National Bahá’í Review/Issue 74/Text

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[Page 1]

Design for building accepted

JOYFULLY ANNOUNCE ACCEPTANCE EXQUISITE DESIGN CONCEIVED BY HUSAYN AMÁNÁT FOR BUILDING TO SERVE AS PERMANENT SEAT UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE MOUNT CARMEL STOP DECISION MADE TO PROCEED NEGOTIATE CONTRACTS CONSTRUCTION THIS NOBLE EDIFICE SECOND THOSE BUILDINGS DESTINED ARISE AROUND ARC CONSTITUTE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE BAHÁ’Í WORLD.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

Passing Karen Bare announced

DEEPLY GRIEVED UNTIMELY DEATH VALIANT DEDICATED MUCH LOVED MAIDSERVANT BAHÁ’U’LLÁH KAREN BARE STOP HER DEVOTED SERVICE PIONEER FIELD SPLENDID EXAMPLE OTHER YOUTHFUL BELIEVERS STOP ADVISE HOLD MEMORIAL SERVICES STOP PRAYING SACRED THRESHOLD RICH REWARDS BLESSINGS ABHÁ KINGDOM.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

Passing Philip Marangella announced

DEEPLY GRIEVED LEARN PASSING PHILIP MARANGELLA DEVOTED SERVANT BAHÁ’U’LLÁH STEADFAST SUPPORTER COVENANT HIS PIONEER SERVICES TIRELESS WORLDWIDE TRAVELS BEHALF FAITH MOST PRAISEWORTHY PRAYING SHRINES PROGRESS HIS SOUL ABHÁ KINGDOM ADVISE HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL SERVICE ADVISE HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL SERVICE HOUSE WORSHIP.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

Passing Anna Kunz announced

DEEPLY GRIEVED PASSING ANNA KUNZ STEADFAST DISTINGUISHED HANDMAID BAHÁ’U’LLÁH HER ASSOCIATIONS BELOVED MASTER DEVOTED PIONEERING SERVICES EUROPE OVER EXTENDED PERIOD UNFORGETTABLE ADVISING GERMAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERING MOTHER TEMPLE EUROPE PRAYING SHRINES PROGRESS HER SOUL ABHÁ KINGDOM.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE [Page 2]

The Greatest Gift

TO: All Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups SUBJECT: "The Greatest Gift"

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

In less than two months, the Five Year Plan being devised by The Universal House of Justice will be announced, and the attention of the entire Bahá’í world will be focused on meeting its every goal. Like an army, the Community of the Most Great Name will once again go to battle to conquer the citadel of men's hearts for their Lord. It is an undisputed truth that the success of every Bahá’í enterprise depends on the success of our teaching work; so, regardless of the speciffi goals of any plan, teaching-good teaching is the key to achieving them. Indeed, teaching is the only fit means of preparing to meet such goals.

"The Greatest Gift", a copy of which is enclosed, was designed by the National Teaching Committe to stimulate the believers' preparation for the new plan. An outline for a community deeping institute on teaching, it draws the attention of the friends to the importance, purpose, and nature of the "most meritorious of all deeds."

We take much pleasure in introducing it to you, and we earnestly call upon every Bahá’í community and group to plan now at least one day on which the friends can study this program together. This should be done Ridván, if at all possible, so that we may be fully prepared to act on the requirements of the Plan.

We eargerly await reports of successful deepening institutes from Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í groups throughout the country.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES Glenford E. Mitchell Secretary

Teaching institute

This letter from the National Spiritual Assembly accompanied a community enrichment institute on teaching the Cause of God recently mailed to all Local Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups. The purpose of the institute is to prepare the friends for the forthcoming five year global teaching plan.

The National Assembly has asked that every community participate by scheduling the institute before Ridván, wherever possible. Where it is not possible to conduct the program before Ridván, it should be done as shortly afterwards as practicable. Communities that have not received the materials for the institute should write to the National Teaching Committee, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill., 60091.

