National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1921/February Bulletin B/Text

[Page 1] "The virtue of this Most Great Manifestation is that We have effaced from the Book whatever was the cause of difference, corruption and discord, and recorded therein that which leads to Unity, Harmony and Accord. Joy unto those who practice!" Bahá’u’lláh.

"In movement there is life; in immobility there is death. The travelling of the teachers from place to place, country to country, and from the Occident to the Orient, is one of the greatest means for sowing spiritual seeds in the souls of the people." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

BULLETIN "B"[edit]

Issued by the Teaching Committee appointed by the delegates to the Convention.

"The teacher should always speak from the heart, for only words from the heart reach the hearts of the hearers and have effect; whereas when one speaks not from the heart, the effect of his words is but a passing one. All teaching should be done by the spirit working or speaking through the teacher, and should not come from the mentality of the individual. One should always use Spiritual methods in teaching." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The triumphant spiritual campaign of Jenabe Fazel demonstrates the result of applied knowledge, for every day from early morning until late at night, the great teacher serves the souls of humanity with that rare charm of the spirit which always accompanies the endeavors of those who "speak from the heart". He understands how to use "spiritual methods in teaching". We have witnessed how day after day he has arisen with whole-hearted enthusiasm "whether he is sick or well", and how the Power of the Center of the Covenant has removed for him every obstacle and opened every door.

From the "Diary Card" reports of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, which follow, we are able to travel the shining pathway of service with our blessed teacher only through the medium of words, but, if we "prove receptive" to Jenabe Fazel’s advice we will be learning something every step of the way.

On train toward Salt Lake City, December 31st, 1920.

This is the last day of 1920. The coming of Jenabe Fazel to this country was one of the greatest blessings in the Bahá’í Movement. During the last eight months he has been indefatigable in the service of the Cause, and his example has been inspiring many hearts with self-sacrifice and the knowledge of Truth. In the future the records of his trans-Continental trip will be collected, forming the basis of a most comprehensive work. Already it has given us many valuable lessons,— [Page 2] valuable only if the friends can assimilate and use them in their future campaign. First: The topics of his lectures were circulated before his departure and these were varied and interesting enough to appeal to all manners of religions, social, civic and philanthropic societies and Clubs. Second: The itinerary of the tour was practically made up in New York and sent to all the friends in and along the route,-- so that they had ample time to interview the various Clubs, Churches and institutions and arrange a worthy program of lectures before representative gatherings -- thus giving Jenabe Fazel an opportunity to reach souls who have never heard of the Cause. Third: A publicity activity was kept up through the Press of every city, and each Bahá’í Centre was supplied with news -- paper clippings of different cities,-- which have been used advantageously, for the clippings are in a way the best introduction for a speaker who is little known in a community. Fourth: The Teaching Committee in Washington has been tireless in preparing this tour, in informing the friends, in sending ample literature, -- so that wherever Jenabe has spoken, Bahá’í booklets were ready for distribution. Fifth: Innumerable men’s Clubs -- the members of which were representatives of various trades, and professions -- have been addressed, thus reaching thousands of young men, giving them the glorious Message in such a way as to make a lasting impression.

These few points have been the most significant aspects of this marvellous tour. If you desire to have a durable building you must lay a good foundation. It is hoped that we shall learn many things from this teaching tour and use them with wisdom and sagacity. When a Bahá’í teacher goes out into the field -- no matter who he is -- he must have the whole-hearted support of the Teaching Committee. The Committee must apply these and other lessons to larger and larger fields of action, and not stop functioning when this tour is over. From now they must be thinking what step they should take when Jenabe Fazel’s tour is completed -- so that others may follow up his work, enlarging and unfolding the present plan. In the matter of Teaching we must set aside our own personal feeling and have only the Cause and its progress in mind -- see who is best fitted to do certain kinds of work and encourage him in it and not set any stumbling-blocks in his path; otherwise we have not fulfilled the trust given to us by the Centre of the Covenant.

Hotel Utah, Salt Lake City, January 1st, 1921.

