Bahá’í News/Issue 31/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
LETTER FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI[edit]
To the Beloved of the Lord and the Handmaids of the Merciful throughout the West
Fellow-laborers in the Divine Vineyard:
I feel impelled by the force of various circumstances to share with you the news of recent happenings in those countries of the Near and Middle East which, by the ruling of Providence, are in these days undergoing a transformation which is as startling in its features as it is significant in its bearings upon the interests of our beloved Faith.
I have already in my previous communication briefly referred to the nature and effects of that momentous Revolution, which has, with surprising swiftness, substituted a westernized and rejuvenated Turkey for the primitive and decrepit Ottoman Empire. I have also attempted to describe the first stages of that recent and moving episode, which has served in a manner that is truly providential to thrust the Bahá’i community in Turkey out of the obscurity of oppressive neglect into the broad daylight of official and public attention.
Recently, however, from the reports that have been received from the elected representatives of the believers in different parts of Turkey, it appears that the investigations conducted by the Police authorities in the capital and provinces of that land have proved but a preliminary to a more official and detailed inquiry into the Bahá’i position with respect to the laws recently promulgated by the Republican government. For no sooner were the followers of Bahá’u’lláh released from detention at the Police headquarters and given the assurance that their Faith was in no way associated with any political design or motive, than an official communication was delivered to their representatives summoning them to appear before the State’s criminal Tribunal on the charge of infraction of the law of the Republic requiring the registration and authorization of all public gatherings and associations within the jurisdiction of the State. To this summons our brethren yielded immediate and implicit obedience. They indeed welcomed this further opportunity to assert not only the innocence of their Faith but to vindicate as well the sublimity of the teachings of Bahá’u’llah. Realizing that with this fresh development their case had assumed a solemn and juridical character, the undaunted champions of the Cause resolved to seek the assistance of an expert and sympathetic advocate, who would reinforce from a purely legal standpoint the spiritual argument which they reserved for themselves to propound. For a period ranging from a week to eighteen days the attention of the officers of the Court, of the elected representatives of the believers, of their officially appointed advocates, and of the visiting public was focused upon the deliberations of a Court that closely scrutinized not only the conduct and motives of the Bahá’i followers but the laws and principles, the past history and the present position of the Faith itself.
Fortified by the reflection that never before in Bahá’i history have the followers of Bahá’u’lláh been called upon by the officials of a State, responsible for the administration of Justice, to unfold the history and principles of their Faith, our brethren in Turkey decided to assert in their entirety those distinguishing laws and ordinances of the Bahá’i Revelation which the terrors of a suspicious autocracy had so long compelled them to dissimulate and ignore.
I cannot do better than quote in this connection a few passages from the text of the official defense, which in a moving language was pronounced by the President of the Constantinople Bahá’i Spiritual Assembly at a plenary session of the Court on that historic occasion: “La Béha’isme est une religion universelle, moderne et absolument independante. Si l’on désire une désignation plus moderne encore: c’est une institution de Clémence, de bonne entent et d’amour, en d’autres termes, de progrés moral et spirituel. Il n’est ni une secte, ni une branche des autres religions et doctrines diverses. Il est cependant leur aboutissement naturel, logique et pour ainsi dire scientifique. C’est la raison pour laquelle l’on trouve parmi ses adhérents des personnes, venant de toutes les religions et doctrines existantes dans le monde, et qui se comptent aujourd’hui par millions. . . . Ces explications ne sauraient toutefois a dévoiler le suffire (?) mystére qui est au fond des sacrifices, consentis dans ce siécle en Orient, par plus de vingt mille martyrs du Beha’isme, parmi lesquels se trouve Quarratu’l-Ayn Táhirih (la joie des yeux, la pure) cette juene femme turque, depeinte ainsi par notre illustre écrivain Suleyman Nasif, et dont le martyresan précédent est cité aujourd’hui par le monde entier comme l’epopée sans pareille de la cause humaine. Je ne sais si ces explications peuvent elucider les raisons pour lesquelles il se trouve a cette doctrine pétrie egalement par le sang turc des amis parmi des hommes de race turque, cette race qui dans tout procés du genre humain et de ses nobles aspirations, n’a pas hésité jusqu’ici á verser son sang. . . . Toutefois, les Béhá’is n’ont point dissimiulé leur présence en
|
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.
|
Turquie, surtout depuis le régime de la République. C’est ainsi qu’ils se sont fait inscrire comme Béhá’is sur les feuilles du dernier recensement a Constantinople. D’autre part est-il admissible que le Gouvernement ignore leur présence dans cette ville? Cela étant, il ne saurait etre imaginé que les Béha’is soient, sous le régime de la République, poursuivis comme tels, surtout aprés avoir acquis leur liberté sous le régime de la Constitution qui a suivi celui de la tyrannie durant lequel ils étaient persécutés. . . . Mais avant de terminer, je ne puis m’empecher de dire avec une entiére assurance, que les adeptes en Turquie de cette doctrine, sont surs de la Justice d’un pays régi par la premiére veritable République pleine de lumiére dont s’honore auhourd’hui tout l’Orient. . . . Ces déclarations d’une part, et la conduite suivie par les Béha’is, a l’occasion de cet incident qui a commencé par l’interrogatoire auquel ils ont été soumis par la Police, de l’autre, sont la preuve convainquante de la sincérité et de la bonne foie avec lesquelles nous nous comportons tant vis á vis de la Justice que de celui du Gouvernement. Ainsi, nous aurions pu soustraire certaines piéces qui constituent les seuls documents pouvant servir á nous assimiler á des sociétés. Ne nous voyant pas en contravention avec la loi, nous n’avons rien voulu dissimuler, comme personellement je ne cherche qu’a tout dire ici. Ce n’est lá d’ailleurs qu’une nécessité dicté par le Béha’isme et la conformation á une recommendation de Bahá’u’lláh. Lui nous dit: “Devant la Justice, dites la Verite et ne craignez rien.”
