Bahá’í News/Issue 93/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
All-praise be to the one true God—exalted be His glory—inasmuch as He hath, through the Pen of the Most High, unlocked the doors of men’s hearts. Every verse which this Pen hath revealed is a bright and shining portal that discloseth the glories of a saintly anal pious life, of pure and stainless deeds. The summons and the message which We gave were never intended to reach or to benefit one land or one people only. Mankind in its entirety must firmly adhere to whatsoever hath been revealed and vouchsafed unto it. Then and only then will it attain unto true liberty. The whole earth is illuminated with the resplendent glory of God’s Revelation. In the year sixty He Who heralded the light of Divine Guidance—may all creation be a sacrifice unto Him—arose to announce a fresh revelation of the Divine Spirit, and was followed, twenty years later, by Him through Whose coming the world was made the recipient of this promised glory, this wondrous favor. Behold how the generality of mankind hath been endued with the capacity to hearken unto God’s most exalted Word—the Word upon which must depend the gathering together and spiritual resurrection of all men.... —BAHA’ULLAH.
LETTERS FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI[edit]
The following important explanations and instructions have been received from the Guardian in reply to questions asked him by the National Spiritual Assembly during recent months.
Title of the Anniversary Observed on November 26[edit]
“The Guardian suggests that the Committee in charge of the publication of The Bahá’í World should change the designation of the Bahá’í Anniversary celebration on the 26th of November, known as ‘Fête Day of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ to ‘The Day of the Covenant,’ as the latter is a much more appropriate title.”—(Haifa, April 28, 1935.)
Translation of Symbol of the Greatest Name[edit]
“He also wishes me to inform you that the symbol of the Greatest Name represents an invocation which can be translated either as ‘O Glory of Glories’ or ‘O Glory of the All-Glorious.’ The word glory used in this connection is a translation of the Arabic term ‘Bahá,’ the name of Bahá’u’lláh.” (Haifa, April 28, 1935.)
The Voting Right[edit]
“I feel I must reaffirm the vital importance and necessity of the right of voting—a sacred responsibility of which no adult recognized believer should be deprived, unless he is associated with a community that has not as yet been in a position to establish a local Assembly. This distinguishing right which the believer possesses, however, does not carry with it nor does it imply an obligation to cast his vote, if he feels that the circumstances under which he lives do not justify or allow him to exercise that right intelligently and with understanding. This is a matter which should be left to the individual to decide himself according to his own conscience and discretion.” (Haifa, April 28, 1935.) Note: The Guardian refers to the voting right in connection with Bahá’í elections, not civil elections—Editor.
Chanting in the Temple[edit]
“As regards the chanting of Tablets in the Temple, Shoghi Effendi wishes in this connection to urge the friends to avoid all forms of rigidity and uniformity in matters of worship. There is no objection to the recital or chanting of prayers in the Oriental language, but there is also no obligation whatsoever of adopting such a form of prayer at any devotional service in the auditorium of the Temple. It should neither be required nor prohibited. The important thing that should always be borne in mind is that with the exception of certain specific obligatory prayers, Bahá’u’lláh has given us no strict or special rulings in matters of worship, whether in the Temple or elsewhere. Prayer is essentially a communion between man and God, and as such transcends all ritualistic forms and formulae.” (Haifa, June 15, 1935.)
Membership in Non-Bahá’í Religious Associations[edit]
“Concerning membership in non-Bahá’í religious associations, the Guardian wishes to re-emphasize the general principle already laid down in his communications to your Assembly and also to the individual believers that no Bahá’í who wishes to be a wholehearted and sincere upholder of the distinguishing principles of the Cause can accept full membership in any non-Bahá’í ecclesiastical organization. For such an act would necessarily imply only a partial acceptance of the Teachings and laws of the Faith, and an incomplete recognition of its independent status, and would thus be tantamount to an act of disloyalty to the verities it enshrines. For it is only too obvious that in most of its fundamental assumptions the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is completely at variance with outworn creeds, ceremonies and institutions. To be a Bahá’í and at the same time accept membership in another religious body is simply an act of contradiction that no sincere and logically minded person can possibly accept. To follow Bahá’u’lláh does not mean accepting some of His teachings and rejecting the rest. Allegiance to His Cause must be uncompromising and wholehearted. During the days of the Master the Cause was still in a stage that
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made such an open and sharp dissociation between it and other religious organizations, and particularly the Muslim Faith, not only inadvisable but
practically impossible to establish. But
since His passing events throughout
the Bahá’í world, and particularly in
Egypt where the Muslim religious
courts have formally testified to the
independent character of the Faith,
have developed to a point that have
made such an assertion of the independence of the Cause not only highly
desirable but absolutely essential.”
