Bahá’í News/Issue 37/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
Bahá’i Administration Editorial[edit]
A recent meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly voted to request the local Assemblies to arrange classes for the study of Bahá’i administration. The character of Bahá’i unity and administration is such that its full power and significance can only be manifest when the believers are not only thoroughly informed but imbued with the true spirit of cooperation.
The ideal text book for this study is, of course, the published letters of Shoghi Effendi, since that volume includes important extracts from the Master’s Will and Testament and also the Declaration of Trust and By-laws adopted by the National Assembly and approved by the Guardian and recommended by him as the model to be followed by all other National Assemblies. Conscientious study and discussion of the Guardian’s letters will produce a body of believers capable of carrying out all the spiritual and material teachings of the Cause.
In order to maintain a true balance between the Teachings that apply to the spiritual phases of the Cause, and those that apply to the administrative elements, it might be well to trace the sequence of authority by which the text of the Revelation has successively come into being.
The foundation of the Cause for American believers is Bahá’u’lláh and not the Báb, for the reason that no American believer participated in the Cause during the era when the Báb was the expression of the Divine Will. We, therefore, never shared the experience of those Persian believers whose devotion was first directed toward the Báb and, after His martyrdom, transferred to Bahá’u’lláh. Here, in the West, we have on the contrary
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The impressive response made to Shoghi Effendi’s recent general letter concerning the Temple, has brought the Construction Fund almost to the point of completion. If all pledges reported to the Treasurer are paid, only $22,000 must be contributed in order to make the total sum of $400,000 required for resuming construction. Mr. Scheffler reported the following balance as of January 16, 1930:
When these facts were reported in the Guardian by cablegram, the following reply was received: “Much gratified. Urge continued self-sacrifice. Loving appreciation.” (Signed) SHOGHI. |
accepted the station of the Báb as the result of our acceptance of Bahá’u’lláh and we appreciate the vital importance of the Báb’s mission and the majesty of His life in the light of the statements made by Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá concerning Him.
For American believers, therefore, the starting point of spiritual authority for this age is Bahá’u’lláh. Those who accept the station of Bahá’u’lláh can only fulfill their obedience by accepting also those passages in His Writings which concern the appointment of ’Abdu’l-Bahá as the Center of His Covenant. These passages are found in Bahá’i Scriptures paragraphs 527, 529, 540 and 541. Most American believers also were not called upon to undergo the test of transferring their loyalty and allegiance to ’Abdu’l-Bahá after Bahá’u’lláh’s ascension. The few who failed in this test justified themselves by the argument that Bahá’u’lláh had written that another Manifestation would not come for a full thousand years, and that, consequently, the station filled by the Master was in contradiction to the revealed text of the Holy Book. Knowing the Master’s life and message as we do at the present time, it is possible for us now to realize that the appointment of ’Abdu’l-Bahá was not equivalent to the coming of another Manifestation but was rather the direct prolongation and extension of the Manifestation of Bahá’u’lláh. The Master’s prayer, found in Bahá’i Scriptures at the beginning of the second part which contains quotations from the writings of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, makes it perfectly clear that the Master fulfilled His appointment by selfless servitude to the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh. The one was at the root and the other the trunk or “Greatest Branch” of the same tree. The one was as the Sun of Truth, the other the rays by which the sun is made visible and effective throughout the world.
As far as the believers are concerned, the words of ’Abdu’l-Bahá have the same authority as those of Bahá’u’lláh. The Master, therefore, had the power to leave a Will and Testament to guide the believers and control the work of the Cause after His own ascension.
Although the beginnings of Bahá’i administration were made during the
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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 |
Master’s lifetime, His words and efforts were directed far more toward the awakening of hearts and the illumination of the minds than toward the development of formal administrative bodies. During the Master’s lifetime, all the powers and functions now exercised in Bahá’i administrative bodies were concentrated in Him. Nevertheless, anyone who makes a careful study of the Tablets published in the three volumes of Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, and the Tablets published in the bound volumes of the Star of the West, can trace very clearly the gradual evolution of the local and National Assemblies as they exist today. For example, the Master instructed the annual Bahá’i Convention to select the Temple design, and it is incredible that this authority would have been given the delegates from the local Assemblies unless the Master had felt that this responsibility would be rightly fulfilled.
The student of Bahá’i administration should also give particular attention to the Tablet revealed to the Chicago Assembly, in which that body was addressed as “The House of Justice” and also to the Tablet published on page 107, Vol. 10 of the Star of the West, in which the Master informed the American believers, through Zia Bagdadi, that as conditions changed new instructions would be sent. This is a clear indication that, following the greatest change of all—the Master’s own ascension—the American believers could expect definite instructions enabling them to meet such an emergency.
The next significant document, in the order of time, is, of course, the Master’s Will and Testament, appointing Shoghi Effendi to the station of Guardian of the Cause and outlining the institutions of the National and International Houses of Justice and the Hands of the Cause. The Master’s Will and Testament terminates the Revelation in this age as far as its writings are concerned. With the closing of the Book, the Cause entered upon the era of establishing the institutions which will reflect in the material world blessings already disclosed in the world of the heart.