In these hotly-contested debates two circumstances of an unexpected character lent color and force, and must have contributed in no small measure to the successful conclusion of the issue. The participation of a noted Turkish publicist and author whose expressed sympathy for the Cause had identified him with the group of the suspected believers, and the association of the name of the Dowager Queen of Rumania with the Bahá’i Faith as a result of the discovery among the seized documents of the Constantinople Bahá’i Assembly of her public pronouncements on the Cause and her personal message to the friends in that city, both served to reinforce the position of the Bahá’is and greatly encouraged them in their task. I am assured by a letter addressed to me by the President of the Constantinople Assembly that the sessions of the Court were dignified in their proceedings, sublime in the presentation of the ideals of the Cause, and representative in the character of their attendants. He writes: “Ce fut une déclaration de la Cause dans toute sa grandeur, et jamais l’Orient n’a vu retentir le nom de Bahá dans une pareille formule. . . . J’ai préféré laisser l’avocat qui n’est pas Bahá’i en parler. En effet cela a eu plus d’effet d’entendre l’avocat, emporté par je ne sais quelle mystérieuse poussée, crier, aprés avoir cité les principes ainsi: ‘Monsieur le Juge! n’est-ce pas lá en somme l’idéal vers lequel marche actuellement notre pays avec en téte notre Grand Gazi?’ ”
The extravagant language of the newspapers in reporting the details of this official inquiry served in turn to accentuate the publicity already achieved, and induced the officials of the Court to exercise scrupulous impartiality in the consideration and judgment of the case. As to the verdict that has been pronounced on December 13, it is stated clearly that although the followers of Bahá’u’lláh, in their innocent conception of the spiritual character of their Faith, found it unnecessary to apply for leave for the conduct of their administrative activities and have thus been made liable to the payment of a fine, yet they have, to the satisfaction of the legal representatives of the State, not only established the inculpability of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, but have also worthily acquitted themselves in the task of vindicating its independence, its Divine origin, and its suitability to the circumstances and requirements of the present age. It will be admitted that this recognition on the part of the authorities would have never been so speedily secured had the representatives of the believers proceeded through the ordinary and official channels to obtain such a recognition from their government.
Surely every unprejudiced observer,
reviewing on one hand the turbulent
history of the Cause in Turkey and
recalling on the other the series of
internal convulsions that have seized that
country, cannot but marvel at the contrast
between the swift decline of an
all-powerful theocracy and the gradual
consolidation of a persecuted Faith.
He will appreciate the significance of
the circumstances that have caused on
one hand the dismemberment of what
was the most powerful institution of
Islám, and contributed to the other to
the emergence upon its ruins of the
very Faith it has vainly labored to suppress.
Should he look further into the
past and consult the annals of Christendom
during the first century of the
Christian era, he cannot fail to observe[Page 3]
the striking parallel between the cataclysmic
visitation of Providence that has
afflicted the most sacred institutions of
the Jews in the Holy Land and the utter
collapse in this, the first century of
the Bahá’i era, of the Sultanate and the
Caliphate, the highest institutions of
orthodox Islám. He will recall the
severities which the hand of Titus inflicted
upon the Jews, the harassing
siege of Jerusalem, the destruction of
the Holy City, the profanation of the
Temple, the desecration of the Holy of
Holies, the transfer of its priceless
treasures to the imperial city of Rome,
the erection on the site of Zion of the
pagan colony of Oelia Capitolina, the
massacre of the Jews, and the exile and
dispersion of most of the survivors.
In like manner, he will observe that almost
in the corresponding decade of
the first century of the era of Bahá’u’lláh,
not at the hand of the infidel,
but by a recognized ruler professing the
faith of Islám, a blow, unprecedented
in its magnitude, has been dealt to
the highest seats of authority in the
Islamic world. He will call to mind
the recent disestablishment of the state
religion of Turkey, the overthrow of
the dynasty of the House of ’Uthmán,
the loss of the unity of the vast majority
of the adherents of the Mohammedan
Faith, the humiliation inflicted
upon the whole hierarchy of its ecclesiastical
exponents in that land, the abolition
of religious courts, the annulment
of the provisions of the Qur’án, the
promulgation of a universal Western
code of civil law, the suppression of its
Orders and the closing of most of its
seminaries and establishments.