(Haifa, June 15, 1935.)
On Teaching[edit]
“There is one more point to which the Guardian wishes to draw again your Assembly’s attention. It is the question of teaching, and its paramount importance in these days of rapid administrative development of the Cause in America. He has already, through Miss Edna True, conveyed this same message to your Assembly, and is gratified to witness the wide and deep response it has awakened among the friends. He hopes and prays that whatever means the N. S. A. in collaboration with the National Teaching Committee may adopt for the furtherance of this most vital objective may meet with complete success.” (Haifa, June 15, 1935.)
A BAHA’I HISTORICAL RECORD[edit]
Letter from the National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
Beloved Friends:
In development of a suggestion advanced by the Archives Committee, the National Assembly will during the coming month distribute to local Assemblies, to local groups and to isolated believers a printed form entitled “Bahá’í Historical Record.”
This form provides space for the answers to a number of questions by every believer, and when the forms are filled out and returned the result will be an accurate record of each American Bahá’í’s connection with the Cause.
In the case of the local Spiritual Assemblies, enough copies will be sent to make possible two duplicate records of all members of the community—one set of records to be returned to the N. S. A. and the other, duplicate set retained for the local Archives. In the case of groups and isolated believers, one copy will be sent for each believer, and this when filled out can be returned as soon as possible to the National Office.
In the opinion of the Assembly, the time has come for such a thorough and complete Bahá’í census, particularly since the form as prepared will constitute a permanent historical record attesting the necessary facts concerning every duly recognized believer. The full-hearted cooperation of each Assembly, each group and in fact of every American Bahá’í is requested in order that this extensive undertaking may be carried to completion during the present Bahá’í year.
The local Assemblies will find in this project a new and significant relationship with all members of the local community, particularly with those who have not been active in attendance at the meetings. The responsibility for seeing that all enrolled members fill out and sign the two duplicate forms may well be taken as an opportunity for renewing their interest and stimulating their spirit of service.
In future, that the records may be kept up to date, the local Assembly on enrolling each new believer can at the time have the believer make out his or her Bahá’í historical form in duplicate and from time to time send one form to the National Office.
In this connection the suggestion is made that local Assemblies might begin to develop their own local Archives, preserving for the future all such records as bear upon the Cause in their community and are not suitable for the National Archives. An outline will be found in the report of the Archives Committee published in Bahá’í News for September, 1934.
The ultimate purpose of all such undertakings is to impress upon us all the importance of our connection with the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, our membership in His rapidly developing World Order. The hope of the National Spiritual Assembly is that the spirit of teaching, the intense yearning to assist in promoting the Cause, will be augmented during this occasion, when we join in one definite activity linking the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada in the effort to begin a new and complete census with distinct historical interest.
The supreme cause of teaching has been strongly reinforced by the Bahá’í Summer Schools, which during the past few years have succeeded in raising the standard of Bahá’í education to a high level. From reports recently received it appears that the friends in all parts of the country are making every effort to attend the School in their region. The result will surely be to increase our collective capacity to study and teach during the coming year.
Before definite plans for teaching are adopted and published, it will be helpful if we go back in our minds and recognize the unique spiritual power which distinguished so many teachers in the early days of the Cause in America, before the literature of the Cause was available in printed form, and before it was possible to develop in any way the educational institutions now rising in the Cause. Those believers possessed the power to attract and confirm—whether or not they possessed the power to give detailed instruction. Their hearts were fired with the sacredness of their mission, and this flame cannot be replaced by even the most highly developed teaching facilities and teaching technique. There will always be a distinction between confirmation and instruction. Instruction is essential, but without confirmation it is void of life. Therefore, as the appeal for increased teaching begins to resound, and we improve our conduct of classes and public meetings, let us not overlook the fact that the humblest and most illiterate soul may have the greatest capacity to attract and confirm.
