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BAH/SUI NEWS: Past, Present, and Future
The first issue of BAHA'I NEWS in printed, journalistic format was published by the National Assembly in December, 1924. It elicited the enthusiasm of Shoghi Effendi who praised its editor, national secretary Horace Holley, in these words: “(It) stands as a bright and eloquent testimony of his thoroughness, his industry, his conspicious ability, his undoubted self-sacrifice. The Cause is entering upon a new era of renewed and concerted activity. Its method of presentation has unmistakably improved . . .”
In size Bahá’í NEWS has ranged from that first fourpage issue to the recent forty-page Conference commemorative issue. No photos appeared in that first issue nor for many years to come. Today Bahá’í NEWS is profusely illustrated with photos showing the Bahá’í world community in action, people of every race and land mingling together in the joy of service to Bahá’u’lláh.
Often the photos are taken under difficult circumstances, perhaps by a Bahá’í pioneer who has traveled miles on foot through sparsely settled areas, or by a native believer who has very little funds. Sometimes they are far from perfect professionally. But what Bahá’í does not thrill to see the smiling faces of his brothers and sisters, his Bahá’í family, growing so rapidly around the world? The heart is stirred to see the beauty and splendor of the World Center, the Bahá’í Temples rising on the continents, the tribes of Africa, Asia and Latin America entering the Faith “in troops!”
Each month we are privileged to View the expanding efforts of Bahá’í schools and institutes, the new groups and assemblies springing up, not only in the populated centers of the world but in remote parts of the Andes, India and the farflung island groups. And from these seeds and sprouts and blossoms comes the maturing of all this labor in the Divine Plan—the new pillars of the Universal House of Justice being elected.
Perhaps we do not always realize what Bahá’í NEWs means to Bahá’ís in the less “privileged” areas of the world. Perhaps we have so much material at our fingertips that we are not aware that this small journal is the eyes and ears of our growing global community, that it is awaited with the utmost eagerness in the Solomon Islands, in‘ the far-away Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, in the Arctic; that there is a continual flow of letters expressing the joy of the Indians of Latin
America in seeing their own pictures in the NEWS, from
pioneers far from their original homes, from believers everywhere who find the NEWS a planetary chain that links them together with Bahá’ís everywhere and an inspiration that keeps them going when the way is not easy.
Shoghi Effendi Gave the Standards
From the beginning, the policies of Bahá’í NEWS have been based upon the directives and guidance of the Guardian, and the National Assembly has endeavored to carry these out through its successive editorial committees. The editors have the responsibility to be selective in the material to be published, to edit and rewrite when necessary, to observe as much as possible the high standards given by Shoghi Effendi for “accuracy, . . . dignity and wisdom”, and for inspiring the Bahá’ís to an ever increasing dedication. The two Seven Year Plans, the Ten Year World Crusade, and now the Nine Year Plan inaugurated by the Universal House of Justice, have all been steps in implementing the Divine Plan, highlighting the issues of Bahá’í NEWS throughout the years.
International Scope
Although originally BAHA'I NEWS was almost entirely an organ of communication between the National Spiritual Assembly and the American believers, it soon grew more international in scope — both in its contact and in the demands of its readership. This was inevitable, for Shoghi Effendi had asked as early as 1925 that its scope be enlarged, that sections be given to the administrative, devotional, humanitarian, financial, educational and other areas of interest, and he expressed the desire that it “should arouse the keenest interest among believers . . . in every corner of the globe.” He asked that worldwide measures be adopted to transform it into the “foremost Bahá’í Journal of the world.” Now, as an international organ of the Faith, Bahá’í NEWS is dependent upon the many National Assemblies of the world in making this journal as representative as possible and their cooperation is constantly sought. Only a few days before the beloved Guardian passed on, he directed a letter to all National Assemblies to appoint news correspondents to send regularly reports and photos representing the activities of their areas.
Early in the 1950s it became evident that a separate
national organ of communication was needed — partic
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ularly when it was learned that Shoghi Effendi did not approve the discussion of national problems, financial and otherwise, being spread around the entire world. Thus the Bahá’í U. S. SUPPLEMENT came into existence in February, 1958, as an effective and economical means of directly informing the American Bahá’ís of current issues of national concern, of National Assembly decisions, of programs and materials available, of the status of the Fund, and other statistical items. This January 1968 issue inaugurates a new format for this bulletin and a new name: THE NATIONAL BAHA'I REVIEW, with the National Assembly and various departments having a regular allocation of space and responsibility.