Such a close correspondence between these historic retributions which the Almighty’s avenging arm has chosen to inflict upon the persecutors of Christ and Bahá’u’lláh cannot but fortify the confidence of every Bahá’i believer in the future glories of this Divine Dispensation. Particularly will he feel strengthened when he recalls the triumphs that have signalized the advance of Christianity after the humiliation of its enemies. And as he ponders upon the circumstances that have given such startling publicity to the Cause, not only throughout Turkey but in the adjoining countries as well, he cannot fail to recognize in this strange episode, following so closely upon the fall of the mighty stronghold of Bahá’i opposition, a prelude to a higher recognition and fuller unfoldment of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
In Persia, where, unlike its ill-fated sister nation Afghánistán, the pace of reform has been wisely regulated, the salutary effects of the progressive regime established by its enlightened ruler are not only reacting upon the social and economic structure of its society, but are being increasingly felt by the mass of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in that land. The welter of controversy into which the drastic reforms of a determined government, aiming at the gradual secularization of the State, have plunged a revolting clergy has afforded our Persian brethren, their long-desired opportunity to pursue untrammeled the course of their spiritual and humanitarian activities. The deportation of a considerable number of Muslim ecclesiastical officials, amongst them the heir of that notorious and bloodthirsty Mujtahid of Isfahán, “the Son of the Wolf” has served to clear the ground for the extension and consolidation of Bahá’i institutions. Already, as reported from an outlying center in the province of Yazd, a leading but fair-minded Mulláh has, upon the discovery of the specific prophecy of ’Abdu’l-Bahá regarding the forced abandonment of the traditional headdress of Muslim clerics, acknowledged the Divine origin of the Bahá’i Faith, embraced its truth, and openly enlisted as an active supporter of its institutions.
Moreover, it is stated that in various quarters, and among responsible sections of the community the matter of the codification and the introduction of a Western civil code, and its universal application to all the different communities is being freely discussed, and its desirability increasingly emphasized. As a preliminary measure, however, to the introduction of such a far-reaching reform, certain changes of policy have been lately initiated, not in the form of hastily conceived dictatorial edicts, but as a result of the mature deliberations and with the sanction of the national representatives of the people. The systematization of the laws of marriage and contract; the establishment of a Land Registry wholly independent of ecclesiastical control; the distribution of birth certificates of a purely undenominational character; the increasing prominence accorded to the social rights of womanhood; the close attention paid by State authorities to the education of the Persian youth in the Universities of Europe; the banning of all Muslim Passion Plays throughout the territory of the Shah; the bold and various schemes that have been launched for the embellishment of the Persian Capital—all are welcome signs of the approaching era which is to witness the spiritual and material ascendency of Persia among the people and nations of the world.
In this ever–improving environment and witnessing on every side the downfall of those institutions that have crippled their struggling Faith, the believers in Persia are joyously seizing every opportunity to demonstrate the redeeming power of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. An illuminating report, submitted by one of the most capable and trusted itinerant teachers of the Cause in Persia, has lately reached the Holy Land. In it the writer sets forth in graphic and accurate language the many evidences of the increasing vitality displayed by the Faith in different parts of Persia. Summoned by the Persian National Spiritual Assembly to interrupt his travels in the vicinity of the town of Mashhad in order to devote immediate attention to a situation that had unexpectedly arisen in Isfahan, our indefatigable teacher and brother was surprised upon his arrival in that province to note in the various towns and villages he visited a ten-fold increase in the number of the adherents of the Faith since his last visit to those regions. He was moreover startled at the hospitality which he received at the hands of those persons who six years ago had been instrumental in expelling him from their localities, and who now had freely enlisted under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh. He was furthermore highly elated to learn that the prestige, the integrity and ability of the local Bahá’i Assemblies in that province had of late stood so high that non-Bahá’is, exasperated by the corruption and incompetence of their own judges, had more than once freely submitted cases of dispute to the judgment of the elected representatives of the Bahá’i community in their locality.
Only a close and unbiased observer of the manner and habits of the Persian people, already familiar with the prevailing tendencies of different sections of the population, such as their apathy and indolence, the absence of a sense of public duty and of loyalty to principle, the lack of concerted effort and constancy in action, the habit of secrecy and blind surrender to the capricious will of an ignorant and fanatical clergy, can truly estimate the immensity of the task that faces every conscientious believer in that land. He will moreover readily testify to the high standard already attained by the Bahá’is of Persia in their efforts to inculcate in the minds of their fellow-countrymen the principles of the Divine Civilization ushered in by Bahá’u’lláh.
We have only to glance at the soul–stirring
written assurances of ’Abdu’lBahá
[Page 4]
in order to realize the magnitude
and exalted character of the mission
entrusted by Him to the adherents of
the Faith in Bahá’u’lláh’s native land.
By the faithful application of the spiritual
principles which their present administration
is endeavoring to propagate;
by the character of those indissoluble
bonds of Bahá’i fellowship that
cement the union of the mass of the
believers with their elected councillors;
by the distinctiveness of their future
contributions in the domain of art,
of science and of trade, of education
and of industry—by these and by still
other convincing manifestations of the
quickening vitality of their Faith, our
Persian brethren are destined to demonstrate
to the ruling powers on earth
the majesty, the enduring stability and
the unfailing efficacy of the Government
of Bahá’u’lláh.
The following passage from the Tablet of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, revealed more than thirty years ago, while incarcerated within the walls of the prison-city of ’Akka, and addressed to the Bahá’is of Khurasan, will undoubtedly stimulate those energetic friends of the West who long to contribute by every means in their power to the rehabilitation of their Master’s native land:—
“Erelong will your brethren from Europe and America journey to Persia. There they will promote to an unprecedented degree the interests of art and industry. There they will rear the institutions of true civilization, promote the development of husbandry and trade, and assist in the spread of education. . . . Assuredly they will come; assuredly they will contribute in making of the land of Iran the envy and the admiration of the peoples and nations of the world.”