The beginning of all things is the knowledge of God, and the end of all things is strict observance of whatsoever hath been sent down from the empyrean of the Divine Will that pervadeth all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
THE SITUATION IN PERSIA[edit]
From Letter from the Guardian to Allen B. McDaniel, May 21, 1935[edit]
With reference to the situation in Persia, conditions have slightly improved, and the manifold restrictions imposed upon the friends have relatively decreased. The schools, however, are still closed, and the believers have refused to send their children to non-Bahá’í schools. Even the non-believers are extremely reluctant to send their children to non-Bahá’í educational institutions, in view of the bad training in conduct and character that they are apt to receive.
Apart from this question of the schools, however, the general situation is decidedly improving. The authorities look to the believers with much less suspicion than before, and they even tolerate things which a few months before they would consider as deserving the severest punishment. Communications between Haifa and Persia, though not yet quite normal, are much less interfered with. Telegrams are no longer confiscated. There seems to be a relaxation in the Persian government’s policy concerning
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the Cause. And such a relaxation, the
Guardian feels, is due in part to the
whole-hearted obedience of the believers to the orders of the Government.
The Persian Bahá’ís have, indeed,
demonstrated, by their deeds, that
they are loyal and law-abiding citizens,
that no matter how severe the restrictions imposed upon them they are
willing to obey their government in all
matters which do not constitute a direct
challenge to their vital religious beliefs. The believers have even gone to
the extent of obeying and adhering
scrupulously to the indirect orders
and wishes of the government.
ELECTION OF NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF IRAN[edit]
From Ṭihrán has been received this important announcement, dated May 12, 1935.
“It is with the greatest pleasure that we announce to you the good news of the formation of the new National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Iran (Persia) for the year 92. We are very glad that, by divine bounty, notwithstanding the lack of necessary means and the existing difficulties, this great object has been achieved, though the elections were made through correspondence with various Bahá’í Assemblies and centers in Iran.
| Dearly beloved co-worker:
I am deeply appreciative of the spirit animating you, your dear mother, and the American believers in making these contributions for the safeguarding and promotion of the interest of the Faith at its world centre. It will, I am sure, be of interest to you and to your co-workers to learn that so far no less than fifty thousand (50,000) square pics of land within the area dedicated to the shrines on Mt. Carmel has been transferred to the Palestine Branch of your Assembly. The Indian National Assembly has also established its Palestine Branch this year and other Assemblies are following their example. The prestige of the Faith, as a result of these accomplishments, has been considerably enhanced.
|
“The members elected to the National Assembly are: Mirza Ali Akbar Khan Foroutan, Mirza Vali’u’llah Khan Vargha, Dr. Youness Khan Afroukhteh, Mirza Shu’a’ullah Khan Ala’i, Jinabi Amin-i-Amin, Mirza Ahmen Khan Yezdani, Jinabi Fadil-i-Mazandarani, Mirza Enayatullah Khan Ahmed Poor, Mirza Mahmoud Khan Badi’í.
“Postal address of the Assembly: Mirza Ali Khan Foroutan, Khiabab-i-Pahlevi, Koucheh-i-Mehdieh, No. 2002, Teheran, Iran.
“We hereby request all the National Spiritual Assemblies to open correspondence with us and keep us in touch with their Bahá’í activities and news. We shall not fail, in our turn, to communicate to you the news of the sacred country of Iran.”
From a letter dated May 14 is quoted the following reference to current conditions:
“The Bahá’í Schools in Yezd and Abadeh also have lately been closed down, namely four primary schools in Yezd and one secondary school in Abadeh by order of the Ministry of Education for having celebrated the first and second of Muharram and the Ridvan holidays. At present no Bahá’í schools exist in the whole of Iran.
“No Bahá’í meetings or public gatherings are held in the Hazirat-ul-Quds.
“The Police Departments in various towns and provinces in Persia have ceased to some extent to bear pressure on the friends; in other words the restrictions on the friends have decreased to some extent in most of the towns.
