Bahá’í News/Issue 16/Text
THE BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Office of the Secretary
48 WEST 10th STREET, NEW YORK CITY“In this wonderful age, according to the divine texts, you must befriend all nations and communities. You must not look upon violence, force, evil intention, persecutions or hostility; nay, rather you must raise your eyes to the horizon of Glory (and recognize) that each one of these creatures is a sign of the Lord of Signs and (has) stepped upon the area of existence through divine favor and supreme energy. Thus all are known and not unknown, are friends and not strangers. We must deal with all according to the above criterion.
“Therefore the beloved must, with infinite kindness and love. associate and sympathize with both friends and strangers and not look at all upon the merits and capabilities of the person. Under all circumstances they must show forth genuine love and not be defeated by the intensity of rancor, hatred. quarrel, malice and the grudge of the people.”
- ___’Abdu’l-Bahá
ASSEMBLIES RECEIVE CALL FOR NINTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION[edit]
The formal notice calling for the election of delegates to the 1927 National Convention of the Bahá’is of the United States and Canada has now gone forth. Ninety-five delegates are to be elected in all. each local body having been assigned the number of delegates to which it is entitled by the proportion its number of declared believers bears to the total number of declared believers in all the local Bahá’i groups which elected a Spiritual Assembly on April 21, 1926. The right to elect a delegate or delegates depends upon fulfilment of the following conditions: first. the local body must have more than nine declared believers in order to elect a Spiritual Assembly. as it is only from Bahá’i communities where a Spiritual Assembly exists that an election for Convention delegates can be held; second, the Spiritual Assembly must have been elected on the previous April 21st, the date assigned by the Guardian for this purpose uniformly throughout the world; third, the local body must be recognized as a truly Bahá’i group by the National Assembly; and fourth, the Spiritual Assembly must provide the information needed for the assignment of the ninety-five delegates in time for this to be used by the National Assembly when preparing the Convention call.
These facts are generally known, but are repeated here in order that local groups of believers not represented in the forthcoming Convention may take any steps necessary to participate actively in the Convention of 1928. Believers Who are isolated, or who belong to small Bahá’i groups, may well be in a position to make suggestions of value, and these can be placed before the Convention by the members of the National Assembly, who heartily welcome suggestions and advice on any matter of Bahá’i interest.
For some time the subject of a proper legal status for the Cause in the United States and Canada has been under investigation by the National Spiritual Assembly, and as solution of this problem now appears to be at hand, it is probable that before the delegates meet in Montreal the various aspects of Bahá’i administration will be brought together definitely in the form of By Laws of a legal corporation. As we enter this more responsible phase of the activities, the friends will appreciate the importance of accurate and widespread knowledge concerning the different elements of our administrative work. both local and national. and of utmost care in keeping up to date such records as the local Assembly Rolls, results of local elections of Spiritual Assemblies and other activities which the National Assembly will require in order to observe its future legal obligations.
But these observations are concerned only with the material side of our mutual Bahá’i life, and should not be allowed to divert our attention from our fundamental spiritual purposes and ideals. Only incidentally are we a legal body—primarily and essentially we are attempting to be a spiritual body of true unity through which the power of Baha′u’llah may be transmitted in utmost purity and brilliancy to the world of humanity. Viewed in this light, a delegate represents far more than the community of his residence: he represents the Teachings themselves. Upon the conscious unity and selflessness attained by the delegates. depends the degree of power which can be released throughout the coming year.
TWO NEW ASSEMBLIES COME INTO BEING[edit]
The friends will be happy to extend a spiritual welcome to two new local Bahá’i bodies which have recently organized themselves to take an active part in the work. The fact that these Assemblies are located at opposite ends of the continent makes the news more significant. The new Assemblies are the Bahá’is of Vancouver, B. C., and St. Augustine, Fla.
For many years past a few devoted souls have upheld the Cause in Vancouver, but their energies were greatly reinforced by the presence of Mrs. May Maxwell last June. Mrs. Maxwell and Mrs. Greenleaf inaugurated a definite teaching campaign, and enlarged the circle with new people of capacity. During January Mr. John Bosch of Geyserville. Calif.: Mr. George O. Latimer and Mr. Laurence Woodfin of Portland, Ore. journeyed to Vancouver as teachers and aroused such enthusiastic interest that a local Spiritual Assembly was elected, the group now numbering fourteen believers.
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of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada
48 West 10th Street, New York City Office of the Treasurer 1821 Lincoln Street Evanston, Ill. |
The remarkable progress of the Cause in St. Augustine is due to the patient effort and wisdom of Dr. and Mrs. Walter Guy over a period of many years, assisted by visits from Mr. Louis Gregory and Mr. Howard MacNutt from time to time.
The St. Augustine Assembly is composed of three groups, one white and two colored, one colored group consisting of teachers at the Florida Normal and Industrial Institute. located three miles from the city. In all, twenty-nine souls have accepted the Revelation of Baha‘u’llah in this Assembly. One of the first acts of the newly elected Spiritual Assembly was to pass resolutions of loving sympathy in memory of Mr. and Mrs. MacNutt.
It is hoped that the friends both of Vancouver and St.
