Bahá’í News/Issue 92/Text
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The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, New Jersey
THE TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION[edit]
A Summary of the Proceedings[edit]
A devotional service in the Auditorium of the House of Worship gave spiritual preparation for the Convention sessions.
The Convention was opened by Carl Scheffler, presiding officer of the National Spiritual Assembly in the absence of Allen B. McDaniel, chairman.
A prayer was read by Miss Fanny Knoblock.
Roll call. Sixty delegates responded to the roll call of ninety-five delegates representing sixty local Bahá’í communities read by the secretary of the National Assembly.
Election of Convention Officers. Ballots were cast successively for the office of Convention chairman and the office of Convention secretary. Alfred E. Lunt was elected chairman, Horace Holley secretary.
The Convention chairman made brief remarks on the importance of the Annual Meeting.
A letter from Allen McDaniel was read conveying his greeting to the delegates and his regret that illness prevented his attendance.
Annual Report of National Spiritual Assembly. On behalf of the Assembly, its secretary read the annual report, the text of which is published in this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
Voted: To appoint a committee to draft a message from the Convention to the Guardian, the message to include an expression of grateful appreciation for his translation of excerpts from Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh. The committee appointed was: Mrs. Jeanne Bolles, Charles Mason Remey, Leroy Ioas.
Voted: To accept the Annual report with thanks.
Telegrams of greeting were presented at various intervals during the Convention from the following: Binghamton community, Santa Monica group (which reported a donation of $502.00 to the Temple), Los Angeles delegates (Elmor Duckett, Oni Finks, Louise Waite, Loa Shaffer, W. P. Hatch), Philadelphia community, Monroe Assembly and community.
An invitation was read from the Chicago Spiritual Assembly to attend a reception as guests of the community and local Assembly at the Bahá’í Center, 116 South Michigan Avenue, Monday evening, April 29.
Treasurer’s Report. Delegates were supplied with a copy of a financial statement of the National Bahá’í Fund for the period of eleven months ended March 31, 1935, consisting of an Income and Expense Statement and an Analysis of Expenses together with Income and Expense Statements of the Temple and Green Acre Trustees for the same period. An income of $55,170.08 was shown.
These figures and the financial matters of the year were explained orally by the Treasurer, Roy C. Wilhelm. Of the entire income for the eleven months mentioned above, the sum of $40,800.00 was devoted to Temple construction and maintenance.
Voted: That the National Assembly be requested in its financial reports to separate the items of funds received from non-Bahá’ís from those of funds received from believers.
Voted: To recommend that the National Spiritual Assembly provide local Assemblies with uniform receipt books for issuing receipts to individual donors.
Message to the Guardian. The draft of cablegram to be sent by the Convention to Shoghi Effendi as reported by the committee was approved, and the following message was sent: “Delegates representing Bahá’ís (of) United States (and) Canada fervently desire (to) rededicate (their) lives (to) World Order (of) Bahá’u’lláh. Supplicate Divine confirmation through guidance (of) beloved Guardian. Boundless gratitude for Gleanings (from) Writings (of) Bahá’u’lláh just received, and opportunity (to) participate (in the) protection (of the) property (surrounding the) Holy Shrines at World Center. Praying alleviation (of the) Persian Bahá’ís. Ridvan greeting.”
Voted: To recommend that a sign be placed in the Temple Auditorium with words of Bahá’u’lláh or the Bab concerning silence in the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar.
Land on Mt. Carmel. At the chairman’s request, Mountfort Mills explained the Guardian’s plan to develop the Bahá’í area on Mt. Carmel, which consists approximately of a strip of land 1200 feet in width from the highway along the base to the top of Mt. Carmel.
Friday Afternoon[edit]
Race Amity. Under the leadership of Louis G. Gregory, representing the Race Amity Committee, general consultation was given to this subject. Benjamin Taylor reported on the recent Amity Conference held at Cincinnati, Mrs. Mariam Haney spoke of the development of Amity activities in Washington, and Mrs. Sara Walrath explained the policy adopted by the Chicago Assembly this year to have only Bahá’í speakers on the programs of public Amity meetings.
The Amity ideal was feelingly upheld by Dr. Zia Bagdadi of Chicago, Mrs. Dorothy Baker of Lima, and Mrs. Maud Gaudreaux of Yonkers. After interesting reports and remarks by Charles Mason Remey, Charles Reimer, Dr. E. Leonore Morris and Mrs. Georgie Wiles, Mr. Gregory summed up the discussion, which had clarified the question of the special responsibility laid upon American
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Bahá’ís to solve the problem of race
prejudice, and shared with all delegates the fruit of long experience in
a number of Bahá’í communities as
well as in the National Amity Committee itself concerning the best methods of upholding the Amity ideal.
Voted: The recommendation that the National Assembly make a survey this year to determine how many racial, religious and national elements are represented in the American Bahá’í community.
Temple Trustees. Carl Scheffler led the discussion of this topic, recalling the beginnings of the Temple activity, tracing the successive rises and relapses of interest in the Temple corresponding to the degree of unity and devotion existing throughout the national Bahá’í community, and referring particularly to the difficult financial problems of the past year.
Among the views and suggestions presented were—Mrs. Lulu Alexander gave the “five steps” in all Bahá’í achievement explained by the Guardian: Prayer and meditation, decision, determination, confidence, action; Charles Reimer felt that local Treasurers should more fully explain the national Bahá’í needs to their communities; Mme. Gita Orlova spoke of the special inspiration in the prayer on page 110 of the Bahá’í Prayers; Dr. Zia Bagdadi told how his father had contributed to the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, at Ishqabad; Mrs. Sandoz stressed the importance of united contributions; and Mr. Scheffler concluded the period by pointing out that it is a spiritual disease to consider a privilege as a problem, appealing to the delegates to return home and impress upon their communities the true ideal of the National Fund.
Friday Evening[edit]
This session was open to all believers, both delegates and visiting friends. The subject of teaching continued throughout the evening.
Leroy Ioas, representing the Teaching Committee, served as leader of the discussion. After pointing out that each divine Religion recreates itself continually by promotion of the Faith, he read the Annual Report of the Teaching Committee, which is published elsewhere in this issue.
Regional representatives of the Committee, and teachers active during the year, were then called upon to speak.
| CONVENTION MESSAGE TO THE GUARDIAN
_____ |
Dale S. Cole described the formation of a youth group in Flint, as the result of the influence of the Summer School at Louhelen Ranch, which led eventually to the establishment of a Spiritual Assembly in that city.
Dr. E. Leonore Morris gave information about methods of working through Parent Teachers Association groups.
The formation of new groups and Assemblies in the South was reported by Miss Georgie Wiles, with particular reference to the teaching work of Louis G. Gregory at Nashville, Tenn.
Miss Orcella Rexford presented the Cause in terms of the living of a glorious life, and shared her experiences in attracting large study classes at Spokane, Boise, Phoenix and San Diego.
Mountfort Mills reported on methods used in developing interesting Fireside study groups at New York.
Saturday Morning[edit]
After introductory remarks by Alfred E. Lunt, Convention chairman, and the decision of the delegates that the sessions were to conform to Daylight Saving time, the subject of teaching was resumed.
Mme. Gita Orlova of New York described her method of presenting the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh to the public, based upon the view that the Administrative Order is the normal condition of order in the House of Bahá’u’lláh.
Miss Fanny Knoblock eloquently reminded the believers of the spiritual obligation incumbent upon each Bahá’í to teach every day.
Mrs. Dorothy Baker then spoke on the power of silence as a great quality of spiritual personality, bringing as it does the capacity of invoking the best in others.
Mrs. Ruth Moffett described the spiritual attitude of the true teacher, with special reference to a passage she quoted from the Master’s Tablet on “Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh.”
During the general consultation following these brief addresses, Ernest Harrison read an article recently published in a Montreal paper on the world’s need of a Divine King. Mrs. Pauline Hannen summed up many of the preceding thoughts by emphasizing the boundless possibilities that will arise when all believers join actively in using the different instruments of service which have been developed in the Cause.
Mrs. Nellie S. French then presented an article published in Pasadena on the Revelation, followed by Dr. Clement Woolson who emphasized the need of understanding the “Inner Significances.”
Cablegram from the Guardian[edit]
At this point the Convention received the following cablegram from Shoghi Effendi: “Advise delegates visitors hold special devotional gathering Temple auditorium supplicate assistance invisible Host Abha Kingdom emancipation long suffering brethren in Bahá’u’lláh’s native land. May America’s incessant striving redoubled exertion compensate enforced inactivity so large a section organized body His followers.”
Following discussion of the method by which best to meet this appeal, it was voted to make the devotional service of the Ridvan Feast to be held Saturday evening in the Auditorium a meeting of supplication, the arrangements to be made by a committee of three including Albert Windust, chairman of the Ridvan Feast Committee, the committee to be appointed by the Convention chairman.
The following committee was then appointed: Albert Windust, Mrs. Walrath, Dr. Zia Bagdadi.
Resuming the subject of teaching, Mrs. Jelsett reported on a Bahá’í women’s organization which has been formed at Seattle.
Archives. The discussion of this subject was led by the chairman of the Archives Committee, Edwin W. Mattoon. He exhibited a number of original Tablets, especially that revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the House of Justice, Chicago, in 1901. The friends were reminded that photostatic copies of Tablets can be obtained through the Archives Committee at 8c
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each. There are a few more than 1,000
original signed Tablets in the Archives, about 500 with the original translation and some 200 with no
translation. The only Tablet revealed
to people in South America was also
shown.
Suggestions were made for the maintenance of local Archives by the local Assemblies.
The material desired for the National Archives includes: Tablets from the Master, letters from Shoghi Effendi, and relics associated with members of the Holy Household.
Charles Mason Remey spoke of his long experience in this work and urged that local Assemblies give full cooperation in assisting the committee to complete its store of Bahá’í records.
Albert Windust described the beginning of the Archives Committee work in collecting the Master’s Tablets, and pointed out that the proper permanent place for the Archives is in the Temple Foundation. He mentioned the fact that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed for the Chicago Assembly a prayer for the closing as well as the opening of its meetings.
Benjamin Taylor reported that he has original letters from Thornton Chase.
