National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1921/December 10/Text

[Page 1]

".. Whosoever heralds the Covenant of GOD, unquestionably he is confirmed. ....... Call the people to the Covenant and make the souls firm and steadfast."

"The Teaching Committee, however, will certainly continue, and with utmost joy and harmony will execute its functions, and unquestionably this Committee will day by day grow in strength and confirmation." From a Tablet of Abdul Baha, dated July 26, Rec’d Sept. 21, 1921).

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B U L L E T I N[edit]

Issued by the Teaching Committee of Nineteen.

"Trust thou in the Love of Abdul Baha, for verily nothing equals it."

Several weeks have passed since the last Bulletin was issued. We have been in the midst of conditions which precluded either the expense or the work. And now that the service is to be resumed, we look for the cooperation of the friends, that the Teaching-Temple news may be shared with all, and with some degree of promptness.

To go back to the arrival of Jenabe Fazel in Haifa -- let us quote from a letter shared by one of the friends from Jenabe Fazel, written when he was in the Presence of the Beloved:

"The Favors of the Master are inexhaustible and boundless. In my first meeting He inquired about the health of the friends, and repeatedly stated that the signs and services became manifest through the confirmations of the Blessed Perfection. He said 'The Cause is proclaimed throughout America.' I spoke in detail about the services and the spiritual kindnesses, the love and the unity of all the friends collectively and individually."...

There were a number of Turkish Bahais in Haifa at the time Jenabe was there, and they supplicated to have him in Constantinople a few days, when he left for his home in Teheran, Persia.

From a Tablet to Mrs. Parsons:

"The services of his honor, Fazel, to the Kingdom of God are well known. It is my hope that he may be confirmed to visit that Continent again."

"May GOD give assistance and confirmation to the souls who serve the Supreme Word and elevate this Call." Abdul Baha.

How have we tried to fulfill the Commands to scatter the seeds widely in new soil, and to water the seeds of Truth already sown? "Today there is no result or fruit greater than guiding the people" for the Beloved Master has said "Sow the seeds, teach the Cause to those who do not know." We are laying the foundation now, as we so well know, gathering the materials into the Kingdom of GOD on earth. The decorations and the harvests are for the future, but NOW is the time for laying the firm foundation. "The least difference today will cause great difference in the future". The firm foundation hath ever been the WORD. Upon this Rock of Ages, we must build. Without holding aloft this WORD, we have no foundation. We [Page 2] remember so well how, when some letters and newspapers arrived in Haifa one day telling of the work of the believers in spreading the Message, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá became very happy and prayed for their confirmation. Then He said:

“They must step with steadfast feet into this field (teaching the Cause), and must think of naught else save the unity of the people and the elevation of the WORD of GOD.”

In order to fulfill the Divine Commands about teaching, the blessed Command TO KNOW THE TEACHINGS, so oft repeated to us, must be crystallized into the constant effort to acquire accurate knowledge, so that new souls coming into the Cause will be correctly informed on all points, and come in to the Light of the New Day “singing the praises of GOD with understanding.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá repeatedly emphasized the study of the Holy Books and the Holy Utterances, that the friends “may be familiar with their contents.”

One of the greatest demonstrations of the fulfillment of the Promise of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the teachers who arise with all heart and soul, is the confirmed teaching tour of Mr. Louis G. Gregory. The proclamation of the Glorious Message of this Great Day of GOD has ever been the magnet to attract Divine confirmations, and our dear brother has witnessed the descent of the heavenly confirmations every step of the way. To record the preciousness of his worthy endeavors since last Fall would mean to write a volume. We can only briefly share with the friends a glimpse of what has truly been accomplished by the “angel of life”, as ‎ Bahá’u’lláh‎ used to call the teachers, for “they breathe the spirit of life to the people.” (See Star of the West, Sept. 27, 1918, page 126).

Mr. Gregory served at Green Acre during the summer, and then starting in Boston in the early Fall, he worked Westward visiting many Centers enroute. The visit at Oberlin, Ohio, stands out as particularly noteworthy, for the inhabitants of that University City are, for the most part, extremely orthodox -- yet churches clubs and schools ‎ welcomed‎ the Bahá’í teacher.

Cleveland was the next city visited; and here both believers and strangers were made happy by hearing the Glad-tidings of the Kingdom.