Augustine may send representatives to the National Convention this year. Though these representatives would not be delegates. with voting powers. nevertheless their presence would be a source of true inspiration to the Convention. and also result in conveying the spirit of the Convention and direct news of its activities. to the local believers on their return.
Attention should be called likewise to the new spirit of activity among the Bahá’is of Ithica. N.Y., as the result of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Ives' removal there from Geneva.
Important contacts have already been made with Cornell University.
THE CENTRE AND THE CIRCUMFERENCE Editorial[edit]
One of the fundamental problems confronting the Bahá’is in America. both collectively and individually. arise from the need to understand the true relationship between activities based upon the Bahá’i name and message and activities based upon the universality of the teachings, and intended to convey and apply the teachings, but not using the name Bahá’i.
In one form or another, this problem has arisen many times during the past twenty years, and under one or another form the problem exists today. It is a problem of utmost importance. because until it is correctly solved we cannot produce or maintain a unity of action corresponding to our unity of faith. An attempt to present the elements entering into the problem, and to point out its great significance to us all at the present time when the Cause is entering a new era of growth, may serve a very useful purpose, since in this blessed Cause we cannot solve any problem by dismissing it from our minds or by merely denying the views that differ from our own. Our problems are our spiritual opportunities. to be welcomed and never feared.
Briefly, the specific problem to be analyzed here arises from the fact that while the purpose and scope of the Revelation is universal, including all humanity. the believers are comparatively few; and that while the Teachings apply to the greatest issues of human life. the followers are comparatively obscure and unknown. In the actual world, the Bahá’is are as the center of the circle. while the others are as the circumference.
In the spread of the Bahá’i principles throughout society. which today recognizes their validity and value without knowing their Source, we have an infinite possibility of connections between the center and the circumference.
Moreover, as the individual believer becomes more and more penetrated by the universality of the Message. he longs ever more deeply to find ways and means to carry the spirit of unity out into his environment.
Let us say. for example, that there is a city of several hundred thousand. in which there exists an Assembly of less than fifty believers, and these believers represent a great variety of races. classes and inherited creeds. Among them a few perceive an opportunity of establishing one of the Bahá’i principles in a manner capable of attracting a considerable number of people. among them many of capacity whose confirmation would bring powerful reinforcement to the Assembly and the Cause.
These few believers study the opportunity and realize that the success of their plan depends upon founding their effort upon a foundation corresponding to one Bahá’i principle in which many non–Bahá’is already believe——a foundation providing for adherence to the principle for its own sake, but not demanding adherence to all the Bahá’i principles and teachings, yet nevertheless sufficiently universal and elastic to admit discussion or consideration of other Bahá’i principles from time to time, and involving the confidence that in time those accepting this foundation will accept the Cause without reserve.
The subject (to continue the imaginary instance) is discussed at an Assembly meeting, and the plan meets the objection on the part of some that Bahá’is ought to confine their activities to giving the Message and attracting new believers to the Assembly itself. Both views are thoroughly presented, and it is made apparent that important considerations exist on both sides. On the one hand we have advanced the fact that for many years the Assembly has been uninfluential in the life of the community and is indeed looked upon as a sect cut off from all modern liberal movements attracting public attention. and that if the local Bahá’is go forward with the new plan they will come in contact with many people whose ideals are already universal and will prove that the Cause is not a sect. Moreover. according to this view. the Bahá’is ought to realize that the purpose of the Cause is to unify mankind. and the most effective teaching method is for the believers to be a point of unity in their community even if this involves complete selflessness as a group. All other religious communities, it is claimed. have failed because of the narrow dogmatism of the followers. and their unwillingness to grant that the spirit is far more important than the name. The lack of capable Bahá’i teachers is also mentioned.
Opposed to this view we have the claim that whatever failure there may have been in the past was due to lack of courage in upholding the central feature of the Message, and that the pure Message includes all forms of universality now being sought as ideals by the world: that people are now ready for the direct Message as never before, and that all efforts should be concentrated upon Bahá’i meetings. Finally, the lack of capable teachers is denied for the reason that the definite promise has been made to the Bahá’is that all who truly arise to serve will be assisted by the power of the Holy Spirit. and this power has no need of ordinary human gifts of eloquence or acquired learning. faith in the Manifestation being all–sufficient to attract and affirm new souls. The great Abdul'–Fadl, the friends are reminded,[Page 3]
was brought into the Cause by an illiterate shoemaker.
Leaving these two different views to stand side by side for the moment, an effort should be made to understand their source and inter–relation, since each view bases itself upon quotations from the same Scriptures.
It is probable that these views represent the two classes of people found in the Cause as in all human societies: those who stand upon a principle and feel that other human beings should adapt themselves to it; and those who feel that a spiritual principle retains its dynamic only as those who uphold it make the adaptation in the direction of securing the sympathy and confidence of others whose faith they desire to affect. One party claims that the other party does not sufficiently consider the minds and hearts of non-believers while the second party claims that the first is ready to yield on vital principles of the Bahá’i Faith.
Perhaps we can appreciate the extent of this inherent divergence when we recall that the names Fundamentalist and Modernist refer to the same two types of people in the Protestant Church. whose differences have done so much to discredit and nullify their common religion. While the Fundamentalist and the Modernist are irreconcileable, as such. we may be perfectly sure that the Bahá’i Cause can contain both types, and in fact requires them. The issue only arises in the form of a problem when either party claims that its teaching plan is the only one. and endeavors to exclude the other.
