Bahá’í News/Issue 25/Text
THE BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Office of the Secretary
P. O. BOX 139, STATION D, NEW YORK CITY
“Would to God that His grace and
bounty may be vouchsafed unto the
peoples of the world, that He may
guide the kindreds of the earth and direct
their steps to the path of His good
pleasure. Behold! Years have passed
away and neither the world nor they
that dwell therein hate yet attained to
peace and quiet. At one time they are
in the throes of war, at another they
fall victims to unforeseen afflictions.
Woes and tribulations have encompassed
the world, and yet no one doth
perceive the cause. And if the true
Counsellor utter a word, they deem
Him a stirrer of strife and reject His
counsel. Man is bewildered and knows
not what to think and say.”
National Assembly Letter No. 3 1928–1929[edit]
To the Local Spiritual Assemblies and Delegates of the 1928 Convention.
Beloved friends in El-Abhá:
The National Assembly is happy to announce that a definite beginning has been nude upon the permanent Temple Construction Fund!
At the meeting held in New York on June 29, when the Treasurer reported a balance on hand in the National Bahá’í Fund on May 31 of $38,368.06, the members immediately voted that the sum of $25,000 be placed in the Temple Construction Fund, at interest.
The National Assembly will vote as much as possible into that Fund at every meeting—how long is it going to take us to raise the full amount of $400,000 needed before actual work on the Temple can begin?
We have given up the National Office and will exercise the strictest economy in other ways during the year. The appropriation for each committee has been cut to the minimum figure. Much valuable activity must be given up, but the building of the Temple is the all-important task, and when this is accomplished the Cause will flourish as never before!
Please bring this letter to the attention of all local friends. The Nineteen Day Feasts give us frequent opportunities to meet in our local centers, learn the progress of the Plan of Unified Action, and make our individual contributions. This glorious task needs every individual believer. Not a single day should be lost until we have fulfilled the instructions of ’Abdu’l-Bahá and met the greatest desire of our Guardian.
Now let us ponder these words which Shoghi Effendi wrote to Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm on June 2, 1928:— “I am filled with joy and hope at the marvelous manifestation of heroic self-sacrifice displayed by the friends assembled at the sessions of the Convention. This is a magnificent beginning and I will pray from the depths of my heart that the entire body of believers may by their sustained, generous and determined support insure, ere the year comes to a close, the successful conclusion of the Plan of Unified Action.”
Yours faithfully, in service to Shoghi Effendi,
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
- Allen McDaniel, chairman,
- Alfred E. Lunt, vice-chairman.
- Horace Holley, secretary,
- Carl Scheffler, treasurer,
- Roy C. Wilhelm,
- May Maxwell,
- Louis G. Gregory,
- Amelia Collins,
- Nellie S. French.
Address Delivered by Ruhi Effendi Afnán at the Twentieth Annual Convention[edit]
(Concluded)
First, I believe that reading too much, even though it be prayers, will, as Bahá’u’lláh says, detract from the spirituality rather than enhance it. It is for the chairman to discover when the point of saturation is reached! The criterion should be the attention of the audience, the extent to which they can concentrate upon the words and be uplifted by them. Then, I believe that in every place the local committees should try and improve the standard of the talks given by a control on the speakers. They should be satisfied beforehand that the speaker has studied his subject thoroughly, that he has read outside authorities, that he is quite versed in what the Master has said on the subject and can really absorb the interest of his audience. Then they should try and increase the number of those individuals who are competent to speak. I believe that having always the same set of people as speakers will lead to gradual stagnation, and kill the incentive to study and go deeper into the teachings.
I believe that if the friends could afford it, it would be most advisable to have, every now and then, some University Professor come and speak, or deliver a series of lectures on a subject relating to the Cause. Subjects such as “The Influence of Religion on Society”—“The Influence of the Prophets on Civilization as a Whole”, “The Extent to Which Religion Can Help Internationalism” and other subjects which, though not directly bearing on the Cause, will help us in understanding the Movement. Through my own experience, I have come to know that, by knowing the effect the previous religions have had on society, I can better know the extent to which
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of the Bahá’is of the United States and Canada
P.O. Box 139, Station D, New York City Office of the Treasurer 1821 Lincoln Street Evanston, Ill.