Financial Aspects
The cost of Bahá’í News, low in comparison with similar publications, averages about $4.00 per year for each Bahá’í, including envelopes and postage. Relative to the national budget, it represents only four cents per dollar. Much of the low cost is due to the voluntary editorial work, copy preparation, proofreading and various aspects of production work, requiring many hours each month. A local printer, Lloyd Hollister, Inc., handles printing and mailing with bulk lots going to some National Assemblies, a few of whom pay a portion of the expense. All other mailings (to pioneers, APO addresses, etc.) are mailed from the National Center. About 700 addresses must be changed each month with many copies of the NEWS being returned unclaimed, adding to the expense. At about the same time one issue is being printed another is going to press for the following month and a third is in the beginning stages.
The time is approaching when full time editorial and production assistance will be required in developing Bahá’í NEWS more fully toward the goal envisioned by Shoghi Effendi.
Call for Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and letters from the Guardian
The Universal House of Justice is endeavoring to collect at the Bahá’í World Center all of the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the letters from the beloved Guardian not yet on file there. The National Spiritual Assembly has been sending facsimile copies of all such items deposited in the National Bahá’í Archives, but it believes there are still many of these precious communications in the possession of individual believers. Because of their value to future generations of Bahá’ís the National Spiritual Assembly urges the friends who have not yet done so to send the originals of Tablets of the Master and letters from Shoghi Effendi to the National Archives Committee, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill. 60091, for preservation and copying for the Universal House of Justice and the International Bahá’í Archives. If it is not possible to secure photostats or xerox copies locally the National Bahá’í Archives Committee will provide them for those who request them, but it will take quite a long time to do so.
Committees and all institutions of the Faith, including local Spiritual Assemblies are also requested to respond to this request by sending originals of any of these historic communications they may have in their files and local archives.
JANUARY ‘1968
National Spiritual Assembly Announces Nationwide
Proclamation, Expansion, find Consolidation Conference
Nationwide Proclamation, Expansion and Consolidation weekend Conferences will take place in eighteen localities throughout the United States during the month of February. Members of the National Spiritual Assembly, the Auxiliary Board and the National Teaching Committee will attend each conference, and will join the consultation and general participation of all the believers in the various areas. Questions and topics to be discussed are:
What is proclamation? How will the illimitable opportunities of this new dimension carry forward the expansion and consolidation of the Faith throughout the world? What is the Power in this Cause that “can, alone, transmute into purest gold the dross of the world” (Gl., p. 183)? What must be our response to the call of the Universal House of Justice “to launch, on a global scale and to every stratum of human society, an enduring and intensive proclamation of the healing message that the Promised One has come and that the unity and well-being of the human race is the purpose of His Revelation”? How do we interrelate the “mutually helpful activities” of proclamation, expansion and consolidation? How do we get at the meaning of the “unknown sea on which we must soon sail, . . . worldwide proclamation”? And how will this “other dimension . . . as it develops, complement and reinforce the twin processes of expansion and consolidation”?
What are the instructions of the Universal House of Justice with regard to these three processes? What is the paramount goal of the teaching work at the present time? What is the nature of consolidation? How do we go about deepening in the Cause of God as the Universal House of Justice explains it? In short, what am I to do now?
Use of Term "Bahá’í Faith"
The Universal House of Justice has provided the following guidance on the use of “Bahá’í Faith” and “Bahá’í World Faith.”
The following excerpt is from a letter from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Great Britain published in their Bahá’í. Journal No. 178, February-March 1967: “. . . we realize there are occasions on which the use of the term ‘Bahá’í World Faith’ may be justified and useful. However, it is our hope that the friends will gradually lose the habit of using this term as widely as they do now. The designation ‘The Bahá’í Faith’ is more dignified and is preferable. Any adjective added to this name tends to a diminution of its stature and might be taken to mean there are other ‘Bahá’í Faiths’. . . .”