The institute, entitled "The Greatest Gift," is divided into four sections. The introduction explains the importance of teaching the Faith. The second section discusses the significance of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and explores the particular destiny of each region of the United States as defined in the Tablets. A third section explores the significance and the nature of teaching. The last section is a summary, focusing primarily on the spiritual heritage of the American Bahá’ís.

The institute can be completed in one day. All materials needed to conduct the institute are provided in the program materials.

Bahá’ís reminded of marriage laws

Local spiritual assemblies and all Bahá’ís are reminded of the supreme importance of obedience to the Bahá’í laws governing marriage. These laws should be explained by the local assembly serveral times each year at Nineteen-Day Feast. In addition, the local spiritual assemblies should make certain that any individuals in their communities contemplating marriage fully understand their obligations.

All Bahá’ís who marry are required to have a Bahá’í marriage.

After free choice of the individuals concerned, free consent to the marriage by the parents of both partners, whether all or none are Bahá’ís, is essential, whether or not there is a legal Bahá’í ceremony. Local spiritual assemblies are obligated to valid evidence of such consent in hand before conducting a Bahá’í marriage.

If there is to be a civil marriage or another religious ceremony besides the Bahá’í marriage, both ceremonies must take place on the same calendar day. This means the business calendar date generally used in this country and not the Bahá’í calendar day which begins with sunset on one day and ends at sunset on the next.

Failure to observe these laws may well result in deprivation of Bahá’í membership. [Page 3]

Warning

This is to warn the believers that an individual by the name of John R. Maynard occasionally seeks out the Bahá’ís claiming that he is very interested in the Faith, but has had to move about so much that he has never had opportunity to become a member. The extent to which he is taking advantage of the Bahá’ís is not known as he may use various names but it is known that he has told the same story at the Bahá’í House of Worship several years ago and recently in a community in Illinois.

Again, the National Spiritual Assembly cannot overemphasize the importance of requesting credentials from any one who approaches Assemblies or individual Bahá’ís for assistance. It is always possible to call the National Spiritual Assembly for identification, if necessary, or suggest to the individual himself that he make his own call to present his difficulties.

Directory Changes

CENTRAL STATES

Michigan: Mrs. Jane Merrell, Secretary, 2309 Berkeley, Flint 48504

WESTERN STATES

Oregon: Correction-Secretary's first name is Eda not Edna

SOUTHEN STATES

Western Oklahoma: Mr. Clay Jordan, Secretary, 326 East Frank, Norman 73069

Eastern North Carolina: Mrs. Nancy Schear, Secretary, 1713 Crest Road, Apt. 1, Raleigh 27606

West Texas: Mrs. Teri Paradiso, Secretary, 311 Fewel, Apartment 2, El Paso 79902

SOUTH CAROLINA

Southern South Carolina: Mrs. Laura J. Smalls is now Secretary instead of Convenor

In Memoriam

Mrs. Nellie Aiken Frogmore, South Carolina December 1973

Mrs. Karen Bare Pioneer to Cameroons, W. Africa January 1974 in the USA

Mr. Henry Davenport Laurens, South Carolina July 1972

Mrs. Dorothy M. Fisher Philadelphia, Pa. January 19, 1974

Mr. Julius Harris Grey Court, South Carolina September 1973

Mrs. Edyth M. Hoedle Astoria, Oregon January 1, 1974

Mr. Carleton Holmes Norfolk, Virginia November 1973

Mr. Bennie Jones Edgefield, South Carolina July 1972

Mrs. Mattie McGee Athens, Georgia December 1973

Mr. Charles Reimer Wilton Manors, Florida January 15, 1974

Mr. Edward Spear Spring field, Massachusetts September 1973

Mr. Bill K. Service Toadlena, New Mexico January 12, 1974

Mr. Frank Slaughter Palmdale, California January 14, 1974

Mrs. Queenie Smith Frogmore, South Carolina December 30, 1973

Mr. Jerry Stavis Rembert, South Carolina September 17, 1972

Mr. Habib’ullah Tarifi Arvada, Colorado November 28, 1973 Ion visit to Iran

Dr. Earnest A. Thayer Colorado Springs, Colorado January 10, 1974

Mrs. Elizabeth Titus Mayesville, South Carolina November 15, 1971

Mrs. Susie Wiggins Keysville, Georgia January 13, 1974

Mrs. Ann Williams Tunkhannock, Pa. January 22, 1974 [Page 4]