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the Cause can modify the condition of the world at present.
Another point that I desire to make is that now that we are at an early stage of the development of the Bahá’í Movement we should do our best to avoid those difficulties that handicapped Christianity and the other religious Movements of the past. Zoroastrianism came to purify the ancient Arian religion from its man-made modifications. Because many of its followers could not break completely from their past beliefs gradually those same superstitions and practices that Zoroastrianism came to displace began to creep into its teachings corrupt them. Ancient Arian Gods began to be considered as Zoroastrian divine entities. Similarly, in Christianity. The early Hebrew Christians found a great difficulty in demolishing their old conceptions and becoming pure Christians. The Pagan Christians who denounced the attitude of the Hebrew Christians committed a similar mistake but instead of Hebrew ideas they incorporated Pagan practices. As a result the Christianity of Christ became so completely modified that Christ could not have recognized his own movement even a few cénturies after his crucifixion.
Now we Bahá’ís should be on our guard lest the Bahá’i teachings lose their purity. The Bahá’i Movement is not a conglomeration of all sorts of religious ideas, plus the beliefs of some mystic cults. It is religion purified, it is the ancient religion freed of the débris of human imaginings. If we desire to be true Bahá’is we have to experience one of the greatest revolutions in our very soul. We have first to set aside old conceptions, we have to cleanse our slate from ancient outgrown, human imaginings, from those beliefs that have degraded the other religions into their present condition and then usher in the Bahá’i ideals and beliefs and give them the complete and uncontested reign in the kingdom of our soul. We have first to “ring out the old” and then “ring in the new.”
In brief my desire is to see the Bahá’is achieve three things:
First, break that shell which in some places they have created around themselves and mingle more with other leaders of society for, unless we do that, we cannot exert any appreciable influence on society as a whole. Then I desire to see the Bahá’is pursuing a form of adult education, which would show us more the actual position the Cause holds in society, and the social importance of its precepts. Before we can appreciate the importance of the remedy Bahá’u’lláh advocates, we have to know the exact diseases that humanity is suffering from, and the way it was held on previous occasions. Then, being a young man and experiencing the craving the youth of this country has for religious teachings such as the Cause can present them, I wish to see any teaching committee that will be elected for the coming year take up the matter seriously and administer to the needs of those youthful but seeking souls. The task is undoubtedly great, but the fruits we shall reap will fully reward our endeavors if we only strive unrelentingly.
Aside from this report, I would like to avail myself of this great opportunity where I am facing the representatives of the Bahá’is of United States and Canada, to express my heartiest thanks for all the kindness that has been showered upon me. Without the constant help and inspiration that was given me by the teaching committee, through its secretary, I would have never undertaken such a trip all alone or obtained any of the wonderful openings that were arranged for me. My experiences along that line have proven to me definitely that, being under the shadow of Shoghi Effendi, and keeping in touch with the National Assembly, through its proper committees, put us in unity with the source of spiritual power which is absolutely indispensable for success. We individuals are infinitesimal in our influence, it is that source of energy which makes us what we are in achieving success, in serving the Cause.
Then, I would like to thank all those individuals that took me into their homes and sheltered me as a son and brother. As I have often remarked, the world would be a different one from what it is at present, if every individual were to find as many homes in foreign lands as I have found in this. Thank you for all you have done for me, I will try to repay you if you come to Haifa.
Meetings of the National Assembly[edit]
In order to overcome any feeling that there is aloofness and secrecy on the part of the National Assembly, the members this year has decided to publish a resume of matters taken up at each meeting. It is hoped that this will have the effect of putting to an end any sense of separation between the Assembly and the friends in general, and more especially of attracting helpful advice and suggestions from delegates and other believers in connection with our important problems.
