Bahá’í News/Issue 35/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
Consider how the power of real
union latent in the mission of the
Prophets of God hath, both outwardly
and inwardly, gathered together the
hostile peoples and kindreds of the
earth under the shadow of the one
Word of God. . . . Whenever true
religion—the cause of the civilization, the
glory, the happiness, the honor, the
enlightenment and the advancement of
backward, enslaved and ignorant
peoples—falls into the hands of the foolish
and fanatical divines, it is so sorely
misused that its great light is turned
into utter darkness. . . . By the one true
God! The minute elements of material
civilization owe their existence to
the bountiful grace of the Prophets of
God. What utility can ever be conceived
in this world which is not, either
expressly or tacitly, mentioned in the
Holy Scriptures?—’Abdu’l-Bahá.
Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá for Archives and Publication[edit]
The National Assembly urgently requests those believers who possess original Tablets from ’Abdu’l-Bahá to cooperate in the special effort now being made by Mrs. Corinne True, acting under appointment by the Assembly, to catalog all available Tablets with a view to the publication of a Volume Four of Tablets from ’Abdu’l-Bahá.
The three volumes edited with such loving care and distinction by Mr. Albert Windust contain only Tablets received before 1914. The unpublished Tablets consequently were revealed in the last years of the Master’s earthly life, and their importance for present and future believers is beyond our capacity to appreciate.
To assure complete accuracy, only those Tablets can be accepted which are received in the form of originals —translations alone will not suffice. The first essential is to gather together in our official Archives all original Tablets written to American believers collectively or individually, irrespective of date. The preparation of additional volumes for publication in printed form can then follow.
The National Assembly appreciates how infinitely precious every original Tablet is to its possessor. Solitary possession of the Master’s words, however, cannot compare with collective possession such as all believers can enjoy when all Tablets have been brought together in the Archives and their contents made universally available.
The teachings of the Prophets belong to the world, no matter what channel of communication may be employed in any one case. Surely we should hesitate to regard one ray of the Sun as a mere candle lit for yourself alone.
Then, too, the chances and changes of life are so varied and unexpected today that the firmest intention of having a Tablet sent to the Bahá’i Archives after one’s death may be frustrated. It is far safer for the physical existence of the Tablet, as well as far more important for its contents, that those who possess original Tablets take immediate steps to transmit them to the Archives. Here they will be preserved from accidents of fire, theft or casual oversight, and each Tablet so transmitted will then become part of the Bahá’i Revelation.
Individual receipts will be sent to believers who forward Tablets. Tablets should be sent to Archives Committee, care of Miss Gertrude Buikeman, 1827 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, Ill. Registered mail is preferable.
The following letter, read and approved by Shoghi Effendi, indicates the importance of this matter in the Guardian’s eyes.
Dear Mrs. True:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated July 7th and to assure you of his ardent prayers for the success of the work you are undertaking.
The work of collecting and publishing the Tablets is one of the most important tasks that this generation has undertaken, for upon it depends our true understanding of the Cause and its principles. The more we put it off, the more we are apt to lose some of the original writings.
Yet, important as this task may be, it is fraught with difficulties. The early translations are far from being accurate, no matter who the translator may be. Shoghi Effendi firmly believes that only tablets with the Master’s signature and in the original tongue should be recognized. Any translations or copies of them fail from having real authority. This shows the importance of collecting the original Tablets that bear the Master’s signature.
May I in closing reassure you of Shoghi Effendi’s prayer and extend to you his loving greetings.
- Yours sincerely,
Haifa, Palestine.
September 20, 1929.
|
of the Bahá’is of the United States and Canada
P.O. Box 139, Station D, New York City Address for telegrams Horace Holley, 129 East 10th Street New York City Office of the Treasurer 1821 Lincoln Street Evanston, Ill. “The NEWS LETTER which you have lately initiated fulfills a very vital function and has been started admirably well. I would urge you to enlarge its scope, as much as your resources permit, that in time it may devote a special section to every phase of your activities, administrative, devotional, humanitarian, financial, educational and otherwise. That it may attain its object, it must combine the essential qualities of accuracy, reliability, thoroughness, dignity and wisdom. It should become a great factor in promoting understanding, providing information on Bahá’i activity, both local and foreign, in stimulating interest, in combating and safeguarding the institutions of the Cause. It should be made as representative as possible, should be replete with news, up-to-date in its information, and should arouse the keenest interest among believers and admirers alike in every corner of the globe. I cherish great hopes for its immediate future, and I trust you will devote your special attention to its development, and by devising well–conceived and world-wide measures transform this NEWS LETTER into what I hope will become the foremost Bahá’i Journal of the world.”—— SHOGHI EFFENDI |
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada[edit]
Contributions*
From April 1, 1909 to March 31, 1929
Note: The contributions from 1909 to 1925 inclusive were given specifically to the Temple: the contributions for the years 1926 to 1929 inclusive include contributions for other funds as well as the fund for the Temple.
| 1910 - 1911 | $ 14,698.19 | ||
| 1911 - 1912 | 10,401.59 | ||
| 1912 - 1913 | 7,292.45 | ||
| 1913 - 1914 | 14,124.80 | ||
| 1914 - 1915 | 13,503.79 | ||
| 1915 - 1916 | 6,588.65 | ||
| 1916 - 1917 | 7,975.43 | ||
| 1917 - 1918 | 15,634.10 | ||
| 1918 - 1919 | 75,923.21 | ||
| 1919 - 1920 | 47,003.12 | ||
| 1920 - 1921 | 27,837.33 | ||
| 1921 - 1922 | 21,720.65 | ||
| 1922 - 1923 | 28,994.55 | ||
| 1923 - 1924 | 53,739.23 | ||
| 1924 - 1925 | 19,376.32 | ||
| 1925 - 1926 | 30,305.50 | ||
| 1926 - 1927 | 51,039.28 | ||
| 1927 - 1928 | 53,410.26 | ||
| 1928 - 1929 | 243,473.13 | ||
| Total (19 years) | $743,041.58 |
- From the detailed Financial Report
distributed to delegates at the 1929 Annual Convention.