And as we ponder these words of ’Abdu’l-Bahá in our hearts, let us also remember the prophetic utterances of Bahá’u’lláh, which reveal not only the merciless cruelty of the ecclesiastical leaders of Islám but also the measure of Divine retribution which now afflicts the oppressors of God’s holy Faith:—
“O people of the Qur’an! Verily the prophet of God, Muhammad, sheddeth tears at the sight of your cruelty. Ye have assuredly followed your evil and corrupt desires and turned away your face from the light of guidance. Erelong will ye witness the result of your deeds; for the Lord by God lieth in wait and is watchful of your behavior . . . . Erelong He will raise in every city the standard of His sovereignty, and will wipe away the traces of them that have denied Him on the day of His return. . . . O concourse of Muslim divines! By your deeds the exalted station of the nation hath been abased, the standard of Islám hath been reversed and its mighty throne hath fallen. Whenever the Divine Reformer has sought to ennoble the rank of the people, ye have tumultuously risen against Him and prevented Him from executing His purpose, wherefore the realm hath remained in grievous loss.”
And in conclusion, I wish, in a few words, to pay a tribute, however inadequate, to the magnificent services rendered by that exemplary and indefatigable teacher of the Cause, our dearly beloved sister, Miss Martha Root. Her international travels on behalf of the Bahá’i Faith, so wide in their range, so extensive in their duration, so inspiring in their results, will adorn and enrich the annals of God’s immortal Faith. Her earliest journeys to the southernmost limits of the American continent, to India and to South Africa, to the eastern confines of Asia, to the islands of the Southern Seas and the Scandinavian countries of the North; her more recent contact with the rulers and crowned heads of Europe and the impression which her undaunted spirit created in royal circles in the Balkan countries; her close affiliation with international organizations, peace societies, humanitarian movements and Esperantist circles; and her latest victories in the university circles of Germany—all constitute a compelling evidence of what the power of Bahá’u’lláh can achieve. These historic labors, pursued single-handed and in circumstances of financial stringency and ill-health, have been characterized throughout by a spirit of fidelity, of self-effacement, of thoroughness and vigor that none has excelled.
I appeal to individual believers and Bahá’i Assemblies alike to reinforce by every possible means the earnest strivings of such a precious soul, to respond speedily and entirely to every request that from time to time she feels moved to address to her fellow workers in every land, to strive to attain the high standard of stewardship that she has set, and to pray from the very depths of their hearts for the uninterrupted continuance of her noble endeavors.
- Your true brother,
- (Signed) SHOGHI.
- Your true brother,
Haifa, Palestine,
February 12, 1929.
Study Class in Sofia[edit]
An interesting communication from Mrs. Louise Gregory brings details of her important teaching in Sofia, Bulgaria. The class she started last year has been resumed this fall and winter, with a few deeply attracted students of the Cause. Dr. Esslemont’s pamphlet “What is the Bahá’i Movement?” has been translated into Bulgarian by one of these new friends, and an edition published by Mrs. Gregory. Through articles in newspapers, a series of monthly public talks and contact with the Esperantists, Mrs. Gregory is accomplishing the great task of founding the Cause in that country.
Meeting of the National Assembly[edit]
A summary of the meeting held by the National Spiritual Assembly in New York City on March 16 and 17, 1929, is given here for the information of the friends.
Important communications from the Guardian, and instructions given by Shoghi Effendi through his secretaries, are reproduced elsewhere in this issue of the NEWS LETTER, with the exception of the Guardian’s letter to the National Assembly dated February 27, 1929. On account of the fact that this particular communication has a special significance in the development of the principles of Bahá’i administration, it was voted that this be reprinted as a pamphlet, and copies are being sent to local secretaries for free distribution to the believers. Each local Spiritual Assembly is requested to make this letter the subject of careful study, and to impress its importance upon other believers. A joint consultation was held with representatives of the New York Spiritual Assembly. It was voted to accept the recommendation of a special committee which has investigated the accounts of the Green Acre Inn and reports that the manager has agreed to repay the sum of $500 for expenses and salary items not incurred in conformity with the original contract. Voted that National Committees are to pay the Publishing Committee for all literature used by them, under the same conditions as local Librarians. Reports were received which indicated the great success and increasing influence of the addresses delivered by Mr. Albert R. Vail in the Temple Foundation Hall. Voted to authorize the secretary to issue 200 copies of the Bahá’i World, volume 2, to the Sociological Departments of the leading colleges in the United States and Canada.
The Publishing Committee was instructed to supply Bahá’i literature without cost to Miss Martha Root, for distribution in the course of her teaching journeys. The Teaching Committee reported on the success of several public Conferences held jointly with the Committee on Inter-Racial Amity. The matrix of the Master’s voice record was received from Miss Nellie Lloyd, from Mr. Mountfort Mills, and placed in the custody of the Archives Committee. Voted to retire a Green Acre bond of $500 purchased in 1922. The report of the Convention Committee was approved, and this Committee instructed to open a Reception Committee Headquarters during the Convention. (A letter from this Committee is reproduced elsewhere). The Convention agenda was approved. Mrs. Loulie Mathews was authorized to secure from local Assemblies copies of the Tablets and writings of ’Abdu’l-Bahá answering questions of current general interest, for use in a volume to be compiled by her which she wishes to donate to the Cause. The Treasurer was authorized to transfer the sum of $110,000 to the National Bahá’i Temple Fund. The Treasurer reported that the National Assembly will have observed its budget of $33,000 for current expenses, with several thousand dollars to spare. Total cash on hand March 17, 1929, $207,095.14. Mr. Philip Sprague joined the meeting by invitation and kindly shared with the members the notes taken during his recent visit in Haifa. The Legal Committee was instructed to find out the status of the Declaration of Trust as it applies to believers resident in Canada. It was recorded in the minutes that two rugs, and two copies of the Greatest Name made by Haji ’Ali Yazdi, of Haifa, sent by the Guardian through Mr. Sprague, have been forwarded to the Archives Committee and the Temple Maintenance Committee instructed to place them in the Foundation Hall before the Convention. Voted to add Prof. Glenn Shook to the Green Acre Committee. It was recorded in the minutes that the special donation of $100,000 pledged in January has been received by the Treasurer and deposited. The action of the National Assembly in observing the passing of Mr. W. H. Randall was recorded. A proposed publicity plan, including the preparation and distribution of newspaper articles to local Assemblies, and the official answering of public attacks on the Cause, was approved. The following Publicity Committee was appointed: Mr. Horace Holley, secretary, Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, Mr. Dale S. Cole. The following new Bahá’i Communities were recorded: Burlinghame, and Long Beach, California. A telegram was received from Mr. Leroy Ioas announcing that arrangements had been made to have Mrs. Powell spend a month at Phoenix, Arizona, to teach the group of one thousand interested people assembled by Miss Orcella Rexford. A proposed international trading corporation for believers was referred to the Publishing Committee.