“Small meetings of friends are held in private houses both in Teheran and in the provinces.
“Some cablegrams have lately been received from our beloved Guardian. ... The friends in Iran (Persia) are facing the recent happenings and restrictions with much steadfastness and are prepared to carry out the orders and wishes of our beloved Guardian with much courage.”
COLLECTING TABLETS REVEALED TO THE “DISCIPLES OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHA”[edit]
On page 84 of The Bahá’í World, Vol. III, are photographs of nineteen Western Bahá’ís whom Shoghi Effendi designated the “Disciples of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.” The names are: Dr. J. E. Esslemont, Mr. Thornton Chase, Mr. Howard MacNutt, Miss Sarah Farmer, M. Hippolyte Dreyfus-Barney, Miss Lillian Kappes, Mr. Robert Turner, Dr. Arthur Brauns, Mr. W. H. Randall, Mrs. Lua M. Getzinger, Mr. Joseph Hannen, Mr. C. I. Thacher, Mr. Charles Greenleaf, Mrs. J. D. Brittingham, Mrs. Thornburgh, Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, Mr. Arthur P. Dodge, Mr. William H. Hoar, Dr. J. G. Augur.
The Archives Committee proposes to collect all Tablets revealed to these departed believers, and while many of the Tablets are already in the Archives it is probable that the collection is by no means complete, since a number of these Bahá’ís belonged to other national Bahá’í communities.
This plan has been cordially approved by the National Spiritual Assembly, and the cooperation of all the friends is besought in order to collect, if not the originals at least photostatic copies of the Tablets associated with these nineteen heroes of the Faith.
Say: Teach ye the Cause of God, O people of Bahá, for God hath prescribed unto every one the duty of proclaiming His Message, and regardeth it as the most meritorious of all deeds. Such a deed is acceptable only when he that teacheth the Cause is already a firm believer in God, the Supreme Protector, the Gracious, the Almighty. He hath, moreover, ordained that His Cause be taught through the power of men’s utterance, and not through resort to violence. Thus hath His ordinance been sent down from the Kingdom of Him Who is the Most Exalted, the All-Wise. Beware lest ye contend with any one, nay, strive to make him aware of the truth with kindly manner and most convincing exhortation. If your hearer respond, he will have responded to his own behoof, and if not, turn ye away from him, and set your faces towards God’s sacred Court, the seat of resplendent holiness.
Dispute not with any one concerning the things of this world and its affairs, for God hath abandoned them to such as have set their affection upon them. Out of the whole world He hath chosen for Himself the hearts of men—hearts which the hosts of revelation and of utterance can subdue. Thus hath it been ordained by the Fingers of Bahá, upon the Tablet of God’s irrevocable decree, by the behest of Him Who is the Supreme Ordainer, the All-Knowing.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
THE SOURCE OF BAHA’I AUTHORITATIVE TEACHINGS[edit]
The friends are requested to hear in mind the fact that the recognized and authoritative Teachings to which all Bahá’ís turn for, guidance at this time consist of the Tablets made available from time to time by publication through the recognized Bahá’í channels. Thus, while the Guardian has
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translated certain passages from Kitab-i-Aqdás (published in Star of the West
some ten years ago), that work of
Bahá’u’lláh, with its ordinances concerning worship and other Bahá’í institutions, can not be used by any believer at present as an authority, since
the complete text awaits translation
and publication, and moreover is to be
promulgated by the Universal House
of Justice when that body comes into
existence.
BAHA’IS OF EGYPT HOLD ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION[edit]
From Bahá’í News Letter issued by the N. S. A. of Egypt, the following report is quoted:
Seventeen delegates joyfully attended the eleventh Annual Convention on the 8th and 9th Ridvan while the two other delegates could not attend, being abroad. The session was opened at the appointed time by chanting prayers after which a Chairman and Secretary were elected.
Distinguished by the spirit of fragrance and love which prevailed upon the convention, delegates felt more happy to have had in their midst our dear friend Yousef Khan of Kerman, Persia, who was delegated by our beloved Guardian to attend the Convention and to convey His loving greetings and hopes.