Saturday Afternoon[edit]
Preceding the annual election, Alfred E. Lunt, Convention chairman, spoke of the importance of this function given the delegates, and made spiritual preparation by reading a Tablet revealed to the late Mrs. Kate Ives interpreting her dream of three birds.
The chairman appointed as tellers Philip Marangello, Mrs. Ruth Moffett, Charles Mason Remey. To the tellers were handed by the secretary of the N. S. A. thirty-three sealed ballots mailed in by absent delegates.
Words of Shoghi Effendi on the subject of the annual election were also read by the chairman.
After all delegates present at the Convention had handed in their ballots, the tellers retired.
Publicity. In the absence of Mrs. Ruth Randall Brown, committee chairman, Mrs. Nina Matthisen read a statement prepared by Mrs. Brown. This was followed by general discussion.
Mrs. Nellie S. French reported on the Bahá’í column which for some two years she has prepared for publication in Pasadena Star-News consisting of excerpts under the heading “The Loom of Reality.”
Voted. That the Convention request Mrs. French, through the N. S. A., to make available to local Assemblies her method of developing local publicity.
| SHOGHI EFFENDI’S REPLY TO CONVENTION MESSAGE
(This cablegram was received after the Convention adjourned.) |
Albert Windust reported on the publicity obtained in Chicago through exhibit of the Temple model in store windows.
Dr. Lewis then spoke of the methods which had been used in Milwaukee to secure news about the special teaching program carried out this year: first, paid advertising in advance of the meetings, then billboard displays and distribution of printed programs through organizations, all of which created the necessary public interest to justify the papers, in reporting the program.
Dr. A. Laurence Morris described graphically his methods of developing publicity for the Racine Assembly, emphasizing the need for continuous direct contact with local editors and reporters.
Bahá’í Administration. In the absence of Allen B. McDaniel, Horace Holley led the discussion on this subject. Among the points clarified or emphasized were: that the concept of “spirituality” in previous religions was restricted to the realm of personal relations and subjective experience, while in the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh it has been enlarged to include the functions of social institutions; that as the Guardian once wrote, the basis of Bahá’í unity is no longer the individual but the Assembly; that the N. S. A. some time ago adopted a ruling under which its secretary can answer letters which bring up questions which can be settled either by reference to the recognized principles of Bahá’í administration, quotations from the Guardian’s letters or by citing decisions already made by the N. S. A.
At this point the committee appointed to make arrangements for the meeting of supplication reported that it had prepared a service of readings and that the meeting would be held in the Temple Auditorium at 7:30 P. M.
Voted: After discussion this resolution was adopted—The Convention delegates here assembled record their firm resolve to urge all believers immediately to shoulder the responsibilities and sacrifices necessary to fulfil the collective obligations, first, to contribute the balance required for purchase of the Dumit property in Haifa, and then to provide means for the completion of the clerestory contract in connection with Temple construction.
On learning that the tellers could not report at this session the result of the annual election, it was voted to receive the tellers’ report at 9:30 A. M., Sunday, April 28.
Saturday Evening[edit]
A meeting of supplication was held in the Temple Auditorium, after which the delegates and visitors met in Foundation Hall for the celebration of the Feast of Ridván.
Sunday Morning[edit]
After the devotional period in the Auditorium, the business session was opened with prayer read by Miss Sylvia Payne.
Bahá’í Administration, continued. How local Assemblies should proceed in effecting legal incorporation was explained by George O. Latimer. Consultation followed on the subject of developing the social activities of a local community. Miss Rideout reported on a feast given in Boston, and Charles Mason Remey spoke on a play which has been enacted by young people of Washington.
An interesting inter-racial gathering held in Yonkers was described by Mrs. Maude Gaudreaux. Miss Rideout gave an account of the pageant conducted at Green Acre last summer under the direction of Mrs. Bowditch. Mrs. Nellie S. French followed with a report of an entertainment held in Los Angeles.
Dr. Zia Bagdadi then explained an important distinction which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá made between true entertainment and recreation, and the forms of en-
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tertainment to be considered mere distraction and waste of time for believers. This was amplified by Alfred
E. Lunt and Charles Mason Remey in
an account of the Master’s attitude as
revealed at Green Acre in 1912.
A plea for the development of cultural centers in local Bahá’í communities was expressed by William De Forge. Dr. E. Lenore Morris brought out the fact that recreation is good or otherwise according to the spirit in which it is conducted, as for example, dancing can be a beautiful art when properly appreciated. An example of cultural activity was cited by Roy C. Wilhelm in the case of the programs rendered by William De Forge’s orchestra at West Englewood.
Voted: That the N . S. A. appoint a committee to develop a cultural program satisfying the Bahá’í standard laid down in the Master’s teaching that recreation which is healthful and productive of moral uplift is very important in the Cause; this program when approved to be published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
Annual Election[edit]
The tellers reported the following result of the election of the National Spiritual Assembly.
Number of delegates eligible to vote | 95 |
Ballots received from absent delegates | 33 |
Ballots cast at the Convention | 60 |
Ballots rejected as imperfect (because in each case the voter had written one name twice) | 2 |
Number of ballots constituting the election | 91 |
The nine members elected were as follows:—
- Roy C. Wilhelm, 71 votes.
- Horace Holley, 64 votes.
- George O. Latimer, 62 votes.
- Allen B. McDaniel, 61 Votes.
- Carl Scheffler, 61 votes.
- Leroy Ioas, 53 votes.
- Nellie S. French, 45 votes.
- Alfred E. Lunt, 44 votes.
- Mountfort Mills, 44 votes.
The tellers’ report was accepted, and the tally sheet and ballots were handed in for the records of the N. S. A.
Bahá’í Youth. In the absence of Paul Haney, Youth Committee chairman, Miss Sylvia Payne opened the discussion with the reading of a statement by the committee secretary, Miss Marion Holley.
Lorne Matteson reported on the youth activities of the Chicago community. Wilfred Barton presented the problem of Bahá’í youth as consisting in the integration of their activities and the increase of their capacity to serve the Faith. A. K. Kalantar suggested that the national Youth Committee be appointed with a membership in Chicago, as geographical center of many Assemblies, and that local Youth Committees arrange weekly meetings for non-believers. He described an entertainment which had been given at the High School in West Englewood by the believers for the relief of the fund for destitute citizens of the town, an action which the Guardian had later commended.
Speaking as an art teacher in daily touch with youth, Carl Scheffler gave his impression of the developments going on among the younger generation. Modern youth is serious, and seeks reality. It wants a contact with the larger forces of life. The older generation should teach by their example, and endeavor to find out what young people themselves want and require.
Albert Windust expressed the view that there is need of defining the term “youth” and the boundaries of the age limits in connection with the organization of youth activities in the Cause.
Philip Marangello emphasized our collective need of youth’s enthusiasm. Dr. E. Lenore Morris emphasized the capacity of youth to organize and face realities. Mrs. Jeanne Bowles pointed out that Bahá’í communities renew themselves through the constant influx of young and ardent believers.
Summer Schools. George O. Latimer led the consultation on this subject, the importance of which the Guardian has frequently pointed out. Details of the work as conducted at Green Acre, Geyserville and Louhelen Ranch were described by Dale S. Cole, Mrs. Dorothy Baker and Philip Marangello.
Voted: The recommendation that the N. S. A. in future call the Convention so as to begin on a Thursday, with all annual reports and special subjects for consultation finished before the time of the annual election on Saturday, leaving the rest of Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning for consultation with the incoming Assembly, Sunday evening to be free for all delegates.
Sunday Afternoon[edit]
No Convention session was held Sunday afternoon, on account of the public meeting. It was estimated that between six and seven hundred people attended the public meeting. The program consisted of addresses by Mme. Gita Orlova, Paul Haney and Mountfort Mills.
Sunday Evening[edit]
This session was devoted to a completion of unfinished items on the agenda, and consultation with the newly elected N. S. A.
A healing prayer was read for a number of believers who were ill.
The chairman extended the welcome of the Convention to Miss Edna True, just returned from Haifa.
Miss True stated that the Guardian had said to her that it is no longer necessary for him to send messages by returning pilgrims, but because she was returning in time to attend the Convention, he requested her to deliver these two messages to the believers.
First, on teaching. When the Temple emergency is met, every effort must be made to extend teaching activities, not only in America but in South America and other countries. The Guardian wants teachers who can actually reside abroad long enough to establish the Cause firmly.
Second, on the Summer Schools. The believers must study the history and teachings of Islam, obtaining authentic translations of works by Islamic writers.
Through Miss True Shoghi Effendi sent to the National Assembly a picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—the reproduction by a new process of a photograph showing the Master in profile, with the statement that this picture can be used as the N. S. A. may decide.
Summer Schools, continued.[edit]
Mrs. Jeanne Bolles spoke of the blessing which the Master had given Green Acre, calling it the “Green Akka” of the West.
With reference to the advice that Summer Schools include Islam on their programs, Leroy Ioas reported that valuable information can be found in Draper’s Intellectual Development of Europe. Other works cited were The Glorious Koran, a translation, by Pickthall, and Christ in Islam, by Robsom. Dr. Bagdadi pointed out how the Guardian has successively brought the believers to the study of Bahá’u’lláh, then of the Báb, and now to the study of Islam.
World Order Magazine. At the request of the Convention chairman, Mrs. Mariam Haney read a letter written her by Shoghi Effendi stating that the outcome of the magazine union would be very good, and that the change in no way signified that the Bahá’í Magazine had not been a success. Mrs. Haney explained that she wished to read this letter in order to remove any question about the
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change in the magazine. Horace Holley explained that the new plan had
been recommended by a special editorial committee appointed by the
N. S. A. and answered questions about
details of the work. Roy C. Wilhelm
urged general support of the magazine, and Miss Orcella Rexford declared that teachers should see that
public Libraries and study groups receive copies.
Publishing. Miss Bertha Herklotz represented the Publishing Committee, in the absence of Mrs. Clara R. Wood. From the committee’s annual report (published in the April number of BAHÁ’Í NEWS) Miss Herklotz gave special emphasis to the definite methods by which local Assemblies can cooperate for the advancement of this important branch of the work.
Mrs. Nellie S. French reported on the new Braille edition of the Iqán, which will soon be in circulation among the larger public Libraries, as the Braille edition of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era has for some time been in circulation.