It was inevitable that our efforts to administer the affairs of the Cause locally and nationally during the years preceding the appointment of the Guardian should have reflected the manners and habits of the society in which we lived. The years since November 28, 1921, have, consequently, been largely devoted to the elimination of any non-Bahá’i views which might exist and to our re-education in Bahá’i administration by the Guardian.
Perhaps none of us will understand the real blessings of the institutions given us in this age until the institutions and organizations of the society in which we live come to further collapse. Under such conditions the unity of the friends in the Guardian and the institutions and Bahá’i bodies, he is perfecting would be an ark of safety not only for the believers but for the world. Every step we take toward fuller understanding of these institutions at the present time is a contribution to the welfare of the Cause as necessary as our study and practice of the spiritual Teachings.
The culmination of Bahá’i administration was indicated by the Guardian in his letter published in the spring of 1929 under the title “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.” As we learn to solve the local and national problems that continue to arise from time to time, and perceive how only the personal ego can blind us to the privilege of obedience to responsible Bahá’i bodies, we shall collectively draw nearer to the complete fulfillment of that world order which is the Divine Kingdom on earth.
Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
The meeting held in New York on January 4 and 5 is summarized for the information of the American believers.
Cablegrams recorded in the minutes
are published elsewhere in this issue of
the NEWS LETTER. The treasurer reported
having received replies from 34
Assemblies and 13 groups to the following
telegram sent all local Bahá’i
communities on December 24: “Full
obedience to Guardian’s supreme Temple
appeal means contribution of seventy
thousand dollars to complete
Temple Building Fund of four hundred
thousand dollars by January first.
National Assembly urges united effort
by all local Assemblies and groups at
Nineteen Day Feast December thirty-first.
Please telegraph results to National
Treasurer immediately. This is
our most wonderful opportunity to
render universal service to beloved
Cause and attract divine confirmations
promised by the Master.” A letter from
the Guardian, through his secretary,
stated that the silk rug can be offered
for sale to non-believers as well as believers.
It was also stated that all
Bahá’i publications must be reviewed
by the Reviewing Committee before
they are issued as authorized Bahá’i
literature. Other instructions conveyed
by the Guardian are that the Temple
design made by Mr. Bourgeois is not
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to be reconsidered, although technical
suggestions in matters of detail can be
legitimately passed on; and that Oriental
believers visiting America should
not be admitted to exclusively Bahá’i
meetings or activities without a letter
of credentials or recommendations
from their local Assemblies, but courtesy
and kindness should in all cases be
proper and sensible. The Reviewing
Committee reported favorably on a
new compilation entitled “The Bahá’i
Peace Program.” The same committee
reported in detail on the question
of publishing “A Traveller’s Narrative”
with the omission of part of
Prof. Browne’s notes, and this report
was referred to Mrs. Nellie S. French
and Mr. Holley for study and recommendation.
The Secretary reported
having written a letter of apology to
Miss Helen Keller, in behalf of the
American Bahá’is, for the statement
issued to the press from sources outside
the Bahá’i administration that
Miss Keller had become a follower of
Bahá’u’lláh. In reply to questions
from local Assemblies, it was recorded
that traveling Bahá’i teachers are under
the supervision of the Spiritual Assembly
of the city where they are serving,
and that no American believer has any
special authority placing him above
this principle of administration. Mr.
Mountfort Mills joined the meeting by
invitation and spoke informally of matters
of international Bahá’i interest.
Mr. George Spendlove, of the Washington,
D. C., Bahá’i community, was
authorized to take charge of the silk
rug and arrange for its sale. Joint
consultation on teaching problems was
held with Mr. Albert Vail. The Treasurer
was instructed to take up with
local treasurers the matter of uniform
bookkeeping and accounting methods.
Voted to call the 1930 Annual Convention
at Temple Foundation Hall, Wilmette,
April 25, 26 and 27. The Convention
Committee appointed consists
of Mr. Scheffler, Mr. Lunt and Mrs.
Collins. A report of teaching activities
was received from the Teaching
Committee. Voted to accept the request
of the West Englewood Assembly
that the National Assembly take
charge of the program of the annual
Souvenir of ’Abdu’l-Bahá. A meeting
of joint consultation was held with the
members of the New York Spiritual
Assembly. The next meeting of the
National Assembly will be held February
15 and 16 in New York City.
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“Bahá’is of Haifa, Acre and Adasiyyih, conscious of America’s glorious self-sacrifice, jointly contributing no less than four thousand dollars toward Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, Cabling sum next week. Have addressed appeal to believers throughout East to reinforce noble endeavors (of) their American brethren.” (signed) SHOGHI.
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Statement on Shore Protection of Temple Property[edit]
During the past three and a half years the increased height of the Lake levels and recent unusually severe storms on Lake Michigan have wrought serious damage to the properties along the west shore of Lake Michigan.