Conducting their work in a wider scope and dealing with the various affairs pertaining to the Cause the convention issued important decisions that will, from their practical attitude, back the national activities, consolidate the Bahá’í administration and increase the spirit of real and close cooperation between Bahá’ís and their administrative bodies in Egypt. Among the most important questions dealt with were:
Necessity of conducting National meetings regularly.
Fostering national activities and strengthening the bonds of unity.
Necessity of completing of registering the Declaration of Trust and perseverance in the appeal for obtaining its official recognition.
Devising all means to have Haziratu’l-Quds be built this year.
Perfect unity between Bahá’í Administrative Bodies and believers whose foremost obligations are to cooperate with and support them so that their foundation shall become more consolidated, their prestige and influence more increased and the scope of their activities be enlarged.
Second Session[edit]
On the 9th of Ridvan the meeting hall was crowded with a large number of Cairo friends, visitors from Port Said, Ismailia, Tanta and Alexandria and delegates, at very joyful gathering indeed! As per program prayers were chanted, hymns recited and lectures were given amid joy and happiness during which refreshments were served.
At 9 o’clock p. m. delegates resumed voting and following members were elected to constitute the National Spiritual Assembly for 92: Mohamed Eff. Saeed, Dr. Mohamed Saleh, Abdulfattah Eff. Sabry, Youseph Eff. Mustapha, Ahmed Eff. Husni, Iskandar Eff. Hanna, Mahmud Eff. Nochougati, Ali Eff. Saadeldin, Mohamed Eff. Mustapha.
ACTIVITIES IN GERMANY AND AUSTRIA[edit]
(From “Bahá’í News” of Germany)[edit]
Our German Bahá’í work received a valuable contribution through the travels of Mr. and Mrs. Fozdar from Bombay (India), Mr. and Mrs. Bishop from Geneva, and Mrs. Silvia Matteson from Chicago (U. S. A.), who came to Germany upon the special request of the Guardian in order to visit the friends in the different communities, and to talk to them. The Fozdars, coming from Geneva, arrived on the 12th of September in Stuttgart where they held a fine spiritual evening with the community there; they then proceeded to London, visiting on their way the groups and communities in Heidelberg, Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen. At every place they admonished the friends urgently to always hear in mind their responsibility as bearers of the Bahá’í Faith towards a world torn in religious strife and to rise with all their strength to assist in the spiritual construction of the new era. At the end of September Silvia Matteson, on her trip to London, called on the friends in Stuttgart, Heidelberg, Berlin and Hamburg. Her report about the Temple in Wilmette, in which she herself served as a guide to groups of visitors, and her narratives of the heroic lives of the great Bahá’í martyrs, culminated in a demand of joyful sacrifice, and never-relenting enthusiasm in the service for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. At the end of September Mr. and Mrs. Bishop commenced their German trip which lasted over a month and touched every place which had a Bahá’í community or group. The Guardian had given the special mission to Mrs. Bishop to familiarize the friends with the ideas of the Bahá’í administration. After a visit to the Bahá’í community in Stuttgart, she addressed the Dresden friends on the 27th and 28th at a well frequented meeting. She devoted three evenings to the friends in Leipzig. At a common meeting of the Quakers and Bahá’ís in Berlin she delivered an address on the subject “Faith,” and a simple reception in a Bahá’í home united the Berlin friends with their guests. Her next stops were Rostock and Warnemuende. At both places several meetings took place, inspiring and strengthening the participants. Proceeding to Hamburg, she devoted an evening to Schwerin circle and the friends in Luebeck. During her stay in Hamburg the community there had several intimate and more public meetings. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop made their return trip via Bremen, Frankfort, Heppenheim, Weinheim, Heidelberg, Heinbronn, and Karlsruhe, exerting their efforts everywhere. The end of the trip saw our guests from Geneva again in Stuttgart, Esslingen, and Goeppingen. On the 1st of November they returned to their work at the Bahá’í Bureau at Geneva. All the time they had worked with indefatigable enthusiasm at all the places, teaching and inspiring. Thus they have made a most important contribution towards the awakening of a new spiritual impulse and an increased devotion to the service in our Faith. Several newspapers brought reports and articles on the occasion of the visit of our friends as the Hamburger Fremdenblatt in its evening edition of September 19, and the Hamburger Tageblatt of the same date, and—concerning the Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette—the Hamburger Fremdenblatt of October 10 and a Berlin newspaper.