The question of lantern slides was then raised, with particular reference to a set of slides which had been prepared by the late Louis Bourgeois and to the possibility of having slides prepared from illustrations in The Dawn-Breakers and in The Bahá’í World. The N. S. A. was requested to look into this matter.
| THE GUARDIAN’S CABLEGRAM TO THE CONVENTION
|
A poem, “O Prophet Heart,” composed by Philip Marangello, was read by the author, who reported that it has been set to music and copies will soon be available.
Alfred E. Lunt, Convention chairman, stating that the hour of adjournment was at hand, made final appeal that the believers respond whole-heartedly to the Guardian’s cabled message to the Convention.
Voted: That the delegates record their thanks to the Convention officers for the most glorious Convention yet held.
In conclusion of this brief and wholly factual record of proceedings, it must be made clear to all Bahá’ís that the Twenty-Seventh Annual Convention was a stirring and joyous occasion, a true spiritual experience for all who had the privilege to attend. The collective consciousness was turned wholly to consideration of general Bahá’í matters, with the result that the mystery of consultation was made manifest. On the foundation of this unity, which the delegates have carried back to their respective communities, may the entire American Bahá’í community erect a structure of mighty achievement this coming year. —Alláh-u’-’Abhá!
ANNUAL REPORT[edit]
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada[edit]
To the Delegates,
Twenty-Seventh Annual Convention.
Beloved, Bahá’í friends:
The spiritual character and controlling principle of the Bahá’í year now brought to a close were established for us by Shoghi Effendi in these words dated September 16, 1934:
“The situation in Persia which is growing from bad to worse, the necessary measures which should be taken to insure the uninterrupted completion of the clerestory section of the Temple, the adoption of such measures as will stimulate the teaching campaign in America, the exercise of the utmost vigilance lest the authorities in Soviet Russia inflict any injury upon Bahá’í lives and institutions, the extension of any support that may be required to safeguard the interests of the Cause at its most vital and international center to ward off the malicious attacks of enemies from both within and without—these are the outstanding issues which demand the sustained and concentrated attention of every believer.”
This statement of outstanding issues, more definitely and more vigorously than in any previous communication from the Guardian, has served to summon each and every loyal Bahá’í to arise above undue concern with local and even national matters and assume his duties and responsibilities as citizen in that World Order of Bahá’u’lláh to establish which the Divine Will has revealed itself to mankind. Now in the realm of action the Bahá’ís have the supreme privilege of receiving guidance and inspiration from one central point, even as since the Announcement of the Báb the believers have had one central point in the realm of the soul.
In its fulness of meaning, in its call for positive action, the statement can not be limited to any single period of time. Rather may we perceive in it the beginning of an era of greater maturity, larger responsibility, as the followers of Bahá’u’lláh unite in resistance to the forces of the world.
In preparation for this responsibility, the Guardian has conducted us through two preliminary phases of development since the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The first phase was that of learning the principles of the administrative order. The second phase was that of learning the principles of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, a phase marked by the successive “World Order” letters which began in February, 1929. The third phase, now beginning, is the application of this knowledge to important problems — problems which relate the Cause to society as a whole, and not merely those minor problems of our own Bahá’í relationships which have engaged our attention and almost exhausted our powers in previous years.
The thoughtful believer will not fail to pursue this analysis until he can perceive the underlying factors in the progress of the Faith as a whole. What has happened during this Bahá’í year, in brief, is that an entirely new emphasis has been given all Bahá’í thought and action, identically the same emphasis which life lays upon the individual on that day when childhood and youth, with their pre-occupations with self, first begin to realize the tasks which usher in the time of maturity. What we have learned since 1921, and what we have established as our attitude toward the Cause and toward life, are now undergoing supreme test until it has been proved that individually and collectively we are worthy to uphold the true and highest interests of a Divine Faith.
Nor will it be overlooked, as we adopt this larger perspective, that the Guardian issued his first communication on the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh about six months before the world’s
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economic order underwent so fatal a
collapse in the autumn of 1929. The
germ of the new order became apparent
to Bahá’ís before the world received
its first warning that the old order
could not longer endure. These Providential matters are surely our first and
deepest concern, since only as we grasp
them can we adjust ourselves to that
irresistible motion of progress which
is the sign of the Dispensation of
Bahá’u’lláh.
One word more on this most thrilling and vital of Bahá’í topics. In the communication received just before the Annual Convention of 1934, published as “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh,” Shoghi Effendi brought together in one perfect unity all those aspects of the Revelation which we, in our human limitations, had been considering as separate realities: the Station of Manifestations, the mysterious Mission of the Center of the Covenant, the full significance of His Will and Testament, and the nature of that Order which the Testament bequeaths to the friends. In a communication so comprehensive, so organic, so unified in its wholeness and so perfected in its parts, we may now realize that Shoghi Effendi marked definitely for us an ending of our education in details of Bahá’í service, and a beginning of our responsibility in demonstrating our faith and our unity to our fellow-men.
Indeed, the successive steps which Shoghi Effendi has taken to train, to instruct and to discipline the Bahá’í community are all paralleled by a swift continuance of that process of disintegration in human society which has become the more apparent as efforts to attain peace and stability have successively failed. Fourteen years ago the Bahá’í community was still as a child in the household of civilization, apparently bearing no responsibility for the fate of that household, and therefore concerned only with the joys and sorrows of the child’s own growth, the dreams of its own future. Today, with the household in dire confusion and distress, the youth born of the new age is called upon to prove his birthright and demonstrate his capacity to achieve eternal peace, his elders having failed.
By comparison with that standard of action, every local or personal issue assumes only a relative importance. Such issues can no longer entirely surround and engulf us at the expense of the world vision which the Guardian has given us this year. Larger than the individual is the local community; larger than the local community is the national community; larger still than any national community is the World Order which now claims not merely our passive acceptance and belief but a devotion and consecration which a collapsing society will test with fire.
Major Events[edit]
Without the perspective of time it is impossible to determine precisely which events of a Bahá’í year have major importance. One may, nevertheless, without finality, refer to certain events as representing occurrences or trends meriting special attention.
1. As has been reported to the friends, the Guardian has clarified the problem of how to present the Will and Testament to new believers. In accordance with his instructions, a new edition of the Testament has been prepared and published which, until further instructions are given, includes the text to be explained to and accepted by those who apply for enrollment as Bahá’ís. The supplementary excerpts which precede and follow the selections from the Testament are in themselves the most perfect of explanations. The edition consisting of the complete text is now almost exhausted, but the National Spiritual Assembly has recorded its responsibility in continuing to supply at least one complete text to each newly elected Spiritual Assembly.
2. The contract for the completion of the clerestory section of the Temple dome unit, one of the outstanding issues mentioned by Shoghi Effendi, has throughout this year proceeded as rapidly as weather permitted. Despite the economic difficulty which has prevailed, the believers have made notable sacrifices in order to meet the collective obligation, the fulfilment of which will mean that the Dome unit is at last entirely finished.
In the case of future Temple construction, the Guardian has advised that contracts be entered into by the Trustees only when the necessary amount of cash is actually on hand. The Dome unit, however, was undertaken and has been carried on in a spirit of trust that the Guardian’s wishes and instructions would be voluntarily met.
In September and in December, the difference between income and obligation compelled the National Spiritual Assembly to issue an appeal directed to every American believer lest the work in its final stages be temporarily abandoned. All along it has been felt that the problem was not economic but spiritual; not a matter of dollars and cents but one of resolution and of unified response. For, in its ultimate significance, the building of the Temple is not an end in itself. It is a vital step in the training of the Bahá’í community in the divine art of unity. As such a tremendous task is achieved, the power comes to carry out other collective missions in service to the beloved Cause. National achievement is nothing else than a stepping stone to international services.
The important details of this subject will be presented in the Treasurer’s report. At this time it is important to emphasize the fact that this obligation is not yet fully discharged.
3. The passing of the venerable, the beloved and revered Dr. Susan I. Moody in the field of her life work at Tihran furnishes the Bahá’í world one more example of heroism and consecration a later generation of believers may well take to heart. How fruitful her life was! What noble institutions she developed, what a monument she reared in the lives of Persian youth! Even the enemies of the Cause could not withhold their admiration and their recognition of her sincerity! Even officialdom refrained from destructive measures until her stalwart Bahá’í presence had been removed from the scene! How brief will be that restless triumph, seizing its opportunity so blindly from the folded hands of death, ignorant of that Kingdom to which the faithful believer goes, that Kingdom whence comes the Will that governs the world!
4. In no year of which we have record have there been so many enrollments of new believers as during the year now closed. Both in number of the new members added to existing communities, and in number of groups prepared for election of a Spiritual Assembly for the first time, this present period has been one of remarkable growth. From Milwaukee came the news that more than sixty believers had been enrolled in one meeting; from Chicago, from New York and from many other communities reports of new enrollments surpass the announcements made in previous years. Our teaching of the Cause, reinforced by the mysterious power of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, made more effective by our knowledge of the nature of the Bahá’í community, has received a vast stimulus, inaugurating a movement forward surely destined to acquire greater emphasis in every successive year. The details of this great achievement will be reported by the Teaching Committee, so that representatives from all local communities may return home inspired to work for renewed effort, and instructed to convey useful plans which have brought success in other cities.
[Page 7]
Gratitude, however, must be expressed to all those teachers who during the year have answered the call to service and traveled to so many cities
upholding the banner of the Faith.
This circulation of thought and devotion from city to city, in the person of
the teachers who are able to travel, is
a great stimulus to the Bahá’í communities themselves as well as to the
non-believers thereby attracted. But
above all the firm unity of the local
communities affords and will always
afford the only enduring foundation
for the new era of vitality and spiritual
zeal. The greatest teacher in the Cause
of Bahá’u’lláh is not a person but a
community not only united together on
the plane of personality but imbued
with conviction that its essential purpose is to open the doors to the new
souls.
Communications from the Guardian[edit]
The first communication from the Guardian was the cablegram sent in reply to the message cabled him by the Twenty-Sixth Annual Convention. That cablegram, received after the Convention had closed, was reported in a general letter dated June 4, 1934 and also in the Convention Number of BAHA’I NEWS: “American believers’ inspired leadership steadily unfolding to Bahá’ís world over potentialities majestic edifice heralding formative period Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Their unerring vision conceived its matchless design. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s own hands laid its cornerstone. Their dynamic faith reared its structure. Their sustained self-sacrifice crowned it with immortal glory. May flame their unconquerable enthusiasm continue glowing in their hearts till its naked frame is enveloped in its shining mantle.”