If we appreciate that each view is the sincere expression of some true experience, and represents an altitude which is the inevitable result of study of the Teachings and loyalty to them. we can readily admit the fact that both teaching methods can go forward at the same time and in the most cordial and effective spirit of mutual appreciation and confidence. To suppress or exclude either view, even temporarily. can but weaken our total resources of action. and lead to undesirable conditions in the blessed Cause. To allow both types of people to fulfil their ideals of service. and express their dissimilar characters and temperaments in an atmosphere of unfailing love. will prove that the Cause is in fact universal. and greatly extend the front along which we are fighting to promote the Revelation of God.
There is no possibility of real antagonism or even indifference between those who. after all. whether serving to extend the center to the circumference or join the circumference to the center, are only striving from different directions to bring about the same eventual unity of man with man. and mankind with God. As fire and water are both needed to produce the power of steam. so both types of believer are needed in order to vitalize the all-important reaching work.
But in order to make possible this glorious unity which is not uniformity, we must ever realize that the indirect and direct teaching policies, though they have the same end. require different methods along the way. Perhaps in times past our lack of effective action in the teaching field has come from confusing the two methods, and attempting to make one do the work of the other, or so combining the two that no adequate results at all could be obtained. leading to general dissatisfaction rather than mutual appreciation and willingness to admire in others the qualities we do not possess.
EXTENSION OF BAHA'I PUBLICITY[edit]
One of the significant signs that the Cause is drawing even nearer the public consciousness consists in a great increase in the amount of publicity secured during recent weeks.
Through the generosity of a few believers, a Bahá’i Publicity Bureau was established in January for the purpose of sending out suitable notices of current activities to a national list of papers from time to time. Two articles have so far been issued by the Bureau: one referring to the first Bahá’i Year Book. the second describing the objects and achievements of the World Unity Conferences. The cooperation of local Assemblies and groups in bringing their influence to bear upon local papers to publish these articles is greatly appreciated. We suggest that each local Assembly forthwith consider this matter and appoint a Publicity Committee to take charge of this important work.
Shoghi Effendi has referred to the Bureau in a recent letter to one of the American friends: “It is my earnest prayer that this newly conceived Publicity Bureau will draw many a spiritually minded capable soul to this Cause. and prove a real dynamic force that will carry the Cause forward with greater vigor and increased vitality.”
The subject of the martyrdoms in Persia is still receiving attention. Miss Ella Quant of Schenectady. N. Y.. succeeded in placing an extensive notice of this subject in the Gazette of that city on February 16th. while an editorial in the December number of the magazine Theosophy also makes a sympathetic reference to the lot of the Persian Bahá’is.
From Mrs. Siegfried Schopflocher we have received a long article inserted in the Egyptian Gazette on January 5th describing her airplane trip from London to Cairo and making reference to her Bahá’i teaching plans in the East.
The Oregonian, of Portland, Oregon, also published an account of the appeal made by the American Bahá’is to the Shah of Persia, while in the Augusta, Georgia, Herald of January 16th we find a special feature story based on Miss Margaret Klebs’ article in the December Bahá’i Magazine. Mention should also be made of the article on “The Bahá’í Message” which appeared in the Nassau County Leader of Fernandino, Fla., through the efforts of Mr. James Stone. The magazine “Reason,” published by the Spiritualists, carried in a recent issue an interesting article by Dr. Hills Cole which quoted 'Abdul'-Baha most effectively.
One of the most remarkable examples of indirect publicity ever carried out by an American Bahá’i is the letter appearing on pages 141 and 142 of Atlantic Monthly for January and signed Doris H. McKay. Mrs. McKay, of the Geneva Assembly, took advantage of a recent article in the Atlantic on “The Passing of the Prophet” to put forward the facts about the appearance, teachings and influence of the Bab, Baha’u’llah and 'Abdu’l-Baha without using Their names. As the result of this letter a great many inquiries have been received by Mrs. McKay for further information. Her letter may be regarded as ideal in its clarity, conviction yet careful restraint.
DR. HERMAN RANDALL RECEIVES REMARKABLE TRIBUTE FROM THE GUARDIAN[edit]
‘We are privileged to quote from a letter written by Shoghi Effendi in his hand to Dr. John Herman Randall of the Community Church of New York, dated July 10th, 1926.
“I desire to take the present opportunity to assure you in person of my deep admiration for those unique gifts which have characterized able presentation of the Bahá’i Principles as well in my unshaken confidence in the part you are destined to play for their universal recognition and triumph. Your clear vision. your high courage, your grasp of the needs of present-day society, your eminent position and penetrating eloquence qualify you in a remarkable manner to champion the Cause of Baha’u’llah and establish its truth in the West.
[Page 4]
"We are gradually and imperceptibly entering upon a new stage of our progressive life and the qualities which are needed to supplement the essential characteristics that are common to the followers of the Faith are just the ones you are in a position to contribute and increase. That is why every well wisher of the Cause looks upon you as the chief instrument and factor that can provide and contribute those necessary elements which a gradually unfolding movement imperatively demands at present. I would therefore earnestly request you to pursue your labors, untrammeled and unhampered by the existing conditions, striving in your own admirable manner to add to the number of those capable, enlightened and devoted servants of the Cause, who will eventually by the force of their numbers and the brilliancy of their powers, revita1ize the Cause, widen its scope, establish its Principles and vindicate its truth.