Meeting of the Trustees Under the Bahá’i Temple Indenture[edit]
The principal business transacted at this meeting was the preliminary report made by Mr. Allen McDaniel covering the result of his investigation of the status of the architectural and engineering plans of the Temple and of the different materials available for the construction of the Temple. The Chairman and Secretary were instructed to forward this comprehensive and valuable report to the Guardian and request his instructions and advice. It was recorded in the minutes that the Safekeeping Department of the Northern Trust Company has sent for the files of this body a list of the securities held by it to the account of the Trustees. Voted that no invested funds or securities can be withdrawn from this account without written authorization signed by at least five Trustees.
Letter from Convention Committee Concerning Arrangements for Delegates and Friends[edit]
Dearly beloved friends:—
The Twenty-first Annual Convention of the Bahá’is of the United States and Canada, which will be held April 26, 27 and 28 will without doubt be the most important Convention ever held in America. Our beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, writes that he hopes that it will be a milestone to mark the progress of the Cause in this country. His words are as follows:
“My dear and precious co-worker: The progress of the Fund is highly satisfactory and I will pray that the efforts so strenuously exerted may be sustained and blessed by the Master who is vigilantly watching from on high the self-sacrifice of His faithful disciples. I am sure that the friends realize by now the vital necessity of doing their utmost to insure the success of the Plan by the next Convention, which I sincerely hope and pray may constitute a land-mark in the history of the Cause in America.”
Since he penned those lines over $100,000 has been added to the Temple Fund. At the present writing $210,000 have been gathered for the Temple and we are well on our way toward success in the great enterprise undertaken by our small band of believers. Our hearts are overjoyed because we are filled with a renewed faith in the sustaining power of our beloved Master who, as the Guardian says, is watching from on high.
Who would have thought a year ago that we would be able to raise $200,000 in one year? Our experience would have said that it was impossible, but in this glorious Cause history shows that nothing is impossible. The recent letters of the Guardian picturing clearly the astounding fulfillment of ’Abdu’l Bahá’s promises everywhere are a proof of this and our unity and success in this enterprise are our glorious share of the divine bounties that are being showered upon the world.
Let everyone who possibly can, come to the Convention and witness one of the greatest spiritual outpourings. The believers are coming from near and far. They have sent their gifts to the Temple; many of them will bring still more. This year we have passed the half-way point toward our goal. The Convention itself will carry through the other half and we will send to the Guardian a message that will lift us into the heavens and he will be filled with joy, for we will have succeeded in doing our part.
All preparations for a large gathering have been made. For those who wish reservations made for them either in hotels or in private homes, the housing committee stands ready to render whatever service is needed. All letters regarding reservations should be addressed to Mrs. Edward Struven, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette. The other members of the committee on housing are Mrs. Willis S. Hilpert, 455 Chestnut St., Winnetka, Mrs. Frances Fales, 965 Spruce St., Winnetka, Mrs. Shelley Parker, 6816 Langley Ave., Chicago.
Convention Headquarters will be at
the Evanston Hotel, Forest Ave. at
Main St., Evanston, Ill. This is three
blocks each of the Main St. Station of
the Elevated Railroad. Beginning
Thursday morning, April 25, the Hospitality
Committee will be found at this
Hotel where they will have a reception
room for two days. The telephone
number is University 5000. Single
rooms with accommodations for two
may be had for $2.00 per person.
Those who desire single rooms, etc.,
may arrange to engage them in advance
[Page 6]
through Mrs. Struven, or when they
arrive. The hotel is making special
rates for us and we are hoping that all
who can will secure their accommodations
as early as possible, and it will be
better to have as many of the friends
at the Evanston Hotel as is possible.
Any further information will be gladly given. All communications for general information should be addressed to Mrs. Willis Hilpert, 455 Chestnut St., Winnetka, Ill. For rooms, etc., to Mrs. Edward Struven, 112 Linden St., Wilmette, Ill.
- With Bahá’i love and greeting,
- CONVENTION COMMITTEE.
- Mrs. Willis Hilpert,
- Mrs. Shelley M. Parker,
- Mr. Carl Scheffler.