While the Temple property is to some extent protected by the breakwaters erected by the City of Wilmette and the Chicago Sanitary District, the especially severe storms which have occurred during the past year have seriously undermined the foot of the bank of the Temple property, and especially just to the rear of Mr. Bourgeois’ house. Considering that an extreme emergency existed, the Temple trustees decided by a unanimous vote three months ago to have a bulkhead constructed to furnish protection for the Temple shore line. This bulkhead has recently been practically completed, and during a storm which occurred late in December, 1929, demonstrated its usefulness, by protecting the sloping bank which extends for a distance of about 220 feet along the shore of the lake.
The bulkhead consists of interlocking sheet steel piling which is driven to a firm foundation and extends to a height of about six feet above the existing beach level. It is believed that this structure will furnish fairly durable and permanent protection for the Temple property against the severe storms which come across the lake from the northeast. As the bulkhead is located several feet out from the toe of the slope, the Temple property will undoubtedly build out to this structure, and thus give us some additional land along the lake shore. The cost of this structure (which will form a permanent part of the Temple property) will be about $6,500. The contractors for the work are Mackie, Thompson and Tamm, Inc., of Chicago, Ill., Mr. Frank A. Randall, Structural Engineer, made the working drawings and supervised the construction of the bulkhead, and Mr. Allen B. McDaniel made the preliminary design and served as Consulting Engineer. In the preparation of the design, consultation was held with the Director of the U. S. Coast & Geodetic Survey, and other authorities on shore protection work.
Trustees for the Benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly, By: Allen B. McDaniel, Chairman.
Wanted—Copy of Volume 3 of Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
The Publishing Committee is planning to reprint Volume 3 of Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, which has been out of print for some time. Before the new edition can be published, a copy of that volume of the original edition must be obtained for the guidance of the printer. The Publishing Committee therefore requests some believer to lend or sell his copy of that book as soon as possible. The copy should be in good condition, and will be paid for at the catalog price or a copy of the new edition given in exchange, as preferred. Please address correspondence on this subject to Mrs. Marion Little, Secretary, 485 Park Avenue, New York.
Committee Reports for 1930 Annual Convention[edit]
Members of all committees appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly for the period 1929-1930 are reminded of the special request contained in the letter addressed to them on June 18, 1929.
The following is quoted from that
letter: “It was voted that each national
committee shall render its annual
report to this body on or before March
15 ( 1930) in order that a suitable summary
and extracts of all committee reports
may be placed in the hands of
delegates in time for them to secure
full consultation with the members of
their local Bahá’i communities before
attending the Convention. . . . The
purpose . . . is to enable the delegates
to have a clear perspective on all essential
matters of Bahá’i activities in
the United States and Canada before
they assemble at the annual Convention.
The National Assembly will take
steps to publish a full and accurate
digest of each committee report received
on or before March 15 and the
Convention agenda will also give each
committee full opportunity to discuss
matters raised by the delegates. The
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essential distinction we feel to be observed
is that committees appointed by
this body properly report to this body
and not to the delegates direct.”
Response to the Guardian’s Temple Appeal[edit]
Dear Friends of God:—
An idea has been developed in our midst since the advent of the last heavenly epistle of our Beloved Guardian to this land. An idea which has inflamed the inmost being of all those, who, consecrated to this Divine Cause, are longing to serve.
A sublimely pathetic picture is drawn there of that most precious remnant of the Mercy of Bahá’u’lláh to us, the Greatest Holy Leaf, who with the world growing dim before her sight patiently awaits like a delicate and exquisite bird to take her eternal flight from us to the realm of everlasting glory and dominion.
With the brief time allotted to us, according to the enclosed cablegram and accompanying explanatory letter, may we not hope that at this supreme hour God will accept our united and collective sacrifice for her sake, who is indeed the emblem of sacrifice in our midst. Shall we in complete union, “as one soul in many bodies,” with absolute faith, devoted love, and divine self abnegation, crown her life with the fulfillment of her utmost hope and longing.
December 10, 1929.
- N. Y. Spiritual Assembly,
- BERTHA HERKLOTZ.
- Corresponding Secy.,
- By: P. G. SPRAGUE.
- Corresponding Secy.,
- BERTHA HERKLOTZ.
Beloved brothers and sisters:—
May we again address you regarding the mother, Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of America.
It is your Temple and our Temple and when completed will astonish all the world with its beauty and Universal Peace ideals. The Temple resembles the evolution of a seed into a beautiful fruit tree bearing the twelve manner of fruit for the healing of the nations.
First, we procured the ground after years of labor and sacrifice. Then we planted the seed, which is the Foundation Hall as it stands to-day. But this is not yet enough to attract the eyes and hearts of the world, for people are only interested in what the results from the seeds. As far as the public knows, the seed may be lifeless, may never sprout and shoot above the earth into a beautiful, dazzling Temple. Therefore,
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I cannot surely overrate at the present juncture in the progress of our task the challenging character of these remaining months of the year as a swiftly passing opportunity which it is in our power to seize and utilize, ere it is too late, for the edification of our expectant brethren throughout the East, for the vindication in the eyes of the world at large of the realities of our Faith, and last but not least for the realization of what is the Greatest Holy Leaf’s fondest desire. As I have already intimated in the course of my conversations with visiting pilgrims, so vast and significant an enterprise as the construction of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the West should be supported, not by the munificence of a few but by the joint contributions of the entire mass of the convinced followers of the Faith. It cannot be denied that the emanations of spiritual power and inspiration destined to radiate from the central Edifice of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will to a very large extent depend upon the range and variety of the contributing believers, as well as upon the nature and degree of self-abnegation which their unsolicited offerings will entail. —SHOGHI EFFENDI.