Is not this message directed also to this Convention, since the task is yet unfinished?
In BAHÁ’Í NEWS of July, 1934, were published excerpts from letters dated May 10, May 19, June 11, 1934, and cablegram received on May 18. The following subjects were treated:
- As soon as the clerestory section of the Temple is completed, no new contract to be made for the next unit until the entire sum required for the contract has already been collected.
- The scope of local news letters.
- News of the successful negotiations with the Palestine authorities concerning the exemption from taxation of the area surrounding the Shrines, tantamount to a recognition of the sacredness of the Shrines and the significance of the international center of the Faith.
- Appreciation of the American Bahá’ís’ cooperation in preventing that area from falling into the hands of non-Bahá’ís.
- The relation of local Assemblies to the National Spiritual Assembly.
- Affirmation of the supreme and undivided authority of the N. S. A. and its moral responsibility if it allows any body or institution within its jurisdiction to abuse its privileges or to decline in the exercise of its rights and privileges.
- Approval of instruction to disregard anonymous communications.
September BAHÁ’Í NEWS carried the Guardian’s explanations of passages in “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh.”
Excerpts from letters dated September 9, 16, 25 and 30, were published in November on the following subjects:
- The hope that through self-sacrifice further steps will be taken to safeguard the entire area surrounding the Shrines.
- Explanation of the general principle that no administrative body under the jurisdiction of the N. S. A. has authority to receive complaints against the Assembly, but that matters which are unsatisfactory are to be referred to the Guardian.
- The list of “outstanding issues” already mentioned in this Report.
- Renewed instruction that photographs of the Guardian are not to be circulated.
- Approval of statement concerning the Convention with correction of view that its sessions are joint meetings with the N. S. A.
- Request for English translations of Bahá’í News Letters issued by the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria.
- Emphasis upon the necessity of maintaining the flow of contributions to the Temple, and the importance of the National Fund as the indispensable medium for the growth and expansion of the Cause. Contributions to this fund constitute a way by which each believer can test the measure and character of his faith.
- The Guardian’s inability to continue for the present his own contribution to the Temple Fund, in view of the severe restrictions imposed upon the Cause in Persia and the increase in the international expenses. In connection with this subject it is necessary to point out that the Guardian has for years been contributing as much to the Cause in America as all the American believers, through the National Fund at least, are together contributing to the development of the Bahá’í World Center. Difficult though it still is, apparently, to maintain the national budget, including Temple construction, must we not become, as the American Bahá’í community, more deeply conscious of our collective responsibility to the Guardian’s International Fund? Must we not begin to realize that a monthly contribution worthy of our combined resources should constitute the first and not the last obligation upon our national Bahá’í budget? Without the Guardian’s capacity to function materially as well as spiritually, are we not fatally limiting the development of the Cause at its very Center? Just as no local community can flourish if the National Fund be deprived of power to serve, so no national community in this unified Cause can flourish if the International Fund at the disposal of the Guardian is deprived of power. The matter is mentioned here only for deep and prayerful consideration, that a new resolve may be born and develop impetus until this omission shall for the future be overcome.
Expression of the Guardian’s gratitude that continuance of Temple construction was assured.
The January, 1935 number of BAHÁ’Í NEWS contained excerpts from the Guardian’s letters on the following subjects:
- Explanation of further questions raised concerning the meaning of passages in “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh.”
- The use of Bahá’í ringstones and burial stones left to the discretion of the believers pending the publication of the Kita’b-i-Aqdas.
- The National Assemblies of Egypt, Iraq and Persia are adopting the text of the American Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, at the Guardian’s request, the N. S. A. of India and Burma having already taken this step.
- Approval of plan to unite the two magazines.
- Explanation of a passage on page 88 of “Bahá’í Administration” referring to the date when Oriental Bahá’ís celebrated the Declaration of the Báb in 1925.
- Explanation that when a Memorial is constructed in the pine grove at West Englewood to commemorate ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America, the memorial should take the form of a monument and not of a building. This explanation reminds us of the Guardian’s previous instruction, that on account of the importance of the Unity Feast which the Master held on that spot, the sole Memorial commemorating His American visit is to be con-
- structed there. The Guardian’s views in this matter would seem to answer a question raised locally from time to time in various cities, namely, whether the local Spiritual Assembly should not take steps to acquire permanently some house which had been blessed by the Master’s Holy Presence.
- At this point in the Report might be inserted reference to the fact that during March, 1935, Roy C. Wilhelm executed an Indenture of Trust under which the Evergreen Cabin property, and the two lots in the pine grove where the Unity Feast was celebrated in 1912, were transferred to the Cause through nine trustees in a manner similar to that under which the Temple and Green Acre properties are now administered. The place so signally blessed by the Master thus comes perpetually under Bahá’í ownership and control by this generous gift.
- Approval of letter published in November BAHÁ’Í NEWS by the N. S. A. on the general subject of the relation of believers to their local, national and international Bahá’í institutions.
- The Guardian’s abiding appreciation and gratitude for the manner in which the American believers rose to meet the emergency caused by lack of funds for Temple construction.
- His heart-felt condolences and loving sympathy for the loss sustained in the passing away of Dr. Moody.
- These significant words in a letter dated December 1: “Despite the perils and uncertainties with which their country is now beset, and in the face of the financial reverses they have suffered and the unfortunate controversies that have perplexed and agitated them, they have forged ahead and are fast approaching the termination of the first stage in the ornamentation of their consecrate Edifice. Undaunted by the magnitude of this colossal enterprise, undismayed by the smallness of their numbers, the scantiness of their resources and the scorn of their enemies, they have carried triumphantly the banner of Bahá’u’lláh and brought to a successful issue the first stage in the formative period of His Faith.”
Special attention is called to the fact
that the Guardian, in this passage, considers the dome and clerestory sections one unit—a matter of very great
importance in the light of the misunderstanding which has prevailed here
and there that the dome alone was the
“unit” which the Guardian wished
completed and that consequently the
clerestory section was a task arbitrarily added by the National Assembly.
Observe also that Shoghi Effendi gives new and more striking emphasis to the completion of the clerestory section of the dome unit by stating that its successful issue terminates the first stage in the formative era of the Faith.
These subjects explained by the Guardian in a letter dated January 27 were reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of March, 1935.
- The figures of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are not to appear as characters in dramatic works written by believers.
- Explanation of the Bahá’í teaching on marriage, especially in relation to inter-racial marriage.
Other passages from the Guardian’s
letters quoted in March were:
- An important reference to the teachings on economics taken from a letter dated December 20, 1931.
- The importance of Bahá’í Summer Schools, from a letter to Central States Summer School Committee, dated November 6, 1934.
Since the April, 1935 issue of the
News Letter was devoted to Annual
Committee Reports, except for a few
news items carried over in type from
the previous number in which space
was lacking, a number of excerpts in
recent letters have not yet been published, and these will be given in full
at this time:
- In comment on the ruling that members of local Spiritual Assemblies must be able to attend meetings: “He believes that your Assembly was well advised in adopting such a ruling. For it is only too obvious that unless a member can attend regularly the meetings of his local Assembly, it would be impossible for him to discharge the duties incumbent upon him, and to fulfil his responsibilities as a representative of the community. Membership in a local Spiritual Assembly carries with it, indeed, the obligation and capacity to remain in close touch with local Bahá’í activities, and ability to attend regularly the sessions of the Assembly.” (Haifa, January, 27, 1935).
- In a letter written to the Spiritual Assembly of New York in acknowledgement of a letter reporting the local Assembly’s decision to uphold fully and without exception the general instruction concerning Oriental believers who lack proper credentials: “In this connection, the Guardian wishes to draw once more your attention to the all-importance of his instructions to the Western believers regarding association with Orientals. The friends in the West must be wide awake, and be extremely cautious when dealing with Easterners, particularly with those who in the name of the Cause desire to satisfy their own desires and ambitions. The first step which they should take in protecting themselves against such mischief-makers is to insist that they should obtain proper credentials from the Assembly of the locality in which they live. This measure, he feels, is absolutely essential and there can be no exception whatever to it.” (Haifa, January 4, 1935).
- The cablegram received March 30, 1935, and reported to the friends in a general letter sent to local Assemblies on April 3: “Contract for purchase and transfer to Palestine Branch American Assembly (of the) Dumit property situated (at the) center (of) area dedicated to Shrines on Mt. Carmel (has been) signed. Four year litigation involving Bahá’í world’s petitions (to) Palestine High Commissioner abandoned. Owners require 4,000 pounds. Half (this) sum (is) available. Will American believers unitedly contribute 1,000 pounds before end of May and remaining 1,000 pounds within nine months. Am compelled appeal entire body American community subordinate national interests of Faith to its urgent paramount requirements at its World Center.”
- At the time this Report is in preparation, no further information and no result of that appeal is available. It will be for the Treasurer to convey the result in his Financial Report. The impressive fact to be noted is the Providential manner in which, at every stage in the development of Bahá’u’lláh’s Faith, events are provided and tasks are allotted to the believers which prepare them for the new step. The building of the Temple was the divine plan for creating a national Bahá’í community out of the local communities and factional groups existing years ago, and now we are given compelling needs at the World Center in order to create a world Bahá’í community out of the national communities which have recently been established. Our collective response to all such successive emergency constitutes our training and discipline for service in a divine World Order. The Cause progresses by heroic endeavor and sacrifice and for the believers there can be no stay on the upward march.
- There is one other recent communication from the Guardian, but reference to it will be deferred to the conclusion of this Report.
Secondary Administrative Developments[edit]
From time to time problems and
[Page 9]
situations are reported by local Spiritual Assemblies which call for some
general ruling. The rulings of this character made by the National Assembly during the past year will now be reviewed.
Before doing so, however, it seems important to call attention to the fact that the National Spiritual Assembly after the 1934 Convention adopted a new and better method of keeping all its members informed throughout the interval between the meetings.
Once a week each member receives a summary of all communications which have arrived at the National Office, and each item in the summary is numbered for identification. Up to April 19, 1935 there had been 1,124 items, but this figure does not represent the total amount of correspondence because an effort is made to use the same key number throughout all the correspondence pertaining to the same matter. Hitherto the members were only informed of special matters, the general correspondence being itemized only once a month in the form of an agenda for each meeting. This new method has been found to be exceedingly helpful.