Material Needed for Volume III “The Bahá’i World” 1928-1930.[edit]
As stated in the Introduction of Volume II: “We believe the contents of Volume II will suggest the various materials desired for such a publication as The Bahá’i World. Especially valuable are articles and photographs that show the present progress of the Cause as well as a record of past events”.
We believe you will be guided to choose proper material for sending to the Editorial Committee, who in turn will submit it for the approval of Shoghi Effendi. He is the Editor-In-Chief of this publication.
It seems to us, the material sent in should be of such a nature as to breathe a fresh spirit into the Bahá’is everywhere, and stimulate them to further effort when reading of the advance of the Cause in your Community. Articles pertaining to the Cause, appearing in newspapers and magazines; addresses delivered before representative gatherings expounding the Cause; photographs of groups of Bahá’is in whose faces shine the light of the Kingdom—material that will stand the test of time, for The Bahá’i World is, no doubt, intended to be an authoritative and permanent record of the Cause throughout the world.
The reports to be incorporated in the “Survey of Current Activities” should not be too detailed, but adequate. We would recommend a careful reading of Volume II and any corrections and changes noted should be sent to us, as our Guardian wishes The Bahá’i World to be a model reference book. Especially should the Directory and the Bibliography be up to date. Suggestions for the improvement of the Book will be heartily welcomed.
It would greatly facilitate the work if the material is typewritten, double spaced in English on one side of the paper, size 8½ x 11. The articles, addresses, reprints and photographs* should be sent in at once. The reports to be incorporated in the “Survey of Current Activities” could follow later, reaching us not later than January 1, 1930.
_____
- Victoria Bedikian, Photograph
Editor, P. O. Box 179, Montclair, N. J.
Corrections in Bahá’i Directory[edit]
Corresponding secretaries who received copies of the Bahá’i Directory issued by the National Assembly in July, 1929, are requested to note the following changes. It should be pointed out that this Directory is for recognizing Bahá’i use only, and Bahá’i addresses should not be placed at the disposal of others for any purpose.
Chicago Assembly, Monroe Ioas, secretary, 1835 So. Grove Avenue, Berwyn, Ill.
San Francisco Assembly, Elizabeth L. Duffy, secretary, 1677 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland, Calif., Assembly, Lottie M. Linfoot, secretary, 1419 Harrison Street, Oakland, Calif.
Rochester group, Elizabeth Brooks, secretary, 48 Pearl Street. Rochester, N. Y.
Butte, Montana group, Evalena Caldwell, secretary, Butte, Montana.
Boston Assembly, E. Mabel King, secretary, 65 Langdon Street, Cambridge, Mass.
In Memoriam
Mrs. Albert Windust, Chicago, April 17, 1929.
Mrs. Imogene Newell, Denver, August 25, 1929.
Mrs. Lucia Lawton, Grand Rapids, Mich., October 8, 1929.
A Correspondence Course in Bahá’i Teachings[edit]
The Outline Bureau of the National Teaching Committee announces a correspondence course in the Bahá’i teachings for those earnestly desirous of becoming more thoroughly acquainted with the Bahá’i writings for their own personal benefit and for the spread of the Message.
The course will include twenty weekly lessons covering the history, principles and most important teachings of the Movement. Each lesson will consist of a required reading list, a supplementary list for those desiring further study and questions based upon the required reading. One of these questions should be answered fully each week and returned to the Outline Bureau. An examination covering the preceding lessons will be given in the middle and at the end of the course.
The charge for the entire course will be one dollar to cover the cost of mimeographing and postage. The only requirement for registration is that the student shall own or have access to the most important of the Bahá’i books.
All correspondence concerning the course should be addressed to R. C. Collison, 681 Castle Street, Geneva, New York. Send in your registration and one dollar at once. The first lesson will be sent out as soon as desired by the applicant.
The Bahá’i Cause in Hamburg[edit]
(Continued)
The following reprints were made:
“The Bahá’i Movement, Its History, Teachings and Meanings,” II Edition, 5500 copies, of which 500 copies were sent free of charge to the Bahá’i Assembly at Stuttgart; “What is the Bahá’i Movement?” folio edition, II Edition, 5000 copies.
“One Word on the Bahá’i Movement.” edition of 6000 of which 1000 copies to the address of the bookstore of Sauermann in Wandsbeck.
A teaching leaflet with the notice of teaching evenings, 1000 copies.
An enclosure for books “Prejudice” edition of 1000 copies.
Press notices came to our notice about the Bahá’i Teachings in Greater-Hamburg:
Two short articles by Dr. Grossmann in “Useful Leaves” (“Nuetzliche Blaetter”) No. 3 and 4 Signal Verlag (Signal publication) Hamburg, one of which carried the picture of ’Abdu’l-Baha.