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our greatest duty now is to water the seed, the Foundation Hall with the water of sacrifice, living the life and giving of the financial bounties which Bahá’u’lláh has bountifully blessed us with.
Then with the next story of that blessed Temple rising above the earth and proving thereby that it will be a beautiful and very fruitful tree, the people of the world will look toward it, admire it and inquire as to who is its Gardener, will become enthusiastic with the Twelve Basic Principles which are for the healing of the nations and they will then join us and assist in completing that divine Edifice.
But first, dear friends, we must get the next story built, get above the earth and into the sunshine, then the rest will be easy.
Our beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, is again pleading with us to complete the fund by the first of the year and as we know, there are approximately Eighty Thousand Dollars yet to raise in the next three weeks. We are aware of the fact that about ninety per cent of the Bahá’is are of the low wage earning class and burdened with many debts such as taxes, mortgages, doctor bills, etc., and have nobly sacrificed for the Temple in the many past years and we therefore hope and rely upon those Bahá’is who have been blessed with financial resources to help complete the fund by Dec. 31 through a last grand rally of love and sacrifice on the part of every believer. Think how happy it will make the beloved Guardian and Abdul Bahá who said He is with us always.
We must not fail now, during the next three weeks, or the Cause will suffer greatly.
Abdul Bahá said—“Serve God all you can, for this service is eternal and lasting.”
Humbly, your co-workers in completing the Temple fund, the Kenosha Bahá’i Assembly.
- By: LOUIS J. VOELZ, Secretary.
December 12, 1929.
CONVENTION REPORTS[edit]
(Continued)
Mrs. Powell’s Report of Bahá’i Activities at Phoenix
In Phoenix, Arizona, March 15, 1929, Miss Orcella Rexford and her devoted companion and fellow-worker, Dr. Gregory, closed a six week course of lectures and study classes. The following Sunday, March 17th, at the Masonic Temple, Miss Rexford gave two free lectures to which her students and the general public were invited.
All during her class work Miss Rexford had been holding before her students the promise that after the close of their class work, but before she should leave Phoenix, she would give them a message, which, in its importance, its power, and its inspiration, would far transcend anything they had yet received from her.
Sunday, March 17th came, and with it some 450 people to hear Miss Rexford’s lectures. She then presented to them in a most vivid illumined universal manner God’s great message for the New Day, given to the world by Bahá’u’lláh! At the evening lecture, pictures of the Holy Land, including scenes of Haifa and Acca were shown, and also a beautiful picture of the Temple. At the close of the lecture she announced the formation of a class to study the Bahá’i Teaching which would meet the following evening at the Woman’s Club Building.
To this class she invited all those who cared to take up a study of this great spiritual message and told them she would at that time introduce to them a Bahá’i teacher who had come to Phoenix at her own expense to assist them in this study.
She also mentioned books on this subject which were for sale at the rear of the room. These books were: “Abdul Bahá on Divine Philosophy”, “The Divine Art of Living” by ’Abdu’l-Bahá, Mr. Dealy’s pamphlet “Most Great Peace.” About twenty-five copies of each of these books were sold at that time.
The following evening, Monday, March 18th, about 75 people came to the study class. Miss Rexford gave a brief talk, and then introduced Mrs. Edwinna A. Powell as the teacher and then turned the meeting over to her.
Mrs. Powell addressed them, speaking of the conditions of the world and its problems and the Divine Solution for them, contained in the Bahá’i teachings. She also announced regular meetings to be held on each Monday and Thursday evening at that place. Miss Rexford at the close of the meeting made another brief talk, and asked all present who wished to join the study class or who desired to receive announcements of further Bahá’i lectures to sign cards giving names and addresses. Sixty-eight cards were handed in.
The following Thursday evening being the Nawruz, Miss Rexford extended to all present and their friends an invitation to come and said that at this meeting the social and spiritual features would be combined, and we would have a “Bahá’i party.” About 125 came, quite a number of strangers who apparently came from curiosity or to enjoy the “party.”
This meeting took in the general character of a Bahá’i Feast, four of the young people assisting in the program and others helping in serving the material Feast. Miss Rexford spoke briefly on the “Nawruz” and Mrs. Powell on “The Báb.”
On the Monday evening of March 25th, there were 35 present. The subject of the lecture was “Bahá’u’lláh.” At this meeting also readings were given by some of the students. Questions and discussion followed. At the close pamphlets, “Bahá’u’lláh and His Message” were distributed to all.
On Thursday evening, March 28th, there were 22 present—a rainy evening. Lecture subject, “Abdul Bahá.” Readings and discussion by class. At the close, Dr. Esselmont’s book “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era,” was offered for sale. Twenty copies have been sold.