“It would undoubtedly grieve me to learn that any imperfections and failings on the part of the friends whether individually or collectively have tended to damp the zeal, or lessen the enthusiasm with which you are upholding and expounding the Bahái Principles, for I cherish the greatest hopes for your eventual triumph in such a glorious field of service.”
NEXT GREEN ACRE SEASON[edit]
The friends will be exceedingly happy to know that definite plans are already being carried out to a notable season at Green Acre this summer.
The thirty-third annual Green Acre season will open on or about July 1st entirely clear of debt and undoubtedly with many long needed physical improvements. The next Green Acre season will be for ever memorable in that it witnesses the commencement of the Institute of World Unity, a remarkably conceived plan for a summer school based on universal principles and the first step toward the foundation of the great University on Monsalvat visioned years ago by Miss Sarah Farmer and confirmed by the Master.
The Institute. made possible through a fund given by a friend of Green Acre, has for its purpose the promulgation of those recently discovered facts and principles in the several branches of science and religion which give form and substance to faith in the brotherhood of man. It will function as a summer school, with daily lectures and discussion groups in charge of leading educators.
All the facts will soon be made available through a prospectus now in preparation, but meanwhile the friends will be interested in knowing the program.
August 1 to 6, Prof. Herbert Adams Gibbons of Princeton University will lecture on “Nationalism and Internationalism.”
August 8 to 13, Prof. john Herman Randall, Jr., of Columbia University will lecture on “The Making of the Modern Mind.”
August 15 to 20, Prof. S. L. Joshi of Dartmouth College will lecture on “Comparative Religions.”
August 22 to 27, Prof. Kirtley F. Mather of Harvard
University will lecture on “Science and Religion.”
August 29 to September 3, Prof. William R. Shepherd of Columbia University will lecture on “The Relations of East and West.”
All lectures of the Institute will be held in the auditorium of the Inn at 9:30 A. M. daily, Monday to Saturday inclusive, followed by an hour of round table discussion.
A charge of six dollars per week, or twenty-five dollars for the course of five weeks, will be made for attendance. The Institute will be extensively advertised to the general public, and as the physical facilities of Green Acre are limited, the friends are urged to make their plans as soon as possible and notify the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the date they wish to arrive and the length of their stay.
Concurrently with the morning activities of the Institute, afternoon classes will be held at Fellowship House devoted to the Bahá’i Teachings, and Bahá’i classes will also be held daily during July. The full program for July has not yet been made, but the friends are assured that it will be no less interesting and helpful than the special Institute courses in August.
It is confidently expected that the Institute of World Unity will attract to Green Acre a number of people of capacity, and it will be a supreme test of the wisdom, radiance, courtesy and selflessness of the Bahá’is at Green Acre to attract these guests to the Cause. Green Acre. in fact, must from now on represent more and more that field of interpenetration between the Cause and the world which can widen our own vistas while at the same time impressing the Faith of Baha’u’llah upon liberal and seeking minds. Through cordial appreciation of the truth brought to us by others we can best prove the universality of our own.
Plans are now in hand for constructing simple bungalow-type camp houses affording accommodations at very moderate cost. Other improvements under consideration are repainting Fellowship House, finishing attic and basement of Fellowship House as dormitories, laying new water line to Inn. providing inexpensive board, etc. Within a few weeks we hope to distribute among all the local Assemblies and groups a complete program of Green Acre in 1927, with information about the lessons in arts and crafts, activities of the Little Theatre, and costs of living. If each Assembly will appoint at least one person to serve as local Green Acre committee, this cooperation will be very helpful, for this committee can distribute Green Acre literature among the friends, secure names of those intending to go, and otherwise contact with the Green Acre Executive Committee of the National Assembly.
WORLD UNITY CONFERENCES IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY[edit]
The work of the World Unity Conferences has gone steadily forward during the past two months, with meetings in Dayton, Ohio, on January 13, 14, 15 and 16; in Chicago on January 21, 22 and 23: in Portsmouth, N. H., on February 18, 19 and 20; and New York City on February 25, 26 and 27.
The Conference at Dayton proved what results can be accomplished by one or two believers when courage, determination and tireless energy are displayed. The first session was devoted to racial amity, with addresses by Mr. Albert Vail and Mr. Louis Gregory, a meeting which brought out an excellent audience almost evenly divided between white and colored. Speakers on the three following programs were: Dr. John Herman Randall, Mr. Albert Vail, Prof. Frank D. Slutz, Judge Florence E. Allen of Ohio Supreme Court, and Prof. Herbert A. Miller of Ohio State University. The meetings were held in the Y. M. C. A. Auditorium, First Unitarian Church, and Auditorium of the Y. W. C. A. By the reinforcement of this positive achievement, the local Bahá’i group are convinced that their teaching problem has been brought within the circle of definite methods and plans.