Bulletin Board

Jobs and Pioneering

Occasionally the National Teaching Committee receives information about job opportunities in areas which stand in particular need of homefront pioneers. Although we are happy to publish this information as a service to those friends considering some meritorious service, we cannot confirm the accuracy of this information, nor do we make any recommendations about those particular jobs.

Southern Alabama

Physicians are needed in Hayneville and Tuskegee, Alabama. A clinic may have to close in Hayneville because of the lack of a physician. Interested applicants should write for information to Mr. Don Schera, National Health Service Corps, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Region 4, Atlanta, Georgia, Telephone (404) 526-3946. For information on the homefront needs in Southern Alabama, communicate directly with the Southern Alabama District Teaching Committee, Miss Belle Smith, Secretary, 219 National Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36105.

Navajoland, Arizona

There are seven openings for accredited school teachers at the Shonto Boarding School, Shonto, Arizona 86640. Interested teachers can make applications by filling out Standard Form 171 available from any U.S. Government Office and sending it to the school.

Applications for school teachers are received all year at the following schools:

Window Rock School District #8, Mr. Stanley R. Van Keuren, Personnel Director P.O. Box 559 Fort Defiance, Arizona 86504

Crownpoint School District, Crownpoint, New Mexico 87313

Chinle School District, Chinle, Arizona 86503

Ganado, Arizona 86505

For further information on the homefront needs in this area, please communicate directly with the Navajo/Hopi Regional Teaching Committee, Mrs. Pearl Schuyler, Secretary, P.O. Box 474, Fort Defiance, Arizona 86504.

Maine

There are job opportunities in Maine for an electrical engineer in Orono, a vocational education director in Bucksport, a health center administrator in Washington county and an experienced lab technician. For further information please contact the Maine District Teaching Committee, Mrs. Celeste Hicks, Secretary, 39 Third Street, East Port, Maine 04631.

Ohio

Fostoria, Ohio needs only two more believers to form its Local Spiritual Assembly. Employment opportunities are available in industry, commerce and public education. For further information, contact the Northern Ohio District Teaching Committee, Mrs. Josephine O'Dell, Secretary, 145 West 6th Street, Mansfield, Ohio 44901.

Vermont

An elderly Bahá’í lady or couple is needed as caretaker for The Community House, a non-profit community meeting house in Middlebury, Vermont. Applicants should write to the Board of Directors, Community House, Main Street, Middlebury, Vermont 05753.

For information on homefront needs, please communicate with the Vermont District Teaching Committee, Mrs. Kathleen Gray, Secretary, 15 Thomas Street, Brattleboro, Vermont05301..

Also needed in Vermont are a medical secretary and a governess. For further information regarding these opportunities, communicate directly with the National Teaching Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

West Virginia

Job opportunities for contractors, plumbers, electricians, roofers, bricklayers, nurses and [Page 5]

REVIEW

dentists are plentiful in the Princeton-Bluefield area. For further information, please write the West Virginia District Teaching Committee, Mrs. Jolie Haug, Secretary, 125 Circle Drive, Princeton, West Virginia 24740.

Northern Wisconsin

Experienced welders, electricians and machinists are in short supply in this area; also physicians and teachers would have little difficulty in finding employment. Please communicate with the Wis-Mich District Teaching Committee, Miss Jo Ann Barrell, Secretary, 702 East Easterday, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783.

