National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1920/December/Text
 | The text below this notice was generated by a computer, it still needs to be checked for errors and corrected. If you would like to help, view the original document by clicking the PDF scans along the right side of the page. Click the edit button at the top of this page (notepad and pencil icon) or press Alt+Shift+E to begin making changes. When you are done press "Save changes" at the bottom of the page. |
"The beginning of strength and bravery is to promote the ORD of GOD and to
remain -firm in His Love." Baha'o'llah. ---00000-- "Truth is the WORD of GOD which gives Life to humanity; it restores sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf; it makes eloquent those who are dumb, and living | beings out of dead beings; it illumines the world of the heart and soul; it reduces into nothingness the iniquities of the neglectful and erring ones. Beauty, perfection, briiliancy and spirituality of this existence comes from or through the TORD
of GOD."
Abdul Baha. ---00000-- BULLETIN Wo, 7 Issued ty tne Teachins Comittee Appointed by the Delegates to the Convention.
—_——s = -——
One of the greatest miracles of the day is the way the doors are opening throughout the country for the proclamation of the Glad-tidings. The Hosts of the supreme Concourse seem to be assisting all the dear friends in the work of preparing the way for Jenabe Fazel; and after the spiritual conquests in each City, there is always the longing expressed fora return visit from the blessed teacher -- for weeks or months could be most profitably spent in each Center. .
If we are closely following the accounts of Jenabe Fazel's work, we must realize that the seeds are being scattered so widely that thousands and thousands of souls are finding the Yay to the Kingdom "while the Sun is shining from the Cente
f the Covenant of God." How very important it is that this great seed-sowing is being accomplished now; how important it is that we “hasten, hasten" so that just as Many souls as possible shall become awakened and illumined ‘vhile the "Fountains of Life are flowing." We cannot reiterate too often the statement that there is the necessary capacity. Abdul Baha has told us so. He has said: "All the countries have attained to the greatest capacity." Now the friends are arising with all power showing their gratitude for the Mercies and Bounties which have beon poured upon ail during many years, and are working with heart and soul that others may receive the DIVINE Teachings. What a harvest there will be in due time through the Showers of Mercy and the Sunshine of His Love! Abdul Baha Himself irrigated the soil of America with the Creative Vords, and He said in time the hearts would respond. That they are responding now is evidenced on all sides, and the friends are busy indeed with the follow-up work, sharing the Water of Life with th: attracted souls and real truth-seekers. Confirmations are successive, as Abdul Baha declared in a Tablet "Thou hast observed the signs of the confirmations of Jenabe Fazel at every moment."
--~00000-~ "Cry out the Message of the Kingdom; do not be silent; be not quiet; tzach the Cause," Avdul Baha.
- ---00000--
Sometime ago Abdul Baha promised a Spiritual awakening for St. Louis, The deloved daughter of the Kingdom, Caroline Barbee, who was diligently striving to arrange a program -- though she is a very much occupied business woman -- met with the greatest success. She did not falter once though the obstacles seemed sometimes
[Page 2]
-ato be insurmountable... "Firmmess in faith" was demonstrated, for Mrs. Barbee realized that "every idea is fruitless and unacuentabie save supnlication, comnion,
prayer and obedicnce," and literal obedience to the Comsand "to focus our thoughts
upon the diffusion of the Divine Light" produced good fruits.
Some few years ago ifr.-Randall gave a most successful series of talks in St. Louis, one of which was in Temple Israel, all these seemed nov to have been a preparation for the present great events. Mr, -Roy Tilheln, lr. Vail and other blessed Servers nave visited St. Louis at various times, so the ground had received the necessary "Spring ploughing." Miss Martha Root -- the gifted -- arrived in time to assist in most of the arrangements, and served faithfully in making definite datas and an excelient program. So from Nov. 2lst to 2th the spiritual atmosphere of ot. Louis was steadily rising, and the friends realized to the fullest the Bounty and Mercy of God. Even the newspapers of the city: the St. Louis Star, the Globe-Democrat and the Post-Dispatch, all published favorable articles during this time.