One article in the “Hamburger 8 o’clock Evening Paper” of November 12th, 1928.
A mention of the Bahá’i Teaching in an article “happenings in the Art Hall” in the Hamburgischen Correspondent” of January 21st, 1929, as well as the Bahá’i Movement in the thanksgiving at the interment of the late Mrs. Ave (“Wandsbeker Bote” of September 8th, 1928).
And a notice of an address by Dr. Grossmann calling the attention to the editorial part of the “Wandsbeker Boten” of November 24th, 1928.
The “Bahá’i Esperanto-Eudonejo” (the Bahá’i Esperanto Publication) published the following:
La Nova Tago (The New Day) in its fourth year with quarterly editions of 12 pages, edition of 5 to 600 copies.
7000 Fly Leaves Kio estas la Bahaa Movado (What is the Bahá’i Movement?)
An enlisting Leaf in English for “La Nova Tago.”
A list with the names of publications:
Dr. Ernst Kliemke: “Bahaismo kaj jolitiko “80, of 8 pages edition of 800 copies of which 400 on order of the friends in Berlin, which were dispatched as a memento of the departure of the meritorious President of the German Esperanto Unity.”
Besides those subscribers of “La Nova Tago” Bahá’i literature in Esperanto were sent out in 461 cases, mostly on request—among which some 1719 flyleaves in part as enclosures to different Esperanto Newspapers. Several hundred copies of la Nova Tago arrived at the German Esperanto Congress at Potsdam, also at the universal Esperanto Congress at Antwerp, and at the German Esperanto Congress in Frankfort on the Main for distribution.
The Bahá’i Library of the Hamburg Movement included at the end of the year some 121 books, not counting the Esperanto literature. To this is added the scientific collection of Bahá’i writings and writings on the Bahá’i Teachings with about 280 books. The use of the lending library shows that only a few books are called for, and it is hoped that that will improve.
To our great regret a true friend of the Cause was taken from us: Mrs. Martha Ave. The friends dedicated to her memory a solemn celebration and will remember her with honors.
We were able to greet ten guests from Bergen (Norway) Resht (Persia) Kiel, Stuttgart, Elberfelt, Leipzig, Rostock, and Schwerin.
September, 1929.
Translated by Mr. Herman Pauli.
Bulletin of Egyptian N. S. A.[edit]
We heartily thank the various Spiritual Assemblies who have kindly summoned to our call and have reciprocated with us their news and have sent us regularly their monthly circular letters and Bulletins replete with their activities. We are very anxious to hear from the rest of the Assemblies, whether in the East or the West who have not yet responded to our request. It is quite essential that all Spiritual and National Assemblies be linked together through correspondence, so that they may be constantly in touch with each other and so co-operate mutually in advancing the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and make it permeate throughout the world.
We hope that our Bulletin may develop in due time into a magazine and may become influential in promoting the Bahá’i principles, especially among the Arabic speaking world. We therefore request the assistance and co-operation of all Bahá’is, so that this (organ) may prove successful.
The N. S. A. of Egypt appreciates very much the co-operation of the N. S. A. of the United States of America and Canada in promulgating the Cause in Egypt by presenting several copies of the (Bahá’i World) to the notables and influential men of Egypt. We pray that this courageous attempt may be successful in proclaiming the new spirit of Bahá’u’lláh.
The Fifth Annual Convention of the Bahá’is of Egypt[edit]
On April 29th the annual convention was held in Cairo for the election of the new body of the National Assembly.
The hall of the Spiritual Assembly
of Cairo was decorated with beautiful
flowers and ornamented with the sacred
rug from the shrine of the Master,
donated by the Guardian to the
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Bahá’is of Egypt, which stood,
stretched on the wall with its brilliant
colors and exquisite features, thus
making a picturesque panorama.
The friends in Cairo and its vicinity together with the delegates and guests from the Bahá’i centres in Egypt crowded the hall which was filled to its capacity.
Never before did Cairo witness such a big gathering of friends, all gay and happy. They all embraced each other and their faces shone with joy.
The entertainment began by serving refreshments including tea cakes, sweets, oranges and everybody indulged freely and so all enjoyed the hospitality and kindness of the Cairo Assembly.
At 5 P. M. the meeting was called to order and the holy words were chanted by Mohammed Mustapha Effendi of Port–Said. Then Dr. M. Basheer presided and gave the opening address. He greeted the friends and expressed his appreciation of the progress of the Cause in Egypt, then he outlaid the activities of the National Assembly in the past year, reviewing the progressive advancement and the organization of the National work, explaining the various steps that have been taken for organizing the Bahá’i work as the registration of the believers, issuing of marriage registers, publication of Bahá’i literature in Arabic and establishing the Bahá’i Bureau in Cairo. Finally, in announcing the opening of the Bureau he pleaded for the co-operation and hearty support of the National Assembly is urging all Bahá’is of Egypt to contribute and endow freely to enrich the funds in order to carry out the Bahá’i work.
Next spoke Abdel–Fattah Sarby Effendi, on behalf of the Cairo Assembly, welcoming the delegates, guests and friends in most affectionate terms, declaring his immense joy in attending this big gathering and seeing the faces of the friends from the various centers, then he spoke on the activities of the National Assembly highly prizing the steady progress that has been made during the past year.
