Bahá’í News/Issue 7/Text
THE BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Office of the Secretary
169 CHRISTOPHER STREET, NEW YORK CITYANNOUNCEMENT[edit]
Since the establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly by the Guardian of the Cause, the activities of the believers throughout the United States and Canada have centered around that body more and more. The responsibility placed upon the members, already considerable, will increase steadily, with the growth of the Cause itself.
For some time it has been apparent to those in touch with this phase of the work that there is urgent need for a central office with a secretary able to devote all of his time to the correspondence and other duties incumbent upon the National Spiritual Assembly.
The difficulty of finding a person with the necessary qualifications and at the same time so situated that he could enter upon this service with the compensation which could be voted at the present time, has been a serious obstacle to the establishment of this necessary office.
The Nationai Spiritual Assembly is happy to announce that arrangements have been made whereby, early in October, a central office will be opened at Green Acre, South Eliot, Maine.
Our secretary, Mr. Horace Holley, at our request has consented to resign from his present business position in order to devote his entire time to the work of the central office.
For a very nominal rental, the National Spiritual Assembly have leased a house in Green Acre and the expense of maintaining this office will not be over $350.00 a month. Most of this amount has already been subscribed by members of the National Spiritual Assembly.
The Committee who have had this matter in charge feel that this is a most satisfactory arrangement with respect to the needs of the Cause in this country. They believe that this step will contribute greatly to the furtherance of the National Bahá’í work and that its wisfom will be recognized by the body of the believers.
- National Spiritual Assembly,
- By: MOUNTFORT MILLS,
- CARL SCHEFFLER,
- SIEGFRIED SCHOPFLOCHER.
- By: MOUNTFORT MILLS,
TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]
The following statement has been prepared by Mr. Albert Vail, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, and outlines the plans of the five regional chairmen for the coming year:
"At the recent National Convention at Green Acre it was resolved that we make an effort to build the Temple such as has not yet been known and that we teach the Cause with a universality, a wisdom, a spiritual radiance and power which will ignite all America. Shoghi Effendi has told us in many letters that now is the time to make a superhuman effort to teach the Cause and to live a life pure and severed and radiant and divine so that the power of God find in us may fill the world with all its glory."
"The new Piational Teaching Committee at its first meeting, after the Convention at Green Acre, worked out a series of plans to make this, if possible, the greatest teaching year in all Bahá’í history. First of all, it was realized that we need many more teachers. As Abdu'l Bahá wrote some years ago. "There is need of a thousand teachers, each one severed from the world, attracted by the Holy Spirit in the Celestial Concourse and through the Kingdom of God and in perfect sanctity, holiness and sufficiency (independence of spirit).
"A series of teaching conventions in each of the fire districts outlined by the Master in His great Teaching Tablets will help to call forth, inspire and equip these teachers.
"At the Green Acre there was started immediately after the Convention a series of conferences upon methods of teaching which proved very successful. Out of these conferences was born a class for practice work in which the younger and older believers made addresses before the class, thus gaining practical experience for the great work of presenting the Cause to all types of people with wisdom and with spiritual power. It is hoped that ultimately there will develop a t Green Acre a summer school of religion for the study of the divine philosophy, of comparative religions, of contemporary religious movements, English composition, public speaking and the best methods for presenting the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom to the present-day world.
"It is suggested that, in accordance with the instructions of Abdu'l Bahá in the last of the great Teaching Tablets, each Assembly organize classes for the training of teachers. So that blessed souls of the older ones from among the believers may [Page 2]
gather the youths of the love of God in schools of instruction."
"The spiritual teachers of the future are the children of today; therefore the National Teaching Committee has asked a group of believers who have had special training in the education of children to make suggestions as to the best methods in training our children into the radiant teachers of tomorrow.
"To assist classes and individuals in their preparation for the glorious work of teaching, the National Teaching Committee is preparing a series of outlines of study in the various branches of the great filed of Bahá’í knowledge, such as interpretation of Scripture and prophecy, the application of the universal principles to the world today, and the specific methods of teaching. There will be outlines suggesting how to present the Cause to each of the groups in society, how to present Bahá’í proofs, outlines concerning the spiritual life and spiritual preparation for the work of teaching.