Bahá’i Shrine at Baghdad Restored to Cause[edit]
The following cablegram from Shoghi Effendi records the final success of the efforts continuously made by the combined forces of the world wide Bahá’i Community, under the Guardian’s direction and inspiration, to recover from the possession of our enemies the Holy Shrines at Baghdad, which Bahá’u’lláh dedicated as a Center of Pilgrimage for all believers of East and West:—“League Council pronounced in favor Bahá’i Petition regarding Bahá’u’lláh House. Faith triumphant over deadliest enemy. Inform believers. Avoid for present widespread publicity. Cause much indebted to Monntfort’s magnificent achievement. (Signed) SHOGHI.” The Petition referred to above was drawn up by Mr. Mills for the National Spiritual Assembly of Iráq, at the Guardian’s request, for presentation to the League of Nations as the body having ultimate jurisdiction over the Mandate held by Great Britain in Iráq. The published letters of the Guardian may be referred to for the earlier stages of this Providential case.
Instructions Concerning Sales of Goods to Believers[edit]
The National Assembly has received the following statement from Shoghi Effendi: “I feel that only such goods as are owned by believers, whether made by Bahá’is or non-Bahá’is, may be sold in the interests of the Temple or any other Bahá’i institutions, thus maintaining the general principle that non-believers are not, whether directly or indirectly, expected to contribute to the support of institutions that are of a strictly Bahá’i character. As to the manner of the disposal of Bahá’i property for such purposes, and the channel through which the sale may be effected, I feel that no rigid rule should be imposed. Individual Bahá’is are free to seek the help of private individuals or of Spiritual Assemblies to act as intermediary for such transactions. We should avoid confusion on one hand and maintain efficiency on the other, and lay no unnecessary restrictions that would fetter individual initiative and enterprise. (Signed) Shoghi.” (January 4, 1929.)
Instructions Concerning Attitude Toward Those Attacking Cause[edit]
A copy of the pamphlet published by Mrs. Ruth White was sent to Shoghi Effendi in January. This matter is taken up by the Guardian in his letter to the National Assembly recently reprinted (as recorded in summary of the last Assembly meeting), but the following words written in a briefer letter on February 27, 1929, are instructive: “I have in a letter addressed to the National Assembly set forth my views regarding the contents of Mrs. White’s pamphlet. I have thus far received no intimation from the Palestine authorities, and have no reason to believe that they will consider it worthy of their consideration. The friends, however, should avoid hurting her feelings and should abstain from provocation. Her case will suffer the fate which has met Dyar’s opposition in ‘Reality,’ and should be totally disregarded by the believers. What will endure and gather strength are the institutions which the believers are rearing in the heart of the continent, all else is shifting sand and doomed to extinction. (Signed) Shoghi.”
Instructions Concerning the Date of Annual Bahá’í Elections[edit]
The following words, written on February 27, 1929, on behalf of the Guardian by one of his secretaries, deals with the question whether a local Bahá’i Community can elect its Spiritual Assembly on any date other than April 21 each year. “Concerning the institution of new Assemblies, Shoghi Effendi believes that the present form of the By-laws which considers April 21 as the only date on any year, though it has some disadvantages, yet as a whole is better than otherwise. One year of experience will better enable it to participate in the important national (Bahá’i) affairs. Then there will be a sort of uniformity throughout the Bahá’i world.”
Letter from Outline Study Bureau of the Teaching Committee[edit]
Dear friends:
The letters from the friends throughout the country have been the cause of much gratification and encouragement to the small group of workers who constitute the present Outline Bureau. The warm response of the friends in general and their accounts of the practical use to which these outlines have been put confirms to a considerable extent this new and experimental phase of Bahá’i teaching work. This response indicates that we are passing into a new era of expansion made possible by that perpetually youthful attitude of mind which so characterizes the followers of Bahá’u’lláh. Weary of waiting for the world to seek us out we have shown our willingness to go this added mile that it may “go with us twain.”
In order to maintain that equilibrium of effort which enables the friends of Abdul Bahá to minister to the needs of all classes and conditions of men, it is considered advisable at this time to issue what will later constitute a chapter in Comparative Religion. The outline on the Bahá’i Teachings pertaining to Christ, topically arranged, affords a very complete compilation of Bahá’i references to the life, station, influence and teachings of Christ together with such references to the Bible as illustrated these statements. In the work of compiling and arranging this material we were most fortunate in having the co-operation of Mrs. Mary M. Rabb, who put at our disposal her unpublished compilations on “The Station of Christ in the Bahá’i Revelation,” and “Resurrection and Eternal Life.” These references are incorporated into the outline. Mrs. Rabb is well–known as the compiler of “The Divine Art of Living.”
The contribution of another notable piece of Bahá’i work has come from Mrs. Maye Harvey Gift in the form of an outline on Bible prophecy. Assisted by a study group in Peoria, Mrs. Gift has arranged the research of many years into a comprehensive and concise outline of references from the Old and New Testaments, the Qurán, and the Bahá’i writings. The very outward appearance of this outline is so attractive as to inspire one to immediate study. The contributions of both Mrs. Rabb and Mrs. Gift to the Teaching Committee are an example of Bahá’i co-operation which we hope will add new impetus to the efforts of all the friends who are in possession of valuable study material.
The promised outline on “Material and Divine Civilization” we hope to have ready by Convention time. The Outline Bureau is fortunate in having the assistance of Dr. James Mickel Williams, well-known writer of books on Sociology, who is a professor in Hobart College, situated in Geneva.
It is suggested that the outlines, which are being issued in uniform notebook size, are adaptable to arrangement in looseleaf covers together with the notes taken by the Bahá’i student in connection with his outside reading or group work. Thus he may provide himself with a growing handbook of “material and divine” knowledge.