Chicago always receives Mr. Gregory warmly, both inside and outside of the Cause, and the visit there this time was particularly fruitful. An average of a meeting a day, sometimes more, was the order. Hundreds were given the Message at these meetings, and the signs of confirmations were seen in the number of new faces at the Bahá’í meetings. Mr. Gregory wrote in one of his letters: “The friends in Chicago are cheerful and bright because united and free from all traces of violation.... Kenosha and Racine, Wis., are the same way, the Kenosha friends being especially active. To look into their bright and happy faces and to know the joy that wells in their loving hearts is indeed inspiring. They have had an astonishing growth and are uniting all races.”

Rockford, Ill., and other suburban cities from Chicago were also visited.

Then Mr. Gregory travelled to the Northwest and began a most effective and glowing period of service in the “Twin Cities” - St. Paul and Minneapolis. In both cities the friends arising with great courage, and they were untiring in their efforts to arrange meetings. Dr. Orrol Woolson in St. Paul was especially successful, and as Mr. Gregory wrote “She seemed to be the center of Divine confirmations.” Five churches, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian and two Baptist, received the Message with enthusiasm. The Women’s Clubs, and the Sterling Club - a group of some six hundred representative colored men, and others were eager to hear the Glad-tidings. Dr. Orrol Woolson wrote in her exceptionally interesting report: “The whole City of St. Paul (that is, the colored population) is aflame with the Message Mr. Gregory has brought them. ....Our happiness is so great at the tremendous wave of spiritual awakening...... The Spirit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has been in our midst.” This detailed report will be one of the lovely chapters in the progress of the Cause in St. Paul. It will be published in full in the future days we feel sure. [Page 3] To return to Mr. Gregory’s report, he adds: "In Minneapolis there were many meetings, public and private. The Methodist Conference, the Elks Lodge, Baptist Church and the City Hall were scenes of the larger meetings.

Mrs. Schneider’s report on the ‎ Minneapolis‎ work is shared herewith in part: ....."Mr. Gregory is surely our beloved brother. We have never had such meetings and so much interest shown in the Assembly. He has done a wonderful work here. We are more united, and the work with the colored people will in time prove very fruitful. I must tell you of a wonderful experience I had at one of our Assembly meetings. Mr. Gregory was talking on the Station of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. I was unconscious of any one in the room except Mr. Gregory. I was looking at him, when all of a sudden he stood before me as white as you are. I was brought to consciousness, and realized I had been shown his reality. It was a wonderful moment, one I shall never forget." The report details the glorious results from service, and now the friends in Minneapolis are aglow and longing for other teachers. Mr. Gregory has made this corner of the Vineyard ready and the souls are receptive.

Duluth, Minn., was the next City visited. The friends here are a happy and active group, consecrated to the service of the Kingdom and willing to make any sacrifices. There were meetings with the Theosophists, Spiritualists, Baptists, Methodists (colored), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a Woman’s Club at the Public Library, Men’s Clubs, and many group meetings. Mr. Gregory wrote in his report:......"The colored people are especially grateful for the Message..........The Bahá’í Teachings have now reached practically all the colored and many thousands of white people. In time all will see that God’s Way is the ONLY WAY."

Mr. Chas. Hanson has written a glowing account of the Duluth program, and many are the expressions of gratitude for the days spent with the illumined teacher.

From Minnesota, Mr. Gregory proceeded to Omaha, Neb., and this was assuredly Divine guidance, for he found souls hungering and thirsting for the "Water of Knowledge" and the "Bread of Life." The first word from our dear brother after his arrival in Omaha and getting in touch with the friends was: "It is quite amazing how quickly the Western people act. They do not stand on any ceremony, but see what is to be done, and go right after it. Small wonder that Jenabe Fazel admired them. They keep a teacher in endless motion." The Americanization Society, Metaphysical Society, N.A.A.C.P., various churches, and other organizations, as well as private homes, furnished occasions for splendid meetings in Omaha. From Mr. Gregory’s report, we quote the following:

"There are some beautiful souls here with wonderful devotion..........If you could see their happiness and assurance, it would be an evident sign of guidance........It does not do to simply give people the Message, attract them to the Cause, and leave them as children to grapple with very difficult problems. There should everywhere be follow-up work where souls are attracted, especially until they get firm enough to withstand the arrows of disaster. The colored people here are all greatly interested."

Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Olis, and our Jewish Bahá’í brother, Mr. Ackerman, joined heartily and enthusiastically in the work of seed sowing in Omaha, and it is hoped that teachers travelling Westward will always stop in Omaha, for there are souls there with great capacities for spiritual understanding and service, among both races.