The next speaker was Abul—Fetoolh Effendi, who spoke on behalf of the Alexandria friends conveying their greetings and most sincere wishes for the success of the convention, then he explained the ways and means for the cooperation between individuals and Bahá’i Assemblies in Egypt, requesting all to support and uphold the National Assembly.
Then Mohammad Mustapha Effendi on behalf of the Port-Said believers gave a most enthusiastic speech recommending steadfastness and perseverance in order to advance the Cause in Egypt.
In the absence of the delegates of Ismailia, Abdel-Rahman Effendi Rushdi was asked to speak on their behalf and also on behalf of the other Bahá’i centres in Egypt that were not represented, so he stood with a smiling face and greeted friends and delegates congratulating them for the Ridwan and expressing his extreme happiness in witnessing this gathering and cherished the hope that more friends should attend the convention next year to participate of the happiness and the joy of meeting one another. He finally mentioned briefly the difficulties that encountered the National Assembly in the past year and then reviewing the work that has been accomplished and that which is under consideration and ended by persuading all to become active in promulgating the Cause and to assist in its jubilant proclamation.
Before closing, two telegrams of felicitations from the Ismailia and Alexandria believers were read by the chairman and the entertainment ended with chanting of the holy words by Shiekh Motawad and then the friends and guests dispersed.
At 8 P. M. a formal meeting of the delegates was held. Prayers were chanted and the roll called. Out of the nineteen delegates representing the Egyptian Bahá’i Assemblies fourteen only were able to attend the convention.
Dr. Basheer was elected unanimously as Chairman of the convention and likewise Abdel-Rahman Rushdy Effendi as secretary.
The minutes may be summarized as follows: The annual report of the National Assembly was read by the secretary. Then the treasurer discussed the financial situation reporting in detail the amount of cash received and the disbursements during the past year.
After that a report from the various Egyptian Assemblies was considered. Each report included the activities of each Assembly during the past year also the financial standing.
Then the discussion was opened and each delegate was given three minutes to speak. Finally, they proceeded to elect the new body of the National Assembly and a committee of three was appointed to attend to the polls.
At 10 P. M. a banquet was held in the home of our venerable brother Mohammad Taki Effendi for the delegates which they enjoyed very much and later greatly praised the dear host for his hospitality and kindness.
Next day the new members of the National Assembly met at 10 A. M. in the office of the Bahá’i Bureau for the election of the officers with the following result:
Dr. M. Basheer, chairman; Judge Abdel–Galeel Bey Sad, vice–chairman and custodian of Archives; Abdel-Rahman Ruchdy Effendi, Secretary Iskander Hanna Effendi, treasurer.
Members: Mohammad Taki Effendi, Abdel Fattah Sabry Effendi, Mohammad Mostapha Effendi, Mahmoud Nousho-Kati Effendi.
Committees were next appointed for translation and publication of Bahá’i literature also for the Bulletin and for the Bahá’i Bureau.
Another Luncheon banquet was held at 3 P. M. at Heliopolis, a suburb of Cairo, for the delegates at the home of Judge Abdel-Galeel Bey Sad, which was enjoyed by all and much delight was expressed by the guests. This ended the convention and so the delegates dispersed carrying with them happy memories of the great occasion which they have joyfully participated in.
Indeed the convention this year proved to be a success and all those who attended declare with delight their satisfaction.
Letter From Miss Martha Root[edit]
Beloved Friends:
Alla-o’-Abhá! Love to you, each
one! I thought I could not write, but
now I hear my boat is three hours late,
so I undid the bags and took out the
typewriter and papers. I went from
Budapest to Dubrovnik in Jugoslavia,
stayed there five days and gave the
Message. The editor of the best paper
took much interest and he sent
articles and photographs of ’Abdu’l-Bahá
to the papers in Zagreb and
Sarareva. From there I went by boat
to Durazza and from there took an
automobile (one hour and half) to
Tirana up in the mountains. The
American Ambassador said it would
be impossible for me to meet the King,
he thought. The King was away at his
private bathing resort taking a rest
during the very hot weather. I wrote
the King a letter and sent it through
the post-office, saying I brought him
the Bahá’i greetings of Shoghi Effendi.
Guardian of the Bahá’i Cause, explained
a little and enclosed a Prague
Newspaper article in German giving
the Principles, for the King knows
German. Next I called upon the
Prime Minister and found him very
charming and kind; the Prime Minister
knows French; called upon him
[Page 5]
twice. Visited the Heads of all the
different schools, visited the Library
director, the Czechoslovakian Minister
at Tirana, had dinner and tea at the
American Embassy, dinner four times
at the Head of the Red Cross Training
School, visited the editor of the
newspaper and he took a keen interest.
In his first article he said that I “dealt
a great deal with the Bahá’i Teachings
and movement and that it took the
God-part of all the religions.”