Green Acre

The Green Acre Bahá’í School needs children's teachers, naturalist, and specialists in music, drama, and arts and crafts for the summer session that will be conducted from 30 June-5 August. Youth Week will be held from 28 July-3 August. No children's classes will be conducted during that time.

Job applications should be sent to the Green Acre Council, 185 Main St., Eliot, Maine, 03903. Positions offer room and board.

Green Acre Bahá’í School needs applications for a variety of jobs this summer, including kitchen help, housekeeping, registrar, bookkeeper, etc. In many cases experience is not necessary. Young married couples will be considered.

The period of employment will be from June 24 to August 26, 1974.

Terms of employment include salary, room and board, and association with your Bahá’í co-workers at one of the most beautiful and historically important Bahá’í properties in North America, closely associated with the memory of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Please include a recommendation from your Local Spiritual Assembly, or the Local Spiritual Assembly nearest you when applying to:

Edwin Miller, Manager Green Acre Bahá’í School Eliot, Maine 03903

National Center

The National Bahá’í Center has need for a bookkeeper/accountant to assitst the chief accountant. Anyone interested in applying for this position should write the National Bahá’í Center, Attention: Personnel, 112 Linden., Wilmette, Illinois, 60091.

Traveling teams

If you don't like to travel alone, let us help you become part of a team. Travel-teaching teams are needed to spread the healing Message and consolidate new communities around the world. Your participation as a member of a team could prove invaluable to this ongoing work and provide you an opportunity to experience teaching the Cause in other cultures. In addition to the immediate benefits for the Faith, this experience may help you consider and prepare for future pioneering activities.

Families (mothers and/or fathers and children; brothers and sisters, etc.) can go as a team, or be a part of larger groups. Members of a community can get together for travel.

If you are not able to go right away, begin to plan now for participation after Ridván when the next global plan is announced. Summer activities are invaluable as so many young people are available to travel with older members of the community offering "unity in diversity" to the teams.

Contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091, with information regarding your availablity and we'll try to match you up with others to form a travel-teaching team.

Pacific Commission

The South Pacific Commission, located in Nouméa, New Caledonia, is hiring persons in the fields of nutrition, dietetics and health education. Positions will be open to men or women with experience or training in these fields. The ability to speak French, the territory's official language, would help, but is not essential. Salaries are good, particularly when combined with housing and food subsidies. Appointments are usually for 2-3 years. (Travel expenses are paid from the country of origin, and 2-3 months' leave is granted at the termination of the contract.)

The individuals selected will be expected to travel a great deal throughout the island group, but families will remain in Nouméa. This work would be of great service to the people of the Pacific.

For further information, please write: International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. [Page 6]

CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER

MARCH 1974

any community events or activities. Should we be including these individuals in our total membership count when we are striving for universal Fund participation?

Listing contributors

Dear Office of the Treasurer:

There is a statement on page 25 of the Treasurer's Manual that reads, "Further, as a tax-exempt institution under the laws of the U.S. government, the books and records must be available at any time for inspection, if only to verify claims of individual Bahá’ís regarding their stated donations." Our Assembly, however, has always believed that the Treasurer should not keep track of individual donations since the amount given is a personal matter. Would you please clarify this for us?

REPLY

In a letter written on his behalf dated 26 October 1945 to an individual believer, the Guardian stated, "There is no objection to the Adelaide (Australia) Spiritual Assembly keeping a record of the names of contributors, and sums received; but no pressure must ever be brought on the Bahá’ís to contribute, it must be voluntary, and should be considered confidential, unless the friends themselves wish to mention it openly."

The Internal Revenue Service may at any time require you to open your books for their inspection in order to verify the claim of an individual who has deducted from his income tax for his cntributions to the Bahá’í Fund. It is the duty of your Assembly, therefore, to keep a receipt book such as that illustrated on page 17 of the Treasurer's Manual. For each contribution, a receipt should be issued to the donor and exact copy simultaneously recorded in the book.