Know than for a certainty that whoso disbelieveth in God is neither trustworthy nor truthful. This, indeed, is the truth, the undoubted truth. He that acteth treacherously towards God will, also, act treacherously towards his king. Nothing whatever can deter such a man from evil, nothing can hinder him from betraying his neighbor, nothing can induce him to walk uprightly.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
AUGUST SESSION OF CENTRAL STATES SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
The Central States Summer School Committee announces the following program of courses to be given at the August Session, August 19-24.
Foundations of the Super-State—Carl Scheffler.
Origin and Powers of Man—Dr. E. Lenore Morris.
A public lecture on the Cause will be given each afternoon. It is hoped
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that a large number of believers will
take this opportunity of making a serious study of these two vitally important subjects. Make reservation
through Mr. L. W. Eggleston, Louhelen Ranch, R. F. D. No. 1, Davison,
Mich.
PUBLISHING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, by J. E. Esslemont: Braille edition for the blind. The Committee has two copies in Braille which can be sold at $7.50 per copy. It is hoped that friends will purchase these for presentation to some institution which serves the blind.
Drama of the Kingdom, by Mrs. Basil Hall. A work recently published in London. Price per copy, 40c net.
The Promise of All Ages, by Christophil. A new edition, issued by the Publishing Committee, the copies imported from London last winter having all been sold. Price per copy, $1.50.
The Reality of Man, excerpts from Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on mind, soul and spirit. New edition, in which has been included the Guardian’s translation of Bahá’u’lláh’s Words of Wisdom. Paper covers. Price per copy, 50c.
The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: a gummed slip for insertion to mark corrections of errors in the text. Each copy now issued contains the slip, and slips will be sent free to those who already own copies of this pamphlet.
The Most Great Peace, by Marion Holley. The second in the series of new pamphlets prepared under the auspices of the Free Literature Committee. Issued at lowest possible cost, for widespread distribution. Sold in lots of 100 only, at $1.50 per hundred, net.
The Bahá’í Faith, by Horace Holley, New edition. Sold in lots of 25 only, at $1.00 per twenty-five, net.
AUDIT OF BOOKS OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
With grateful appreciation of the services rendered in auditing the financial records, the National Assembly publishes the following report:
“At the request of Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, treasurer, Mr. A. F. Matthisen and myself have audited the books of account and records of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada from March 31, 1930 to April 30, 1934.
“Each individual receipt was traced from Receipt No. 987 to No. 5146 inclusive, to its respective posting in the Cash Book. The amounts of the items were found to be correct and in agreement with the bank deposits. The bank deposits were checked with the monthly bank statements and found correct.
“I hereby certify that the receipts as posted are correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that the yearly statements as prepared and submitted by Mr. Matthisen, represent in my opinion the true financial condition of the organization at the close of each respective fiscal year for the four year period.”
- (signed) HARRY E. WALRATH,
- Licensed Public Accountant for the State of Illinois
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF POONA[edit]
1934-1935[edit]
“The essence of religion is to testify unto that which the Lord hath revealed, and follow that which He hath ordained in His mighty Book.”—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
Again, through God’s grace can we record a year of internal growth and consolidation—a growth in faith and deeds. The Poona friends can take just pride in being the first among the Bahá’í communities of this land to arise as a whole for putting into practice our sacred laws. Today, a marriage has been solemnized here in the Bahá’í form and registered in accordance with the country’s law, and this event, we believe, is without a precedent in the history of our Cause in this land. Heretofore it was the custom of the general body of the friends on all occasions where religious ceremonies were to be observed to follow those prescribed by their past Faiths. For instance, among those believers who hailed from the Zoroastrian fold, even the ceremony initiating their children into the Zoroastrian religion was prevalent. All such outworn practices our Guardian urged us to discard, and our community decided to render “instant, exact and complete obedience” by breaking entirely with the past and enforcing, within the limits of the law, the ordinances of the New Day. The path was not smooth. Enemies offered opposition and ridicule. Friends watched from a reverent distance with folded arms. “Premature,” “unwise,” “rash,” were some of the kind terms applied to our action. But we prevailed, for the Lord of Hosts was with us. And when the history of these early attempts of the pioneers of God’s Cause to consolidate His Faith in these regions is written, the share the Poona friends have contributed towards this end will not, we dare to feel, go unrecorded. Special tribute must be paid to that member of our Assembly who has refrained from marrying for well-nigh a year after his engagement, because his bethrothed’s relatives insist on adhering to a form of marriage disapproved by our Guardian. Perhaps, there was a Divine wisdom in this our outward failure in our first essay to enforce this phase of our law, for it, thereby obtained a wide publicity among friends and foes alike, impressing upon the former the need for adopting our Laws, and upon the latter the independence of our Dispensation, and our apparent defeat has been crowned with success for we find our sister communities today roused into practising our sacred Laws.