Everybody in Tirana knew I was a
Bahá’i. The Prime Minister invited
me to an audience with His Majesty
Zog. King of the Albanians, Sunday,
September first, in the Royal Palace in
Tirana. It was very formal in honor
of the second anniversary of his being
king. This invitation meant friendliness
to our Cause, you can hardly imagine
how much it meant. The invitations
were very few. No foreigners
were invited except the Ambassadors
from the different Legations. The
Prime Minister told me to come to the
Chancery at ten o’clock and go from
there to the Royal Palace at eleven
o’clock. In the Chancery were nineteen
ladies, relatives of the King, and
distinguished members of the feminine
club “The Albanian Woman” of which
the King’s sister, a Princess, is the
honorary President. When I came
into the room, the acting President announced
me as a Bahá’i. Well, I made
a little speech to these ladies and it
was interpreted to them. We had a
very lovely hour and then we went in
big motor cars ( a walk of about four
minutes) to the Royal Palace. I had
no motor car and did not need one, for
they invited me to go with them. I
shall write about the whole visit to the
King, never shall I forget those moments.
He stood in the drawing room
in his army dress uniform and his
Ministers stood about him in a semicircle,
they were in black, full evening
dress. When I shook hands with him
I said in Albanian language their
pledge “Besa-besen” that means “I
pledge you my loyalty.” If any Albanian
tells you that it means he will
stand the truest kind of a friend, no
matter what happens. They extended
“besa-besen” to me in inviting me and
I pray Bahá’u’lláh always to stand
loyal to Albania. After meeting the
King, we went in the automobile (also
about three moments to walk the distance)
to the Royal Palace of the
mother of the King, she is called the
“Queen Mother.” First, we were presented
to the King’s five sisters, five
Princesses and then taken to another
drawing-room where the Queen
Mother stood attended by two boys,
her grandsons, in full military dress
and she was all in black. She looked
so kind and good, like a Madonna
mother of the world.
This was a wonderful visit to Albania. Albania is the most dangerous point in the Balkans. A match set to Albania would blow up Europe. These people have given some very great men to the world and they can do it again. I would journey through Albania and try to meet the dervishes in some of the towns and meet the people of all religions, the moulders of the new Albania. There are no railroads in Albania, but one may say that Albania is motorized. Automobiles go from town to town, whenever they get three or four passengers they start. Before I went to Albania, I tell you the truth, I was afraid, but now I would take the trip through Albania if I ever had the opportunity. There are many hundreds of soldiers in Tirana. I got up at four and four-thirty every morning to read about Albania and visited people all day and evening, and I see how much could be done, see what a fine spirit the Albanians have. If they give you their friendship they stand true. For five hundred years they have been crushed, most of that time their language was not allowed in the schools, no newspapers or books could be printed in Albanian. The nations that will live the Principles of Bahá’u’lláh and promote these, these are to be the great nations of the future. Please pray for Albania, and if I write to ask you to send any book or pamphlet or letter, please do it without my explaining much, for it is so very difficult for me to write a full letter when I am travelling in this great heat and working just about as hard as I can. You can do a very great deal. St. Paul went to Durazza and through Albania en route from Salonika to Rome. Constantine the Great who instituted Christianity in Europe was an Albanian, St. Jerome, who translated the Bible from Greek to Latin was an Albanian. Maybe some of you could come over to Albania or if not, send books in German and French and English—and get something printed in America in Albanian language. Dr. Esselmont’s book would be a power here.
I forgot to say that the son of the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Tirana is a fine Esperantist. He was home from an Italian University for his vacation. His father is in Geneva for the League of Nations. There are three Esperantists in Albania, only three so far as we know. English is much used among the students. Tirana has thirty thousand population. Albania about one million people. But the peace of the Balkans, the peace of all Europe depends upon what happens to Albania.
Now must pack up again and mail these and be “ready.” Last night in my room (and this morning) I washed and ironed three dresses and countless other things and mended and “put my house in order” for the next city. Here I had hot water. In Tirana I wore white dresses (Oh, such clouds of sandy dust, or lime dust, it was “clean dirt,” but it literally came in the clouds sometimes!) I dressed just as carefully in Tirana as I should dress if I were in New York and it took two dresses a day. A journalist in Budapest said to me: “Is white Bahá’u’lláh’s color, that you wear it so much? Do all Bahá’is wear white dresses?” I get my own meals and so far have carried my food for the ships (for I did not need to buy the meals on the ships down that Adriatic Coast.) So many times I would write to you more often, but life just gets too much for me. My part is very humble and small, but beloved friends you must see that Bahá’u’lláh open the doors before my face. Things that seemed impossible in Tirana came as “easy as violets come up in spring.” Only Bahá’u’lláh could have done that. Brindisi, September 6, 1929.
Report of National Teaching Committee at 1929 Convention[edit]
(Continued)
One of the most important teaching
events of the year is the Mrs. Keith
Ransom-Kehler’s recent visit of six
or seven weeks in Barbadoes. It
might be good to mention the work
of Mrs. Ransom-Kehler in Barbadoes.
This work was started in
New York City about a year ago
through the influence of Mr. and
Mrs. Kinney at a dinner given there.
The Rev. Hon. Mr. Braithwaite of
the Parliament at Barbadoes was at
that dinner, and he became so
deeply interested in the Cause, in
this message for brotherhood, and
in the attitude of the friends in
treating them as though they were
not only of one community but of
one family that when he returned to
Barbadoes he made some wonderful
openings for Miss Leonora Holsapplse.
On her way to South America
she spoke there to large crowds
of people, and the Spirit was tided
over when Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler
recently visited Barbadoes.
It would have been wonderful if
[Page 6]
Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler could
have been with us today. Probably
her sacrifice is in giving money to
the Temple, which she would have
used to come, and is greater at this
time, but none of us who heard her
report on her return from Barbadoes
a month or so ago will ever forget
the rays, the light, the atmosphere
of dawn of early days that
seems to encircle the teachers when
they go out into these wider fields.