In no way should this be construed to imply that any unauthorized person may have access to the records of individual contributors. Only members of the Local Spiritual Assembly and those who are specifically authorized by the Assembly may have access to these confidential documents.

Universal participation

Dear Office of the Treasurer:

Our Assembly would appreciate your advice in the matter of universal participation in the Bahá’í Fund. We are dismayed that we never achieve this goal because of the consistent inactivity of a few members of our Community. Even after repeated efforts we have not been able to enlist their support in

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

REPLY

We can certainly understand your disappointment at your inability to achieve universal participation in the Fund because of the inactivity of a few believers. Nevertheless, unless these individuals signify, in writing or by their acts, that they no longer believe in Bahá’u’lláh Himself, they must be included in your Community's membership list for all purposes. We should remember that these individuals have hade a personal commitment to Bahá’u’lláh. Eventually they may be attracted back to active participation in the life of the Community.

One very important step we can take now to prevent future problems with Fund participation is to ensure that the obligation and privilege of supporting the Bahá’í Fund is clearly explained to each new believer just as he is taught the obligation to pray daily and to attend Feast. Seekers should also be informed, should the question arise, of the existence of the Bahá’í Fund and of our obligation to support it. A continued, frank and unembarrassed treatment of the Fund is an important source of education, understanding and support of the financial needs of our Faith and the Funds which support them.

Radio Broadcasting

The National Information Committee would like to have the names of Bahá’ís currently working in radio broadcasting. The Committee is consulting on the development of radio materials, and knowledge of Bahá’í professionals working in the field will be very helpful. Bahá’ís with writing, production, and talent skills, who might be interested in assisting in some aspect of production if called upon, should write the National Information Office, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill., 60091. Please state experience, and if possible, include a sample of work.

NSA meetings

The National Spiritual Assembly will meet in Wilmette 22-24 March, and 25 April. The National Bahá’í Convention will be held 26-28 April, at the National Center in Wilmette. [Page 7]

Volunteer guides for Temple needed

The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is a unique institution in the Bahá’í Cause. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has said regarding the Bahá’í House of Worship at Wilmette, a few miles north of Chicago, "Think not that this Temple will be like the . . . gigantic Temples you see about you. Know ye that when this Temple of God shall be built in Chicago, it will be to the spiritual body of the world what the inrush of the spirit is to the physical body of man, quickening it to its utmost parts and infusing a New Light and Power."1 and again, "When built, then, the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will be the greatest teacher, for it is an expression of the elevation of the Word of God."2

Our beloved Guardian has said, "Now that the Temple is completed it will be filled with pure, seeking souls. It should be different from other Houses of Worship, where, even if they are filled, their source of attraction is the music heard. Here the spirit should be so powerful as to awaken the heart of everyone that enters to the Glory of Bahá’u’lláh and to the importance of the message of peace He has brought to the world."3

The House of Worship attracts thousands of visitors each year. It acts as a magnet, bringing mankind to the threshold of the Dawning Place of the Mention of God! But too many of these visitors just pass through, admiring the architecture and the lovely gardens, never having caught the real meaning of the building. The responsibility for fulfilling the words of the Guardian rests upon every Bahá’í in America, not just those few living in the immediate vicinity of the Temple.

We are appealing to the entire Bahá’í Community to come to this "Mother Temple of the West" to serve as teachers and/or guides for a few days or a week. Please plan to spend part of your next vacation time on the grounds blessed by the footsteps of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, helping "to awaken the hearts of everyone that enters to the Glory of Bahá’u’lláh."

It's important to remember the following words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá "Faith without deeds is dead. What one receives in moments of exultation and heavenly inspiration within its sacred walls must be translated into actual service to the world of humanity," 4" And of all the institutions that stand associated with His Holy Name, surely none save the institution of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár can most adequately provide the essentials of Bahá’í Worship and service, both so vital to the regeneration of the world."5

This House of Worship, then, has the potential to diffuse the knowledge of Bahá’u’lláh and His teachings in a measure which no single agency possesses. Its potential, though, can only be achieved through the medium of service by volunteers—volunteers who are willing to give the thousands of visitors as they pass through its doors, the real meaning of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár.

