National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1920/June 19/Text
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To rise, to act, to help - This is a Bahai life. Abdul-Baha (Divine Plan, Page 26)
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BULLETIN NO. 1
Issued by the Teaching Committee appointed by the delegates to the Convention.
In accordance with the plan outlined in our general letter (copy cf which we hope all Bahais have received), we submit the following report:
We are all very much pleased with the hearty response and cocperation in all matters pertaining to the service of teaching and spreading the Message. Both genercsity and sacrifice are manifest in the ccntributions to the Teaching Fmd, - indicating that the friends are heartily . in favor of a wnited effort regardless cf perscnal cpinions, and that they are realizing (as we ourselves are trying tc realize) that
"One drop of deed is better than an ocean of words, and cne ounce of action is mcre valuable than a ton of eloquent speeches." (Divine Plan, page 65).
Our teachings accentuate the fact that the service most acceptable is the cone in which there is the element cf sacrifice, and the members Cf the Teaching Committee fully realize that many have arisen to the point of sacrifice, and that ALL are striving. to comprehend as Abdul-Baha instructs "That teday the Cause that is confirmed is the promotion of the Werd cf GOD."
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The great teacher we are so blessed in having in this cowmtry just now Mirza Fazel Mazandarani, and his interpreter, Manucher Khan, began their loving service tc the friends in New York City the last of April, having arrived -in time for the Convention. They were entertained at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Krug on East 69th St., where Mr. and Mrs. Beurgecis were the host and hostess during the absence of the Krugs in the Holy Land. Thereafter for over two weeks (excepting for a few days cf enferced rest on account of illness), many public meetings were arranged, as well as personal and private interviews. Morning, afternoon and evening the activities continued; scmetimes two and three mestings were held the same night.
It is the intention to arrange a mre complete program of service
in and around New York City at some future date when Mirza Fazel finds it
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convenient to again visit that City and assist the. friends with his enlightened service, as we know that confirmations are successively reaching hin.
Abdul-Baha has said:
"Whomsoever I send anywhere, he has been assisted. That which is needed is Divine Confirmation. "......+40.
These blessed servers left New York for Philadelphia where they spent a few days in the home of Mrs. Reveil, - gloriously and effectively serving both friends and strangers: the result being an uplift and confirmation to all.
From Philadelphia Mirza Fazel and Manucher Khan proceeded to Baltimore where a short visit was made. They were entertained there at the home of Mrs. Lane. One public address was given; also a very beautiful meeting tor the Bahais.
The party then left for Washington, D. C., arriving the night of May 17th, and during their stay of nearly three weeks, they were the guests of Mrs. A. J. Parsons at 1818 N St., N. W., and from this center the activities radiated to all parts of the City.
The opportunities for service here were many and varied. Among the meetings of a public nature were addresses given at the following places:
The Lsveraitists Hall at the Public Library.
Two meetings at a Baptist Church.
An interview with the Minister of a Universalist Church and a talk
in said Church.
Wilson Normal School: A Talk on Progressive Education.
A Talk at Metaphysical Hall. The private meetings were much larger in number; and the personal interviews Were of great importance (strangers and friends coming in large numbers). This precluded any greater activity in the line of public meetings at this time. A program of much wider scope had to be left, and will be arranged at the time of another visit in the future before Mirza Fazel leaves this country.
Among the private meetings were many held at the home of Mrs. Parsons. The Bahais personally and in groups considered it a privilege to consult with Mirza Fazel. Very many of these private meetings had also been arranged for inquireérs.
Also the friends in Washington were very fortunate in having Mirza Fazel and Manucher Khan with them at the Feast of the Declaration of the Bab on May 23rd, which was given by Mrs. Claudia Coles at the home of Mrs. de Lagnel. Another notable Feast was given by Mrs. Parsons at Studio Hall for Bahais only. Both of these Feasts were well attended and served to strengthen the bond of unity so mich desired among the friends.
Several other large meetings of great importance were held in private homes, for the conveying of the Message and answering questions pertaining to the Cause; notably among these were the meeting at Prof. & Mrs. Cook's at Howard University; a meeting attended by about ninety or more at the home of Mrs. de Lagnel; a very large and interesting group at Mr. and Mrs. Ashton's, and the meeting at Mrs. Duffield's.