Mrs. Barbee has written a splendid report on the vork giving the details of interviews with Rabbi Harrison of Temle Israel, the largest Synagogue in St. Louis with a membership from the most talented and cultured Jews of the comunity. Mrs. Barbee adds: "Then Rabbi Harrison finally agreed to have Jenabe Fazel occupy his pulpit on Sunday morning, he said to me: 'You know the mental and intellectual caliber of the people who attend my Teumle; are you sure these Persians will measure up?' I assured him that he had made no mistake. I naturally thought something like "Reconstruction Days in Palestine" would appeal to him as a subject, but he said they had been surfeited on that subject, and asked me if they were not here to present the Bahai Teachings. I told him they were. Then he said he wanted something distinctly Bahai, so we decided on "The Ideals of the New Age as Interpreted through the Bahai Cause." That the Talk at Temple Israel was a great success, there is no doubt. Mr. Campbell, a Bahai brother who was present, in speaking of the service afterwards, said to Mrs. Barbee: “After Rabbi Harrison had introduced the speakers, contrary to his usual custom, he came down to one of the front pews and sat spell-bound through the whole address and when they were through, walked back into his pulpit and said he believed every word they said was true and that he was glad they had come and hoped they would come again. He quoted from the Hebrew to show where the prophecies fitted into the Bahai Teachings."
In the afternoon the friends gathered at Mrs. Barbee's home where Jenabe Fazel gave them a talk on forming an Assembly in St. Louis. The report contimes:
"Sunday evening the lecture was on 'New Evidences of Life after Death' at Fraternity Hall.
"Monday =.orning an appointment at one of the large hospitals through Dr. and Mrs. Allison (who were in Haifa when the Randall party were there).
"Monday afternoon the lecture was to the Spiritualists at the home of Mrs. K, T, Hary.... They asked for the subject ‘Universal Brotherhood.'
"Monday evening the lecture was at a New Thought Center. Our Bahai sister, Mrs. Jones, worked faithfully on this meeting and made all the arrangements. The place was crowded, every available seat and space occupied. It was a very successful, splendid meeting, and the subject was 'Material and Spiritual Healing.'
"On Tuesday morning Martha took our brothers to the Library, and while there the Librarian, Dr. Bostwick asked Jenabe Fazel to speak before the Library School, which he did." One of the most interesting items in Mrs. Barbee's report is about meeting the employees in the offices of Mr. J. H. Rueger, Auditor Passenger Accounts, “Tabash Railway where she is employed. Mr. Rueger readily gave his consent to have the employees meet Jenabe Fazel for a few mimutes talk. This is something which is rarely allowed. The Vice-President and Comptroller also warmly greeted the distinguished teacher.
"One of the most notable events in this teaching tour thus far probably, was the Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Vednesday. Mrs. Barbee writes: "Ahmad said it was worth while coming all the way from New York even though they could not have stopped at a single place on the way, just to address the audience at Teiple Israel and the gathering at the Chamber of Commerce. There is a membership of five thousand
and for this luncheon the members were permitted to bring their wives and daughters. Long before the hour of the luncheon arrived, members had to be turned away as there was no available space for the huge crowd. It was an inspiring gathering of the representative men and women of St. Louis. Every one stood when Jenabe Fazel was introduced, a tribute probably to one from a foreign country, though unconsciously they were paying tribute to the Center of the Covenant (who had sent this great tsacher to this country). "On ednesday afternoon the talk was at Vandervoort's Hall on 'The Progress of women in the Orient. ' "Later the same afternoon Jenabe Fazel addressed the ""ednesday Club", a very exclusive, wealthy and very literary Woman's Club of about 500 members. ‘Oo were glad for them to have had the Message. “ho knovs how many aching hearts were covered with fine raiment, then too, there is a fine class of thinkers in this Club. "Wednesday eveing the lecture was on 'A New Solution of the Economic Question. ' The next day at noon Jenabe Fazel and Ahmad left St. Louis...
"While I had secured the engagements for Temple Israel, the Town Club, Chamber of Commerce and Vandervoort's before Martha Root's arrival, still it was she who made the whole program the success it was. The splendid publicity we had here was entirely due to Martha's efforts: such tireless energy, such devotion, such evane:.> ; escence, I have never witnessed.......
"The next thing is to feed the awakened souls. Jenabe Fazel suggested that we organiZe a study class. The vay will open now, I KNOW IT “TILL."