Now is the time to arise to your responsibility! "Whosoever arises to serve this building shall be anointed with great power from His supreme Kingdom and upon him spiritual and heavenly blessings shall descend which shall fill his heart with wonderful consolation and enlighten his eyes by beholding the Glorious and Eternal God."6

References

1. Bahá’í Year Book, Vol. 1, p. 61 2. Bahá’í World, Vol. VII, p. 432 3. Bahá’í News, No. 55, Sept. 1931, p. 4 4. Bahá’í World, Vol. III, p. 147 5. Bahá’í World, Vol. V, p. 277 6. Bahá’í Year Book, Vol. I, p. 62

Those who can volunteer their services should write, giving name; address; stating whether adult or youth and if so, age; place to start from; arrival date, and departure date; mail to House of Worship Activities Committee, 112 Linden, Wilmette, Ill. 60091.

Prominent persons

In view of the fact that some of the friends have forgotten, or do not know about this instruction given to the National Spiritual Assembly by Shoghi Effendi, the National Assembly finds it necessary to call attention to the fact that contacts with persons of national and international prominence, whether directly or in writing, should not be made by individual Bahá’ís.

This is a function of the National Spiritual Assembly. However, the believers are free to make recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly that such contacts be made. The National Assembly in turn may wish to authorize some individual or Local Assembly to establish the contact, depending upon the circumstances.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Contribute to Fund

[Page 8]

NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND

MARCH 1974

What share belongs to God?

February 22, 1974

To: All Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

As we embark upon the Fast that brings this Bahá’í year to a close, we wish to share with you the following story as it was told by the late beloved Hand of the Cause of God Tarázu’lláh Samandarí, at the Bahá’í World Congress in 1963.

"For your pleasure I will tell you how I went to Bahá’u’lláh, without capacity, at the age of sixteen. It was in a room that you all know—those of you who have been to Bahjí—and I, with four people, was in that room on the first day of Ridván, and it is there that I saw Him..

"He sat on a chair and we kneeled down before Him. ...For twenty minutes or more He read from the Tablet which He had revealed for Násiri’d-Dín Sháh, in a heavenly voice. He was in two conditions as He read—one the condition of Divine Might; one that great meekness, that humility that you have felt as you read His Words.

"Then He said to me, 'Taráz Effendi, rise.' Beside Him there stood fragrant flowers, and He said, 'Take these flowers and give one each to the friends who are present.' To each one of those other four who were in the room I gave a flower. Then in a very special way He said, 'And give Me My share too.' So I offered Him one of the flowers. As I rose He said, 'And you take one too.' Then He dismissed us and trusted us to God."

This story gives us much to contemplate in the coming nineteen days. How may we offer our Lord "His share" of our lives? Upon our answer to this question will depend not only our own spiritual growth, but also the ability of the Faith to expand during the course of the coming Five Year Plan.

With deep love in His service,

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

Dorothy W. Nelson, Treasurer

Total Number of Assemblies Contributing

$ 200.000 $ 150.000 1973 1974 MONTHLY GOAL $ 100.000 $ 50.000

ASSEMBLIES GOAL BY RIDVAN 1974: 600 500, 504, 506, 513, 536, 543, 553, 569, 569, 550, 571, 551, 555, 561, 581

Contributions may be addressed to: National Bahá’í Fund, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091; Bahá’í International Fund, P.O. Box 155, Haifa, Israel; and Continental Bahá’í Fund, 418 Forest Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

INCOME

Sharaf (Honor) Contributions: $114,304 Budget Goal: $132,000 Estates: $ 10,400

Sultán (Sovereignty) Contributions: $ 85,915 Budget Goal: $132,000

Fiscal Year to Date Contributions: $1,415,177 Budget Goal: $1,980,000 Estates: $ 74,390