The general rulings adopted during the year are as follows:
- That each local Assembly, in dealing with the matter of members of the community who have joined non-Bahá’í organizations which might be political or even radical in character, is in duty bound to point out to the community the Guardian’s instructions as published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of August, 1933.
- Fresh emphasis was recorded for the principle under which a traveling teacher is not only subject to the jurisdiction of the local Assembly in each city, but is expected to be concerned only with teaching activities and not intervene in local problems unless specifically requested by the Assembly to assist in some situation.
- That the children of believers can attend the Nineteen Day Feasts and other Bahá’í meetings, but when they reach the age of sixteen years the local Assembly should request a declaration of their interest in the Cause and their intention to become voting members when they reach the age of twenty-one; and that other young people, not children of believers, can attend Nineteen Day Feasts and other Bahá’í meetings after reaching the age of sixteen years by making a similar declaration to the local Assembly.
- The functions of the Reviewing and Editorial Committee were defined, as reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of July, 1934.
- That excerpts from letters written by the Guardian to individual believers will not hereafter be published.
- National Committees which have occasion to use a printed letterhead were requested to consult the National Assembly in order to use the proper form.
- That until further notice the annual meeting called on April 21 for the election of the local Spiritual Assembly is to be conducted by the officers of the outgoing Assembly and not by officers elected by those present at this meeting.
- In the election of the National and local Assemblies, when the result of the ballot is that eight members are elected but two or more believers are tied for the ninth membership, the second ballot taken to eliminate the tie vote must be limited to voting for one of the two or more names who received a tie vote for the ninth place.
- The friends were reminded that the Guardian’s original instructions concerning letters written to him by local Assemblies and National Committees were that such letters were to be sent him through the National Spiritual Assembly.
- Local Assemblies which have no permanent headquarters were requested to take a Post Office box which can be used as a permanent address for Bahá’í correspondence.
- Local Assemblies were advised to engage expert legal assistance in adapting the local By-Laws to the Religious Statutes of their particular State; and meanwhile that it is advisable and necessary for all local Assemblies without exception to abide by the set of By-Laws approved by the Guardian.
- Recommended that all local Assemblies if possible arrange to have a Bahá’í address listed in the local telephone directory.
- General reports from local Assemblies are to be sent directly to the N. S. A. but reports confined to teaching activities are to be sent to the Teaching Committee. Inter-Assembly Committees and conferences have no executive capacity and therefore do not receive reports nor transact business.
- When a local Assembly wishes to secure the services of any teacher from another city it is requested to consult the National Teaching Committee. That Committee, in turn, is requested to recommend only such teachers as conform to the following qualifications: thorough knowledge of the Teachings; complete loyalty to the Administrative Order as outlined in the Guardian’s general letters including the World Order communications; rigorous obedience to the principle that teachers are not to intervene in any local problem, and true sincerity and severance.
- That local news letters should be distributed only to members of the local community, but copies sent to the Guardian, the National Assembly and to other National Assemblies for their information.
- That local Assemblies, in transmitting to the N. S. A. reports and recommendations from the community, should be not merely a passive medium used by believers to bring matters to the attention of the N. S. A. but should make their own independent study of such recommendations and forward them with a statement of their own attitude and comment.
- Interpretations of the By-Law 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.
- That hereafter the annual voting list furnished by each local Assembly should be accompanied by a separate list of all believers transferred to and from the Assembly.
- That local Assemblies are to instruct new believers in the meaning of the new compilation of excerpts from the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and furthermore, that local Assemblies are to be responsible for providing new believers with copies.
- The above rulings have been published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS during the year, but those following have not yet been published.
- That local Assemblies are requested to send to the N. S. A. a copy of all important notices covering policies, rules or regulations as well as important announcements having to do with elections and organization under Bahá’í administration, which they may issue to their communities from time to time.
- That the Committees in charge of the three Summer School programs are after this season to send their programs and arrangements to the National Assembly, which body will pub-
- lish them in some uniform style.
- That the collective activities of Bahá’ís, with which the name Bahá’í is associated, ought not to be extended to activities of non-Bahá’ís which cannot be controlled by the believers through their institutions and under the recognized principles of Bahá’í administration; and further that the public solicitation of funds under Bahá’í auspices, irrespective of the worthiness of the object, may give a wrong impression of the nature of the Cause. When believers wish to show a special respect to any non-believer or non-Bahá’í organization, they should do so as individuals without involving the name of the Cause.
- In view of the apparent tendency of certain teachers to designate themselves as “International” Bahá’í teachers or lecturers, it has been voted to publish in BAHÁ’Í NEWS a brief statement discouraging the use of the descriptive term “International” in connection with Bahá’í service, on account of the fact that the word “International” with reference to the Cause is properly confined to certain specific institutions such as the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice, and to the activities carried on in and through these bodies.
General Statements[edit]
In addition to specific rulings required for definite situations, the National Assembly endeavors also to throw some light on more general trends and developments noted from time to time in its correspondence and other contacts with the national community.
During the year, statements have been published on the following subjects:
- Status of the National Bahá’í Fund.
- Suggestions on the subject of teaching.
- The institution of the Spiritual Assembly.
- The new attitudes and principles of action which the Guardian has established in the World Order communications.
- The nature of the Nineteen Day Feast.
- Preparation of new believers for membership in the Bahá’í community.
- Important events affecting the Faith in Persia.
- Plans for new Bahá’í Magazine.
- The annual Bahá’í Convention.
- Several reports on recommendations made by the last Convention.
General Letters[edit]
At the beginning of the year the National Spiritual Assembly planned as far as possible to publish its general letters in BAHÁ’Í NEWS so that they could be shared by the entire community. In addition, letters were sent to local Assemblies on the following dates: June 4, September 5, September 18, (two letters), October 9, November 1, November 16, December 1, February 4, February 14, March 21 and April 3—a total of twelve communications.
A Summary of Events[edit]
Without attempting to evaluate their relative importance, it will be well to record some of the incidents and events which have happened since the last Convention. The complete history of the Cause during the year can only be followed by considering the detailed reports of National Committees, and in addition the records of the sixty local Assemblies and the unorganized groups.
- Through generous action of certain believers, an obligation inherited by the Green Acre Trustees from the Green Acre Fellowship in the amount of $10,000 payable on a bond issue has been cancelled by owners of bonds. A loan of $2,000 to the National Assembly several years ago to assist in financing the printing of The Dawn Breakers has likewise been cancelled by the lender. The unpaid note of $7,500 held by the bank for loan made in March, 1934 to the N. S. A. for the Temple Trustees has been met by a special gift.
- The literature has been enriched by several new works, including The Promise of All Ages, Security for a Failing World, Mysticism and the Bahá’í Revelation, the Economics Compilation, The Will and Testament, The Practise of the Presence of God, BAHÁ’Í NEWS Index, and the leaflet, World Religion.
- A beautiful design was made by Myron Potter for the Memorial to Keith at Isfahan, and working drawings sent to the Assembly in that city, but due to the restrictions imposed upon Bahá’í activities in Persia we do not know what the Isfahan Assembly has been able to do.
- The house at Malden, Mass., where the Master visited, has been transferred by the Guardian to Trustees for the benefit of the N. S. A.
- Final details are being worked out with John and Louise Bosch for the transfer of property at Geyserville used for the Summer School, to Bahá’í trustees.
- The three Summer Schools have progressed steadily, and by now are recognized in their true light, as the beginning of the divine Education given humanity by Bahá’u’lláh.
- The Symbol of the Greatest Name has been legally protected in the United States and steps are being taken to acquire similar protection in Canada.
- References to the Cause by non-Bahá’ís in newspapers, books and magazines have considerably increased.
- The Race Amity Committee, in its article on “The Divine Call to Race Amity” published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for March, 1935, has made available to all the American believers a new and valuable source of information and spiritual impetus for successful service in that field.
- The public bulletin entitled “A New World Order” has been sent to a special list of people of capacity at intervals of every other month, adding its weight to all other teaching efforts.
- Many, but not all of the annual Committee Reports prepared last year have been published in successive issues of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, affording a background of information about the progress of activities along national lines.
- Two new Spiritual Assemblies were established on April 21, 1934—Lima, Ohio, and South Bend, Indiana, while a Spiritual Assembly was re-established at Geneva, New York.
- A list of Bahá’í young people between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one is maintained at the National Office, and the friends are requested to assist in keeping this list complete.
- The National Spiritual Assembly has recorded its thanks and appreciation for the valuable services rendered by A. F. Matthisen in acting as accountant and preparing the monthly and annual Financial Reports.
- A special committee has been giving much time and thought to the preparation of a form of Bahá’í parliamentary procedure for use by local Assemblies in conducting their own meetings and also the Nineteen Day Feasts, for use by the Convention, and also a procedure for the N. S. A. itself. Action has not been taken on this matter at the date of the writing of this Report, but the matter is mentioned because the request for such procedures was one of the important recommendations at the 1934 Convention. It is hoped that the final drafts can all be published, so that every believer can become familiar with the methods for the conduct of Bahá’í deliberation.
- The Bahá’í Magazine has been issued in a new form, the title and
- general character of which reflect the Guardian’s own teaching method as developed in his general letter entitled “The Goal of a New World Order.”
- The National Assembly is endeavoring to work out a settlement with the executor of the estate of Mrs. Agnes Parsons, who wrote her intention of donating property at Dublin, N. H. to the Cause, but did not provide for this intention in her will along the lines of her personal letter. It seems advisable for believers who wish to leave bequests to the Cause to make certain that the necessary legal steps have been taken.
- A Memorial Meeting to commemorate the passing of Dr. Moody was held in Foundation Hall, Bahá’í House of Worship, on Sunday, November 25.
- A statement on the Cause is now included annually in the International Year Book published by Funk & Wagnalls, New York.
- A new series of inexpensive pamphlets is now under way, for general use in presenting the Cause to the public. The text was prepared under the direction of the Free Literature Committee, and as each article is approved by the Reviewing Committee it will be published in World Order and then reprinted by the Publishing Committee from the magazine types, which makes a large saving in cost. The first pamphlet, on Bahá’í Education, by Stanwood Cobb, is now on the press. The second will appear next month, on The Most Great Peace, by Marion Holley. The series will eventually include some six or more titles, and will surely prove very valuable to local Assemblies and individual teachers.