Since the Convention, three meetings have been held: April 29–May 1, at Wilmette and Evanston, Ill.; June 29– July 2, at West Englewood, N. J., and New York City; and July 11, at Washington, D. C. Since the Assembly includes two members of the Pacific Coast, it has been decided that one three–day meeting every two months will permit the fullest consultation.
Among the matters acted upon so far the following are most important: appointment of all National committees and adoption of a general policy of action for each; appointment of the Finance Committee to scrutinize all applications for appropriations; adoption of a budget which will confine all expenses of the activities this year within the amount of $33,000 which the members pledged themselves to observe at the Convention; approval of a teaching program for Foundation Hall; appointment of a special committee consisting of the officers of the National Assembly and the chairman of the Finance Committee to concentrate on promoting the Plan of Unified Action; consideration of suitable legal measures to transfer title of Temple property from Bahá’i Temple Unity to National Spiritual Assembly; consultation on special problems in connection with the Bahá’i Magazine and the Year Book; appointment of representative to serve on the Universal Religious Peace Conference to be held at Geneva, Switzerland, in September; consideration of additional equipment needed for the Foundation Hall; discussion of special opportunities for publicity in connection with the Bahá’i Magazine; consultation on letters from Assemblies and individuals bringing up special local problems.
The members desire to make it clear to every American believer that the matter of paramount importance this year is to fulfill the budget of the Plan of Unified Action so that the amount of $400,000 will be available for Temple construction. Every other activity must be subordinated to this one essential aim, on the success of which the influence and growth of the Cause so vitally depends.
Bahá’i Magazine for June
The contents of the Bahá’i Magazine, Star of the West, for June, 1928, are as follows: Editorial, by Stanwood Cobb; An Experience With ’Abdu’lBahá, by Anise Rideout; Healing—Spiritual and Material, by Dr. Walter B. Guy; Universals, by Dale S. Cole; The Social Nicodemus, by Keith Ransom—Kehler; The Bahá’i Convention at Wilmette, Illinois; The City “Foursquare,” by Allen B. McDaniel; ’Abdu’l-Bahá in America, Chapter 2. by Dr. Zia Bagdadi; The Face of God, by Walter H. Bowman; Universal Language Values, by Alice V. Morris. The Frontispiece is a photographic reproduction of marble bust of ’Abdu’l-Bahá modeled for Mrs. Mary Rumsey Movius by Anna Coleman Ladd.
Announcement From Publishing Committee[edit]
It is gratifying to announce that the moving picture film of ’Abdu’l-Bahá is now available in the 16 millimeter size used in home projectors. This film, which is identical to the larger 736 foot film in every respect, but size, has lost none of its brilliancy or sharpness of detail through reduction and will give an image up to 3½ x 4½ feet fully equal to the larger picture. Both the large and the smaller films are non–inflammable so that they have the approval of the National Fire Underwriters and are acceptably for sending in the mails and safe for use in the home.
Coincident with the advent of this smaller film is an arrangement with the manufacturers which enables the Publishing Committee to supply the new DeVry Projector to Assemblies for $95 complete with fine leather carrying case, quite a substantial saving over the usual retail price. This 16 millimeter projector weighs but seven pounds and is so simple that it may be operated by a child. Its 200 watt bulb gives a brilliancy found heretofore only in instruments at double the cost. Being equipped with a universal motor it may be attached to any ordinary electric light socket, either direct or alternating current.
A fine copper plate etching of the “smiling” photograph of ’Abdu’l-Bahá is now ready. The etching which is 7½ in. by 10 in. is hot pressed by hand upon a fine grade of stock 12 in. x 16 in. which gives a large margin for framing. This is one of our most beautiful and life like reproductions.
Moving picture film of ’Abdu’lBahá, 35 millimeter (standard size), $50; 16 millimeter (home projector size), $25.
DeVry projector complete with carrying case, $95.
Copper plate etching of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, $1.50 postpaid. In lots of one dozen to assemblies, $12.
Orders should be sent to the Bahá’i Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York City.