Lincoln, Neb., the next city visited, is not an organization town like Omaha, but our dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Coover arranged meetings, and rendered most enthusiastic services...The Theosophists warmly welcomed our good Bahá’í brother and there was a large public meeting, as well as many individual and group meetings with them. Prof. F. M. Fling of the University of Nebraska, historian of the Paris Peace Conference, although an extremely busy man gave two hours to a conference. He is deeply interested, and goes so far as to say that to be successful, the Bahá’í Movement must revolve around a great Personality. The colored [Page 4] friends are very responsive too. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People furnished a splendid audience and the Methodist Church also."

Mr. Gregory is now in Denver, and will continue his journey westward, visiting as many of the Assemblies and cities as possible.

From even a glimpse of the work that he is accomplishing, we can gather that he has been guided aright and that he is fully confirmed. Jenabe Fazel often expressed the wish that Mr. Gregory should go over the ground that he had covered in the West, and the wisdom in this wish becomes daily apparent.

"The Powers of the Kingdom of ABHA and the divine confirmations will assist and reinforce every one who becomes engaged in teaching the Cause of GOD. There is no doubt about this." Abdul Baha.

Reports from the Kenosha, Wis., Assembly, through Mr. Louis J. Voelz, the former Secretary, and Mr. Walter Bohanan, the recently appointed Secretary, indicate that in this section as well as in Racine and the surrounding towns, there is great activity, and the Cause has been and is being widely spread. All of the Principles of the Cause are being proclaimed by various teachers who have visited this section from time to time. The Oneness of Mankind is being demonstrated at all meetings, for all races are attracted and united, and the progress and growth of the Cause is marvellously manifest. Dr. Zia Bagdadi has made several visits to this section. He proclaims the Most Great Glad-tidings in no uncertain terms and sets all in motion. Mr. Louis G. Gregory, Mr. Carl Scheffler and others have added their endeavors, and it is the wish of the friends to warmly welcome any and all of the travelling teachers. The friends in this section are ever in great fervor and aflame with the Fire of His Love, for firmness in the Covenant has been quite like the "Golden Rule" in this Assembly, and they have had well in their minds and hearts the Divine Utterance that:

"The sweetest thing in this world is to obey strictly the Commands of GOD and shun His prohibitions." Deeds prove the station of the man today, and therefore the conditions in Kenosha and vicinity prove that the friends have not started with words and ended with words.

It is the great desire of the Committee of Consultation of Kenosha to correspond with the Committees in all of the cities in this country and other countries, so that there may be a great bond of unity established in this way. Address all communications to: Mr. Walter J. Bohanan, Sec'y, P. O. Box 135, Kenosha, Wis.

A most enthusiastic report has reached us from Mr. M. C. Oglesby of Somerville, Mass. In his travels he is constantly having marvellous opportunities for service, to such an extent that time does not admit of entering all the doors which open wide. In Chicago, Cleveland, Boston and other cities, Mr. Oglesby has given the Message of Truth before large audiences of both colored and white people; in churches, various Christian organizations, Young Men's Forums, Literary Societies, New Thought Centers, and the New Thought Forum in Boston. His wife is also a speaker, and both of these blessed souls are devoting every moment possible in radiant ‎ efficient‎ service. To read a report of their work is an inspiration; and always such glowing accounts of loving confirmed service proves over and over again how the Lord of mankind uses willing, cheerful instruments and He pours out a Bounty upon them.

"Today confirmation is with those souls who arise to teach.......The souls who are engaged in teaching the Cause, resemble the full-blown flowers. Sweet fragrances are being diffused from the rosegardens of their hearts." Abdul Baha.

Probably the most notable activity of the month was the Amity Convention held in Springfield, Mass., December 5th and 6th. The friends had invited Mr. Roy Williams of Washington to come and serve in their Assembly and assist in the work [Page 5] there. While thus ‎ serving‎, the friends in consultation felt the urge to have an Amity Convention for the Unity of the colored and white people. Before deciding definitely to undertake the said work, a cable was sent to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asking if it was the time for such a Convention there, and the reply came back at once: "Yes, GOD confirms it." Fortified with this Authority Mrs. Kretz-Ballerjeau, Mr. Roy Williams and the friends pressed forward with the work with enthusiasm and courage born of the spirit. Every obstacle was removed and every difficulty surmounted with ease, and the Convention in every way was a very great success, in fact to such an extent is this true, that the friends themselves were extremely surprised. The peace and rest which humanity at large will find when all prejudices are removed was truly experienced by those present at the meetings, and because of the Divine confirmations upon the noble endeavors of the servers, the Spiritual atmosphere of Springfield in those two days will never be forgotten. A mighty force indeed went out into the minds and hearts of all those who listened to the Divine Remedy offered in the Bahá’í Message of Life. Mr. Wm. H. Randall’s comment on the work follows:

"Yesterday I went to Springfield to attend the Amity Convention in the evening. There was a large gathering, perhaps nine hundred, and the whole meeting was beautifully conducted, the music inspiring and the Spirituals were wonderfully sung. Several of the speakers mentioned the Name of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá although they had not heard of Him before, and we had an opportunity of naturally bringing in something of the Life of our Beloved in reference to the Most Great Peace and servitude to the human family. I think Roy Williams has accomplished wonders in Springfield and he is much beloved there."