- The suffering of the Persian Bahá’ís have been before the National Assembly unceasingly for two years. During this period, under the Guardian’s direction, every possible effort has been made to exert influence for their relief. The situation has now passed into what appears to be a crucial stage, and we must pray to Bahá’u’lláh that so grievous a blow at His Cause shall Providentially be prevented from carrying out the full destructiveness of its intention. The matter has been reported as fully as the Assembly has been permitted to make it known among the friends. It is hoped that this Convention, among other actions, may unite in heart-felt prayer on behalf of our fellow Bahá’ís in that country.
- Let us be grateful for the remarkable services being rendered by the American believers who travel in other lands—Martha Root, Louise Gregory, Mountfort Mills, Louise Drake Wright, Dr. and Mardieh Carpenter, Loulie Mathews, Leonora Holzapple, Marjorie Morten, Julia Goldman, Charles and Helen Bishop, Mr. and Mrs. Grieven, Mark Tobey, Nellie S. French, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Romer, Amelia Collins, Sylvia Matteson, Imogene Hoagg. On Sunday, April 14 the press carried the news that Mr. Romer had passed on at London—a great loss to the Cause.
A New Annual Conference[edit]
After careful consideration of some of the needs of the Cause, the National Spiritual Assembly has recently recorded its view that hereafter each successive N. S. A. should arrange a three-day joint session for the special purpose of conferences with representatives of all local Assemblies who can be present.
The purpose of this plan is to go more deeply into the opportunities and problems faced by all local Assemblies in this formative period, and at the same time enable the National Assembly to acquire a more intimate picture of conditions than is possible by correspondence. The thought is that such a conference could be held during the fall or early winter, at some central point like the Foundation Hall of the Temple, or Chicago, and each Assembly invited to send a representative or at least some suggestions for the agenda. The meetings would doubtless be helpful to all, and grapple with real problems and opportunities which arise on all sides. It is confidently hoped that the plan when carried out will have important results for the Cause.
Conclusion[edit]
In conclusion the important announcement is made that the Guardian has given the friends a wonderful blessing in the form of new translations of excerpts from Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh. Within the last few days three different manuscripts have been received from Haifa, and with them a letter stating that these are to be published with the title “Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.” It would be presumptuous to attempt to describe their power, their beauty, their vitalizing spirit. Suffice it to remark that Shoghi Effendi, having renewed the Cause by instructing us in the principles of administrative order, now calls us to a spiritual renewal in our knowledge of the creative Utterance of Bahá’u’lláh.
Let us consider this one passage included in the Guardian’s translations:
“The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Day-Spring of His Revelation and the fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation. Whoso achieveth this duty hath attained unto all good; and Whoso is deprived thereof, hath gone astray, though he be the author of every righteous deed. It behoveth every one who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Source of Divine inspiration.”
- Faithfully yours,
- National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada.
- By HORACE HOLLEY, Secretary.
ANNUAL COMMITTEE REPORTS[edit]
1934-1935[edit]
24.—Teaching[edit]
The Teaching of the Bahá’í Faith in America during the past year achieved great results in increased numbers accepting the Faith, more Bahá’ís becoming actively engaged in this, the most important branch of Bahá’í work, and in technic of presentation of the Teachings. The financial sacrifices necessary to continue ornamentation work on the Clerestory Section of the Temple has made it impossible to give monetary aid to traveling teachers;—thus bringing the teaching work to a truly sacrificial basis; which Bahá’u’lláh has indicated is the sure source of the guidance and confirmation of the Holy Spirit.
The band of those so assiduously carrying on the Teaching work outside of established Assemblies, who have kept the Teaching Committee informed of their work are: Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Mrs. Ruth Brandt, Mrs. Louise Caswell, Mr. Dale Cole, Mr. Roland Estall, Mrs. Ida Finch, Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf, Mr. Louis Gregory, Dr. Walter B. Guy, Mr. Leroy Ioas, Dr. Ali Kuli Khan, Miss Alma Knoblock, Miss Fanny Knoblock, Mrs. Laura
[Page 12]
Luther, Mrs. Gertrude Matteson, Mrs.
May Maxwell, Mrs. Loulie Matthews,
Mrs. Florence Morton, Mrs. Ruth
Moffett, Dr. Lenore Morris, Madame
Gita Orlova, Mr. Charles Mason Remey, Mrs. Orcella Rexford, Mrs. Lorol Schopflocher, Mrs. A. Y. Seto, Mr.
Mark Tobey, Mr. N. Forsythe Ward,
Mrs. Shahnaz Waite, Mrs. Georgie
Wiles. While there is an increasing
number of new names among those
devoting most of their time in public
teaching work outside their Assemblies, yet the burden of this strenuous
work seems yet to rest too heavily on
the shoulders of those pioneers of the
Faith, who have spent their lives in
this service. We hope many new
Friends will enter this field of teaching work, thus increasing and improving our teaching services. In this connection, let us bear in mind the injunction of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, that to successfully teach the Faith, one must
first, have a creative desire to teach;
second, must intensively prepare
through study, prayer and devotion;
and third, enter actively into the field
of service, assured of guidance and
confirmation.
Local Assemblies have very energetically taken hold of the many branches of teaching work, as will be indicated by the data assembled from responses from 51 of the 60 Assemblies, to questionnaire sent out by the Teaching Committee:
| Assemblies | |
Public Teaching Campaigns conducted | 15 |
Public meetings held regularly for teaching purposes | 39 |
Study classes for new people | 34 |
Study classes for Bahá’ís | 37 |
Study classes sponsored in neighboring cities | 22 |
Cooperating with Isolated Believers | 16 |
New voting Bahá’ís (37 Assemblies reporting increases) | 255 |
| Sources of increased interest in Bahá’í Faith—Fireside Groups | |
| Sources from which attendance at Public meetings secured best results | |
Individual contacts | 27 |
Newspaper advertising | 7 |
Mailing lists | 5 |
Invitations to Clubs | 2 |
These statistics, as well as consultation during the year, lead to the following conclusions and suggestions, which may be helpful:
First: While the greatest opportunity to attract people to the Faith seems to be the individual contacts developed by Fireside meetings, there is a disappointingly small number of the Bahá’ís holding such Fireside gatherings in their homes. We are falling far short of the standard set by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá of each making one new Believer each year.
Second: Public teaching campaigns are dependent for their greatest response on the individual contacts, again indicating the supreme need for increased individual teaching work.
Third: Only one-third of the Assemblies have extended their teaching work into new centers, as contemplated in the Teaching program of the National Spiritual Assembly for the past three years.
Fourth: There are over two hundred Isolated Believers in America, and if assisted by Local Assemblies can become one of our strongest public teaching media. Note that only 16 Assemblies are assisting Isolated Believers.
Fifth: The fact that there are not more new as well as younger Bahá’ís actively serving in the Teaching Field, indicates our Assembly Life is not developing that apostolic spirit necessary to carry this Faith to the ends of the world; and secondly, that our study classes are apparently neglecting one phase of teaching work so essential; preparation of teachers. Spiritual Assemblies and the Summer Schools should expand their courses of study to include this most vital aspect of our work.
Perhaps the greatest success achieved in the teaching work is that accomplished by Bahá’í Groups. Of the 29 groups, nine have increased their numbers sufficiently to organize Spiritual Assemblies April 21st, 1935; bringing the number of Assemblies in America up to 69.*
Too much cannot be said in praise of the efforts of the isolated Believers, who alone, without the comfort and assistance of fellow believers, are continuously striving to spread the Message, publicize the Teachings, and establish the Faith.
The Teaching work in America, without a doubt, is becoming established on a more firm foundation from day to day. The educational work carried on over a long period of time in directing attention to the need of a program of social reconstruction with complete spiritual valuation, is producing results in building up a public psychology of interest in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. The completion of the Dome Ornamentation of the Temple, with its exquisite beauty, and the continued work on the Clerestory section, is attracting attention to the Faith, as no other means at the disposal of the Bahá’ís could. This silent teacher is the most effective protagonist of the Faith in America. Thus our teaching work must not only be expanded further, but must be improved, so we may be prepared to fulfill our divine destiny.
The Teaching Committee wishes to outline briefly the status of the Teaching work, so far as it has been able to organize it, as a basis for more vigorous prosecution in the future:
175 Isolated Believers have been registered, and put in direct contact with the organized activities of the Faith, through personal correspondence with the Teaching Committee. There are 52 Isolated Believers in addition not yet registered, with whom the Teaching Committee are in correspondence.
The 29 groups are being assisted continuously through correspondence, supplying of teachers, answering of questions, preparation for organization, etc.
Traveling Teachers keep in close touch with the Teaching Committee so their efforts may be coordinated for the greater good.
Separate card index records have been brought up to date, covering every city in America, in which the Message has been given during the past two years, showing the teacher, groups addressed, and friendly contacts.
The Teaching Committee is now equipped to serve the Friends, old and new, by supplying reference data from the authenticated writings, on any spiritual subject.
Teaching by correspondence is developing out of the many inquiries being received from non-Bahá’ís, who have learned of the Faith, through visits to the Temple, attending lectures, reading in the public press of the Faith, etc.
In carrying out this work, a voluminous amount of correspondence and detail is involved. During the past year over 4,000 letters have been written by the members of the Committee. In addition to this is the time spent in meetings, visiting groups, consultation, etc.
- Respectfully submitted,
- LEROY IOAS, Chairman
- CHARLOTTE LINFOOT, Secretary
- ELLA G. COOPER
- GEORGE O. LATIMER
_____
*Reports received since the Convention
indicate that ten new Assemblies were formed.—Editor.
25.—Training and Teaching of Children[edit]
The major objective of the Committee on the Training and Teaching of Children during the past year was to promote the use of the study course for children which was completed last year. The sale of the course was transferred to the Publishing Committee to be handled in the same manner as other Bahá’í publications and its use has been encouraged through the BAHÁ’Í NEWS and general correspondence. The number of orders from individuals and Assemblies, as well as from foreign lands, has been gratifying, but it is felt that even yet the material has not been as generally used as it should be. It is capable of considerable expansion and may be used over and over again, each time with more detail and greater application.
A number of new junior classes have been started by Assemblies during the year and the instruction of children has been given consideration at inter-assembly teaching conferences.