All five sessions of the Chicago Conferences were held in Morrison Hotel, the only centrally located hotel free from racial exclusiveness. By securing the cooperation of a large number of liberal movements, the local Conference committee were enabled to provide a banquet preceding the first meeting, about four hundred tickets being sold. It l1as'been said by those thoroughly acquainted with conditions[Page 5]
in Chicago that the speakers on the World Unity Conference represented the most varied and brilliant group of public men and women ever brought together on one program. The speakers were: Mr. Lorado Taft, sculptor; Mrs. Charles S. Clark, President, Presidents’ Conference of Women’s Clubs; Dr. Shailer Mathews, Dean, Divinity School of the University of Chicago; Mr. Horace Bridges, Leader, Society for Ethical Culture; Mr. J. C. Chatterji, Cambridge University; Dr. Eustace Haydon, University of Chicago: Dr. Jacob Pister, St. Luke’s Luthern Church; Rev. Fred Meṙrifield, All Souls’ Church; Dr Max Mason, President, University of Chicago; Rabbi Louis L. Mann, Sinai Congregation; Rev. Preston Bradely, The People's Church; and Dr. John Herman Randall, Community Church of New York. Such a program in itself is concrete evidence of the influence of the ideal of unity when upheld on universal terms, and the willingness of Bahá'is to produce a platform of this character impressed many whose impressions of the Cause had been indifferent or even unfavorable.
Distinct gratitude is due Dr. Randall for the large number of public addresses he delivered both at Dayton and Chicago to important audiences outside the Conference itself. The words uttered about this great servant of Baha’u’llah by Shoghi Effendi in the letter quoted elsewhere in these pages had their abundant justification during those days.
While we may not be able to estimate the results of such public undertakings as the Conferences by immediate, visible standards, it is certain that they are a deep plowing of the soil of hearts; and it is for the friends of God to learn how best to take advantage of this spiritual fertility.
Despite the winter’s hardest storm. the Portsmouth, N. H., meetings had far reaching results in attracting local religious leaders and others in positions of influence throughout the community, and will greatly, stimulate interest in Green Acre during future seasons. Six sessions were held: at Hotel Rockingham, Church of Christ Universalist, South Unitarian Church, North Congregational Church, Stoneleigh Manor School at Rye, and the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce Assembly Room. The speakers were Prof. William E. Hocking. Harvard University; Mr. Alfred W. Martin, Society for Ethical Culture. New York; Prof. Kirtley Mather, Harvard University; Dr. Randall. Mr. Martin, it was recalled. was on one of Farmer's earliest Green Acre programs. As at Dayton, these meetings were arranged by a few friends, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Green and Mr. Philip Marangella. The need for a permanent Bahá'i library at Portsmouth is now felt as the result of the interest taken in the Conferences, and the possibilities for further public contacts they revealed.
News of the New York Conferences will be given at a later date. During March, World Unity Conferences will be held in Springfie1d, Mass.; New Haven, Conn., and possibly Washington. D. C.
PUBLISHING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENT[edit]
A few copies of the pamphlets written by our brother Howard MacNutt are still available, and it is felt that the friends will desire to possess these as a precious reminder of the soul that has passed into the next world. “Ten Days in the Light of Akka” can be obtained for twenty-five cents; “Unity Through Love,” for ten cents.
The Publishing Committee wishes to correct a misunderstanding which seems to exist in regard to the advance copies of Bahá'i Year Book, Vol. One, recently sent to Assemblies throughout the world. These were not intended as gifts, but as specimen copies to show what the Year Book is, and when sold payment of one dollar per copy should be sent to the Baha’i Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York, U. S. A., in the usual way.
MR. MOUNTFORT MILLS TO RETURN FOR AMERICAN CONVENTION[edit]
The good news has been received that Mr. Mountfort Mills will return to the United States for a visit of some weeks coinciding with the Convention at Montreal. This visit is made to enable him to bring instructions and advice from Shoghi Effendi concerning the affairs of the Cause in North America and information about new plans for increasing the Guardian's facilities for work at Haifa. Mr. Mills has spent many weeks at Haifa this winter as one of three believers invited by the Guardian for consultation.
NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON RACIAL AMITY APPOINTED[edit]
In order to intensify the effort of the American Bahá’is to promote the cause of racial amity, a national committee was appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly on January 8. This action followed the acceptance of recommendations for action in the field of racial amity drawn up by the following workers at the request of the N. S. A.: Mrs. A. S. Parsons, Mrs. Louise Boyle, Mrs Mariam Haney, Dr. Zia. Bagdadi, Mrs. Coralie Cook, Mr. Louis Gregory, Mr. Roy Williams and Dr. Locke.
The National Bahá’i Committee on Racial Amity is composed of these members: Mrs. A. S. Parsons, chairman; Mr. Louis Gregory, executive secretary; Mrs. Louise Boyle, Mrs. Mariam Haney, Mrs. Coralie Cook, Dr. Zia. Bagdadi and Dr. Alain Locke.
The importance of this work cannot be overestimated by the American believers. In February, 1921, Mr. Mountford Mills took the following notes from words of ’Abdu’l-Baha on the subject of the forthcoming (May, 1921) Convention in Washington, D. C.: ‘Unless this problem were solved, before long there would break out a terrible conflict in the United States between these two races that would be devastating in its effect. Say to this Convention that never since the beginning of time has one more important been held. This Convention stands for the oneness of humanity; it will become the cause of the removal of hostility between races; it will be the cause of the enlightenment of America. It will, if wisely managed and continued, check the deadly struggle between these races which otherwise will inevitably break out.”