Attention: Pilgrims to the World Center
The National Spiritual Assembly would appreciate hearing from American Bahá’ís who are scheduled to make the pilgrimage to the Bahá’í World Center this season. From time to time there are items to be sent to
the World Center and if some of them can be carried in'<,\
luggage their delivery would be expedited. — NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
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“THE FACT THAT ONLY wr, THE 3AHA"I's, CAN my CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY ro THE CAUSE IS “'°"°""'" BOTH oun HONOR AND OUR CHALLENGE.” *3/.,‘;‘E§%,\‘,“’ f R'd ’ 1967 M rom ‘I _VOn e550-ge Universal House of Justice 5883333 TOTM. CONTRIBUTIONS THROUGH NOV. 30 5525,07I
$618,333 Are YOU Pulling Your Share of the Load This Month and EVERY Month? NOTE: Figures shown above are for last day at month. NATIONAL BAHA'I FUND T1’;:ff““ Monthly Income: 1967-1968 -88.3 asses 1!‘,;=3ggg;_ WHERE YOUR DOLLAR Goes International Institutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$ .22
International Teaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .20
National Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .I8
Home Front Teaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .|5
Trusteeships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .l3
Replace 1966-1967 Deficit . . . . . . . . . . . .. .06
Special Teaching Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .04
International Community . . . . . . . . . . . . .. -.0l
Contingency Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .0l
*'-°°
- E E E 3 a 0 Z Q h In 2 See June 1967 Bahá’í News
I Regular Contributions Estates f°r detailed breakd°Wn Special Contributions Other Income Intercontinental Conference
Number of Assemblies Contributing: 290
JANUARY 1968
Local Centenary Observances Continue Momentum of Intercontinental Conference
An increase in the use of all forms of news media, together with ever-growing numbers of posters and exhibits, helped to produce greater interest and attendance at the too-numerous-to-mention Centenary proclamation meetings held throughout the United States, in accordance with the instructions of the National Spiritual Assembly that all areas take advantage of, the momentum gathered by nationwide publicity in conjunction with the Intercontinental Conference.
Many communities were honored with the presence at the local Centenary meetings of city officials, local UN organizations representatives, as well as ministers, particularly those from the Unitarian churches.
Programs often included musical presentations by Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í performers, in addition to panel discussions, speakers or variety presentations. More emphasis is being placed on carefully planned room decorations to give meetings an air of elegance and dignity.
Copies of the brochure, “Bahá’u’lláh: His Call to the Nations,” was given wide distribution at meetings and in mailings to city officials, school superintendents and teachers, libraries and local organizations, with good response.
In almost all cases Bahá’í speakers were interviewed on local radio with extensive questions called in by the listening audience. And spot announcements were often used in conjunction with these programs.
Formal receptions and teas provided an exceptionally good means of contact with VIP’s in all areas, and were held either preceding or following the public event. Gifts of shrubs and trees to communities continue to be a highlight of activities and are an important way to establish and maintain good community relations. Inter-racial participation also was emphasized in numerous localities, and many communities combined
Tax Exemption and Bahá’í Teachers
From time to time enthusiastic and devoted Baha 1 teachers view their hoped-for non-payment of federal taxes upon transportation fares as a way to save money for the Faith. Indeed, they may be aware of the special cut rate fares for priests and ministers which are offered by some railroads, or they may know of the regulations which exempt persons serving non-profit educational institutions from this transportation tax. However, since the Bahá’í Faith is a lay religion without ministers, and since we do not yet have fulltime personnel for our educational institutions, we are not entitled to exemption from payment of the transportation tax. There is no tax exemption for religious organizations.
Where Bahá’í teaching assignments and other Bahá’í work are oi-‘ficial and certifiable as authentic service to the Faith, then the teacher is entitled to contribute his actual travel expenses to the Faith. He must keep accurate records and receipts, of course. But he must not assert in any way that he has missionary or ministerial status. Rather, paying these taxes as a layman is itself a tribute to our Faith as non-clerical and fully obligated to society.
their efforts to help small groups, goal areas or isolated believers in addition to holding their own meetings.
The need for follow-through on the interest aroused by these proclamation events is apparently understood as the number of community-sponsored firesides and personal teaching events continue to increase in their intensity.
Proclamation in Illinois
How do we measure the benefits of a proclamation effort?
How many people heard the name Bahá’u’lláh and the word Bahá’í in three interviews at various times on different TV channels? And how many heard announcements of our meetings on five radio stations?