She told us of the meetings that were held, the many, many opportunities, not on the surface of things, merely going to gatherings and groups of people and talking about the Cause, but of the opening of the inner consciousness, that Divine individual contact that is made with soul by a real teacher which brings them into that organic relationship with the Spirit of God through which they take a great step into the infinite life of the human soul.
Mrs. Ransom-Kehler did not give us a report. I only want to say that she spoke particularly of one night, when in a church the congregation gathered—(interrupted).
MR. PHILIP SPRAGUE: While you are on the subject of Mrs. Ransom-Kehler, she gave me a report to give to you, which I shall give you at luncheon time, covering her trip.
MRS. MAXWELL: Then perhaps it would be better to read the report of Mrs. Ransom-Kehler. I did not know we had received this report.
You all know that last year when the National Teaching Committee convened and mapped out their plans for the greater and wider scope of their work for this year, they divided the work and activities in order to make it possible to meet the growing demands in teaching work in this country, and it was in this way that the two committees were created. One was the Pacific Coast Committee. That is a branch of the national work and is a wonderful committee, very active and very alive, working all along the Pacific Coast. We have, I think, representatives of that committee with us today, and also the Outline Bureau, which has been giving out the study outlines for the whole country. I think we ought to read the report of the Outline Bureau, and then we will hear from Mrs. McKay later.
Outline Bureau Report[edit]
In December, 1928, the Outline Bureau sent a letter to the local Bahá’i Assemblies announcing that an outline on “Material and Divine Science” was available for individual or class work. As described by the letter, this outline had been prepared for the two-fold purpose of familiarizing the student with classified Bahá’i references relating to science and of serving as a guide to allied secular reading. A list of approved modern scientific books accompanied this outline.
In the four ensuing months, nearly five hundred science outlines was sent out to Bahá’i communities throughout the country. The outlines, according to statements received from the friends, are being used as material in public and group meetings, in study classes of young people, in interracial groups and for personal research. Between thirty and forty communities are making use of the outlines in some of the above mentioned ways, and many isolated believers have been supplied. Among the centers in which the outlines have been used for study classes or public meetings are New York, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Montreal, Cleveland, Chicago, Urbana, Detroit, Lansing, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Worcester, Glendale, Calif. and Madison, Wisc. One of our more recent orders was from Miss Agnes Alexander in Japan.
The science outline completed, the Bureau turned its attention to the compilation of an outline on “Material and Divine Civilization”. The Committee regrets that this outline is as yet incomplete, owing to a necessary rearrangement of material after much preliminary work had been done. This outline, which is in the hands of four or five compilers, will deal with the Bahá’i writing on social evolution, racial relations, education, economics and international relations together with other contributing factors in the establishment of the new world order according to Bahá’u’lláh. There will be included a bibliography of modern writers reviewed by the Bureau and their assistants. It is hoped that this outline which has aroused considerable anticipation, may soon be placed in the hands of the study groups who found the science outline helpful.
In the meantime, an outline has been issued on “The Bahá’i Teachings Concerning Christ”, further augmented by an outline on the “Bahá’i Interpretation of Old and New Testament Prophecy”. Two well-known compilers, Mrs. Mary M. Rabb and Mrs. Maye Harvey Gift have rendered valuable assistance with this outline.
It is the opinion of this Bureau that the work of classifying the teachings for study purposes has only been introduced by these preliminary efforts and that such an activity might easily become a cooperative enterprise to which believers everywhere might contribute the fruits of their research, thereby greatly facilitating the preparation of competent Bahá’i teachers.
(signed) Doris McKay, Secretary.
Report of Pacific Coast Teaching Committee[edit]
The friends throughout the West
have determinedly gathered together
to do their utmost to make
successful the Unified Plan of Action,
and thus do their little part in
consummating the hopes and aspirations
of the Bahá’is that the forthcoming
Convention might see again
the construction work of the
Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in progress. This
serving together brought all ideals
to one common center, resulting in
a deepening appreciation of the
Spirit of the Cause, and a greater
desire to serve, individually to the
utmost, and collectively, to the enhancement
of the Religion of Bahá’u’lláh.
Thus the deepening understanding
of the Universal Consciousness
which the Cause, and its effect
on the body-politic, has caused, the
friends to realize that service to the
world of humanity, and perseverance
therein, until the goal is
reached, is the obligation of everyone
who desires to serve World
Unity, as impregnated into the
minds and hearts by Bahá’u’lláh.
The activities of the friends, therefore,
were toward more intensive
teaching work, first by consolidating
the activities under way; secondly,
by effort to confirm attracted souls;
and thirdly, by eliminating every
trace of misunderstanding, so the
forthcoming superstructure of the
spiritual temple might not be delayed
by the instability of the foundation.
Large teaching campaigns
were not engaged in, but continuous,
direct teaching by an enlarging
number of individuals, marks the
principal activities during the year.
Some teachers continued in traveling
from point to point carrying on
active teaching work, under the local
Spiritual Assemblies, or groups.[Page 7]
Mention should be made of the
teaching trips of Mr. W. P. Hatch,
Mrs. Louise Waite, Mr. George O.
Latimer, Mrs. E. G. Cooper, Mr.
John D. Bosch and Mr. Leroy Ioas.