Among the recommendations for action accepted as the objectives of the new committee are: that the National Assembly shall recommend to the local Assemblies the supreme importance of inter-racial work and urge their full cooperation with the National Amity Committee; that the National Amity Committee shall formulate a program to stimulate racial activity by the local Assemblies to include (1) arranging for Bahá’i educators to address youth groups of both races, especially in schools and colleges and {2) bringing together intelligent, altruistic groups of both races for consultation on racial amity; that the National Amity Committee at once prepare a compilation on the subject suitable for wide public distribution; and that the success of efforts by Bahá’is to heal this spiritual sickness afflicting the body of humanity depends upon each worker purifying his own heart from all trace of racial prejudice.
JEWISH POPULATION IN PALESTINE LEARNING ABOUT BAHA'I CAUSE[edit]
From the circular letter issued by the Spiritual Assembly of Haifa in[Page 6]
January, 1927, we quote the following news item: “it is interesting to note that the newcomers to the Jewish national home in Palestine are beginning to feel the power of the Cause of God which is remoulding the spiritual life of all sorts and conditions of men. This is evidenced by the fact that the number of inquirers is increasing day by day and the principles of the Cause are the interesting subject of conversation in many circles. The spiritual theme is now taken up by the Jewish press at the newly built city of Tel Aviv near Jaffa. On December 31st. 1926, a long article about the Cause together with the photograph of the Master. ‘Abdul-Baha. was published in one of the leading papers and widely circulated.”
We all realize the unique significance of everything that takes place in the Holy Land in this new age, and it has not escaped the attention of the thoughtful believers that other large religious bodies besides the Jewish are beginning to concentrate their resources upon this region, with the purpose of attempting to control its future spiritual destiny.
CABLEGRAMS FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI[edit]
On February 24 and 26 the following messages were received from the Guardian: “Mountfort (Mills), America's distinguished representative rendering most valuable services in London (and) Holy Land (is) proceeding temporarily (to the United) States to deliberate with National Assembly issues affecting international status of Cause. His statements fully authorized” (signed) Shoghi.
The second message was as follows:“ Afnan Mirza Mohsen. Beloved's son in law and distinguished servant of His Cause. ascended (to the) Abha Kingdom. Hearts grief stricken. Inform American believers” (signed) Shoghi.
ITHACA BELIEVERS ELECT SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
A letter fortunately received in time for insertion in this issue informs us that the Bahái’s of Ithaca, New York. have now elected a spiritual Assembly. thus firmly consolidating the activities founded at Ithaca in 1897. The name of Miss Hettey B. Townley, 241 South Cayuga Street. Ithaca. should be added to the Bahá’i Directory as secretary of this Assembly.
ACTIVITIES OF ASSEMBLES THROUGHOUT PACIFIC STATES[edit]
Reports from numerous Assemblies and individuals in the important Bahá’i are extending along the Pacific coast indicate widespread activity of a most varied and interesting character.
From Sama Barhara, Calif., we have newspaper cappings and letters referring to important addresses delivered by Dr. Susan L Moody on the subject of conditions in Persia and the work of the Tarbiat School for Girls. Dr. Moody's visit has stimulated greater attention upon the School, and the result will undoubtedly be to place this matter in the light of its true importance as never before. We understand that Dr. Moody is now proceeding northward to other Assemblies, and every effort is being made by the friends to prepare the way for her unique and commanding Persian lectures.
The nearby Assembly of Pasadena is fortunate in having extended visits from Mrs. Amelia Collins and Mirza Ali-Kuli Khan, N. D. Dr. Khan has carried out a series of brilliant Bahá'i lectures at Hotel Vista del Arroyo and other important centers. and has made personal contacts with many notable people. The friends in Pasadena have expressed their enthusiastic appreciation of his work, which will now extend to San Francisco and perhaps also Portland, Oregon.
Following the receipt of letters pointing out the great opportunity of the Pacific Coast Assemblies in establishing a summer teaching center and Bahá'i community along the lines of Green Acre. the National Spiritual Assembly have appointed Mr. John Bosh, Mr. Leroy Ioas and Mr. George Latimer as a committee to consider this matter and report back a definite plan. The value of such a center in California, where outdoor life is so readily organized, would be inestimable.
Mrs. Orcella Rexford. whose lectures have contributed vitally to the growth of the Cause in Honolulu. Oakland. Calif.. and New York City. has recently started her series of talks at Seattle. Wash.. commencing with a steriopticon lecture before the members of the Assembly. Advices from Seattle make it clear that Mrs. Rexford’s efforts have developed great interest in the teachings, and the need for capable servants of the Cause to gather the attracted souls around the Words of Baha’u’llah is profoundly felt. The Bahá'i meeting place in Seattle has held crowded meetings since Mrs. Rexford's arrival.
The Visalia, Calif., Assembly has been giving much attention to the young people, who now included three groups, primary, intermediate and high school, which meet every week. Among the subjects taken up are Esperanto. and arts and crafts under the direction of Miss Alice Rouleau are also highly appreciated.