How many read newspaper accounts giving details of the reason for the Chicago Intercontinental Conference?
How many saw posters on the college bulletin boards and in local shopping centers?
How many read the pamphlet, Bahá’u’lláh, His Call to the Nations, when it was sent to 200 local leaders, including the mayors of Urbana and Champaign, city council members, educational, professional, and business leaders?
How many Bahá’ís were quickened and deepened by the cooperative effort?
How much benefit was felt by nearby communities when Bahá’ís of Rant-oul, Bloomington-Normal, and Danville came bringing inquirers?
The Bahá’ís of Urbana and Champaign, Illinois, asked Winston Evans to come to their communities for a week following the Conference and he arrived October 15 to speak to Bahá’ís in their experimental all-day 19 Day Feast. In the ensuing week he was interviewed on “Sun-Up” on WCIA-TV, on WICD-TV’s evening news program, and on WILL-TV’s news program. He spoke at the Bahá’í Center on “Discerning the Signs of the Times,” with 35 present, five of them inquirers and on Tuesday night on “Assurance in a World of Turmoil,” with 20 present, three of them inquirers.
There were larger audiences when he went to groups of students in their classes. He spoke to 115 enrolled in humanities classes at Champaign Central High School, where he spoke of the contribution of religion to civilization. He presented a book to the high school library.
At Urbana High School he spoke to at least 70 students in sociology classes on the role of religion and the Bahá’í Faith in overcoming prejudices.
At the University of Illinois he spoke on the Bahá’í Faith to 430 students in comparative religion. The teacher of this class, Prof. Tiebout, has included the Bahá’í Faith in his curriculum since a Bahá’í student first enrolled eight or ten years ago.
He went to Rantoul for a fireside Wednesday evening.
On Friday he presented the Centenary address commemorating the Proclamation to the Kings at the Illini
Union for the University Bahá’í Group and the local,‘
Bahá’ís. This meeting was well publicized with posters, newspaper and radio notices and 300 mailed invitations. There werei45 present, including 16 inquirers, five of
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At the Centenary Banquet in Cleveland, Ohio.
them brought by out-of-town Bahá’ís.
What will be the impact on the communities of this effort? Continuing efforts mingled with prayers will cultivate the seeds that have been sowed.
Public Officials in Indiana Attend Bahá’í Meeting
Mayor John J. Barton of Indianapolis and Senator Nelson Grills of the Indiana State Legislature heard Fred Sudhop, member of the National Teaching Committee, explain Bahá’u’lláh’s message to the world as delivered to the kings and rulers of Europe in 1867, at a Centenary Observance held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. E. Hauck of this Community, October 22.
Senator Grills was instrumental in introducing legislation in the Indiana State Legislature this year, legalizing the Bahá’í marriage ceremony in the State of Indiana. Mayor Barton proclaimed November 10-19 “Bahá’í Week” in Indianapolis.
This was an historic occasion since this is the first time a Bahá’í community in Indiana has had the opportunity of proclaiming the Faith formally and directly to men in public office. Other non-Bahá’í guests present included Mr. Andrew Ra-msey who heads the NAACP of the State of Indiana.
Cleveland, Ohio, the Scene of Bahá’í Proclamation in October
On October 14, 1967, the Cleveland Bahá’í Community held a Centenary Banquet commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Proclamation to the rulers of the World.
About 135 persons heard Mr. Glenford Mitchell in unequivocal terms relate Bahá’u’lláh’s message and read excerpts from His Tablets to world leaders. Twenty-nine Bahá’í Communities were represented from the state of Ohio, Wilmette, Illinois and Washington, D.C. Sixty-nine of those present were not Bahá’ís.
While in Cleveland Mr. Mitchell spoke at two public meetings and talked with Mr. Albin Gorisek, religious editor of the Cleveland'Plain Dealer who produced one of the most commendable articles on the Bahá’í Faith ever issued there.
The media used for this occasion were radio and newspaper through the efforts of the Public Information Representatives.
What One Month Can Do
Bahá’ís of West Virginia are enthusiastically and busily planning follow-up activities to a month of teaching generated by the visit of one Bahá’í, Mrs. Marcia Drake of Hollywood, California. During her stay she spoke at Charleston observances of the Báb’s Birthday and United Nations Day, to a class at the Morris
Miss Marcia Drake, circuit teacher, discusses Faith with Charleston, W. Va. radio announcer during her month-long teaching trip.