In the matter of the observance of Bahá’í holidays again has our community fully observed our Guardian’s behests. The nine sacred days on which we must refrain from work, have been observed as holidays by the whole body of the Poona friends, who have gathered on these days, and have thanked the Lord for His favor in guiding them to His Kingdom.
This obedience to the sacred commands has been blessed with a unity among the members of our community which nothing has been able to shatter. This unity has been fostered and deepened by “free, frank and full consultation” on all matters pertaining to the Cause.
Our support to our National center, moral as well as material, has been unhesitating. On the financial side, we have offered almost the whole of our regular local monthly collections to the national fund; in the moral sphere, we have not left one communication of theirs unfilled.
Our Assembly has been registered this year with the Government in compliance with our National Assembly’s request.
We were enabled to contribute a sum toward the safeguarding the area surrounding the holy Shrines on Mount Carmel. Our Beloved’s gracious message, transmitted to us by cable on that occasion was: “Poona’s sustained magnificent spirit self-sacrifice profoundly appreciated. Love. Shoghi.”
In addition to fifty-two administrative meetings held during the year, and the semi-weekly gatherings of the general body of the friends, we have recently commenced holding Nineteen Day meetings.
Our Assembly has donated all epistles received by them from the Guar-
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dian till date to the Archives Committee of the American National Assembly.
With the permission of our N. S. A. we donated 500 full-size reproductions of the impressive photograph of the American friends gathered at the 26th annual Convention to Mr. Mahfuzu’l-Haq Ilmi, Editor of the “Bahá’í Magazine” (of India), for insertion in the pages of our said Periodical. Contrary to our expectations, however, we regret to say, it has not yet appeared.
Our sale of the “Bahá’í Magazine” of America was continued during the past year and we were able to maintain our former record. Our own center subscribed to six copies which, along with one gratefully received from our dear brother, Mr. Amirul Islam of Chittagong, have been distributed every month to public libraries or Newspaper Editors.
We have subscribed to 29 copies of the “Bahá’í Magazine” of India, and distributed 21 therefrom to various libraries and individuals. In addition, we have circulated to a selected list 66 copies each of the December, 1934 and January, 1935 issues of this Journal, as its Persian section contained extracts from the “Kitáb-i-Íqán” elucidating the term “Seal of the Prophets,” the misunderstanding of which has debarred countless thousands from accepting the Truth.
We have also subscribed to six “Herald of the South” of Australia which we have distributed. We have also distributed Bahá’í literature in pamphlet form to various individuals. Thirty-seven copies of the fourth volume of The Bahá’í World we offered to the American N. S. A. have been kindly accepted by them.
Under our Guardian’s guidance, firm, united, and undaunted, we advance with confidence and hope into the new year. YÁ-BAHÁ’U’L-ABHÁ! Poona. (April 21, 1935).
- RUSTOM KHOSROVE, Secretary.
RECENT PUBLICITY[edit]
Articles about the Cause from newspapers and magazines brought to the attention of the National Spiritual Assembly include:
London Illustrated News, of December 29, 1934, contains an illustration of the House of Worship.