A young Japanese who has been confirmed in the Cause by believers of the Glendale Assembly, and especially Mr. and Mrs. Cline, is leaving with his father to join a Japanese colony in South America. The Glendale Assembly are happy in the thought that their youthful Bahá'i student will soon establish a spiritual center among his fellow countrymen, thus contributing to the illumination of South America.
The current program of the Los Angeles Assembly shows a large number of regular meetings which reflect the service of many teachers. Monday evening meetings are held by Mrs. Shahnaz Waite, the last Monday each month being devoted to World Fellowship. Wednesday evenings a series of lectures setting forth the history of the Cause has been conducted by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab. Dr. and Mrs. Charles Witt are continuing their admirable study class on Thursday evenings, while Esperanto classes are offered preceding the regular weekly public meeting of the Assembly on Friday, Wednesday afternoons a charming Garden with thirty boys and girls carries on work for the benefit of the Temple under the leadership of Miss Zahrah Koch. Other activities include a children’s study class each Sunday morning led by Mrs. L. A, Whitmore; a new Sunday evening class for the study of the writings of ’Abdu’l-Baha in the home of Mrs. Kuehne: and a monthly meeting dedicated to the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar. The press of Hollywood has given excellent publicity to Mrs, Waites's Monday meetings, including the reproduction of a photograph of the Master.
WORLD UNITY CONFERENCES AND THE TEACHING PROGRAM OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
After a period of years during which the activities of the American friends have followed one general method practically without change, it is natural that the World Unity Conferences should arouse deep interest and produce many inquiries. The National Assembly took cognizance of this fact as its meeting held in New York City on February 27. and passed the following resolution which the secretary was instructed to publish in the News Letter for the information of all the friends:-
“After full consultation it was the sense of the meeting that these Conferences[Page 7]
had rendered and were continuing to render a distinctive service to the Cause by maintaining a universal platform free from racial, national, religious or class prejudice and through bringing active Bahá'i workers in direct contact with leaders among the public. In view of our Guardian's approval of the policy and purpose of these Conferences and his assurance of their eventual success. and in virtue of the fact that arrangements have been made for further Conferences during March and April, it was deemed advisable to continue the Conference program with the cooperation of this body and to request the cooperation of the believers in the cities where these meetings are to be held.
“Realizing, however, that the evolution of the World Unity Conference program has left a gap in the national teaching program, this body took action by appointing a new National Teaching Committee composed of Mrs. Maxwell. Mrs. Greenleaf and Mr. Mc Daniel, for the purpose of establishing a public Bahá'i platform in the cities of the United States and Canada with the cooperation of the local Spiritual Assemblies. This committee is to be requested to report as soon as possible to this body for approval a comprehensive plan which will eventually make it possible to uphold the essentials of the Bahá'i Revelation and bring them clearly. forcefully and effectively into the hearts and lives of the people of the United States and Canada.
“These decisions of the National Assembly are to be brought to the attention of all the American believers through the NEWS LETTER in order that a full and clear understanding may be established and the sacred unity of the Cause maintained.”
NEW COVER DESIGN FOR BAHA’I MAGAZINE[edit]
An action of the National Assembly which it is hoped may greatly reinforce the editors of the Bahá'i Magazine to develop this unique organ of the Cause has been to approve the suggestion. favored by the editors themselves. that the outline of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar- famous throughout the world and generally regarded as the true objective symbol of the Bahá'i Teachings be embodied in a design suitable for use as the magazine cover in future issues. The new design will show the Temple faintly but quite visibly. and as large as possible. in the background. while the name of the magazine and other text employed on the cover will be superimposed by surprinting. The result should be to make the Bahá'i Magazine as distinctive in appearance as in purpose and ideals.
Grateful thanks are recorded here for numerous designs which have been submitted by believers responding to the request for suggestions published in the NEWS LETTER some months ago.
RECENT ISSUES OF THE MAGAZINES[edit]
The number of capable Bahá'i writers is gradually increasing, as can be apreciated by a study of the contents of the Bahá'i Magazine during the past year. The editors, however, are desirous that an even greater flow of interesting articles shall be available. especially from believers in other countries who can assist in making this a truly word-wide spiritual publication. The editors will appreciate it greatly in each National Spiritual Assembly will take steps toward arousing more general understanding of how desirable it is to have at least one Bahá'i publication show forth from month to month. by its contents and contributors, the universality of interest and devotion which the community of the followers of Baha’u’llah have become.
The contents of the December. 1926 issue were: A compilation on The Sovereignty of Christ from words of Abdu'l-Baha: When Trouble Vanishes, by Mr. Dale S. Cole: The Sympathetic Understanding, by Dr. Orrol S Harper: Religion and Theology, by Mr. Howard R. Hurlbut: Sister and the Garden of Healing, by Miss Martha Root: Why I Believe. by Mrs. May A, Brooker: When Dreams Come True, by Miss Margaret S. Klebs: and a department entitled World Thought and Progress, reprinted from League of Nations News.