Orders may be sent at once for the two Bibles outlines. The outline on Christianity is ten cents, that on prophecy, “New Light on the Scriptures” is fifteen cents. Address Mrs. Doris McKay, Pre-Emption Road, Geneva, N. Y.
With cordial Bahá’i greetings, The Outline Bureau of the National Teaching Committee.
- R. C. COLLISON
- MARIAN LITTLE
- DORIS McKAY, Sec’y.
Announces New Prayer Book[edit]
The Publishing Committee announces that copies of the new volume of Prayers and Meditations of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá, donated as a gift to the Temple Fund by Mrs. Loulie Mathews, are now available. This book can be obtained in two editions—bound in paper, $0.50, bound in cloth, $1.00. A supply will be on hand at the Convention. Copies meanwhile, can be ordered the Bahá’i Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York.
The Bahá’i Magazine for March[edit]
The contents of the BAHÁ’I MAGAZINE for March, 1929: The Spring Season, words of ’Abdu’l-Bahá; Editorial, by Stanwood Cobb; Wonderful Hawaii, by A. E. Winship; America’s Influence in the Near East, by Sohiel Afnán; The Races of Men—Many or One? By Louis G. Gregory; Mystic Symbols in Judaism, by Loulie Mathews; The Science of the Love of God, by Doris McKay; ’Abdu’l-Bahá in America, by Dr. Zia Bagdadi; A Book Worth Reading, by Coralie Franklin Cook.
The March issue completes volume 19 of the Star of the West, and the friends are reminded that a complete Bahá’i library will contain the bound volumes of this unique monthly magazine.
Bahá’i National Conference
A Bahá’i National Conference for the harmonizing of religions, nations and peoples was held at the Meeting place of the Society for Ethical Culture, New York City, on Sunday, March 10, under the auspices of the Teaching and Inter-Racial Amity Committees. The program of this inspiring and important meeting included an address by Mr. Alfred W. Martin on Geneva and Haifa: Meccas of the Modern World; and an address on Bahá’u’lláh and the New World Order, by Archbishop Reginald Grant Barrow. Mrs. Howard Ives presided.
In Memoriam[edit]
Mrs. Alice Cameron, Maui, Hawaii, August 27, 1928.
Mrs. S. Craig, Denver, Colo., December 17, 1928.
Miss Ruth Bretz, El Paso, Texas, December 15, 1928.
Mr. Vail’s Lectures in Foundation Hall[edit]
The series of lectures delivered by Mr. Albert Vail Sunday afternoons in the Temple Foundation Hall, Wilmette, is attracting most favorable attention and causing increased interest in the Bahá’i Faith throughout the vicinity of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. The subjects for January were: January 6—What is the Truth? Whence does It Come: Is There any New Truth? January 13—How Do We Know the Truth? Four Tests of Truth. January 20—The Christ of the Creeds and the Jesus of History— A Reply to Recent Magazine Articles upon the Authenticity of New Testament Documents. January 27—Seekers After God Through the Ages—How the Scientists and Prophets Find Him.
Program of Bahá’i Sudents at American University, Beirut[edit]
The Society of the Bahá’i Students at Beirut, Syria, has for some years carried out a more comprehensive program of meetings. This has been published as an attractive booklet, and for the current year list weekly meetings from October 21, 1928, to June 12, 1929, with the chairman, names of two speakers and their subjects for each week. The fore-word describes the objects of the Society. “The Society of the Bahá’i Students of Beirut is established to promote the interest of the Bahá’i Students in religious problems, and keep alive their spiritual attainments, in the course of their academic studies.
“The Society meets every Sunday afternoon from 4 to 5 P.M.”
“The order of the meeting consists of an opening prayer, two speeches delivered in Persian or English, a Tablet chosen in the same spirit as that of the talks, and a closing prayer. After each speech the meeting is open to discussion.
“Aside from these meetings, social gatherings are held from time to time, and trips are made in the vicinity of Beirut.
“The meetings are open to everybody interested in their purpose.
“The Society plans to present a Bahá’í play this year.
“The Society has a library founded by the kind help of Mr. Sohiel Afnán in Haifa. We hope for contributions from abroad.
“We heartily appreciate communications and exchange of ideas with the friends, and with the youth of other countries. Address: The Bahá’i Students, care of Mr. Hassan Balyuzi, American University, Beirut, Syria.”
Bahá’i Message Published in the Indian Daily Mail[edit]
An address by Mr. S. H. Koreshi, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma, delivered on August 19, 1928, was reprinted in its entirety in the Indian Daily Mail of October 21, according to a clipping recently received. The newspaper report is headed “Bahá’i Message to the World of Humanity”, and runs two columns in length. Unquestionably so complete a statement has proved effective in spreading the Cause in that land.
INTER-ASSEMBLY CORRESPONDENCE AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Beloved brothers and sisters:
We extend to you our best wishes
for great spiritual growth this gladsome
new Bahá’i year. The more each
individual believer reads the Divine
words, reflects and meditates over
them, absorbing their real inner meaning
and harmonizing our deeds and
actions accordingly, the greater will be
the spiritual growth which is the Divine
magnetism that will attract others
to this glorious Cause. For until we
exemplify in our own lives, the high
ideals brought by the Blessed Perfection,
BAHA’U’LLÁH, we cannot expect
to attract new members to our
fold. If we do not live the Teachings
we become like a horse-shoe magnet[Page 8]
which has not yet been near the dynamo
to absorb magnetic power and is
therefore useless in attracting iron to
it. Whenever a pilgrim would ask
beloved ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ how to teach
the Cause to others. He would tell
them, to live the life. And our sincere
hope is that every -believer in the world
will make a special effort every day to
live those beautiful Commands given
us by the Center of the Covenant, who
first lived them Himself, as an example
of how we ought to be. Then
the non-believers will see the proof of
the written Teachings and they will
be attracted to us and join our ranks.