Harvey College in Charleston, to the Beckley Rotary Club and to other groups in two other towns. She also taught the Faith at five scheduled and 21 impromptu personal firesides, and reached still many more through several radio interviews.
The lone West Virginia Local Spiritual Assembly (Charleston), the State Goals Committee, and the isolated believers of West Virginia happily continue the widespread teaching efforts of Miss Drake.
Traveling Exhibits Available to Bahá’ís
Bahá’ís are reminded of the availability of two traveling exhibits through the National Teaching Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. Requests should include three date choices. One exhibit is shaped like a pyramid with reversible sides of Writings and cork, and the other is a three-sided panel display with pictures of the Shrines and Temples. The user need only compensate for the round-trip transportation cost.
Thanksgiving Dinner — New Mexico Style
A delicious Thanksgiving dinner was held by the Gallup and McKinley County Assemblies of New Mexico, resulting in interest among Job Corps men in learning more about the Faith. Designed especially for youth, the dinner and party for 85 persons also featured an enthusiastic program of singing and guitar playing and Indian round dances. The greater part attending were non-Bahá’ís, including a number of Job Corps men and VISTA workers. .,
Non-Citizens Must Register
The U.S. Government requires that all those residing in this country who are not citizens report their addresses each January. This is done on a report form which can be obtained at any Post Office or Office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Be sure to do this during January. Please remind any friends who are not United States citizens to do so, particularly the many Persian students who may not be aware of the U.S. law.
JANUARY 1968
PUBLIC INFORMATION NOTES
Bahá’ís desiring to obtain a copy of the large photo (16” x 20") made at the Intercontinental Conference while in session at the Palmer House in Chicago can order it from Rialto Photographer, 127 North Dearborn Street, Room 431, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Ask for Bahá’í overall photo. Cost is $3.00. . . . The Maywood, Illinois Bahá’í Assembly is the sponsor of a Senior Girl Scout Troop and they believe they are the only Bahá’í community to be such a sponsor. The Bahá’í Faith has become better known in the area as a result of their sponsorship. . . . The main conference of International Human Rights Year will be held in Teheran, Iran, April 22r May 12, 1968.
Proclamation—Pub|ic Information Institutes
As part of the preparation for local proclamations that will begin this Riḍván, the National Spiritual Assembly approved the holding of ten ProclamationPublic Information Institutes across the United States. The Institutes are sponsored by the National Teaching Committee and are being conducted in cooperation with the Public Information Department.
The Institutes are ten-hour courses held on weekends from 1:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. Saturday and continue from 9:00 A.M. to noon Sunday. On Saturday public information techniques including newspapers, radio, television, community relations and use of publicity materials are covered. Sunday is devoted to proclamation. Public Information Department personnel conduct the Institute and they are joined by a representative of the National Teaching Committee for the proclamation portion. The Institutes are open to all Public Information Representatives of State Goals Committees, Spiritual Assemblies, Groups, College Clubs and interested isolated believers. Also invited are those who expect to take an active part in proclamation planning and direction.
The following three Institutes have already been held: November 25-26, 1967 at Minneapolis, Minnesota for the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin; December 2-3, 1967 at Little Rock, Arkansas for the states of Oklahoma, Arkansas, (Eastern) Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi; and December 16-17, 1967 at Albuquerque, New Mexico for New Mexico, Arizona and (Western) Texas.
The remaining Institutes for other United States areas will be conducted on the following dates at locations shown:
January 6-7 — Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, (Western) Pennsylvania, Michigan and (Western) New York at Neil House Motor Hotel, 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio.
January 13-14— California and Nevada at Palamino Room, Hacienda Motel, Clinton Avenue and Route 99, Fresno, California.
January 27-28 —Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida and Puerto Rico at the Bahá’í Center, 379% Edgewood Avenue, S.E., Atlanta, Georgia.
February 3-4 — Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, (Eastern) Pennsylvania, (Eastern) New York, Maryland,
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Delaware, Washington, D.C., and Virginia at the Evergreen Cabin, 126 Evergreen Place, Teaneck, New Jersey.
March 2-3 — Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana at Walla Walla, Washington (location to be announced).