A happy New Year to all the dear friends! May the new days bring to each one of you the peace and the joy that comes from the Kingdom of Abhá! Although it is New Years, Jenabe Fazel has been travelling all yesterday and until 12:30 today. On his arrival he came immediately to this hotel and called up Mrs. Storrs. We are very sorry that neither Mrs. Lewis nor Miss Powers are here, but after a little while Mrs. Storrs and her splendid son arrived and welcomed Jenabe to this city. The reporter of the Telegram came and received a long New Year’s greeting which if published in full, will be very beautiful. At the invitation of Mrs. Storrs, her son took Jenabe to the Mormon Tabernacle where Handel’s Oratorio "The Messiah" was played with masterful technique and artistic skill. The Tabernacle was filled with thousands of spectators. It reminded me of the day when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sat on the platform of the Agricultural Congress. Jenabe enjoyed the music exceedingly. When we came out he said: "Music is the key that unlocks the hearts; the beauty that stirs the very depth of the soul; the book that contains many mysteries; the casket that holds many jewels; the breeze that quickens many dead hearts. Whosoever has no love of music is lifeless. In this Movement, the Bahá’ís must give great importance to cultivating the voice for its effect is instantaneous. The heavenly music of Bahá’u’lláh has ravished the hearts of humanity. Today ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is playing on the celestial lyre. Those whose ears are attuned to this Melody are filled with new longings and yearnings. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is the Artist of this age. The Bahá’ís are his pupils. They must learn their lessons so well, that they will attract all hearts to the supreme concourse and uplift them toward the heaven of spiritual knowledge." [Page 3] Hotel Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. January 2d, 1921.

For the first time since his arrival in this country, Jenabe Fazel had an opportunity to deliver the Message of the Most Great Prisoner to the prisoners of this country. Warden Storrs of the State Prison, through his lovely daughter, Mrs. Lewis, had arranged that the first lecture of the teacher from the East be delivered to the prisoners. There were about 100 inmates and many visitors. The Misses Storrs sang a number of lovely songs; the prison choir sang quite beautifully, and Jenabe spoke for about one hour on the Cause, advising his audience to give all their spare time to the mental and spiritual development of mind and heart. There were very many fine men in their midst. Warden Storrs is very kind to them and teaches them self-esteem and personal honor. For luncheon, Jenabe was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Storrs. Warden Storrs is a big-hearted man, sincere and God-fearing and he was delighted with the Message of the Bahá’í Movement. He said: "I wish I could travel with you and deliver your universal message of love and brotherhood to all mankind. It is beautiful." In the evening another lecture was delivered before a crowded Mormon Church, nearly 500 men and women. The meeting was announced in the January Copy of the "Mutual Improvement Messenger". B. S. Young, Jr., F. T. Whitney, and Lester Glad presided over the meeting. A splendid choir sang wonderful hymns, and the lecture of Jenabe on the "Reconstruction in Palestine" was listened to with rapt attention by all those hundreds of people. It was a most spiritual gathering, the individuals composing it were very faithful and sincere. Mrs. Storrs was made most happy because the response was so spontaneous. The Salt Lake Telegram this morning had a splendid long article with the photo of Jenabe.

Hotel Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. January 3d, 1921.

Salt Lake City welcomed the beloved Teacher sent by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with genuine affection and open arms. What a change since 1912 when the Master spent a day or two here. I see him walking along the avenues when a great State procession was in full swing. The progress of the spirit of the Cause has been so manifest that there is no need for comment. The lectures at the State prison and at the 18th ward Mormon Church in the morning and evening were clear indications of this fact. Many individuals longed for literature; desired to study this wonderful Movement and asked innumerable questions. They wanted Jenabe to stay here a week and give them this glorious Truth, but other cities have a demand on his time and he must hasten on. Tonight he spoke on the "Fundamental Unity of all Religions" before the crowded hall of the Theosophical Society, 315 Keith Emporium. Mrs. Snow, the President, delivered a short introductory talk emphasizing the principle of Unity and welcoming the Persian teacher. The audience fully appreciated the broad and all-inclusive Principles of the Bahá’í Movement, and fervently joined their prayers with the speaker’s that the time will soon come when universal religion, universal education, universal language and universal parliament of men will be established in the world of humanity, -- in the inner realm of mind and heart and the outer world of nations and governments. After the lecture many eager souls came forward, expressing their heaven-born joy and gratitude. Two young men were especially impressed, saying with the greatest happiness: "This is the religion for which we have been looking for years. Where can we get further information about it?" Several Mormons who had heard the last night lecture, came over and were equally pleased and uplifted. Here in Salt Lake City, Mrs. Storrs and her son, in fact all the members of this blessed family have been most kind and loving. Mr. and Mrs. Airy of the Theosophical Society were also extremely courteous. Tonight at 12 Jenabe leaves for Butte, reaching there tomorrow at 5 p.m., hoping and feeling sure that new doors of service will be opened, new souls be attracted and new opportunities ‎ offered‎. He is joyous, smiling and resigned to the will of God.

