

Under date of Sept. 11, our supervising engineers, The Research Service, informed us that the contractor, Mr. John J. Earley, had stated it would be necessary to close down the work within a period of the following ten days unless he could be assured that $15,000 of the unpaid amount due him under the contract could be paid by the Trustees on or before the end of September. It should be noted that as of August 31, 1934, the total construction cost was $20,186.86. The Trustees from contributions made by the believers had been able to make only one payment of $1,000.00 under their contract with Mr. Earley up to this date. At the September meeting Temple Trustees were informed that the National Spiritual Assembly was issuing an urgent appeal to the believers throughout the country, through their local Spiritual Assemblies, for wholehearted cooperation in meeting this emergency. As a result of this appeal, it was possible to make a payment of $10,000 to the contractor under date of Oct. 1, 1934, and a subsequent payment of $2,000 under date of Oct. 8, 1934. These payments were gratefully received by the contractor and enabled him to continue with the work both at the Rosslyn, Virginia, plant and at the Temple.

During the past year, due to the critical financial situation and the very slow inflow of contributions to the general fund, the Trustees have been unable to fulfill the terms of the contract with the Earley Studio. Two emergencies have arisen—the one in September and another in December, 1934. As explained above, the first emergency was met by the generous response of the believers making it possible to make a payment of $12,000 early in October on an amount due of about $20,000. The second emergency occurred in December when a balance of $14,000 was due as of Nov. 30, 1934. At the December meeting of the National Assembly, a unanimous action was taken providing for a loan of $10,000 from the Northern Trust Company, Chicago, Illinois. A loan of $10,000 made by the National Spiritual Assembly made it possible for the Trustees to make a payment of $10,000 to the contractor as of Jan. 4, 1935.

During the first three months of 1935, the continuation of the casting of the sections of the Clerestory ornamentation has proceeded at the Rosslyn, Virginia, plant and with a minimum of personnel in order to effect every possible economy. At the time of the writing of this report, March 9, 1935, the casting has been practically completed (only eight panels remaining to be cast), and arrangements are being made by the contractor to ship the large number of casts at the plant to the Temple so that erection may be begun early in April. At that time, the casting of the cresting or cornice will be commenced on the Temple structure and it is assumed that the entire clerestory ornamentation will be completed about the middle of June, 1935—weather conditions permitting.

The status of the payments under the contract with the contractor, the Earley Studio of Washington, D. C., show that as of February 28, 1935, a balance of $5,661.89 is due. The Trustees, through the agency of their supervising engineers, The Research Service, have arranged with the contractor for a modification of the contract so that payments for actual expenditures are to be made during the months of January, February and March, 1935, when work was suspended at the Temple and will continue on this basis during operations at the Temple in April, May and June and with the assumption that payment in full for the work will be made soon after the completion of the total construction work contemplated under the contract.

Through the courtesy of our supervising engineers, The Research Service, no payments for engineering services have been made for services rendered during the clerestory ornamentation project. It is understood that under contract with The Research Service total and final payment will be made upon the completion of the work. It should be recalled that The Research Service voluntarily offered to reduce its fee to four per cent. of actual construction costs in order that under this business arrangement only actual expenses should be met. The believers will recall that under the original contract for the construction of the superstructure of the Temple, The Research Service made a refund of $2,000 at the completion of the work.

Communications that have been received from our beloved Guardian during the past year indicate his expressed joy at the faith, courage and sacrifices manifested by the American believers in the continuance of the Temple ornamentation so that sufficient of this work may be done to give a completed effect to the Temple. The work, has continued to attract the attention not only of the people of the neighboring communities but of the entire country and much favorable publicity has appeared in the public press and periodicals during the past year.

Your Trustees believe that action will be taken at the 27th Annual Convention and subsequently by the believers through their local Spiritual Assemblies to meet the financial requirements for the completion of the dome ornamentation. As the cost of the dome ornamentation has been running closely in accord with the original estimate of $36,400, including the engineering fee, there remains to be paid both on the contract and on the loan of $10,000, as of February 28, 1935, about $15,000. Your Trustees are confident that the believers will arise

[Page 15] to meet this spiritual need and in the spirit of the recent words of Shoghi Effendi:

“In closing may I convey to you and to the American community of the believers as well the Guardian’s abiding appreciation and gratitude for the striking manner in which the American friends, under the leadership of your Assembly, have each and all arisen to meet the emergency which the lack of sufficient funds had created in connection with the work of the Temple. This constitutes, indeed, an added victory in the series of triumphs which the American believers have, ever since the ascension of the Master, been winning in the field of service to the Faith. Their collective, united and sustained labors in this connection are surely bound to hasten the realization of the Master’s promises concerning the ultimate triumph of the Cause throughout the American continent. May this sublime vision disclosed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá intensify their zeal and stimulate their ardor in bringing their sacred and mighty task to a speedy consummation.”

ALLEN MCDANIEL, Chairman.