---00000-- The following article by Miss Martha Root covers a little history of the beautiful work in Dayton, Louisville and St. Louis, and is published herewith because it has touched the heart of the Secretary so deeply, the urge is strong to share it with all:
PARAGRAPHS OF THE JOURNEY
Yhen the spiritual history of the Bahai Cause is transmitted domm the ages, the journey of Janabe Fazel Mazandarani to the United States and Canada will be important. Paul, preaching an Unknow God, nearly two thousand years ago, is unirorsalized in the journey of Fazel. ‘The test of this teaching is its capacity to charm and avaken souls. The aftermath of new assemblies and quickened lives show how beautifully Fazel has sought and uplifted the hearts of men.
How gentle he is, how loving! Children spontaneously caress him; strong men aclmowledge his wisdom and sincerity; women turn to him for counsel. He is enthuSiastic, eloquent and absolutely selfless. "hat he says is always excellent. His eyes are full of light and his life calls like the blast of a trumpet.
De we realize the MYSTIC DAY in which we live? Is it not true that the disciples of old were just human beings with great visions and they enjoyed rare spiritul friendships similar to ours? They loved the Christ up to their capacity, but today we in the maturity of the world, if we would jet spiritwal capacity attract us could Imow greater joy in our Center of the Covenant and His Glad Tidings.
If any one thinks he is "tired" in the strermous days of service even after he has his second and third breath, he can with tenderness remember how hard Abdul Baha has worked even from the time he was a little boy eight years old to the days just now when every returning pilgrim reports how weary our Abdul Baha is, how LONG are his hours of service! The selfless server can also experience the thrill of Divine Assistance after the physical endurance is passed and the Strength comes through Heavenly Joy.
Dayton, Ohio, had the bounty of Janabe Fazel's visit for six hours. Arriving Sunday morning, November 14, 1920, he spoke in the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. N, Fales, at 9:3 o'clock, <A Professor in a Theological Seminary in Dayton seemed very close
[Page 4]
oh.
to the Truth, a great scientist from Russia and his young friend were interested and neighbors and friends. Mrs. Parmerton came with the Persians from Cincinnati and introduced them most sincerely. A talk was given by Janabe Fazel in the Unitarian church, the same forenoon, the service being the tercenary of the landing of the Pilgrims. There was a large attendance. The New Thought Society of Dayton closed its service and the friends came over to the Unitarian church to hear Janabe Fadel, Mr. and lirs. Fales, beautiful souls, had a buffet luncheon for those most interested and before the guests from Asia left for the train it had been arranged to hold a Bahai Study Class in the home of Mrs. Fales. It is as impossible to tell all the good the Holy Spirit did in Dayton as to express in a paragraph, hov the alluring, gorgeous sun wooes countless flowers to open their petals of beauty. Directors of some of the largest business plants in the world heard the Message in Dayton.
Louisville, Ky. was the banner city, so far, in the mumber of meetings each day. Mrs. Gertrude Christine, a sweet, quiet Bahai, but a veritable "power behind the throne" did things so easily, fev realized how much was being accomplished. Mr. and Mrs. Christine entertained the Persians in their home with true oriental grace. Precious Mother Beecher came a week ahead to assist and so did Louis Gregory. Dear Louis Gregory, so efficient, faithful, evanescent! Abdul Baha and the Hosts of the Supreme Concourse know how untiringly he works. Mrs. Stott did splendidly. They had been getting ready for Janabe Fazel's visit for a month before he came and the results showed it. Four important addresses were given each day.
Advanced women thinkers for the most part composed the audiences at the 10 o'clock morning gatherings in Mrs. Christine's home. Every noon a large club was addressed at its luncheon. A little explanation and tact mad: it possible to put the blue booklets or white Bahai slips as place cards at every luncheon and dinner. One by one the leading organizations were addressed. A mass meeting at the noon hour in the Mary Anderson theater was like manna from heaven. A newspaper editor and author introduced the Persian. |
A sweet surprise was when the Altrusa Club -- similar to the men's Rotary Club -- somes two hundred women officially sent their love and best wishes to the women of Persia, for the success of this universal, Bahai movement to help woman.