International Fellowship Dinners
The Portland Assembly gave a series of very successful International Fellowship Dinners. At each dinner, the high ideals of a particular race and its contributions toward civilization were stressed. The food and music indigenous to the country were enjoyed. At each dinner there were in attendance between two hundred and three hundred and fifty people, all gathered together with the idea of abolishing racial prejudice. In these dinners, the Portland Assembly has demonstrated a very effective way, indeed, to carry on the indirect method of teaching.
Inter-Racial Work
An increasing amount of inter-racial work has been engaged in by the different assembly groups, thus putting into actual practice one of the dynamic principles of Bahá’u’lláh, and bring a most effective indirect teaching activity. All of the colored groups, and that group, which is so deservedly seeking for a pathway toward the brotherhood of man, in their struggles they find that a limited vision of the goal, with stunted leaders, down a darkened path, are greatly handicapping the work. Therefore, they welcome the leadership of the Bahá’is in harmonizing the races, and assisting in the diffusion of those ideals. Particularly active in this inter-racial work between the white and black races are the assemblies of Portland, Oakland, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
In San Francisco there has been organized, under the guidance of the Bahá’is, a permanent “Inter-racial Amity Committee”, the officers of which are from leaders in both the black and white groups. Public meetings are held once a month, and at each meeting the binding of the groups becomes more apparent. We have found that, generally speaking, the colored people, at least in America, have been so taken advantage of, by insincere protestations of fellowship by members of various activities by white groups, that they have no confidence in any activity looking toward the fellowship. Therefore, it is necessary to cooperate with them for some time, showing forth the spirit of love, until confidence is gained, and upon this strengthened footing, go forward. This gives a definite lesson in our teaching work among the Negroes. First, that we must, by serving the Brotherhood of Man with them, gain their confidence, and then, teach the Cause, as the only goal to which aspiring humanity can possibly reach.
San Joaquin Valley, California
It is necessary to make special mention of the work that is being carried on by the Visalia Assembly, especially Mrs. Grace B. Holley. Visalia is an orthodox, small country city, in which the activities of all are watched critically by all, and especially the spiritual activities. The surrounding country is made up of all races, and some of the most energetic social service workers are found in that territory. By associating with all in the social service work, and the gradual rapprochement of activities taking place everywhere, and particularly in the San Joaquin Valley, the Bahá’is have come to be recognized as unique servants of humanity. Thus, as individual workers are attracted to their services, opportunity is given to speak of the Cause, and constantly, people of strength and capacity are being attracted.
Santa Barbara, California
During the past year Mrs. Henrietta Wagner has been carrying on intensive work, looking to the establishment of an Assembly at that point. Various of the Bahá’i teachers from other points have visited Santa Barbara, Mr. Hatch, Mrs. Waite and a number of visits were made by Mr. Ioas. A sufficient number has been confirmed to organize an Assembly on April 21st, the date specified by Shoghi Effendi, for the establishment of any new group.
Phoenix, Arizona
Mrs. Orcella Rexford gave a series of lectures in Phoenix, Arizona, on psychology, etc., ending with an address on the Bahá’i Movement. A number of her students were attracted to the principles, and Mrs. Rowena Powell, of La Jolla, California, went to Phoenix to teach this group of inquirers. The group was brought together on March 17th, and therefore, sufficient time has not elapsed to know what the results are, or will be, but we hope a thriving Assembly will be the result.
The most intensive teaching work carried on being a trip made by Mr. John D. Bosh and Leroy Ioas, to various points and centers. Meetings were held in Fresno, Woodlake, Visalia, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. In Fresno, an address on the subject, “Does World Unity Require a Spiritual Renaissance” before the class in sociology of the Fresno State College, incited great interest among the students, to the extent that Mr. Ioas was invited to remain over the next day to answer questions, and an invitation on the part of the Professor to speak to the class on any visit to Fresno. A large meeting was held at Woodlake, and another at Visalia, arranged by Mrs. Grace Holley. At Los Angeles, a very successful gathering was arranged by Dr. and Mrs. C. Witt, in their home. At Santa Barbara two meetings were arranged by Mrs. Wagner, both of which were quite successful.
Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler in Barbados[edit]
(from 1929 Convention minutes)
. . . . While on a visit to New York the Honorable Cristopher Brathwaite (Member Colonial Parliament) had asked Mr. and Mrs. Kinney to come or to send someone to teach the Cause in his island. About a year ago Miss Leonora Holsapple visited several of the Antilles group, leaving most happy impressions of our exalted message wherever she spoke or taught.
It was my great privilege, under God, to have a lengthy account of our teachings published in fifteen newspapers, covering twelve countries, using four languages.
Through the promised assistance of the Beloved, I spoke continuously to audiences which often packed to over-flowing the halls, schools, churches and theatres where I gave the Message.
One of the most notable occurrences of my visit was the continued use of the Methodist Hall for a long series of lectures on the Cause. Although the minister was entirely unfriendly to the teachings, he welcomed the broadest discussion of our claims and the most salient proofs and evidences of Bahá’u’lláh as the Universal Manifestation of God.
Our beloved Shoghi Effendi has
given us carte blanche to use the
Indirect Method of Teaching when
necessary, but in every instance,[Page 8]
some of them, critical to open hospitality,
boldly proclaimed Bahá’u’lláh
as the Promised One of all the
ages who alone could restore the
breath of life to the dead body of
the world.