Inter-Racial Amity Meetings[edit]
Through effective cooperation between the Spiritual Assembly of Urbana and the National Committee on Inter-Racial Amity, an inspiring public meeting was held on Sunday, May 6, at Lincoln Hall, University of Illinois.
The chairman was Mr. E. W. Mattoon, Dr. W. Russell Tylor of the Department of Sociology, spoke on “Factors in Inter-Racial Adjustment,” followed by Mr. Louis G. Gregory on “Inter-Racial Amity.”
This committee is now planning a series of meetings, including sessions devoted to informal discussion, to be held at Green Acre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 24, 25 and 26.
Bahá’i Cause to be Represented at The Universal Religious Peace Conference[edit]
As the result of an invitation extended to Shoghi Effendi by the Church Peace Union, organizing the conference, the sessions of the Universal Religious Peace Conference to be held at Geneva, Switzerland, September 12, 13 and 14 next will be attended by a representative of the Bahá’i Cause, Mr. Mountfort Mills, at the request of the American National Assembly, to which body the Guardian referred his invitation.
The aims of this Conference clearly reflect the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh shining upon the hearts throughout the world. From the announcement issued by the Church Peace Union the following is quoted: “All religions acknowledge an invisible, superhuman, spiritual power and it is the confident belief that this power, bridging national, racial and cultural frontiers, may be utilized in lifting humanity to a new level.
“In this confidence the Church Peace Union, when making plans for such a World Conference, contemplated the holding of a preliminary meeting in which it would be possible to secure the judgment of men and women from the different countries and representing various points of view, and, if after deliberate consideration it was thought wise to proceed with the plans, then to devise ways and means of ensuring the success of the Conference.
“Invitations have been issued and about 90 persons will meet to consider the following questions:
“Can a basis of agreement be found by the adherents of the world’s religions so as to make possible the holding of such a Conference?
“Is it agreed that the sole theme of discussion shall be ‘What can religion contribute towards establishing universal peace?’ ” etc.
The friends will rejoice that the essential[Page 4]
purpose of religion is being
emphasized by an international Conference
of this character and scope,
realizing that to the degree religionists
direct their attention to primary and
not secondary matters, to that degree
they will learn that a new Center is
required to focus the powers of humanity
in this age.
Pacific Coast Summer Community Opens Second Season[edit]
On July 15 believers from cities along the Pacific Coast gathered in Geyserville, California, for the second season of the Pacific Coast Summer Community. The land used for this activity was most generously set aside for Bahá’i purposes by Mr. and Mrs. John Bosch. The committee, which consists of Mr. John Bosch, Mr. Leroy Ioas and Mr. George Latimer, has announced its purposes as follows: “The main purpose of the Summer Community Committee for the ensuing year is to provide a channel for the freer flow of the spirit of unity among the friends, as well as to develop that dynamic force into cooperative service to the Cause. Those who attended the sessions of the summer school last year were regenerated by the spiritual force that seemed to abound, and as a result the foundations for further service were firmly laid.
“This spirit can be freshened, deepened and broadened among the friends, we feel, through their association and gathering together on the basis of the right program. In order to afford a nucleus for this association, the committee will observe these possibilities:”
- “1. To provide sites for economical
living for Bahá’is actively engaged in serving the Cause, under such conditions and directions as will eventually be laid down by the National Spiritual Assembly, when the property has been defined turned over to that body.”
- “2. To make this Community gradually
become a permanent center of attraction for Bahá’i workers.”
- “3. To provide opportunity for
Teaching Conferences to be held in connection with the Summer School.
- “4. To provide annual Summer
School sessions.”
An extremely varied and helpful program of subjects has been drawn up for this season, different subjects being assigned to the following teachers: Mr. W. P. Hatch, Mrs. E. G. Cooper, Mr. H. R. Hurlbut, Mrs. Helen Bishop, Prof. E. A. Rogers, Mr. Leroy C. Ioas, Mrs. Gladys Aoki, Mr. George O. Latimer and Mrs. Grace B. Holley.