On Monday, April 1st, there were 27 present. Subject of lecture, “The Temple.” Discussion and questions. Postal cards of The Temple were distributed to all present.
On Thursday, April 4th, there were 23 present. Subject “Distinctive Features of the Bahá’i Revelation! What have we to offer to the world?” The following outline was given and copied by all present.
- I Proclamation: “A New Era”,
“Messengers and Message.”
- II Principles: Universal and fitted
to the world of today.
- III Plan: Divine Guidance for
the reconstruction and unification of the world in a spiritual basis.
- IV Personalities: Embodying the
principles, and foreshadowing the perfections of evolving humanity.
- V Power: Always to be found in
the Manifestation, reinforcing His Message.
- VI Purity: A necessary requisite
for spiritual attainment.
- VII Prayer: The Key which unlocks
mysteries and attracts confirmation.
- VIII Progress: Always a characteristic
of the life which is linked with God.
- IX Perfection: The ultimate aim
of all aspiring souls to be gained through selfless service.
At the close of this lecture, subjects were assigned and distinct class work announced for the following meetings:
Monday, April 8th, 25 were present, Mrs. Powell presiding. Subjects presented by pupils to class: “The Proclamation”, “The Message of The Báb”, “Bahá’u’lláh”, “Abdul Bahá”, “The Divine Plan.”
Thursday, April 11, 29 were present, Mrs. Powell presiding. The subjects presented by pupils: “Oneness of Religion”, “Oneness of Mankind”, “Elimination of Prejudice.”
Mrs. Powell elaborated upon this latter subject, and then spoke at length about “what it means to be a Believer,” explaining the Bahá’i organization a “Local Spiritual Assembly”—its requirements, its aims, its methods and its desirability. After questions and discussion, an opportunity was given to all who desired to become definitely allied with such an organization as soon as it could, in accordance with the rules laid down by the National Spiritual Assembly be accomplished, to make their desires known. Twenty-one adults and three young people, 19 and 20 years of age, responded. Three others who were only temporarily in Phoenix said they wished to become known as Bahá’is, but could not join here. Others are seriously considering affiliation.
On Monday, April 15, 29 were present. Subject, “The Principles of the New Age and their unfoldment in the world in which we are living,” proving from contemporary history the truth of that old prophecy “My Word shall not return unto Me void, but shall accomplish that whereunto I have sent it.” Followed by a discussion by several pupils.
Besides the regular meetings, Mrs. Powell has given private interviews lasting from one to three hours with 27 people; has held several small group meetings in her room, visited in homes or had luncheon with 11 more, and on two Sunday afternoons has gone for picnics in the country were in the wide open spaces the cause of God has been explained and its beauty and uniting power exemplified by those present. These picnics were attended by 29 and 24 people. Picture of one group is enclosed.
Mrs. French, Mrs. Collins and Mr. Hatch, delegates to the Chicago convention, have been urged to visit Phoenix on their way east. A letter just received from Mr. Leroy Ioas leads us to hope for a visit from Mr. Latimer and Mrs. Bosch.
In Phoenix we have two resident Bahá’is, Mrs. Edward Ruppers and her daughter, Nina Virginia, a young lady, 22 years of age. Mrs. Ruppers has been in the cause 22 years, and was formerly located in Chicago. They have rendered invaluable assistance to both Mrs. Powell and Miss Rexford, and stand ready to serve in every possible way the new organization.
The Woman’s Club Building, in which all meetings have been held, has cost us $10 per week for rent. The $50 to defray this expense has been over subscribed, all bills are paid and the group stands ready to assume any necessary expense for the future. Plans are made to have weekly meetings through the summer.
The consecrated service rendered so
efficiently in Phoenix by Orcella Rexford
and Dr. Gregory will bear eternal
fruit. Through their efforts there has
been assembled a most promising
group of people who are aflame with
the Love of God and a desire to express
that love in intelligent consecrated
service. Of the thirty-five sincerely
attracted students, all but seven
are less than thirty-five years of age,
and most of these are in the early
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twenties. Keen, fine self-supporting,
intelligent, men and women! We ask
for the sincere prayers of all Bahá’is
that the seeds of The Kingdom planted
in this virgin soil may under His Divine
Grace and Power, bear such harvest
that Arizona may become indeed
and in truth a Garden of the Lord.
Faithfully and humbly in His service,
- (Signed) EDWINNA A. POWELL.
Teaching Conference of the Bahá’is of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia[edit]
It seems to us the following is a step forward. Some months ago certain friends in the Seattle Assembly decided that more drastic measures should be used to advance the interests of the Cause. (Previous to this, however, efforts were made by Mrs. Luther and myself to speak in the following towns with some result: Monroe, Everett, Bremerton, and Richmond Beach.) So the immediate decision toward progressive work was to increase the teaching committee from 3 to 9 which was accomplished and the result of a meeting afterward of this committee to bring together the united energy of the Portland, Oregon, Assembly, Vancouver, B. C., Assembly, and the Seattle Assembly. Mr. Magee, our Jewish believer, volunteered and accepted the task to visit other two assemblies to ascertain their wishes, resulting in acquiescence. Then the Secretary of this Assembly called for 3 delegates to represent the several assemblies, to have a meeting here in Seattle, the date agreed upon was Oct. 26, and 27. Delegates arrived, Sat., Oct. 26, afternoon. A dinner was served to which all the friends in Seattle took a hand in serving.