"A splendid outline of study for the Bahá’í classes and for individual preparation will come from the press during October and be distributed by the Publishing Committee. It is called 'God and His Manifestations.' and has been prepared by Mrs. J. W. Gift, Peoria, Illinois. It is just the course of study for which all our American believers are asking, a guide to the intensive study of our divine Revelation in its many details. It contains sections upon the need of a Manifestation. His nature, His powers, the signs of His coming, the proofs by which He is recognized, His influenced upon civilization. This outline may be had from the Publishing Committee or the local Assembly librarian or from Mrs. Gift, for twenty-five cents a copy, or three dollars and twenty-five cents a dozen.
"But the first step for all the believers in preparing for this great campaign is to study and new the Master's Teaching Tablets, which are to be found in the 'Unveiling of the Divine Plan.' in Bahá’í Scriptures, chapter nine, or in Volume Ten of the 'Star of the West': and let us repeat each day the prayer for our particular region and turn to the Abhá Kingdom for guidance and see if we cannot be of those who rise to travel and teach the Cause in the regions where it has not yet been proclaimed."
TEMPLE COMMITTEE[edit]
The detailed report presented by the Temple Committee to the recent Convention is now being published and copies will very shortly be placed in the hands of every recognized believer in the United States and Canada and also of Bahá’í Assemblies in other countries.
This report contains a complete financial statement of all receipts and expenditures made in connection with the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár at Wilmette. It contains a complete summary of the Temple activities since their inception in 1909, including the matter of the architect's contract, statements by the engineer, and photographs of the Foundation Hall and Mr. Bourgeois' studio on the Temple grounds.
From the remarkable effects produced by this report upon the delegates, it is certain that its publication will effectively stimulate a new deeper spirit of devotion for the continuance of this edifice dedicated to the Glory of God.
The friends will be pleased to know that work has already been begun on the new caretaker's house from the beautiful design prepared by Mr. Bourgeois, for which the Convention voted that an appropriation of three thousand dollars should be made. With the construction of this house, all the items recommended by the Temple Committee last year, as listed in News Letter No.w, have now been carried into effect. As soon as possible, constructive plans aimed at raising the four hundred thousand dollars necessary for the first permanent unit of the Temple, in accordance with Shoghi Effendi's instructions, will be announced.
The following resolution was unanimously passed by the Convention delegates after the presentation of the Temple Report by the secretary of the Temple Committee, Mr. Carl Sheffler: "WHEREAS, the Temple Committee appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly has rendered a report comprising all matters pertaining to the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár from the time of its inception to the close of this fiscal year, and
"WHEREAS, in the preparation of this report this committee with the consecrated zeal has devote months of strenuous work to investagation, research
[Page 3]
On April 1, 1924, the then Treasurer, Mr. W. H. Randall, had on hand the following amounts: Central Fund, $1,483.17; Teaching Fund, $386.00; Temple Fund, $1,191.23; Publishing Fund, $1,003.65. These sums were turned over to Mrs. Florence Morton after her election to the office of Treasurer by the National Spiritual Assembly established at the 1924 Convention.
From April 1, 1924, to March 31, 1925, the contributions received were as follows:
Central Fund, $11,977.21; Teaching Fund, $589.95; Temple Fund, $20,179.62; Publishing Fund, $497.63; Special Nayriz Fund, $3,818.11.
The total of all contributions received during the year was $37,062.52. Adding the amounts on hand, April 1, 1924. or $4,094.05, the National Bahá’í Fuud in 1924-1925 held a total of $41,156.57.
Disbursements were as follows: Central Fund, $7,278.89, plus $3,674.05 to meet a deficit in the Teaching Fund, $4,650.00. Temple Fund, $18,564.54. These payments included $7,000.00 to reduce notes held by the bank, $3,000.00 paid to the architect under the terms of the contract approved by the 1921 Convention, $2,222.79 for running expenses, $472.87 interest in notes, and something over $3,000.00 for improvements in the Foundation Hall. The printed Report of the Temple Committee, a copy of which is being placed in the hands of every recognized believer, will show these transactions in exact detail. The Publishing Fund will be published as an itemized report in an early number of the News Letter. This Fund operates on the sale of the literature and only incidentally on contributions, and its disbursements are in the nature of the normal expenses incurred in the publishing business.