To Bahais a new star on the horizon of great souls in Louisville is Mr. C. Lee Cook (see who he is in April American Magazine; only that magazine does not give the A. B. C. of his spiritual, universal grasp of the Realities). He and his charming wife are souls whom Abdul Baha will LOVE. They entertained Janabe Fazel and Ahmad Sohrab in their hose. Mrs. Cook has a large touring car ‘thich she drives perfectly. Every morning she phoned something like this to Mrs. Christine: "Could I take anybody, anywhere, today?".. When Bahais expressed how mch this meant in those busy days she replied: "I only wish I could serve MORE!"
One of the many beautiful services of Mr. Christine was to put notices of Janabe's public lectures over the "time clocks" in Louisville's leading stores. Another good suggestion from Louisville is that every club announced the other lectures of the Persian guest. The colored people in Louisville had good opportu.nities to her Fazel speak of the amity between colored and white races. Dr. and Mrs. Murphy, great souls, did umuisual service and they gave a dinner and a reception in their home, as well as helped Mr. Gregory in arranging lectures in the churches for colored people. As one loves the pearls in the rosary for the Greatest Name so one could linger lovingly on every incident of Janabe Fazel's visit in Louisville. | .
St. Louis was the young "David" that with a sling want out and brought ina city! And the Bahais there are so few! Ah, but they have UNITY, that is the secret! Has any other city on the American Continent done better than to get a Temple Israel with an audience of 800 -- a Chamber of Commerce Thanksgiving luncheon that enrolls &@ Membership of five thousand -~- a railroad department, a vice-president, manager and over 100 assistants -- and the St. Louis Library school? These are some of the places where Janabe spoke. The St. Louis Library school will send a short article to the National Library publication which is issued to every library in the
[Page 5]
=~
a Se
United States. The Jewish magazines of St. Louis used articles and the daily papers used fine interviews. Two hundred persons came and ASKED for literature. The Vancervocrt department store had a talk in their auditorium, preceded by two pipe organ mmmbers. They carried the announcement of the lecture prominently in their advertisements, Bahais in each city are obliged to meet their problem of arrangements differently, but the Power of the Holy Spirit shines equally on all sincere efforts. Wo one city is better than another. All are becoming heavenly, but the Power seems to accumlate as the journey progresses. By the time Janade Fazel gets ready to leave a city a dozen organizations come to make engagements.
Mrs. Carrie M. Barbee, a most sweet and capable business woman, and a Bahai almost "all conscious" was up every morning in time to pray the Dawn Prayer and when she had finished cach ardent day it was about time to pray it again! But she found leisure to have the Bahais out to dinner and to bake a sunshine cake for Janabe and type a Portsmouth article for Ahmad. Mrs. Jones arranged the meeting before the New Thought groups that packed their auditorium so that many stood. Others who served wonderfully with Mrs. Barvee and Mrs. Jones were Mrs. Myers, Mr. Charless Cabanne, Mr. and Mrs. ‘ill Campbell, and Miss Ruth Howard.
As Abdul Baha says: "The doors of the inexhaustible treasuries of the Kingdom of Abha are wide open! Awake ye! and tale ye a share thereof. The boundless wealth of the world of immortality is defors your faces! Fill your hearts and minds ith it! Just as the disciples of Jesus Christ were filled with His Love, you mst also be filled with the Love of Baha'o'llah! Speak ye about Him; sing ye His praises and commendations and like unto the unshakable mountains be ye firm in His Covenant. Fill ye the minds with acclamations of joy! Cast ye in the hearts the seeds of gladness. Make your spirits the caskets of the jevels of His Love. Do ye not rest for one moment! Do ye not stop for any consideration! For the progress and the advancement of the Cause in this world depends upon wisdom, intelligence, knovledge and tactfulness of the lovers of the Blessed Beauty! The proper adjustment of these four qualities depends, however, upofifhumility and the Breaths of the Holy Spirit."
(signed) MARTHA ---00000--- “aed
"Let the Bahai world become the expression of one single individual seeking to
live the life of holiness and sanctification." Abdul Baha. ---00000-- The "diary cards of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab on the work in St. Louis follow:
Plaza Hotel, St. Louis, Missouri, November 2lst, 1920.