At the end of dinner Mr. Jellsett, president of Seattle Assembly, greeted the delegates, welcoming them to the city. He called upon Mrs. Finch to convey to the friends assembled the purpose of our call to the two nearby assemblies, who said that our intention was to propose more concentrated measures to reach souls in our immediate neighborhoods, that the service already given to the Cause was mere preparation for more effective effort—we, naturally then, merged into a general meeting—Mr. Jellsett in Chair, called for votes for chairman for the assembled delegates. Mr. George Latimer was elected to preside. Voting for Secretary resulted in Mrs. Ida A. Finch being elected.
Mr. George Latimer called upon other friends than delegates to express their idea of teaching. Those who spoke were Mr. K. Moore, who thought living the Life the best method. Mrs. H. Bishop of Portland spoke of the wonderful spirit in Honolulu, and that a new method must be used in order to reach the thinking people of the world. Mrs. Norwood Clark of Vancouver very humbly remarked that she desired very much to be informed herself and perhaps a woman of importance could be used to draw together a crowd and then a Bahá’i speaker be at hand, etc. This was deferred to our next meeting for discussion. Mr. R. Mart, a Chinese friend, said that Chinese were attracted by a slogan that if interested it would be accepted by both young and old, that all were equal before God.
George Latimer from the Chair remarked that contacts are best when hearts are free, to gain confidence is most important. Mrs. Gulliford, colored, remarked as to approach to her race was to discover their mental state, and not assume a superior attitude. Mrs. O. O. Walcot said to radiate the Spirit of the Cause was the best method. Miss Wier, Indian Bahá’i, wished to become more aware of the power to express the fear of God and the brotherhood of man. This meeting was closed and the work of the Conference assigned to Sunday, 10 A. M.
SUNDAY, 10 A. M.
Meeting was held in the home of Hilldore Jellsett, 7717 15th Ave., N. E. Mrs. Molineaux from Vancouver read a prayer, other delegates from Vancouver were Mrs. Morwood Clark and Mrs. Monroe, from Portland were Mr. George Latimer, Mrs. Rouhani Latimer and Mrs. Helen Bishop, from Seattle were Mr. W. B. Magee, Mrs. Laura Luther, Mrs. Ida A. Finch.
Mr. George Latimer, chairman, read the outline for teaching as prepared by the National Teaching Committee, after which he stated that the purpose of the meeting was to make new contacts and reach other towns near by our own centers. Mrs. Clark from Vancouver made report that there was no growth, that they had little experience and were in need of help. It was finally decided that they make strenuous effort to reach souls in New Westminster. Mrs. Luther reported on Seattle status, and that we were making some contacts, etc., but the purpose of the meeting was manifest in selecting Tacoma, Washington, as the most important city for Seattle’s concentrated effort.
Mrs. Latimer spoke for Portland and it was decided the work there be concentrated in Salem, Oregon City, and Vancouver, Wash.
There was much discussion but the final decision as to funds was that each assembly create a teaching fund for their several assemblies. That we keep in close contact with one another, reporting any prospects which may cross our path and follow up as carefully as possible whatever may appear a good prospect.
We feel a very important point in the condition of the Seattle Assembly coming from a foreigner (Chinese), who said this Assembly was absolutely free from race prejudice, this statement was corroborated by our Jewish Bahá’i.
Much more detail as to work here might be indulged in but time presses.
Respectfully submitted as a partial report of proceedings before and during the teaching conference of the three assemblies of the Northwest.
Seattle, Washington,
October 28, 1929.
Racial Amity Forum[edit]
Reprinted from Portsmouth Herald, November 8, 1929
A largely attended meeting was held Wednesday evening in the chapel of the Unitarian Church on Court Street for the consideration of interracial understanding. The principal speaker was Louis G. Gregory, formerly of Washington, D. C., and now a resident of this city. His address, “Interracial Amity” based upon intensive study and extensive travel on the lecture platform was one of optimism and hope in the actual practice of human brotherhood, and showed the means by which this universal ideal could be attained. Typical instances of interracial co-operation were cited.
The chairman, Rev. William Safford Jones, spoke feelingly and in most appreciative terms of Mr. Gregory and his address, welcoming him to reside in this city.
The second speaker, Miss Eleanor Sawtelle, secretary of the Y. W. C. A., gave a clear exposition of the work of the organization among the various races and nations and showed in a practical manner how it was living up to its declared principles of world brotherhood.
Ensign Fox of the Salvation Army
was then called upon to contribute to
the theme under discussion and very
graciously responded with words of
appreciation. Philip Marangella, who
returned from Canada, while the meeting
was in progress, was also called to
sneak briefly on the subject. He referred
to his speaking trip to the Dominion
[Page 7]
where interracial gatherings were
addressed and actual fellowship practiced.