Then too, will our Mother Temple in
Wilmette, swiftly reach the heavens
above, calling all Nations to universal
recognition of the oneness of mankind.
Oakland, California[edit]
To the Beloved Friends throughout the World:
In introducing ourselves to our beloved co-workers in all parts of the world, the Oakland Bahá’is wish first to express our sincere appreciation of the many inspiring letters which have come to us from far and wide during the past three years. These messages have given us hope, courage and good cheer and we have come to have a very personal interest in all the activities of the Bahá’is everywhere, particularly in the younger groups for whom we have an especial fellow feeling.
This day has special significance for us. It is first, the anniversary of the Feast of ’Ilm at which ’Abdu’l-Bahá was hosted in the home of Mrs. Goodall in Oakland when He visited California in 1912. Also, it is the third anniversary of the present Oakland Assembly. In commemoration of both events this evening our Nineteen Day Feast provides a fitting occasion for recalling the special blessing bestowed upon our city by the visit of the Master and upon those whose privilege it was to be with Him at His table. It also gives us opportunity to look into the future and to plan for the further spread of the Cause in our city.
Three years ago most of us were new-born infants in the Cause, attracted to it by Orcella Rexford. That first year we accomplished little if measured in terms of numerical growth, but thanks to the untiring, self-sacrificing and patient efforts of Mr. Leroy C. Ioas, we were led to have a clear understanding of the essentials of the movement. We were meeting, then in a little third-story room where the spirit of Bahá’i love and unity was manifest to all who came within its walls. Little by little we began to grow until finally our little hall was really quite overcrowded and when many who had lost contact with the group were re-attracted to the Cause, we found it necessary to move to larger quarters. We now have a spacious library in the hotel district, beautifully furnished and equipped with every convenience for serving feasts and dinners.
Wilmette, Illinois[edit]
Beloved Friends in ’Abdu’l-Bahá:—
In a recent letter, Shoghi Effendi has written:—“Rest assured that my prayers will continue to be offered for the esteemed members of the Wilmette Assembly, whose sacred mission is to play a leading part in stimulating interest and action in behalf of the Mashriqu’l-Adh-kar.
- Your true brother,
We wish also to share with every believer in the United States and Canada, before the Fast, the beautiful message which has just come, through Ruhi Afnán, as follows:—“The problem that in these days is arousing his (Shoghi Effendi’s) anxiety is the way this large sum is to be collected in such a very short period of time, to resume the building operations right after the convention. He, as well as some of the other friends who are motivated by a great force of faith, believe firmly that God’s miracles will not fail to perform their wonders and at the very eleventh hour the full sum will be collected. Shoghi Effendi wishes you to express his loving greetings to all the friends in Wilmette and ask them to join with him in their moments of private prayer and meditation, and ask God not to fail them, but as heretofore send them His confirmations and blessings.”
What heavenly strength and joy this message brings, lifting us out of the realm of strain and striving into the invincible faith and assurance of victory.
Geneva, Switzerland[edit]
During the month of September there were more than eighty visitors at the Bureau.
From America we had:
Mrs. Ford, who paid us a long and delightful visit. Her presence was a help in many ways;
Mrs. Collins of Pasadena, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, paid a flying visit on a day;
Mrs. Julie Chanler who recently translated into a scholarly English and published “Le Fils du Loup”, was here a short time with her daughter Miss Benkard;
Mrs. French of Pasadena, member of the N.S.A. spent about eight days here and gave us the benefit of her practical advice as well as adding her quota of helpfulness to make the meetings more interesting and colorful;
Mr. Mills of New York and Paris was in Geneva as a delegate to the “Universal Religious Peace Conference” and although much occupied gave us some of his time;
Madame Kuntz of Urbana, U.S.A. paid us a call on her way to Zurich;
Dr. Alfred Martin of New York, one of the ardent workers for “World Unity” spared some of his valuable time from the work of the Conference and visited us;
Mrs. Van Patten came over from Paris for a few days and called on the Bureau;
Mr. Cleaton of Montreal, Canada, spent a few days in Geneva and we had a number of pleasant visits with him;
Canon Townshend and wife of Ireland were here for a day: much too short a time.
Tokyo, Japan[edit]
Beloved Bahá’i Friends of the World!
Since the New Year has dawned it seems more and more that a Divine Wisdom is working to draw all the Bahá’is of the world into a closer love and unity than before.
With the coming of this New Year, hope and inspiration have come that His Cause may make greater progress in this land where Shoghi Effendi has bid me work.
It has brought joy to me that on the 9th of this month the publication of the “No. 9 Ben” in Esperanto braille was finished in a school for the blind here. This was a reprint of one which had been made in Stockstund, Sweden, through the efforts of Martha Root. Often on Sunday evening I have the privilege of meeting with students from this school at the home of one of their teachers who desires for them spiritual comfort.
Since the New Year, on Friday evening many Esperantists have been coming to my room where we speak of the Bahá’i Teachings. One of these young men had corresponded with an American lady Esperantist who is a Bahá’i and had sent him one of the Bahá’i Esperanto booklets.