[Page 4]

The Thornton Hotel, Butte, Montana, January 4th, 1921.[edit]

Talking with a tourist on the train about the art of writing he said: "When you write to your friend, let him read your smile in your letter, for he cannot see the smile on your face." This is true in all our relations in life. We must make the people feel our happiness, see the change that has come in our mode of thought and service. Jenabe Fazel has this power to a preeminent degree. People in his association feel peculiarly happy and those who are away from him likewise are magnetised by his love and devotion to the Cause. All day he has been travelling. The vast desert and mountains were covered with snow but the air was clear and the sun shining. It was indeed a most gorgeous sight to see the trees laden with the fleecy cloud like snow. On the way he said: "Snow is the sign of purity, virginity and innocence. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá desires the friends, to entertain pure guests in the chambers of their minds, to welcome virgin ideals in the galleries of their hearts and to adorn their beings with the jewels of innocent deeds. Those who are actually characterized with these attributes are real Bahá’ís, otherwise they are pretenders and wolves in sheeps skin." At 5 p.m., the train entered the station of Butte and lo and behold! who are here? Mr. and Mrs. Killius from Great Falls and Fred Mortensen from Helena with the words of "Allaho Abha" on their lips. Wasn't this simply thrilling? Already a number of articles have appeared and the three meetings to be delivered in Butte announced. The reporters of the "Standard" and "Butte Miner" called and had long interviews. Both reporters are interested in the Cause, the former knowing Mr. G. Latimer and other friends in Portland. At 8 p.m., the first meeting was in a colored Church, Shaffer Chapel, A.M.E. at Platinum and Idaho Streets. The talk was on the "Oneness of the World of Humanity". The Pastor of the Church was overjoyed with the message. Many white people were in the audience and this added to the charm and attraction of the meeting. It was a sweet gathering of love and all the people were drawn to the Cause. I wish everyone had heard that heavenly message. Our three Bahá’í friends are happy for at last the spiritual teacher has reached this part of the United States. Glory be to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá!

The Thornton Hotel, Butte, Montana, January 5th, 1921.[edit]

The City of Butte is a mining town of about 50,000 population. Thousands of people work in the mines, but just at this time on account of a slump in the price of copper, many mines have shut down and consequently there are many unemployed. During the war one could not find a room in Butte; now there are 3500 empty houses. But a hope is expressed that this period of industrial sleep shall soon pass and again the mines will be working at full speed. Jenabe Fazel gave two lectures in the course of the day. One in the Good Templars Hall at 3 p.m., on the Bahá’í Movement and its Principles, and another in the Theosophical Society in Leonard Hotel. Both meetings were well attended and the people were delighted with the lectures. Here Jenabe Fazel met the sister of Mrs. K. Frankland of California, and another friend who was taught by Dr. D. Evelyn of San Francisco. It is interesting to note how people in different parts of the country have heard about this glorious Cause. In the course of his remarks Jenabe stated: "The old Cycles of the world were characterized with three attributes: Ignorance, tyranny and hate. People were encircled with the army of ignorance; were persecuted with the host of tyranny, and devoured with the legions of hate. In the cycle of Bahá’u’lláh three other qualities have come to replace the old ones: knowledge, justice and love. The Bahá’ís who are the standard-bearers of the New Era must spread the lights of knowledge, sing the melodious songs of justice and mercy, and diffuse the Fragrances of the flowers of love. The people of faith live in three ascending stages. Some live in the state of self-abnegation, others dwell in the abode of self-sacrifice, while those who are real Bahá’ís fly in the atmosphere of self-immolation. This last state is the highest station in the kingdom of Bahá! Blessed are those who [Page 5] attain thereunto and abide therein for aye." Mr. and Mrs. A. Killius and Mr. F. Mortensen have been with Jenabe for hours and enjoyed his association. These three blessed souls have done a great deal to make the Cause well known in the State of Montana. They have travelled and lectured and written articles for the newspapers of different cities, and are indeed of those who are firm in the Covenant. They have no other thought save the promotion of the heavenly Message and are the incarnation of celestial devotion.

Hotel Montana, Anaconda, Montana. January 6th, 1921.[edit]