Although additional material is under preparation, the Committee has felt it would not be justified in expending funds for its publication until the obligations under the Temple building contracts have been fulfilled. It is hoped, however, that conditions will permit some new literature next year.
Among the materials being prepared is a collection of poems for various age groups on themes in keeping with the Bahá’í Faith. Since copyright restrictions must be observed, this work proceeds slowly but the first set of poems will be available soon.
The Committee is also making a selection of stories from “The Dawn Breakers” suitable for various ages. Bible stories which Bahá’í children should know are being listed, and a collection of children’s stories from Bahá’í literature generally is being compiled.
Considerable thought is being given to suggestions for the appropriate observance of special Bahá’í anniversaries, such as Nawruz, the Ridvan, the birthday anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh, and so on.
The instruction and training of the preschool child presents a special problem to which the Committee is directing its attention. There is a great demand for pictorial material for this group but the cost of producing it has been prohibitive thus far.
One particularly interesting development this year has been the exchange of letters among several groups of Bahá’í children. The Committee is eager to encourage this activity and is glad to supply the required information to all teachers interested to undertake it in their groups. This exchange of correspondence among Bahá’í children will do much to motivate the teaching of oneness in the Bahá’í Faith and will bring to the children some valuable suggestions as to their studies and class projects.
In view of the serious problems in our systems of education today in preparing children to meet the responsibilities of a new social order which has scarcely begun to take form, Bahá’í parents and teachers may well feel that they have a great opportunity in paving the way. There are many occasions in their regular school routine when Bahá’í children may discuss before their teachers and class mates the underlying principles of the Bahá’í Faith and the plan for world peace, and it should be the primary responsibility of every Bahá’í parent to see that the child has as much knowledge of the Teachings as he is capable of absorbing. Great truths often fall from the lips of children and the school room and the playground play their parts in shaping the future.
At best the Committee on the Training and Teaching of Children can scarcely hope to do more than provide material to supplement the teaching being done by the parents and teachers of Bahá’í children, but it stands ready to serve in individual problems wherever possible and invites suggestions from all the friends at all times.
- Respectfully submitted,
- CHARLOTTE M. LINFOOT, Chairman
- MARION YAZDI, Secretary
- ELIZABETH HACKLEY
- ELLA M. BAILEY
- DORIS LOHSE
- VIOLA TUTTLE
- MAYE HARVEY GIFT
AMERICAN BAHA’I COMMUNITY MEETS SHOGHI EFFENDI’S APPEAL
FOR PURCHASE OF MT. CARMEL LAND[edit]
The cablegram from the Guardian reporting his contract to purchase the Dumit property within the area dedicated to the Holy Shrines, shared with the local Assemblies in the general letter dated April 3, has inspired the entire American Bahá’í community with resolve to meet Shoghi Effendi’s financial obligation in this important transaction.
Soon after the Convention, the National Treasurer sent to Haifa the sum of 1,000 pounds (approximately $5,000), the amount needed by the Guardian before the end of May.
This contribution was acknowledged by the following cablegram, received on May 4: “Assure contributors deepfelt appreciation (of their) ceaseless sacrifices (for) so meritorious a Cause.” (signed) Shoghi.
In order to complete our collective obligation, a similar sum must be sent to the Guardian within nine months, which period, counting from April 1, will be December 31, 1935.
Local Assemblies and individual believers contributing to this or to any other particular object might consider the fact that it is impossible for them to estimate in advance what relation each such contribution bears to the total sum needed in any particular case, since only the National Assembly is in a position to know exactly when the total amount required has been received. Thus, if all contributions are made specifically to one or another definite object, the result may be that more than is necessary may be sent for one purpose, and less than is necessary may be donated for other purposes. The National Bahá’í Fund should not be regarded as a number of small funds, each to be met separately, but as one pool from which all Bahá’í needs are to be supplied as they arise.
While the Guardian has stated that contributors may direct their donations to a particular purpose, he has also stated that it is preferable to make donations to the National Bahá’í Fund without any restriction, thus allowing the National Assembly to provide for the budget as a whole.
The following reference to the purchase of the Dumit property was made by the Guardian in a letter addressed to the National Treasurer on March 25: “The signature of the contract with the Dumits terminates a protracted and highly annoying and often irritating struggle with the forces of fanaticism, ignorance and prejudice. The settlement of this dispute, which has involved the Bahá’í National Assemblies who have petitioned to the High Commissioner for Palestine, constitutes a notable victory, and adds considerably to the material assets of the Faith, at its world center. The area situated between the Shrine and the German colony is now completely and permanently safeguarded.”
NEWLY ESTABLISHED SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES[edit]
Preliminary Announcement[edit]
Subject to final action by the National Spiritual Assembly in the case
[Page 14]
of two communities whose reports
were received after the last meeting,
the friends are informed that ten Spiritual Assemblies were newly established on April 21. This important
increase in the number of American
local Assemblies brings the total to 70.
- Jacksonville, Fla.
- Augusta, Ga.
- Park Ridge, Ill.
- Winnetka, Ill.
- Topeka, Kansas.
- Flint, Mich.
- Kansas City, Mo.
- Rochester, N. Y.
- Nashville, Tenn.
- Maui, T. H.
As soon as all election reports are received, and the N. S. A. has recorded its recognition of the local Assemblies, the complete list, with addresses, will be published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
The Assemblies which have not yet sent in their report of the annual election are requested to do so as soon as possible.
ORGANIZATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
1935-1936[edit]
- Mountfort Mills, Chairman, Harvard Club, 27 West 44th Street, New York, N. Y.
- Carl Scheffler, Vice-Chairman, 1821 Lincoln Street, Evanston, Ill.
- Horace Holley, Secretary, 119 Waverly Place, New York, N. Y.
- Roy C. Wilhelm, Treasurer, Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, N. J.
- George O. Latimer
- Allen B. McDaniel
- Leroy Ioas
- Nellie S. French
- Alfred E. Lunt
Correspondence may be addressed to National Spiritual Assembly, West Englewood, N. J.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
The friends are requested to remember in prayer these Bahá’ís who have entered the Kingdom:
- Mrs. Rose Hilty, Topeka, Kansas.
- Dr. Edward C. Getzinger, Los Angeles, Calif.
- Mrs. Mathea Larsen, Racine, Wis.
- Miss Mary Hudd, Washington, D. C.
- Mrs. Lillian A. Kendall, Phoenix, Ariz.
- Mrs. Nellie A. Rahn, Detroit, Mich.
PUBLISHING ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.[edit]
As reported elsewhere in this issue, the Guardian has sent to the National Spiritual Assembly the manuscript of his translations of excerpts from Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, with a letter instructing that it be published under the title “Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.”
The Publishing Committee will carry out this important mission as rapidly as possible, and it is hoped that a definite announcement of publishing date and price can be made next month.
A preliminary survey of the manuscript indicates that it will make a 300-page book of the page size and style of “The Tablet of Iqán.” This fact enables the friends to realize what an extraordinary blessing the Guardian has given to all Bahá’ís in this work. Many of the passages are from Tablets never before translated; others are new translations from Tablets already available but in unsatisfactory translation. The believers need no assurance that the publication of the “Gleanings” will prove a continuous source of spiritual knowledge and inspiration.
Homoculture: Bahá’í Principles of Education, by Stanwood Cobb.[edit]
The first pamphlet in the series being prepared under the direction of the Committee on Free Literature, and a most interesting and helpful addition to the Bahá’í literature adapted for general distribution. Special attention has been given to the matter of convenient size and low cost. A blank space is left on back cover for imprint of local Bahá’í address if desired. 24 pages; sold in quantity only. Net—100 copies for $1.50.
Western Division.[edit]
Mrs. F. F. Smith, Western Division of Publishing Committee, 940 Leavenworth Street, San Francisco, Calif., expresses appreciation for the cooperation of the friends in making it possible for her to double the total of sales made this year in comparison with the previous year.
World Order Magazine[edit]
On March 15 the Publishing Committee issued a general letter to Assemblies and groups calling attention to the subscription rates, and emphasizing the importance of definite effort to secure subscriptions from believers and also non-believers.
The rates are as follows: Annual subscription, $2.00; for Public Libraries, $1.75. Introductory subscription, seven months for $1.00. Gift Subscriptions—five or more on one order, $1.50 each. Single copies, 20c. Ten copies of any one issue sent to one or more addresses, $1.50. Discount on annual subscriptions allowed Assembly Librarians, 50c per subscription. The same discount is allowed any believer who secures subscriptions from people outside the Bahá’í community.
Two numbers of the new magazine have already been issued—April and May, 1935. The Publishing Committee hopes that local Assemblies will all give special thought to the subject of supporting the magazine and of making it a part of their plans for promoting the Faith among the public and for keeping the newly attracted friends in touch with the Cause.
Believers outside the United States should add 25c to the annual subscription rate for the extra postage required in mailing the magazine.
Address orders for all Bahá’í Literature to Bahá’í Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Annex, New York, N. Y., or to Western Division, Mrs. F. F. Smith, 940 Leavenworth Street, San Francisco, Calif.
ARTICLES FOR WORLD ORDER MAGAZINE[edit]
The editorial staff, in conformity with the announcement made by the National Spiritual Assembly in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for March, wishes to urge the believers to send in articles on subjects of Bahá’í interest. The magazine will publish articles on the two essential aspects of the Faith—individual spiritual development and the attainment of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. This fundamental policy affords an infinitely wide range and diversity of topics. The average length of article will be four magazine pages.
Bahá’í authors should precede all writers of the day in clarity of perception, breadth of vision, definiteness of purpose, power of conviction and nobility of theme. The editors express the profound hope that believers in all parts of the world will respond to this opportunity of maintaining a teaching medium of high cultural quality and capacity to attract non-believers in all walks of life to the Ocean of Reality.
Correspondence should be addressed: Editorial Office, World Order, 119 Waverly Place, New York, N. Y.
LETTERS FROM THE GUARDIAN[edit]
From a letter dated January 27, 1935, the following excerpt is quoted as Shoghi Effendi’s view of the ruling concerning the residential qualifications of members of local Assemblies adopted by the N. S. A. and published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of January.