March 9-10 — Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan at Peoria, Illi.nois (location to be announced).
March 16-17 ——Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas at Denver, Colorado (location to be announced).
Proclamation Materials
As Bahá’í Assemblies, Groups and State Goals Committees prepare for proclamations, they are reminded of the availability of the following publicity materials. Press Kit on the Bahá’í Faith Fact Sheet on the Bahá’í Faith “Who Is Bahá’u’lláh?” —feature story National Observer Reprint on Bahá’í Faith “What Faiths Believe About Future Life” — Chicago American reprint o “Spectacular Landmark at the Crossroads”—Illinois Public Opinion reprint 0 “One God, One Mankind, One Religion” — The Register-Leader (Unitarian) reprint 0 “Human Rights are God-Given Rights” —A Bahá’í Statement
0 “The U.N. Today” — Leaflet on the U.N.
0 “If You Want Air Time”—Radio and Television booklet
0 MARK TOBEY — book
0 Bahá’í Proclamation Ads — Series No. 1
0 Do-It-Yourself Poster Kit
0 Centenary Poster
0 Large Color Display Poster (38”x50”) of Bahá’í Houses of Worship
0 Invitations (Can be used to invite to various Bahá’í
events)
0 “A World in Harmony” -26 fifteen minute radio tapes
0 “Songs of Spiritual Inspiration” — 26 half-hour radio tapes
0 “In Praise of God” — 4 fifteen-minute radio tapes
0 “The Nobility of Man” — 4 fifteen-minute radio tapes
0 “The Promised Day Is Come” — 22-minute radio tape
0 “And His Name Shall Be One” -— 30 minute, 16 mm color film of CBS-TV production
0 “Celebrities Look at Religion”—30 minute, black and white 16 mm film (can be used on TV)
0 14-minute color videotape—Dr. and Mrs. David S. Ruhe interviewed on Bahá’í Faith
0 30-minute, black and white videotape — Phil O’Brien interviewed on Bahá’í Faith
0 28-minute color videotape— “Keys to Harmony”. Dr. Daniel Jordan tells children about the Bahá’í Faith through the medium of music.
For fuller details on the above materials consult the Distribution and Services Department Catalog. Information on the videotapes also can be obtained by writing to the Department. The above list does not include material available through Bahá’í Publishing Trust.
Bahá’í Library Information Needed
The recent mailing of the new Literature Catalog by the Publishing Trust resulted in a large number of postage-due returns, apparently due to changes of librarian and/or addresses not reported to the Trust. This is a regrettable loss of time and money coupled with the fact that many community librarians did not therefore receive the new catalog.
Every local assembly or group correspondent should inform the Publishing Trust of any change of librarian as soon as the change takes place. This should not wait until an order is placed, since many weeks or months may intervene between the changes and the receipt of orders. Meanwhile statements and other notices are being misdirected. Only one name and address (the librarian) is maintained on the Trust’s records and all mailings (including parcels, invoices, statements, etc.) go to this address, even though payments are generally made by the Treasurer.
Standing Order Service
This lack of correct listing has also caused difficulties with the standing order service of the Trust and may soon make it necessary to cancel this service entirely. Parcels sent out on standing order service are frequently returned collect by the postoffice, either because the librarian has moved away without the Trust being informed, or the newly appointed librarian is not aware of the fact that the standing order service was in effect. This service is initiated on behalf of the community, not the librarian, and continues until it is cancelled or until packages are returned. It is not cancelled because of a change of librarian.
Separate Departments
It should be clear that the Bahá’í Publishing Trust (books and literature) and the Distribution and Service Department (photos, tapes, slides, ringstones, records, etc.), as listed in the Materials Directory which every Bahá’í receives, are two separate departments. They are located in different buildings and have completely separate records and systems. There is still considerable confusion in this respect, with orders and/or payments going to the wrong places, or being mixed between the two. If perchance a change of librarian has been mentioned on an order to the Department or the Trust, this information is not automatically available to the other.
Saving Time and Money
Since all of this is very costly in time and money, and thus inevitably to the progress of the Faith itself, the following points should be carefully observed.
1. Send orders for Publishing Trust items (listed in
the catalog) to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust; 110
Linden Avenue; Wilmette, Illinois 60091. Do not mix
in with orders to Bahá’í Distribution and Service.