A detailed account of this Convention will be issued soon.

"Praise be to GOD.....they (the Bahá’ís) are the means of the proclamation of the oneness of the world of humanity and the promotion of the ideals of universal peace." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

In regard to the Amity Convention which was held in Washington last Spring, and which shall hereafter be known as the "Mother Convention", ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has revealed many blessed Utterances, and from His Holy Tablets we record herewith the following excerpts:

"This Convention has the position of a Mother which will bring forth many a Convention."

"Praise be to GOD that the Race Convention was carried through in the utmost perfection."

"I hope that the Congress of the White and the Colored that was instituted will have great influence on the inhabitants of America so that every one may confess and bring witness that the Teachings of His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh assembles the white, the colored, the yellow, the red and all under the Shade of the Pavilion of the Oneness of the World of Humanity; and that if the Teachings of His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh be not enforced the antagonism between the colored and the white in America, will give rise to great calamities."

"Be thou assured that this Race Convention will also in the future be established in the other States of America. Your Convention is like the Mother Convention which shall give birth to many others. If your Convention be held in the future in Washington itself it will be preferable, because in that city there is great animosity between the white and the colored. Besides in that city ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself laid the foundation of this unity and harmony in the churches, assemblies and universities of the colored and the white, and thou certainly rememberest the speeches which were delivered........"

In another Tablet in referring to the Amity Convention, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said:

"It is certain that it shall bear great results. Let the next meeting be convened in New York City. It shall be productive of great consequences."...... [Page 6] "The Convention of the colored and the white was in reality a great work. Because if the question of the colored and the white should not be solved, it would be productive of great dangers in future for America. Therefore, the confirmation of the Kingdom of ABHA shall constantly reach any person who strives after the conciliation of the colored and the white........"

"The annual Race Convention is better to be convened next year in New York; and if the majority of the friends of GOD deem it advisable that it should be convened in San Francisco, that would also be ‎ permissible‎."

Mirza Ahmad ‎ Sohrab’s‎ address has been asked for by several of the friends, and it is given herewith: No. 910 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, Calif. We received printed circulars indicating that Ahmad is lecturing in Southern California.

A most interesting report has come from Miss Agnes Alexander on "How Abdul Baha Opened the Door to Korea".

It is a heavenly story of seed sowing in a country where the word Bahai was new to all. How I wish that all the friends might read in full this sweet story of how one lovely severed Bahai maidservant heeded the Call of the Spirit, and with heart and soul hastened from Japan to Korea with only a few letters of introduction to the people of that land. "A stranger in a strange land", yet never a stranger in reality for to the Bahai "the world is one home"; and never for a moment could such a soul be alone for Abdul Baha promised great confirmations would reach her. We know also that ministering angels accompany the teachers who go forth to bring souls to the "shore of the Sea of Faith." Abdul Baha, in the Divine Plan, has instructed that it is of the utmost importance that services of this kind should be rendered, and blessed indeed is the soul who has attained unto His Peerless Confirmations. He has said "the Flag of the Oneness of the World of Humanity must be upraised", and that "a most wonderful state of receptivity is being realized. This is through the consummate wisdom of GOD, so that capacity may be created."

From a prayer given us to be used when on a teaching tour in foreign countries, we quote just a line: "O Lord! Associate with me in my ‎ loneliness‎ and accompany me in my journeys through these foreign lands."

From the following excerpts from Miss Alexander’s report, we can see how the prayers are answered:

"After a week had passed, His Plan for the opening of the Cause in that spot became apparent. In His Plan the highest officials were the first to hear His Message. Seven of these, from the Governor General down, this servant had individual talks with. The next were the editors of the leading newspapers. The two largest Japanese, one Korean, and the only English, all were interviewed and wrote articles: the Japanese and Korean papers publishing both Abdul Baha’s picture and that of the Temple. The English paper, being small, had no space for pictures, but three times it published something, twice giving up a column to the Teachings. Does this not show the great necessity for travel and individual teaching at this time when hearts are open? Not in one instance, with any one, was the least prejudice shown. If the editors and officials could grasp the Cause, it would be the means of opening it to all, and thus the gulf which exists between these two peoples (Korean and Japanese) would be altered through the Cause of Baha’o’llah."