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FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

(From “Herald of the South”)

The first Convention of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand took place in Sydney, Australia, commencing May 15, 1934. This much-longed-for event occasioned great happiness and rejoicing among the believers in Australia and New Zealand, who for many months had worked so earnestly for it.

The Convention was opened by Mr. Robert Brown, of Adelaide, South Australia. Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn, the blessed pioneers, who sacrificed all to bring the glad tidings to these shores, then spoke, although their hearts were almost too full for speech. Not only words, but deeds, are their adorning, for the Convention is the consummation of their long and self-sacrificing endeavors for the Cause in this land.

The delegates to the Convention were:—Adelaide, Mr. Robert Brown, Mrs. Silver Jackman, Miss Hilda Brooks; Sydney, Mr. A. O. Whittaker, Mr. Hyde Dunn, Mrs. Olive Routh; Auckland (New Zealand), Mrs. E. Axford, Miss Ethel Blundell, Miss Margaret Stevenson.

The following cable was received from Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Cause:—“Inexpressibly gladdened, celebration first historic Convention. Assure delegates abounding ‎gratittude gratitude‎, fervent prayers, deepest love.—Shoghi.”

Wonderful harmony prevailed at all the meetings and gatherings; the meeting face to face of the friends of the Assemblies and the Melbourne Group, which are situated so far apart, was an unforgettable and thrilling experience. This personal contact has greatly strengthened the bonds which unite the believers in the service of Bahá’u’lláh. Ordinarily the friends would not meet, as the distances are so great, and in this respect it is interesting to note that one Bahá’í travelled from Yaninee, South Australia, a distance of over 400 miles, before entraining at Adelaide for Sydney. The distance from Adelaide to Sydney is 1,073 miles, and from New Zealand to Sydney it is a four days sea journey. The part played by the New Zealand delegates in braving the rigors of the Tasman Sea voyage cannot be overestimated.

The Convention was modelled on those held in America and lasted four days. Two meetings were held daily, and many matters of fundamental importance were discussed. Opinions were expressed, and a deeper knowledge of vital administrative principles was gained.

The election of the first National Assembly of Australia and New Zealand took place on May 16th. Many of the friends attended and sat in silent prayer and meditation during the election.

The first meeting of the newly-elected National Assembly was held on May 19th. The members and officers are as follows:—Adelaide—Mr. Robert Brown, Chairman; Miss Hilda Brooks, Secretary; Mr. Percy Almond, Treasurer; Mrs. Silver Jackman. Sydney—Mr. A. O. Whittaker, Vice-Chairman; Mr. Hyde Dunn, Mrs. C. Moffit. Auckland, New Zealand—Miss Margaret Stevenson, Miss Ethel Blundell.

In a letter to Mrs. Hyde Dunn, the Guardian’s Secretary wrote: “The formation of every new National Assembly must indeed be viewed as a step forward in the evolution of the Administration of the Faith, and not until a sufficient number of such National Assemblies has been duly constituted can there be any hope for the future expansion of the Cause.”

The Guardian wrote: “I am overjoyed to learn of the historic decision of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand. It marks the turning point in the history of the Cause in that faraway continent.”

Through the Grace of God another link has been added to the chain of National Assemblies through which the Administrative Order of the Faith is expanding.

HILDA M. BROOKS.

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Groups

The National Spiritual Assembly has been happy and grateful to learn from the Teaching Committee that in all probability a number of new spiritual Assemblies can be elected on April 1.

While the situation cannot be reported with finality, the local groups which are now apparently ready for the election are: Verdugo City, Calif., Jacksonville, Fla., Augusta, Ga., Maui, T. H., Rochester, N. Y., Dayton, Ohio, and Nashville, Tenn. A later report received from Dale S. Cole, Regional Field Representative of the Teaching Committee, would indicate that Flint, Mich., can be added to this list.

The evolution of a Bahá’í group into a Bahá’í community, based upon the institution of the local Spiritual Assembly, is a matter of transcendent importance. Only through this Bahá’í institution can a group of believers, no matter how devoted and capable they may be as individuals, begin to express the organic qualities of unity and justice which underlie the new civilization.

Through the enthusiasm and capacity of Orcella Rexford, a new group has recently been established at Boise, Idaho, following a public meeting at which the message was given to 400 people. This study class began with an attendance of 200, and the group is now studying under a group leader selected by Miss Rexford. George O. Latimer visited the group in January and reports that it has excellent possibilities.

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Detroit

A series of seven public lectures were given by Dorothy Baker of Lima, Ohio, in the Green Room of the Book Cadillac Hotel, beginning Friday, November 3rd, under the direct auspices of the Detroit Spiritual Assembly and the local teaching committee.

“About 1,000 invitations were printed and several hundred sent to a selected mailing list. In addition the secretaries of various organizations were visited and asked to cooperate. Experience showed that work with existing organizations should begin well in advance of the series so that announcements may be put in club bulletins and on bulletin boards.

[Page 16] “A different local person acted as Chairman each evening. The meeting was opened with a short prayer and then the speaker was introduced. A few short announcements were made at the end before the closing prayer. People having questions were asked to remain and meet Mrs. Baker. No opportunity was given for open forum questions. The meetings were sincere and dignified.