Radio-Bladet, illustrated weekly of Oslo, Norway in its issue dated April 28-May 4, 1935, lists a radio program by Martha L. Root, with a photograph of this Bahá’í teacher. Another radio weekly of Norway, Hallo Hallo, of the same date, likewise publishes Miss Root’s program.
Svenska Journalen, published in Stockholm, included in its issue dated February 10, 1935, an interview with Miss Root which carries a photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a photograph of the Temple showing delegates present at Convention, and a picture of Miss Root holding the symbol of the Greatest Name.
Another newspaper article about Miss Root was published in the Aftenposten of Oslo on May 11. This interview carried an illustration of the teacher holding aloft the Greatest Name.
Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews achieved notable success during her recent teaching work in South America. One clipping carries a photograph of Mr. and Mrs. Mathews, with caption, “Fostering International Goodwill—Kindling Flame of Universal Peace.” Another, from The Standard of Buenos Aires, appeared during April but the exact date is not given. Headed “The Goal of a New World Order,” this article consists of a two-column interview with Mrs. Mathews which outlines very fully the Teachings of the Cause.
In connection with this journey Mrs. Mathews has furnished the following information: “Two groups have been established for study of the Bahá’í Cause in Chile. The first was in Santiago, the capital. A course of talks will be given by Mr. James H. Cranston to the Societe de Femina. The officers have agreed to make this the subject of study and discussion for the coming season. Literature in both Spanish and English was given them.
“The other group has been organized in a society known as New Thought Liberal Society, made up of Germans living in Puerto Varas, Chile, under the direction of Mme. Meta F. de Burmuihl. This group has asked to be put in touch with the German Bahá’í Centers and the latter may be able to help direct this large group so that an Assembly may be formed next year. I am having the “Goal of a New World Order” translated into German because this letter from Shoghi Effendi most fully meets their present need.
“I spoke on the Bahá’í principles and aims at the Y. W. C. A. in Santiago. The heads of the Y. M. C. A., the leaders of the medical center and the heads of the boys’ club as well as many important people of the city were present. The talk was received with great enthusiasm and I was able to distribute a large amount of literature.
“From Chile we went to the Argentine.... They are eager for war in Europe because they have beef, wheat and grain to supply the world.... Nevertheless the spirit of the Cause found its way and I met some very influential people.... We should have five or six Assemblies here in two years and a National Assembly in five.”
Miss Agnes B. Alexander, who has returned to Japan, sends a long and beautiful article by her published in the Japan Times and Mail of May 23, 1935, entitled “Bahá’í Faith’s Ninety-first Anniversary Today.”
A biographical sketch of the late Dr. E. C. Getzinger appeared in Citizen-News of Hollywood, March 15, 1935.
A public lecture by Allen B. McDaniel on the House of Worship at Buffalo on March 31 was featured in a number of Buffalo papers, including the Courier-Express of March 28, the Times of the same date, and the Evening News of April 1.
The Montclair Times of April 12 reported extensively a public address by Mr. Mountfort Mills, delivered under the auspices of the local Spiritual Assembly.
It would be of great interest to trace the results of the special article sent by the Publicity Committee to local Assemblies in April on the subject of the Memorial to Keith Ransom-Kehler at Isfahan, with which was supplied a mat of the design made by Mr. Myron Potter. So far the only clipping received by the N. S. A. was supplied by the Racine Assembly. The illustration of the Memorial, with an excellent statement, appeared in the Racine Journal-Times of April 25.
An address by Mr. N. Mehdi Firooze, delivered at the International Institute, Buffalo, under the auspices of the Spiritual Assembly during June, was well reported by one of the local papers, but the clipping as received carried no date.
The Twenty-fourth Annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá celebrated at West Englewood on Saturday, June 29, was the subject of an interesting column in the Bergen Evening Record of July 1.
The Binghamton Assembly has kindly sent a clipping of an item published locally describing the Inter-Assembly meeting held at Windmere Cabin, Hector, N. Y., on Sunday, June 30.
From Whittier, Calif., has come a clipping dated July 3, which features an address by Mr. David Hofman before the 20-30 Club of that city.
In The Flint Journal of July 3 was published a detailed article on the Central States Summer School at Louhelen Ranch.