“He believes that your Assembly was well advised in adopting such a ruling. For it is only too obvious that unless a member can attend regularly the meetings of his local Assembly, it would be impossible for him to discharge the duties incumbent upon him, and to fulfill his responsibilities, as a representative of the community. Membership in a local Spiritual Assembly carries with it, indeed, an obligation and capacity to remain in close touch with local Bahá’í activities, and ability to attend regularly the sessions of the Assembly.”
The following excerpt is from a letter the Guardian wrote the New York Assembly on January 4, in reply to a letter reporting that the Assembly had refused to recognize a Persian who presented himself without proper credentials.
“In this connection, the Guardian wishes to draw once more your attention to the all-importance of his instructions to the Western believers regarding association with Orientals. The friends in the West must be wide awake, and be extremely cautious when dealing with Easterners, particularly with those who in the name of the Cause desire to satisfy their own desires and ambitions.The first step which they should take in protecting themselves against such mischief-makers is to insist that they should obtain proper credentials from the Assembly of the locality in which they live. This measure, he feels, is absolutely essential and there can be no exception whatever to it.”
FORMATION OF NEW SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES[edit]
A Ruling[edit]
For the future, the election of new Spiritual Assemblies by members of local groups which contain nine or more recognized believers is to be conducted in the light of the following procedure adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly.
“It was moved, seconded and voted to adopt and record the following ruling in order to prevent confusion on the part of new Bahá’í communities, that hereafter applications from Bahá’í groups for election of a Spiritual Assembly must be made directly to the National Assembly not later than February first of any year, in order to allow time for this body to discharge its responsibility in preparing the group.”
ANONYMOUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NATIONAL FUND[edit]
In view of the Guardian’s instruction that contributions are not to be accepted from non-Bahá’ís for the Temple and other organic work of the Cause, but be used for humanitarian purposes, a difficulty is created for the N. S. A. whenever the Treasurer receives a contribution from an unknown source. Unless it knows the actual donor, the Assembly is compelled to regard anonymous contributions as coming from a non-Bahá’í. Such contributions have recently been applied to the Publishing Committee for making gift subscriptions of World Order to Public Libraries and institutions of general welfare.
A REQUEST TO LOCAL ASSEMBLIES[edit]
A Ruling[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly requests each local Assembly hereafter to send it a copy of all important notices covering policies, rules or regulations as well as important announcements having to do with elections and organization under Bahá’í administration, which the local Assembly may issue to the Bahá’í community from time to time.
AGENDA FOR TEACHING CONFERENCE[edit]
Bahá’í Summer Schools[edit]
(Prepared by the Teaching Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly)
- The Guardian’s teaching appeal contained in his cablegram to the Convention, as follows:
- “... Appeal assembled delegates and incoming National Assembly earnestly deliberate measures required stimulate all local communities, groups lend immediate unprecedented impetus teaching activities throughout States Canada. Sustained concentration this paramount issue can alone reveal potentialities beloved Temple and enable superb self-sacrifice associated with it yield its fairest fruit.”
- The plan of the National Spiritual Assembly for the accomplishment of this objective:
- The national teaching program.
- Organization and functions of the National Teaching Committee.
- Individual teaching.
- Systematic study of Teachings themselves.
- Social contacts.
- Fireside meetings once every nineteen days.
- Teacher training.
- Teaching outlines to be prepared by National Teaching Committee.
- Obligations on part of Assembly in training teachers.
- Teaching work of Assemblies.
- Establishment of Faith in new community.
- where there are no Believers.
- where there are Isolated Believers.
- follow up.
- Public teaching campaigns.
- Sponsoring inter-racial, inter-religious, peace conferences, etc.
- Establishment of Faith in new community.
- Youth as teachers.
- Need for resident teachers.
- How shall we reach the twelve States in which there are now no Bahá’ís?
- To help in cities where there are Isolated Bahá’ís or other contacts.
TO DISCRIMINATE IN THE USE OF THE TERM “BAHA’I”[edit]
The following ruling has been adopted by the N. S. A.: That the collective activities of Bahá’ís, with which the name Bahá’í is associated, ought not to be extended to activities of non-Bahá’ís which cannot be controlled by the believers through their institutions and under the recognized principles of Bahá’í administration; and further that the public solicitation of funds under Bahá’í auspices, irrespective of the worthiness of the object, may give a wrong impression of the nature of the Cause. When believers wish to show a special respect to any non-believer or non-Bahá’í organization, they should do so as individuals without involving the name of the Cause.
HOW TO APPLY THE TERM “INTERNATIONAL” TO BAHA’I ACTIVITIES[edit]
In view of the apparent tendency of certain teachers to designate themselves as “international” Bahá’í teachers or lecturers, the N. S. A. has voted to publish in BAHÁ’Í NEWS this brief
[Page 16]
statement discouraging the use of the
descriptive term “international” in
connection with Bahá’í service, on account of the fact that the word “international” with reference to the
Cause is properly confined to certain
specific institutions such as the Guardianship and the Universal House of
Justice, and to the activities carried
on in and through these bodies.
THE STANDARD SET FOR BAHA’I TEACHERS[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to give special emphasis to a definite standard which the Teaching Committee, as the result of its extensive experience, recommends to all believers who carry on teaching work among local communities and groups.
Such teachers are requested to prepare themselves for thorough presentation of the following topics, in addition to their general knowledge of the fundamental Sacred Literature of the Faith: Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the N. S. A., By-Laws of a local Spiritual Assembly, The Bahá’í Fund, Threefold character of the Nineteen Day Feast, The non-political character of the Bahá’í Faith, The spirit of Bahá’í elections, Functions of a local Spiritual Assembly, Administrative principles, Implications of Bahá’í citizenship.
GREEN ACRE PROGRAM[edit]
Revised[edit]
July 8-12. The Conduct of Bahá’í Affairs. Leader, to be reported later.
July 15-19. Review of “Security for a Failing World” and “The Promise of All Ages,” with suggestions as to their use in teaching. Leader, Stanwood Cobb.
July 22-26. Fundamental Bahá’í Teachings. Leader, Shahnaz Waite.
July 29-August 2. The Practice of the Bahá’í Life. Leader, Dorothy Baker.
August 5-9. Bahá’í Teachings on Mysticism. Leader, Glenn Shook.
August 12-16. Racial Similarities and Differences: The Scientific Evidence and the Bahá’í Teachings. Leader, Genevieve Coy.
August 19-23. The Origin, Powers and Conditions of Man. Leader, Alfred E. Lunt.
August 26-30. The Most Great Peace. Leader, Horace Holley.
Conferences: July 4-7. Teaching. July 20. Youth. August 17, 18. Race Amity.
Oakland[edit]
The Friday evening public meetings in recent months have been conducted by Mamie Seto, Leroy Ioas, Carmen O’Neill, Paul S. Jones, Charlotte Linfoot, J. V. Matteson, H. R. Hurlbut, Mrs. Paul S. Jones, Gladyce J. Linfoot, Ruth Williams, Prof. N. Forsyth Ward. These meetings are held at the Women’s City Club.
Fireside meetings have been held by Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Linfoot, Mr. and Mrs. J. V. Matteson, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Ioas and Mr. and Mrs. Paul S. Jones.
A letter from the Guardian brought this message: “It is his firm conviction that now that the construction work on the Temple is progressing so rapidly and so well it is the duty and responsibility of every Assembly to bring to the attention of the friends the necessity of intensifying and coordinating their teaching activities ... For Bahá’u’lláh’s blessings will surely crown our efforts with success only if we remain faithful to His command to teach and to teach unceasingly.”
Urbana[edit]
“Our group is made up largely of those connected with the University; and also our aim is to appeal to students at the University, therefore our calendar of activities coincides rather closely with the academic year.
“Our program of public meetings beginning in September included some very spiritual and otherwise gifted teachers. Our Assembly is in general committed to the policy of having an outside speaker come each month during the year and spend from one to several days working in the community. It is apparent that such a plan not only attracts new people to the Cause, but also serves to educate and inspire the present believers and gradually builds the group into a unified Bahá’í community.
“Among the first of the teachers for the academic year was Mirza Ali Kuli Khan and his work we cannot praise too highly. He is truly an inspired teacher and with his philosophical turn of mind gives to the teachings a depth and richness which makes his presentations unusually attractive and readily comprehended by both believers and nonbelievers.
“Second in order of their arrival was Mr. and Mrs. Walrath and Mr. Windust. Mrs. Walrath speaks very beautifully and effectively and Mr. Windust speaks very profoundly and forcibly. We like Mr. Windust especially because upon each visit he brings a definite message and each message is carefully explained and presented in no uncertain terms. These two teachers visit us about once each year and we are always happy to welcome them and appreciate the spirit which characterize their efforts.
“We were unusually fortunate to have Madame Orlova with us for several days. Her artistic temperament and the romantic situations in her life alone make her an attractive individual, and when these qualities are connected with the teaching of the Bahá’í Cause the result is that vast numbers of people are attracted to the meetings. While here Madame Orlova attracted greater numbers to meetings than any other previous Bahá’í speaker. She proved to be a remarkable teacher and we are planning to have her return when again convenient.
“The last teacher to date was Mrs. Howard Ives. This was her first visit to Urbana and we are planning that she may come again soon. Some of her qualities which impressed us were the extreme clearness in presenting the teachings and her ability to avoid offending the feelings of non-believers.
“A most important and very active branch of our teaching work is that of our young people’s group. This group has been unusually active this year, holding as a rule two meetings each week and apparently making considerable progress in spreading the teachings among university and high school students. A number of this group, attended the Bahá’í summer school held at the Louhelen Ranch last July.”
LETTER FROM CENTRAL STATES SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
There are several points which the Central States Bahá’í Summer School Committee will appreciate having called to the attention of the members of your Community.
1. In response to a request of the N. S. A. through the National Teaching Committee, a Teaching Conference will be held at Louhelen Ranch on June 29, 1935, at 2 P. M., followed by an evening session if desirable. In a cablegram from the Guardian received after the convention he stressed the need for re-doubled teaching effort in all communities this year. This conference will be in the nature of consultation as how best to carry out his wishes in this regard. Agenda to be furnished by the N. T. C. Chairman—Regional Representative of the N. T. C. It is hoped that all who can will attend and have concrete and practical suggestions.
2. The Central States Committee asks again that reservations for Louhelen Ranch be sent in without delay. Your cooperation in this will be of great assistance to the committee.