“As a result of the course three new study classes were formed. These were grouped with consideration as to locality of residence and congeniality of the persons involved. The series was in the nature of an experiment and proved to be good training in how to conduct such activities. It was found that the response is best from the ‘higher types.’ It is also believed that a selected, live mailing list is a more effective way of building up attendance than newspaper space—unless a lot of it can be used which is expensive.”

This report was made by Dale S. Cole, Field Representative of the National Teaching Committee.

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New York

The Spiritual Assembly began its teaching activities this year by publishing 5000 copies of the summary of the Faith written by the Guardian, in a pamphlet entitled “The World Religion” (afterward issued by the Publishing Committee) for widespread distribution throughout the city.

During December the Outline prepared by the N. S. A. for general reference was sent to 81 important religious, educational and peace organizations having headquarters in the city.

The teaching program maintained regularly has included: a public meeting on Sunday afternoon; a Forum conducted by the Bahá’í Committee for Youth on Tuesday evening, an Esperanto class on Tuesday evening led by Della Quinlan, who is Secretary of the New York Esperantist Association; a Wednesday evening general study class consisting of a series devoted to special subjects each conducted by a different teacher; a class for newly interested friends led by Mary Hanford Ford and Juliet Thompson on Thursday afternoon; and a “Tea Conference” for the public on Saturday afternoon.

Addresses have been delivered in recent months at the Sunday meeting by Curtis Kelsey, Elsa Russell Blakeley, Philip Sprague, Saffa Kinney, Juliet Thompson, Genevieve Coy, Loulie A. Mathews, Mary Hanford Ford, James Morton, Jr.

An Inter-Racial Amity Conference was held on November 18, Ludmila Bechtold, Chairman, Hon. Hubert H. Delaney and Louis G. Gregory, speakers.

Fireside meetings have been held by Mr. and Mrs. Kinney, Juliet Thompson, Winifred Richards, and a meeting for reading the Words of Bahá’u’lláh by Doris Holley.

A large group of young people has been brought together by Sally O’Neill and given intensive instruction by Elsa Russell Blakeley, with the result that three have been enrolled as believers and many more will follow.

Mrs. Bishop Lewis has conducted a special study class and of these two believers have been enrolled.

Three talks have been given by Saffa Kinney at CCC Camp Upton and at Washington, Conn. During December a friend of the Cause, Clarence Howell, brought a group of theological students and young ministers from Union Theological Seminary for a special meeting conducted by Horace Holley. A half-hour talk was followed by a half hour of questions and answers.

The month of February was devoted to intensive teaching and lecturing by Mme. Gita Orlova, who carried out a series of twelve public meetings at the Center, with two teaching classes a week at the Center and an important study group in a private home. The New York friends are happy to report that these public meetings have consistently filled the hall and are resulting in the formation of a class of interested students.

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Teaneck
(West Englewood)

A Semi-Annual Report made to the N. S. A. presents a wide variety of well-arranged activities, those of most widespread general interest being as follows:

“The arrangement of the public programs for our Sunday and Wednesday meetings has shown the results of great effort and exertion on the part of members of this Committee, in providing speakers from various Bahá’í Communities on the occasion of their visit to West Englewood. During this year we have had the pleasure of greeting many friends from distant cities, including Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bishop, Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Ober, Louis G. Gregory, Dr. Walter Guy, Alfred E. Lunt, Marion Little, Beatrice Irwin and James Morton, Jr. These have all afforded us the very excellent opportunity of presenting the public with a comprehensive picture of the aims and purposes of the Faith, from experiences in various parts of the world.”

“The committee in charge of the Bahá’í school work has probably been one of the most active in assigning students to the various classes, which have been sub-divided into four sections, from kindergarten to youth class. The membership in attendance is about twenty.”

“The establishment of the Haworth branch Center is a result of which we are proud. This is a small suburban town about five miles from the Teaneck Center, where a committee of four believers who reside there have instituted regular public meetings every week, engaging speakers from nearby Assemblies and visitors to Teaneck. It has also provided an excellent training ground for new Bahá’í speakers. The meeting place, which is entirely neutral, is a small cabin, efficiently fitted for the work, made available through the committee in cooperation with the Spiritual Assembly.... The committee reports that the meetings are attended regularly by local residents.”

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Cleveland

From a Committee of the Spiritual Assembly comes a report from which these interesting items are quoted: “In Cleveland we are growing in numbers and we feel also, in the consciousness of the beauty, importance and scope of the Cause.... It has seemed best in Cleveland this year for each member, in so far as it is possible, to have the Bahá’í Community meeting in the homes. Each member holds the meeting every Friday evening for a month. A Monday evening teaching group is held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dale S. Cole. On Thursday afternoon a meeting is held at the home of Alice Doolittle, and Tuesday evening at the Sandoz Fencing Academy.”

The Assembly expresses the desire for speakers from other cities. A list of 1,000 names has been compiled from students of liberal groups which the Assembly will plan to use for developing the public meetings and teaching classes.