Only the Power of the Centre of the Covenant could unleck the door of the Temple Israel -- the largest synagogue under the most popular Rabbi Harrison. The subject of the talk was: "The Ideals of this New Age as Interpreted by the Bahai Movement." By eleven o'clock the Temple was filled with several hundred of the most intelligent audience. The Rabbi expressed the spontaneous desire that instead of reading from the Bible, he vould like to read from the Bahai literature and so he took for his scriptural reading: "To live the life." He praised the Cause most highly referring to Janabe Fazel as the Apostle of the New Light. It was indeed an inspiring spectacle, a thrilling experience to speak from the pulpit of a Jewish temple, to declare the coming of Baha'o'llah in clarion voice and to infiltrate in the minds of men the quickening vibrations of the golden dawn. For more than 40 mimtes a torrent of light descended from the lips of Janabe Fazel. The audience sat spell-bound and drank in every word. Several questions were asked and at the end of the meeting people rushed forward to shake hands and get literature. For luncheon Janabe was the guest of lfrs. Barbee. A bounteous table was spread and at 4 o'clock the Bahais dropped in and Janabe gave them a beautiful talk on teaching which was reported by Mrs. Barbee. The morning talk vas also reported and will appear in the Jewish papers. The St. Louis Post Dispatch had this morning a fine illustrated article. In the evening another lecture was delivered in the Fraternity
[Page 6]
Sie
Hall, N. Grand Avenue on "New Evidences of life after death." The audiamce conSisted of inguirers after truth. It was altogether a splendid beginning for St. Louis, a most beautiful opening for the Bahai work, Janabe is glad over the day's work and praises Abdul Baha for His confirmation. .In all these matters he sees His Divine hand. The day was truly fruitful and blessed. The breezes of mercy wafted and the believers were made happy over the presence of the teacher in St. Louis. ' ---00000~-Plaza Hotel, St. Louis, Missouri, November 22d, 1920..
Janabe Fazel said: "There is one life and that is the life of service; there is one law and that is the law of love; there is one way and that is the way of ‘others'; there is one truth and that is the truth of self-abnegation; there is one salvation and that is the salvation of humanity; there is one consciousness and that is the consciousness of humility; there is one music and that is the msic of sympathy." This morning Mrs. Allison called and took the teacher to Barnes hospital. For one hour Dr. Allison showed him the various wards for children and other departments, It was most instructive. Dr. and Mrs. Allison vere in Haifa at the time that Mr. and Mrs. Randall were in the Presence. In the afternoon at 3:00 o'clock Janabe went to the home of ifrs. R. T. Harry at 5634 Juniata Street to speak to a select group on the "Brotherhood of Man." The talk made a great impression and the questions answered with the greatest lucidity. lirs. Harry is a very spiritual soul and her interest in the Cause is very great. She thought the presence of Janabe in her home was a heavenly dlessing. On the return to the hotel the reporter of the "Star" interviewed Janabe and received mich valuable information. This morning "Globe Democrat" reported in one colum the talk in Temple Israel and has already attracted the attention of the reading public. Tonight at the New Thought Centre at 509 N. Newstead Aveme, another iecture was given on "Material and Spiritual Healing" before an | audience of more than 300 people. Janabe went into the history of the development of materia medica and the healing of disease by faith. He asserted that ve smst in whis age use both. "The medicine is for the body, the prayer is for the soul," he seid. "A time will come when the science of medicine will so advance that all the dissases will be healed through the food and liquids. The prophets are the spiritual physicians of the world of humanity. They heal the illnesses of ignorance, negligence, prejudices and envy. These are the most contagious diseases." The lecture was reported by 4 Bahai, Mrs. Wise, and no doubt it vill become part of ths future Bahai literature,
---00000--- , Plaza Hotel, St. Lovis, Missmiri, November 23rd, 1920.