He made an earnest plea for a
demonstrable human brotherhood and
not merely a theoretical one.
Mrs. Guy Corey rendered several vocal selections and the quartet of the People’s Baptist Church rendered several spirituals. The music was appropriate to the occasion and deeply appreciated by the audience.
The opening prayer was offered by Rev. John Graham of Kittery, and the closing benediction by Ensign Fox of the Salvation Army.
At the close of the forum refreshments was served by a committee including Mrs. Henry L. Green, Mrs. Jessie F. Crockett, Mrs. Clarence Pike and Mrs. Haywood Burton.
The successful meeting reflected not only interracial but also inter-religious co-operation, for the committee in charge are members of the Congregation, Unitarian, Universalist, Baptist, and Bahá’i assemblages. All those who assisted in this successful effort and especially the chairman, Rev. William Safford Jones, whose broad vision and sympathetic co-operation made it possible, deserve the commendation of every seeker of Truth, irrespective of affiliation.
In Memoriam[edit]
The editor of the NEWS LETTER desires to record the passing of all American believers, but on account of lack of space, the National Assembly decided to refer all biographical notices to a Necrology, to be published every few years. By this means, the lives and accomplishments of believers will be preserved as a beautiful and distinctive attribute of the Bahá’i Cause.
- Mrs. Hattie Laughlin, San Diego,
Calif.
- Mrs. Morrison, Denver, Colo.
- Mrs. Mattie A. W. Watson, Lynn,
Mass.
- Mr. Frank B. Beckett, Glendale,
Calif.
- Mrs. Alice Beede, New York City.
- Mr. Rufus W. Powell, Tennessee.
- Mrs. Mountfort Mills, Geneva,
Switzerland.
- Mr. Leo Perron, Winnetka, Ill.
- Mrs. Maria P. Wilson, Malden,
Mass.
Shoghi Effendi Cables Regarding Manuscript for Volume III “The Bahá’i World”[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly received the following cablegram from Shoghi Effendi dated Haifa, December 6, 1929: “Kindly urge Bahá’i World Editors to take immediate steps ensure arrival manuscript final form Haifa by end of April. Exercise great care maintenance high standard. (SHOGHI)”
The following cablegram was then sent to our Guardian: “Supplicate you urge all National Assemblies send Bahá’i World material to the Editorial Secretary at once. (WINDUST)”
In reply, the Secretary received the following radiogram: “Have written Assemblies. Your Committee should urge them also directly. (SHOGHI)”
Although all National Spiritual Assemblies were written and the November BAHÁ’I NEWS LETTER, No. 35, published a general call headed: “Material Needed for Volume III, The Bahá’i World, 1928-1930” (please refer to it), we again urge every National and Local Spiritual Assembly, Group and Committee to forward material to the Committee as soon as possible, as requested by our Guardian.
The Committee will then forward the prepared and assembled manuscript to Shoghi Effendi for final Editorship.
- Editorial Committee,
- Albert R. Windust, Sec’y,
- 1745 East 68th Street,
- Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
News Letter From Bahá’is of the British Isles[edit]
Dear Friends,
Once again we greet each other in this News Letter, and are glad of the opportunity to let our thoughts unite in loving fellowship. We are reminded that the year 1929 is drawing to a close, and with humble, thankful hearts we praise our God for the countless mercies and blessings of the year. If we look back and consider our own failings and shortcomings—the poorness of our faith, and feebleness of our love, we lose the heart—but ’Abdu’l-Bahá has said, “When a man turns his face to God he finds sunshine everywhere.” He has told us “to Radiate the light of the love of God to such an extent as to be able to remove entirely the gloom and darkness of hatred, bigotry and enmity from among humanity.” So let us look away from ourselves, and press forward, letting the sunshine of God’s Love illumine our hearts and lives.
LONDON
On Thursday, September 19th, the first meeting was held in the new Bahá’i center at Walmer House, Regent Street. A large number of the friends were gathered on this occasion to celebrate what is too many of them a direct answer to the prayers that have been offered for the spread of the movement during the past year.
It is a source of joy and thankfulness to the friends, that there is at least a place in London to which they may look as their spiritual Home, to which they can apply the words of the Master to a believer. “Thy house is My house, let it be adorned by the lights of the Kingdom.” It is their aim that within its walls the spirit of love and harmony shall reign; at its threshold all thoughts of self be put aside, and within, all be received with joy and fragrance, the message given, but discussions that might lead to controversy avoided.
On this first occasion of meeting, the dominant note seemed radiance, it was indeed as if we were blessed by the Master. Then, as if to show a visible link with him, Dr. Youness Khan, who spent so many years in close contact with him, made his appearance and in course of the meeting spoke a few words in response to the Chairman’s welcome, and at his request chanted the beautiful prayer of the pilgrims at the Holy Shrine. “Help me to be selfless at the threshold . . . give me Thy grace to serve Thy loved ones.” Dr. Youness Khan has spoken at the Wednesday and Sunday meetings during his stay in London, and has inaugurated a young people’s study circle which will meet alternate Mondays.