The disbursement of the Central Fund also included $1,559.43 to make up deficits in the receipts of the Bahá’í Magazine, Star of the West; $760.00 paid to the International Bahá’í Fund; $250.00 appropriated for the Library and Archives Committee; $400.00 donated for the Bahá’í Assembly of Punjab, India, and $1,036.71 representing the cost of printing and distributing the News Letter, the Will and Testament of Abdu'l Baha, and of postage and stationery supplies used by the National Secretary. Another expense was of $282.45 for the 1924 Annual Congress and Convention.
The Teaching Fund originated several years ago from the desire of many believers to promote teaching activities which could not be supported from funds given for the Temple. As the Central Fund is now capable of carrying on teaching activities, the Teaching Fund as a separate account will not appear in the 1925-1926 financial records, having been merged with the Central Fund at the suggestion of those who have contributed to the Teaching Fund during the past year.
With the removal of all outstanding obligations by pledges received at the 1925 Convention, the National Bahá’í Fund enters a new phase of development. As long as expenditures were predetermined bu reason of outstanding indebtedness, of any nature whatsoever, the National Fund could not express the free deliberation and mature decision of the National Spiritual Assembly. Now this burden is removed, and the National Spiritual Assembly for the first time can (with the faithful adherence of the local Assemblies and isolated believers) bring into being (even though at first only on a small scale) those significant functions and responsibilities to clearly outlined in the letters of the Guardian of the Cause.
It should be duly noted by every conscientious and loyal believer that the institution of the National Spiritual Assembly is far more than a continuation and enlargement of the functions of the Bahá’í Temple Unity, so long and so gloriously the sole central executive body of the Cause in North America. The Bahá’í Temple Unity has but one main purpose and responsibility - the National Spiritual Assembly has as many purposes and responsibilities as there are aspects of the Bahá’í Cause.
Let us remember what Shoghi Effendi has written on two occasions: "The various Assemblies, local and national, constitute today the bedrock upon which the strength of the Universal House is in future to be firmly established and raised. Not until these function vigorously and harmoniously can the hope for the termination of this period of transition be realized." (February 23, 1924.) "It would be impossible at this stage to ignore the indispensability or to over-estimate the unique significance of the institution of the National Spiritual Assembly- the pivot round which revolve the activities of the believers throughout the American continent. Supreme is their position, grave their responsibilities, manifold and arduous their duties." (June 3, 1925.)
The capacity of the National Spiritual Assembly to serve the Cause throughout the United States and Canada is largely conditioned by the "unlabelled" contributions, those made to the Central Fund. If all other funds were richly endowed, but the Central Fund remained small and insignificant, the institution of the National Spiritual Assembly could not function with adequate power; and if the National Spiritual Assembly could not function except as the passive trustee of certain that difficulties would be raised up in the path of every Bahá’í activity until that condition was changed. On the other hand, a National Spiritual Assembly able to function the due vigor, conscious of the unshakable confidence of the Bahá’í body, would be able to serve each National activity according to the needs of the time, with the result that confirmations would be attracted and all activities moved forward "steadily, like a great sea."
Perhaps it has been overlooked that contributions made to the Central Fund are not thereby kept from furthering the special activity which the donor has nearest at heart. On the contrary, the Central Fund underlies and supports every activity, but the difference is that its disbursements at any given time reflect the results of consultation and decision on the part of those in the best position to see the work as a whole. It is inconceivable that any National Spiritual Assembly shall ever be elected whose members will feel less loyalty for or responsibility in any National Bahá’í activity than is felt by any individual believer or any local Assembly.
To specify the object of one's contributions is absolutely legitimate and is expressly permitted by the written instructions of Shoghi Effendi. The element of voluntarily cooperation is vital in all Bahá’í relationships, and nothing should prevent the individual or the local Spiritual Assembly from making their contributions for a particular object if desired. In a voluntary association, obedience to a principle is only useful when it is the result of full understanding. a careful study of Shoghi Effendi's instructions[Page 4]
will show that unspecified contribution are a higher expression of loyalty and a closer approximation to the "ideal standard" of service, but effort should be made to see why this is so.
Perhaps it will throw some light on this subject to itemize the various expenses for which the Central Fund is responsible. These include: the activities of the National Spiritual Assembly itself - its Central Office, correspondence, meetings, News Letter, etc.; the cost of the annual National Convention; contributions to the International Fund; all activities of National Committees (including, in case of emergency, those of Temple and Publishing), and more especially those of the Teaching Committee, the Star of the West, the Library Committee, Archives, Racial Amity, Legal, etc. It would seem very desirable to adopt a budget system for the Central Fund, in order to plan its disbursements as fully as possible in advance.