This morning Miss Martha Root came to the hotel and took Janabe Fazel to the Public Library where the mother of Mrs. Barbee is working. She took him around the building and introduced him to her associates and the Librarian. At that time a class was going on and the Librarian requested Janabe to speak to them. Ther2 were about firty young girls. The talk was. short but to the point. It was on the introduction of New Libraries in Persia as a result of the principle of education laid down by Baha'o'llah. The talk will appear in the National Library Journal and thus reach all the Libraries in the country. From here Janabe called on Mrs. Barbee's office. Here he spoke with the various officials and Mrs. Barbee in her eagerness to serve was permitted to ask all the employees of the “abash together and listen to an impromptu speech by the Persian Scholar. Suddenly from every office they poured out -- bovs and girls -- and Janabe gave them another short talk on the nobility of work as taught by Baha-o-llah and praised them for their intsrest and energy. This was a great event for lMrs. Barbee, because this will give her nowa wonderful chance to teach them. In the evening Janabe Fazel spoke on "Old and Ne Life in Persia," before the members of Town Club in the Century Building. This is a Club of professional women and several handred were present with a few men sprinkled here and there. The audience listened to the story of the old glories of Persia but the thing that attracted them was the new Glory of the land, the New
[Page 7]
ate
Ideals springing like a fountain from the heart of Abdul Baha. They were most appreciative and the President thanked on the part of the audience the speaker of the evening. The Evening Star nublished a long article -- most interesting. ---00000--Hotel Plaza, St. Louis, Missouri, November 24th, 1920.
The last day is always the most active. Janabe Fazel had to give four talks, each wore wonderful than the other -- so filled with the spirit of love. The first talk was before the Chamber of Commerce, where 1500 of the most representative men and women of St, Louis were present for Thanksgiving dimer. The mayor of tho city, Archbishop of St. Louis, Rabbi Harrison, Bishop of Missouri, Major T. J. Dickson and scores of great men -- one of the most imposing gatherings that ever Janabe has addressed. "Shen he arose to speak, everyone got up from his seat and offered hima spontancous homage of reverence. "Thanksgiving in Persia" was his subject and his passion and eloquence were so great that repeated applause grested him. At 2:30 P.M. he gave his fine talk: "The Progress of women in the Orient" in the Vandervoort's lMfusic Hall, and there was a large crowd present and listened most attentatively. At 4 P.M. he spoke on "Social Co-operation in Persia" before the fashionable and Aristocratic members of "Wednesday Clu>" in their own luxurious club house. At 8 P.M. he lectured in the Fraternity Temmie, 25 N. Grand Avenue, on a "New Solution of the Economic Problem", Many questions were followed and illuminating answers given, In one day more than 3000 people of St. Louis heard the glorious message -SO many people asked for literature, inquired about Bahai Assembly, desired to help the Cause in a financial mamer. Janabe Fazel on his return to the hotel said: "Praise be to Abdul Baha that He has assisted us to travel throughout these great cities to scatter the lights of love and fellowship. May he confirm us contimallyin order that we may bring to an end this significant trip with joy and fragrance! We are raising the Call of the Kingdom as we go along. Tomorrow we shall contime our journey, enter in new cities, meet new friends and gain new experiences in the path of God."
| ---00000-- "Today the Heavenly Powers and the merciful Cohorts are the defenders and supporters of those souls who are occupied with teaching the Cause of God and are firm in the Covenant." (From a Tablet of Abdul Baha to the Washington Assembly. )
Also from a Tablet of Abdul Baha to Miss Martha Root: “I very much desire tha’ thou snould visit the Holy Land and thus meet thee, but teaching stands above everything elss..."
---00000---.
Recently we have received some of the Talks of Abdul Baha to Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi while he was in Haifa, on the subject of the Mashrakol-Azkar, We will share these Notes from time to time. Now we quote a few paragraphs:
"The matter of the building of the Mashrakol-Azkar in Chicago is of supreme importance. Even if it be only a single room now, it will have greater effect than the biggest temples of the future. The friends in America do not understand the importance of the Mashrakol-Azkar......
"Tell the friends that the believers throughout the world have heard that you wish to build this Temple, therefore, it is unlawful to neglect and delay and drag it mors than this, because its importance is great and great; its effects shall be manifest in all the world...... "
Also we quote herewith the Utterance of Abdul Baha to two pilgrims, in referrng to the Mashrakol-Azkar:
"Furthermore, today the establishment of the Mashrakol-Azkar is of paramount importance, but hereafter it shall not be so. This is the beginning of organization; it is like unto the first church founded in Christianity; it is an expression of the elevation or the WORD of GOD."
When built, then, the Mashrakol-Azkar will be the greatest teacher, for "it is an expression of the elevation of the WORD of GOD." | Respectfully and lovingly submitted, Washington, D. C., THE TEACHING COMMITTEE OF NINETEEN December 1920. By Mariam Haney, Sec'y,.