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The Washington believers very reluctantly parted with these beautiful servers, realizing that as Abdul-Baha had sent them on this wonderful mission of service, 2very minute with them meant an added instruction and a creat gain.
We all observed that Mirza Fazel is teaching by deed as well as by word, and is demonstrating that it is possible to approach a degree of attainment for a teacher, which is required by Abdul-Baha, namely:
"The intention of the teacher mst be pure, his heart independent, his spirit attracted, his thought at peace, his resolution firm, his magnanimity exalted, and in the love of God a shining torch."
(Divine Plan, page 68).
The friends left Washington the morning of June Ist for Pittsburg for a visit of a few days, where Miss Martha Root and others had arranged a program for the friends there.
| Then Cleveland was visited on the 3rd and 4th of June, and our friends were the guests there of Mr. & Mrs. M. P. Potter during their brief stay. There were two evening meetings held at this home; both being well attended by the friends and their united friends. Among the inquirers were Christian Scientists, Theosophists, New Thoughtists and others.
It is the plan we believe to have Mirza Fazel and Manucher Khan visit both Pittsburg and Cleveland again in the future for a longer visit so that the friends will have ample time to plan for and arrange a more extended program.
From Cleveland the party proceeded to Chicago where these great ~ souls are serving at present. In the next "Bulletin" we will be able to give a detailed account of the visit there.
By way of information, so that all may share in the news we have, we would like to state here that since his arrival in this country, Mirza Fazel has received Instructions from Abdul-Baha to edit the Persian Section of the "Star of the West."
Mr. Albert Vail is continually in service in and around Chicago, and this will continue to be his program for the present. He received instructions from Abdul-Baha to concentrate his efforts in that field at this time, with the exception of a short visit in Washington, D. C., where a most effective service was rendered. Many meetings were successfully arranged for him. All villingly and cheerfully co-operate in assisting this illumined soul to serve in every way possible.
Mr. Louis G. Gregory served very effectively for a week the first
part of May in the colored section of New York City (Harlem), since which
time he was in Washington for a few days; then started on a tour of service
visiting some towns in Delaware first, and then proceeded to Maryland where
he is now constantly teaching and interesting new souls. We judge by the
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perfectly wonderful list of names he has sent us, both of pbelievers and those attracted and interested, that confirmations have been his portion and a worth while success has resulted from his splendid efforts.
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Mr. Roy Williams has been serving in the South since about the _middle of May, visiting several of the smaller towns in Virginia and West Virginia, In each place visited confirmations seemed to succeBsively reach him, for schools, churches, Y. M. C. A. and other organizations opened wide their doors for him, and he served both colored and white people; chiefly, however, he has been working among the colored people. He is now in Chattanooga, Tenn. One avenue of service which seems to have opened for him in a most gratifying way is the opportunity to give the Message to the men employed in factories and foundries. His teachings were uo well received, that he has been asked to remain for several months in Chattanooga to further this great work.
Mirza Ahmad Sohrab has been serving in and about New York City. Last Sunday he gave a public address in Newark on "The Essential Elements of the Universal Religion." _ Very soon we hope to send out a report of the trip Mirza Ahmad made last winter and spring to the Pacific Coast Cities and far western towns, for the Message was very widely given at that tim@.
Mrs, Ann Parmerton has been travelling since the Qonvention, serving in Ohio; spending some days in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleweland, Akron, Sandusky and other cities.
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Miss Marion Jack is at Vancouver, B. C., covering from there the Western part of Canada.
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Mrs. Logie has been giving all of her’ time to a particulars service in and around New York, as Abdul-Baha had instructed her to see that the Message was given among the Germans.
Mother Beecher has been in the New England States, and earlier in the year spent several months in Canada.
Mrs. Louise Gregory is doing some splendid work in the smaller
towns in New York State.
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A more detailed account cf the work of the travelling teachers will be given from time to time.