News Letter of National Assembly of Persia[edit]
The most important events of the Cause in Persia and the Orient are shared with the believers of the West by the NEWS LETTER issued regularly by the Persian National Assembly through its Publications Committee. Extracts from Letters Nos. 29 and 30:
“A report from the Spiritual Assembly of Gilan states that at a recent meeting of representatives from all Provincial Bahá’i Centers decisions taken by the Convention in Tihran were discussed. Among other actions taken it was determined that a daily meeting for teaching the Cause should be held at the Hadirat-ul-Quds, and accordingly Jinabi-Fadil Mazandarani has been regularly attending the meetings as teacher.”
“Nush–Abadi, the Bahá’i teacher sent to Isphahan, reports that he has succeeded in establishing Bahá’i Centers in six new districts. In the districts of Freidan, Kordan and Chahar alone there are 35 Bahá’i Centers.
“We have much pleasure in announcing that recently a long letter has come from the beloved Guardian, warning the friends in emphatic terms that if in the future the persecutions and cruelties that have so far been heaped on the heads of the innocent Bahá’i community increase, the friends should continue, with greater endeavor than ever before, to fulfill their sacred duty of strengthening the Bahá’i organizations. He says that all is ready for the final deliverance of the believers in Persia, and but little more remains to bring about the ultimate and long-desired freedom of the friends. Some more perseverance is required to pass the few stages that still remain to be traversed towards the longed-for goal of glory and freedom.”
Bahá’i Center Established in Bulgaria[edit]
A recent letter from Mrs. Louise Gregory informs us that a very promising study class has been begun in Sofia. The general difficulty and confusion resulting from the earthquakes in Bulgaria have made it impossible for her to hold the public lectures which she had planned, but a number of enthusiastic seekers, among whom are Theosophists, Esperantists, a physician and other professional men and women, have been brought together and Mrs. Gregory feels that a permanent center has been established. To illustrate the ramifications of the Cause: one of these Esperantists first heard of the Bahá’i Movement by correspondence with a Bahá’i Esperantist in Japan.
Annual Bahá’i Service at St. Mark’s
The believers of New York City had occasion once more to appreciate the friendly interest of Dr. W. N. Guthrie, rector of St. Mark’s, when on Sunday, April 15, the afternoon service was devoted to the subject of “The Contribution of the Bahá’i Movement to World Unity.” The talks on this subject were preceded by the Bahá’i service composed by Dr. Guthrie consisting of responsive readings on “The Glory of God.” Mr. Alfred W. Martin spoke on “The World Need of Religion for Unity,” and Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler had the topic “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.” Mr. Mountfort Mills who was also on the program had been obliged to sail for Europe a few days before the meeting.
First Bahá’i Meeting at Pennsylvania State College[edit]
Through the devoted efforts of Prof. Hilbert Dahl, Mr. Albert R. Vail was privileged to address the first meeting held at Pennsylvania State College on the Bahá’i Cause. The gathering, we are informed, was the most responsive audience Mr. Vail has ever encountered in a college community. Prof. Dahl has excellent hopes of a permanent Bahá’i center as the result of this address.
Dr. Moody to Return to Tihran[edit]
The National Assembly is happy to announce that during a recent consultation with Dr. Moody, she informed the members that her plans have been made to return and resume her work at the Tarbiat School in Tihran during the autumn of 1928. Dr. Moody is enthusiastic over her success in arranging to have Miss Adelaide Sharpe accompany her, to assume the work performed so nobly by Miss Stewart, who laid down her life in this mission of contributing to the unity of East and West. The prayers of the American friends will go with these consecrated servants of Bahá’u’lláh. Dr. Moody recently received the following message from the Guardian: “I wish to add a few words in person in order to assure you of my keen and increasing appreciation of your steadfast and unsparing efforts in the different cities of the United States for the spread of our beloved Cause. You have thereby added fresh laurels to the crown of glorious servitude that adorns your head. I pray that you may soon in the company of a capable and devoted American co-worker resume your historic labors for our beloved Cause in Tihran.”