To my intense amazement a half column article appeared one morning in the leading newspaper of the island headed, “an Appreciation”. It was signed by a prominent minister and urged the citizens of Barbadoes not to miss the series of Bahá’i lectures which were then being presented by me at the Bethel Chapel.
There were several attacks on the Message, but as my last audience was just eight times as large as my first, apparently they were without much effect.
It would have been possible to leave a group of people calling themselves Bahá’is, but in this crucial moment when not only a new world order, but a new spiritual order must and can issue from no other source than the consciousness and the activities of those who rally round that dazzling and august standard planted by the Glory of God on the pinnacle of the universe, it seemed unwise to release, in a place so remote and in an atmosphere so alien to our essential aspirations a new community, without at least one firm and tested believer to assist them. Therefore, with what wisdom God accorded me, I left a large library of our literature (in addition to that placed in the public library on the island) and a study group of fourteen eager and deeply responsive souls, several of them call themselves Bahá’is. Of these, twelve were men (nine of them college graduates) under thirty years of age. They will meet regularly to study the teachings, circulating the books among the innumerable inquirers, who expressed interest in the Cause.
May I record the hope that the National Spiritual Assembly will write letters of appreciation to the Rev. Mr. Watson, the Theosophical Society and the Hon. Mr. Brathwaite, extending their thanks for the invaluable assistance offered a Bahá’i teacher, which enabled her to bring so prominently before an intelligent and enlightened citizenry these leaves for the healing of the nations.
Responding to the earnest invitation of five different societies there, I have promised to return for the purpose of completing the work started during this visit.
My eyes saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, descending from God out of heaven, as night after night the hosts of the Supreme Concourse poured into the citadel of those hearts that had been for three hundred years the stronghold of prejudice, suspicion and antagonism.
Joyously and lovingly submitted by your humble co-worker and sister.
Letter from Bahá’is of Santa Barbara[edit]
Dear Bahá’i friends throughout the World:
We acknowledge with thankfulness the receipt of many beautiful, inspiring letters from all parts of the Bahá’i world, and our hearts are overflowing with gratitude at the many bounties that have been showered upon us. During the past three years we have had many visits from traveling teachers and friends of the Cause. First, Mr. Vail was here twice on his sojourn to the Pacific Coast three years ago. He spoke in the Truth Center (the New Thought center here) several times, also in one of the beautiful homes opened to him. His pure spirituality and his inspiring addresses made a profound impression upon those who were privileged to hear him; he will never be forgotten in Santa Barbara. Then came Dr. Moody, whom we were all so glad to see and hear. In turn came Horace Holley, Leroy Ioas, Shahnaz Waite, Willard Hatch, Dr. Ali Kuli Khan and many others. Indeed, we have been blessed. Our brother Leroy has been more faithful, having made numerous trips from San Francisco to spend a Sunday with us. Being a successful business man, it is necessary for him to spend two nights in a Pullman car in order to have a Sunday with us. This gifted young man was a school-boy when ’Abdu’l-Bahá came in 1912. The seeds we Beloved sowed at that time have borne abundant fruit in the life of this devoted servant. He is one of our most capable Western speakers; he is fluent and logical and his message goes directly to the hearts.
On the last Sunday in January we were blessed with several Bahá’i visitors—Mr. Bosch of Geyserville, Leroy Ioas, Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter of Santa Paula and Shahnaz Waite of Los Angeles. The afternoon meeting was held at the home of a friend of the Cause and Mr. Ioas spoke on “Bahá’i Proofs of the Divinity of Christ and some of the Biblical Prophecies.” It was a most lucid and convincing talk, well adapted to New Thought and orthodox Christians. Mr. Feodor Kolin, our Polish pianist, was present and favored us with most inspiring music. This gifted artist was born in London and met ’Abdu’l-Bahá there when a boy, receiving His blessing. He also gave his testimony as to the wonderful spiritual blessing he had received and of its effect upon his life. How many such there are in all parts of the world who have received this magical touch and, though not identifying themselves with the Cause, are living the life and shedding their influence. Mrs. Waite remained a week with us and did some special work for the Cause.
During February we had a two-weeks’ visitation from Dr. and Mrs. Allen, Bahá’is of Long Beach, California. Mrs. Allen is known on the lecture platform as Roxanna Allen. She lectures on body cleansing and body building, psychology and kindred subjects. Her lectures on diet are most helpful and much needed by people in general, as evidenced by the prevalence of diseases caused by heavy eating and improper food. We know that without health we cannot do our best work, and as one of our basic principles is the agreement of science and religion, it behooves us to welcome those who come among us teaching the gospel of health and right living. Dr. and Mrs. Allen contemplate a trip around the world, so doubtless they will visit many Bahá’i Assemblies during the next two years. We bespeak for them a Bahá’i welcome.
It was here in this old Spanish town, famous all over the world as a place of beauty, quiet and rest, that the Temple architect, Mr. Louis Bourgeois, had his first vision of the Temple many years ago.
Dear friends, the work of building up an Assembly in a new place is no easy task, but is fraught with many disappointments and heartaches. However, the joy that comes with one soul who accepts is sufficient to counteract all this pain. Ever has the writer been sustained with Shoghi Effendi’s repeated assurance that if we persevered in our noble endeavor, success would surely be ours in the end.
Santa Barbara Bahá’i Group, per Henrietta C. Wagner, Secretary March, 1929.