Public meetings were well arranged and well advertised. The Society of "The Heavenly Way", an organization started about sixty years ago united Confucianists, Taoists and ‎ Buddhists‎, and today Christians have also united with it. Now the leaders who have had interviews with me say we should unite. This Society arranged a large meeting which was held in a great hall or temple. "It was like a dream to me, for there before me were hundreds sitting on the matted floor with feet crossed. This servant trusted only to Abdul Baha to guide her words..... The one point I emphasized was the Center, Abdul Baha, to whom all could turn for comfort........ I do not believe that anywhere has the Bahai Message been given for the first time publicly in a new country to so great an audience. I realized my own incapacity [Page 7] and only wished I could be a little like the wonderful beloved teacher, Fazel, who attracted all hearts in America."

After several private and personal meetings with various individuals, there was a meeting with the members of the First Bank, about fifty. "All could not understand English, but it was a seed planting time and the future will tell. Later the banker took this servant and an American friend to his home where a wonderful Japanese feast was served." The next day was a Bahá’í Feast day and Miss Alexander arranged to give feast in the Name of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the first to be given in that land.... The next night a number of young Korean men gave a Korean feast. It was a heavenly feast, and those present wrote their names to be sent to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and a photograph was taken.

Another wonderful afternoon was spent at a ‎ Buddhist‎ school. Her first words to the students were in connection with showing ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s picture. Another Feast was given by the ‎ Koreans,‎ ever so many private interviews, and thus a wonderful month of thrilling service came to an end, but, who knows how many, many harvests shall be gathered in the future from this precious and heavenly visit. We hope Miss Alexander’s story will be printed in a little booklet some day, and with a glimpse into the future, we can see how thousands will wish they could have accompanied her.

"......This day is the day of teaching, and every day is to a teacher as blessed, august and auspicious as a Feast Day." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

A letter from Mrs. True some few days ago stated that "The work on the glorious edifice, the Mashrakol-Azkar goes on every day now. The strong concrete piling for the foundation is being driven in by powerful machinery."

The Temple Unity Board Meeting is being held in Chicago at this time, and the next Bulletin will carry a report of these meetings.

The Disarmament Conference called to meet in Washington by President Harding has attracted the most brilliant and intellectual minds from each country who are participating in the deliberations. If the hearts could be touched and the spiritual quickening take place, there would be "life and more life" in the Conference, and the results would be forthcoming that would make all hearts happy.

Many of the friends throughout the country join in requesting that at least one believer in each Assembly pray the prayer of the Báb 314 times daily, and all others in each Assembly use the "Remover of Difficulties" prayer daily throughout the month of December, supplicating that the hearts of all the delegates and officials may be so touched that each one may become the recipient of Divine guidance and draw light and inspiration from the Center of Light. We feel sure that great results will be forthcoming. This is the most important of all conferences, and we know the united prayers of the Bahá’ís will have a powerful effect.

A new spirit is slowly but surely coming over the friends in this country, and the new Real Unity is forming -- a Unity which will never more be talked about, but which will come into being solely through the Light of the Covenant which must be in every heart. The sifting time has come, and "all shall be sifted just as the wheat is separated from the tares. In a sieve they shall be cleaned and purified from dust and chaff. Likewise, those whose actions are good, will be distinguished from the others. Therefore, in every cycle when a sifting and a great testing occur, all.......will fall away except the sincere souls who come under the shadow of the WORD of GOD." (Star of the West, Sept. 8, 1918). There is no safety for any soul save in the Strongly Fortified Fortress of the Covenant. The Center of the Covenant is the One Around Whom all the Names Revolve. To have really tasted the Wine of His Love; to have felt the Breeze of Love in the heart from that [Page 8] Divine Heart of Love means Salvation; and it means the unconditional surrender of all, even to life itself, for His Sake.

HE HAS RISEN AND HE LIVETH AND REIGNETH FOREVER.

"The time cometh when the Nightingale of Holiness will be prevented from unfolding the Inner Significances, and all shall be bereft of the Merciful Melody and Divine Call."

"Now what will your endeavors show forth from the degrees of devotion?"

THE TEACHING COMMITTEE OF NINETEEN

By Mariam Haney, Secretary.

1818 N Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. December 10, 1921.


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