We have received a visit from Mrs. Caroline Nelson of Boston and her sister, Miss Drake Wright, who are on their way to Haifa.
Since writing the above news we have received the tidings of the “passing on” of Elizabeth Herrick on Sunday, October 20th, 1929. She has been identified with the Bahá’i Movement from its earliest days in this country, being one of the few privileged souls to meet ’Abdu’l-Bahá when he visited England. She put into her work for the Cause, all the zeal and enthusiasm of which she was capable, and could always be relied on for help and indefatigable work on behalf of the suffering and oppressed.
Her book “Unity Triumphant,” and other writings are well known among the friends, and she devoted a great deal of her time and service to the study and spread of Esperanto.
For many weeks she has lain awaiting the Master’s Call, cut off from intercourse with earth, and it is with joy that we now think of her, able to use the devotion and love of her freed spirit, released from all material hindrances.
A Bahá’i service was held in her house on the evening before her body was laid to rest, and loving friends attended her to the last.
The Manchester Assembly reports the useful, inspiring visit of Dr. Youness Khan to their city in the early part of October. “Two main meetings were held in Higher Broughton at the home of the secretary, the first being on Saturday evening, October 5th—the front room being crowded. The meeting was regulated under the pleasant and kindly chairmanship of Mr. A. Robinson, who, gray-haired but young looking, sat in his usual place under the large picture of the Greatest Name. On table, piano, and sideboard, were vases of beautiful, fragrant red roses, brought in the afternoon by a very esteemed friend from his own garden. Dr. Youness, experienced, learned, matured and quiet in his manner of delivery, took our thoughts with him through the cities of Europe, which he has recently visited—Stuttgart, Hamburg, and other German cities; Geneva, Copenhagen, Oslo, and Scandinavian cities—giving us glimpses of Bahá’i spiritual work in those spots; besides explaining matters pertaining to organized Bahá’i work in Persia, his native land. Every changing phase of his talk breathed peace and goodwill, causing deeper realization of the fact that hearts everywhere are glowing anew with Divine love, that minds everywhere are awakening to the newer Revelation of Truth. He brought loving greetings from the Guardian in the Holy Land; from the Persian assemblies and from the assemblies in the cities he had visited. The next evening another full Meeting was held, attended by other friends. It was fragrant with spiritual fellowship, and extremely happy.”
History of the Cause in Egypt[edit]
From Bulletin of the Egyptian National Spiritual Assembly
About half a century ago, the venerable Mirza Heyder Ali, who was well known to the old pilgrims to the Holy Land, was sent by Bahá’u’lláh to Egypt to spread the good tidings; but owing to the prevailing spirit of fanatism at that epoch and to the intrigues of the clergy he was detained from promulgating the Cause and was forced to undergo many hardships and was mercilessly submitted to harsh treatment and later on was exiled to Soudan for twelve years. All this happened
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA[edit]
Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursements for Period April 1, 1929 to October 31, 1929*
CASH AND SECURITIES| On hand April 1, 1929 | $211,928.06 | ||
| CASH RECEIPTS | |||
| Unlabeled | $45,881.88 | ||
| Labeled | |||
| Temple | 82,395.18 | ||
| Green Acre—Rental | 75.00 | ||
| Publishing—Refund | 75.00 | ||
| News Letter | 24.67 | ||
| Green Acre—Gift Shop | 324.20 | ||
| Interest Earned | 5,822.92 | ||
| Discount Earned | 418.74 | $135,017.59 | |
| $346,945.65 |
| DISBURSEMENTS | |||
| Temple | 1,584.12 | ||
| Teaching | 3,900.00 | ||
| Green Acre | 2,778.23 | ||
| Bahá’í Magazine | 1,836.00 | ||
| International | 1,515.00 | ||
| Publishing | 604.13 | ||
| Administration | 3,939.57 | ||
| Archives | 104.93 | 16,261.98 | |
| $330,683.67 | |||
| CAPITAL EXPENDITURE | 4,222.81 | ||
| CASH AND SECURITIES | |||
| On Hand October 31, 1929 | $326,460.86 |
- It should be noted that this report includes the
amounts on hand in the National Bahá’í Temple Fund under the Temple Trustees as well as in the National Bahá’í Fund under the N. S. A.
CASH AND SECURITIES
| On Hand Nov. 30, 1929 .. | $24,528.42 | $307,626.98 | $332,155.40 |
| Northern Trust Co. ...... | $5,060.31 | $5,060.31 | |
| State Bank & Trust Co. ... | 19,468.11 | 19,468.11 | |
| Northern Trust Co.—Savings | 400.00 | 400.00 | |
| Liberty Bonds.. | 200.00 | 200.00 | |
| Accrued Int.... | 480.93 | 480.93 | |
| U. S. Cert. ... | 295,000.00 | 295,000.00 | |
| Other Stocks & Bonds ..... | 4,850.00 | 4,850.00 | |
| Northern Trust Co. ...... Temple Fund | 6,696.05 | 6,696.05 | |
| $24,528.42 | $307,626.98 | $332,155.40 |