2. Send changes of librarian and changes of address
immediately. Do not wait for a new book order
(unless forthcoming quickly) to report these matters.
3. A retiring librarian should turn over all records of
the account, invoices, statements, as well as librari ans’ aids and other information sent by the Trust
(including existence of Standing Order Service, if in
eifect) to the succeeding librarian.
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BAHA'l DIRECTORY CHANGES
ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES
Arizona Glendale: Mrs. Bahia F. Gulick, 7116 N. 54th Ave., 85301 Northern California Healdsburgz Mrs. Jean Houg (to correct spelling of secretary’s name) Central California Dist. No. 2 Fresno: Mrs. Alice G. Ioas, 717 E. Ramona Way, 93704 Southern California Dist. No. 1 Crescenta-Canada Valley: Mrs. Zelma Krug, 2278 Del Mar Rd., Montrose 91020 Inglewood J.D.: Mrs. Ursula Alai, 5249 W. 127th St., Hawthorne 90250 Florida Hollywood: Mrs. Bertie Goldstein, 1734 Fletcher St., 33020 (to correct zip code) Northern Illinois Des Plaines: Miss Holly Hardt, 691 Beau Court, 60016 Indiana Fort Wayne: Miss Louise A. Jackson, 815 W. Washington St., 46804 Missouri Webster Groves: Mrs. Mildred Birkett, 14 N. Newstead, St. Louis 63108 Nevada Sparks: Mrs. Marion West, Chr., 440 Sawyer Way, 89431 New Hampshire Portsmouth: Mrs. Elizabeth Frazier, 679 Colonial Dr., 03801
Eastern New York Brookhaven Twp.: (to correct name of city from “Brookhaven” to Brookhaven Twp.)
Western Washington South King County Comm. Dist.: Mrs. Elizabeth J. Harris, 5157 S. 168th St., Seattle 98188
Wisconsin Fond du Lac: Mrs. Grace Shahrokh, 91 S. Reserve Ave., 54935
STATE GOALS COMMITTEES SECRETARIES
Missouri Mrs. Mildred Birkett, Secty., 14 N. Newstead, St. Louis 63108
RESIGNATIONS FROM COMMITTEE
Temple Activities Department Mr. Owen Creightney
National Reference Library Committee Calls for Volunteer Typists
“Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words,” we’Ve been told; and we know that these Words are the Elixir that can cleanse and revive human society, and that alone It has the capacity to convert our satanic strength into heavenly power. The Master Index Project is offering a simple activity that helps to immerse one in this precious Ocean. The offer is made to expert typists who are willing to give a little extra time in service to Bahá’u’lláh — a service that brings rich spiritual payment. Thousands of 3 X 5 cards are to be typed, each with a short verity-ortruth and all having headings which the committee supplies to volunteers. The typing is not difficult, but must be painstakingly accurate. There is no time limit or deadline for doing the work. Anyone interested in details and instructions should write to Miss Eloise Walton, Master Index Secretary, 220% Quarrier St., Charleston, W.Va. 25301.
JANUARY ‘1968
Reporting of Bahá’í Marriages
Effective with this issue the listing of Bahá’í marriages which has been a regular feature of the U.S. SUPPLEMENT, is being discontinued. Local assemblies conducting Bahá’í marriages are still required to report them promptly as in the past to the National Bahá’í Center, but announcements of the marriages are to be carried in the bulletins of the State Goals Committees of the States and Districts where the marriage takes place. Therefore assemblies are requested to report Bahá’í marriages to the secretaries of the State Goals Committees also.
— NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Calendar of Events
Feasts January 19 — Sultan (Soveriegnty) February 7 — Mulk (Dominion) Proclamation Events January 21 — World Religion Day
Auxiliary Board Team Conferences January 13-14 — Denver, Colorado January 27-28— Springfield, Illinois Nation-wide Proclamation, Expansion & Consolidation
Conferences February 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18
U.S. National Spiritual Assembly Meetings
January 19-21 February 23-25 U.S. National Bahá’í Convention, 1968
May 23-26
Bahá’í House of Worship
Daily Visiting Hours 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Devotions 3:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday Public Meetings 3:45 p.m. Firesides
Sunday, 4:45 p.m. Thursday, 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Deepening Class Tuesday, 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.