The essence of the whole matter is that unspecified contributions be token absolute confidence in the institution of the National Spiritual Assembly, while contributions limited to one particular fund do not. It is far less a financial problem than one of spiritual unity expressed in the most unmistakable form.
It is to he hoped that the present National Spiritual Assembly will be aided by every local Spiritual Assembly and by every individual believer to bring into visible expression those yet latent active functions of the National Bahá’í institution which carry so much greater possibilities of service than the passive functions so far disclosed.
But this note of explanation should not be considered merely as a plea for financial support. With love, with understanding, with the spirit of cooperation implanted in all hearts we can, side by side, produce a single body of service through which the Master can accomplish His universal purposes with the resources of the Divine Treasury itself.
NEWS OF THE CAUSE[edit]
The first fruits of the beautiful Green Acre Convention was the cordial invitation extended by Dr. Leslie P. Hill that a Bahá’í teacher be sent to speak at the National Association of Teachers in Colored at Durham. N.C.
A letter from Dr. Hill informs us of the success of this trip:
"I want to let you know how deeply grateful I am that the N. S. A. decided to send Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler to Durham on July 29, 30 and 31st. Mrs. Ransom-Kehler arrived at the very beginning of these meetings and stayed through to the end. She spoke at Departmental meetings and made an address on Thursday evening before the whole Association. She was heard not only by the colored teachers in attendance but by the United States Commissioner of Education and a number of white superintendents, supervisors and specialists in our field.
"Mrs. Ransom-Kehler, moreover, in addition to her speeches, made a large number of direct personal contacts, and in that way made a more intensive impression. It was our general feeling that she was not only brilliant in her discussion of the whole big question before us, but that she brought to our cause a sincerity and a courageous consecration that touched the hearts of all who heard her. I believe that she created many centers of influence from which the light and the truth will spread."
An international Bahá’í Bureau has been established at the suggestion of Shoghi Effendi at 19 Boulevard Georges-Favon, Geneva, Switzerland. This new and extremely important Bahá’í center is under the direction of Mrs. J. Stannard. Information of its activities will be given from time to time in the News Letter.
The Bahá’í Magazine, Star of the West, for August, contains the first of a series of important articles by Mr. George Latimer on the Rapprochement of Science and Religion.
This issue contains other articles by Mr. Stanwood Cobb, Mrs. Shanaz Waite, Mr. Harlan F. Ober, Mrs. Coralie Franklin Cook and Mr. Horace Holley.
The Publishing Committee announces the following new books: A Series of Twelve Articles Introductory to the Study of the Bahá’í Teaching, by Charles Mason Remey, 20 cents per copy; Religions of the Empire, reprinting the addresses delivered at the religions conference in London during 1924, including the two papers on the Bahá’í Movement, price four dollars. Copies of the Forum Magazine for containing an article on the Cause, can be ordered from the Committee for 35 cents each. A new supply of the Esslemont pamphlet has been received from London, for sale at 20 cents each. Copies may be obtained from Bahá’í Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York City.
During the past year three new local Spiritual Assemblies have been elected in the United States. These Assemblies are located in Visalia, California; Geneva, New York; and New Haven, Connecticut.
The Central States Teaching Convention will be held November 12th to 16th in the Foundation Hall of the Temple, at Wilmette, Illinois. The Convention will open with a Feast in commemoration of the birthday of Baha'u'llah, and will hold public congress sessions Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, November 14th and 15th, and conferences upon methods of teaching the morning and afternoon of Friday and Saturday. It is hoped that the friends not only in the Central States but from the various parts of the country will be able to attend.
Further details will be given in the next News Letter.
GREEN ACRE FULFILLING ITS SPIRITUAL DESTINY The Green Acre Fellowship at its annual meeting in August voted a special resolution, the result of which will be that Green Acre in August, 1926, will come under the direct supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly, and its unique tradition and splendid resources will be joined to the Bahá’í Cause in North America. It is the great significance of Green Acre that it brings an opportunity of applying the Bahá’í spirit and principles to the most practical problems of daily life, besides affording a most adequate platform for the spread of the Message in a dignified and universal way. This on the part of the Fellowship is a truly gratifying indication that a new period of expansion has opened for the Cause.
Several Committees are already engaged in planning for an increase of the activities of Green Acre and details will be published in an early number the News Letter.