In January, 1927. the contents were: a compilation on The Wisdom in Tests. from words of ‘Abdu'l-Baha: Near By-Land. a poem by Mrs. Shahnaz Waite; Thinking in World Terms, a report on the World Unity Conferences in Cleveland, Ohio, by Mr. Dale S. Cole: The Leisure Hours of Persian Youth, by Miss Genevieve Coy: a Modern Interpretation of Muhammadanism, by Mrs. Henrietta C. Wagner.
The February. 1927. issue contains: The Bahá'i Faith as a Standard for Tolerance. by Miss Lilian Rea: The Hour of Unity. a report on the World Unity Conferences in Boston by Mrs. Ruth Wales Randall: The Common Weal. by Mr Charles Mason Remey: Meditation, Supplication and Service. by Mrs. Shahnaz Waite: ‘Abdu'l-Baha. a poem by Mrs. Elsa Barker: The Mirror. a poem by W. B. G. : Christianity in the Bahá'i Message. by Lady Sitarih Blomfield; and How the Bah'i Cause Started in Berlin, by Mrs. Louise Bosh.
A careful reading of the Bahá'i Magazine each month is a very real privilege, bringing to one various aspects of the Teachings which have been reflected by other minds and hearts. and rounding one's knowledge out into that circle of true comprehension indispensable to effective service as a teacher in the Cause. In the editorials. also. the reader comes in contact with facets of spiritual thought polished to exquisite brilliance and purity, while the admirable compilations deserve frequent study and reference.
Would that the magazine had a thousand friends like Mr. Siegfried Schopflocker who, in his travel around the world during recent months, has entered over thirty trial subscriptions for individuals he has interested in the Cause and desires to give this monthly reminder!
LINKING THREE RACES[edit]
From a believer in Tel-Aviv, Palestine. comes this interesting statement of how the Cause is producing sympathetic understanding among individuals representing the diverse and frequently hostile racial groups in that land. “. . . my attempts to form a Bah'ái group here where the Arab town Jaffa, the Jewish town Tel-Aviv and the German colony Carona are closely connected by local neighborhood and economic ties, but quite strange to each other in spiritual life. In a few days a small group of Germans. Jews. Persians and Arabs will meet in Sarona to form the nucleus of a future local Spiritual Assembly.”
TEACHERS NEEDED IN SOUTH AMERICA[edit]
Miss Maud M. Mickle of Bahia, Brazil. has informed us of opportunities for service now offered to trained, capable women. "At Ceara, Brazil, there is a school for teaching English which has been conducted successfully for two years. The director is now leaving for Sao Paulo and has asked Miss Holsapple to take over the school. The pupils are mostly young business men who find English helpful in their work. They meet to discuss business topics and also ethics and religion. and publish a magazine expressing their views on different subjects. As they are sincere and earnest seekers. it is a splendid opportunity for one or two Bahá'is to spread the Message and make a living at the same time. There is also an excellent opening here for one or more trained nurses who could live with us and share expenses if they wished.”
of the Baha’is of the
UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursements for
Three Months Ended January 31, 1927 to
Union Trust Co. | $2,647.53 | |
Union Trust Co. Special Fund | 7.30 | |
Union Trust Co. Savings Account | 50.00 | $2,704.83 |
For Temple | 739.03 | |
For Budget | 8,547.85 | |
For Greenacre | None | |
For World Unity Conference | 3,273.00 | |
For General Publicity | 3,000.00 | |
For Teaching | 14.80 | |
For Tarbiat School | 1.00 | |
Interest | 12.76 | 15,588.44 |
| 18.293.27 | ||
International Contribution to Nat'i Fund | 570.00 | |
La Nova Tago | 75.00 | 645.00 |
Telephone | 24.55 | |
Water | 26.00 | |
Caretaker's Wages | 530.00 | |
Light and Heat | 68.21 | |
Repairs | 28.89 | |
Sundry | 52.44 | 730.09 |
Teacher's Expense | 975.00 |
Repairs to Buildings | 132.48 |
Caretaker Salary | 715.00 |
Caretaker Expenses | 60.42 |
Hired Help | 140.00 |
Fellowship House | 48.40 1,096.30 |
Advanced | 800.00 | ||
Storage—Back Numbers | 54.00 | 854.00 | |
Carried Forward | 4,300.39 | 18,293.27 | |
Amounts Brought Forward | 4,300.39 | 18,293.27 | |
Speakers | 2,053.50 | |
Traveling | 363.07 | |
Publicity | 121.00 | 307.59 |
Hall Rent | 65.00 | |
Stenographic Reports | 86.52 | |
Sundry | 35.00 2,910.68 | |
Year Book | 22.58 |
Secretary's Salary | 899.80 |
Secretary Expense | 402.11 |
News Letter Expense | 102.51 |
Traveling | 310.00 |
Treasure Office Expense | 42.39 |
Exchange | 4.57 |
Printing | 136.87 |
New York Office Rent | 300.00 |
Pres. Office Expense | 99 2,199.24 |
General Publicity |
|
Advance to Committee | 3,000.00 |
Temple—— Caretaker |
||
House | 165.50 | 12,598.39 |
Union Trust Co | 5,387.58 | |
Union Trust Co. Special Fund | 7.30 | |
Union Trust Co. Savings Ac- | 250.00 | |
Liberty Bonds | 50.00 | 5.694.88 |