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An item of surpoassing interest has come in a letter from Abbas Guli, a wonderful Persian wno has charge of the Tomb of the Bab. The letter ig dated at Haifa, April 27th. We quote from it, «as follows:
"Friends from all parts of the world are here. They have come from America, Persia, India, Russia, Italy, France, Fngland, Mesapotamia, igypt, Syria, Palestine, and all are rejoicing notwithstanding the great world's unrest. Praise be to GOD, the Bahais here and over all parts of the world are a most happy community. Today in the presence of the believers, the novuoles of the country, the leaders of all religions, while the English soldiers were saluting and the military music was playing, the Master received the highest gold medal sent by the King of England. It was a very happy occasion. Dr. Bagdadi is heve and is writing this letter for me (in English)."
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Also we have news of Green Acre activities which the friends throughout the country will be glad to have. We quote from a letter just received:
"Green Acrs will be ready for friends and guests by July lst. The Trustees have experd2d a great deal of money in making improvements. The Green Acre Fellowship has bought the Green Acre property including the Inn and cottages and the Inn is being repaired thoroughly; likewise Rogers Cottage and Willow Cote Cottage have been rebuilt, so that the physical condition has been greatly improved, and it is hoped that we shall have a beautiful summer and a spiritual uplift. All are invited to join the Green Acre community. There will be many splendid conferences and able speakers; and among others Mirza Fazel Mazandarani will be at Green Acre for several weeks and will give a course of inspiring talks and meet classes in teaching.”
The rates at the Inn will be from $7.00 to $12.00 per week for room, and the $12.00 rooms accommodate two. The board, which is separate, will be on the basis of about $9.00 per week. There are also smatl double cottages near the Inn which rent at $100.00 for the season, without board; and this includes two furnished rooms. .
If anyone desires further information about the Green Acre activities for the season, they may obtain the same by addressing Mr. Wm. =. Randall, Eliot, Maine; or 35 Congress St., Boston, Mass.
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In regard to a financial statement: We have not had time to receive replies from various sections of the country, and therefore can only give at this time a very brief report.
One of the friends contributed at once $500.00 to start two teachers
in the field of service, as she felt she could not whit for a Teaching Fund
to develop and grow when the Vineyard and laborers were ready. For the present, also, she is entirely supporting another teacher; and has contributed
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$200.00 toward the support of still another teacher (who is not travelling at present, but hopes to have sufficient fund soon to start for China); and has also pledged $19.00 per month toward the regular Teaching Fund.
Another friend personally advanced $5,000.00 for a Fund to be used in defraying the expenses of Mr. & Mrs. Ober on their journey to Persia. In structions had been received to the effect that some American teachers should travel to Persia. The Obers are now enroute to America, however, stopping on the way in Germany and France. A more extended trip is now planned, to be undertaken next Spring when a large party of Americans will make the journey together.
This brother is also personally sustaining several other Teaching activities, as well as contributing $19.00 per month to the Teaching Fund.
Another sister is personally supporting a teacher in the field and has been doing so since last Jamuary, as well as sustaining several other teaching activities and contributing $10.00 per month to the Teaching Fund.
Still another brother is contributing to many phases of the teaching service. We do not happen to have "inside information" as to the nature of all these expenditures, but we do know, however, that he has contributed $9.00 per month to the Teaching Fund and paid the same in advance for one year.
The above items are shared with you because we think you would like to be informed, and because ¢hese splendid responses are stimulating and very encouraging.
In the next Bulletin we will try and include an official statement so that you will have a detailed account of our resources.
Probably all friends have heard of the death of our beloved brothers, Albert H. Hall and Chas. H. Greenleaf on May 24th. The Master was cabled of their passing, and the following cable was received in reply:
"Supplicating Lord of the Kingdom to submerge these two blessed souls in the Ocean of His Mercy." (Signed) Abbas.
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This first Bulletin - inadequate and imperfect as it may be - is just a beginning. We are simply striving to share chiefly the news items
about the teaching work, just as we promised in the letter circulated generally among all friends.
The followins Words of the Master cheer us on our way: "0 ye friends! Fellowship, fellowship! Love, love! Unity, unity! So that the Power of the Bahai Cause may appear and become manifest in the world of
existence. " We are also enclosing copy of some Instructions from Abdul-Baha
which create within us a new heart and spirit.
Respectfully submitted,
Washington, D. C., June 19, 1920. The Teaching Committee.