The Cause of God takes Jenabe Fazel into strange and unheard of places. This morning accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Killius he left for Anaconda. Mr. Catlin of the Theosophical Society welcomed the party at the station and they were taken to Hotel Montana. This morning the "Butte Miner" had an account of yesterday's meetings and the Anaconda Standard announced the two meetings in that city. A beautiful invitation card was sent out, on the back of which was tastily printed the 12 Principles. At 3:30 p.m., the first lecture was delivered before the members of the Women's Club in the Hall of the Hearst Library. The President of the Club, a bright and cultured woman, introduced Jenabe Fazel and he delivered his inspiring address on the heroic and noble life and work of Kurrat-Ul-Ayne and the progress of the women of Persia. The members of the Club were unusually wonderful women. Most of them are from the east whose husbands are technicians and managers in the Smelting Plant. To say that they enjoyed the lecture is a true assertion. They asked many questions about the Bahá’í Movement and its promotion in the East. When we returned to the hotel we met Mr. L. Jones whose family lives in New York. He was glad to meet Jenabe and had a long and interesting talk with him. At 8 o'clock the party went to the Theosophical Hall, which is kept in the utmost cleanliness and beauty. The room was filled to the door and the eagerness of the audience was unimaginable. Jenabe's lecture was full and comprehensive in regard to the invisible tyranny that traditions and creeds exercise over the minds and souls of men. This is the age in which these fetters must be broken. This is the cycle in which the spirit freed from these chains must soar in the free atmosphere of divine sanctity. This is the New Era in which the rays of the Orb of Truth must dispel the darkness of prejudices.. It was a very fruitful meeting. Because the train for Helena leaves early tomorrow morning, we returned to Eutte by taxi covering a distance of 25 miles. The night was bright and the stars shone with unwonted brilliance. As the taxi rolled on the smooth road Jenabe spoke about the power of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His favor and mercy to these unworthy servants.

Hotel Harvey, Helena, Montana. January 7th, 1921.[edit]

Jenabe Fazel got up early this morning in Butte and accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Killius and Mr. F. Mortensen started for Helena, the capital of Montana. The Anaconda Standard and Butte Miner had splendid articles about yesterday's lectures. In Helena the papers have been more than wonderful. Already several articles and announcements of the meating to be held in the Auditorium have been published in the Helena Daily Independent and the Record Herald. No sooner had Jenabe arrived about 11:30, than the reporters were informed and they all came and had their interviews; the Record Herald publishing a fine article, Reverend Eugene Cosgrove also called and had a long talk with Jenabe, expressing regret that the great spiritual teacher will not be here on Sunday to address his flock. Although there was the Inaugural Ball given to the New Governor of the State and a few other functions -- the Auditorium was filled with nearly 400 men and women. Every one expressed a pleasurable surprise at the large audience including the newspapers. Only the power of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá could bring together such a representative gathering! The lecture was on the "Ideals of the New Age and the Bahá’í Movement". The response was wonderful, the listening attitude of the people most admirable, the [Page 6] newspaper reporters writing the whole speech. After the talk more than half of the aulience came forward and expressed their assent and belief in the Teachings. It was the largest, public Bahá’í meeting so far held in Montana, and the Cause is now introduced to the people. This is undoubtedly the result of the untiring labor of our three Bahá’í brothers and sister in the last few years. The Helena Daily Independent published a full page article with the photo of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on February 2d, 1919, which has had a wide circulation. Mr. Ben Heraldson, the City Editor, interviewed Jenabe yesterday and showed a spirit of kindliness and sympathy which made our hearts very happy. Helena is a beautiful city, and its people charming and courteous to strangers.

Park Hotel, Great Falls, Montana. January 8th, 1921.[edit]

The Helena Daily Independent of this morning contained one of the finest articles on this trip. It carried the full report of the speech last night in the auditorium and it will be read by thousands in the whole State of Montana. It is one of the few articles which will have a permanent educational and historical value.

Jenabe Fazel left this morning, accompanied by the three friends, for Great Falls. It was about 2:30 p.m., when the train entered the station and to their delight and surprise they found more than 6 members of the New Thought Centre there to welcome Jenabe. From the station they came to Park Hotel and Jenabe spoke with these friends on Pantheism and its true meaning in accord with the Bahá’í Revelation. They were made most happy and uplifted through his subtle and divine discourse. Immediately a reporter of the Tribune came and received an extended and wonderful interview, which may appear in tomorrow's Sunday Edition. The Tribune of December 26th already contained a half page article with the photos of the Temple, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Jenabe Fazel -- a most comprehensive account of the Cause. The Tribune and Daily Leader of today likewise had fine news notices announcing the meetings. Mr. and Mrs. Killius are most happy and their services in this State have already brought most glorious results. This evening at 8 o'clock Jenabe spoke to a crowded hall in Edison's before the members of the New Thought. They are very receptive, and listened to the lecture on Self Mastery with the greatest attention. Afterwards they asked many questions on Soul-culture, telepathy, etc. to all of which excellent answers were given. Again Jenabe Fazel had to meet and overcome the narrowness of a minister who talked about the blood of Christ and its redemptive power. It is very strange how this theory persists. Jenabe said: "If the people do not embody in themselves the life and teachings of Christ, his blood will not save them. Not those who call on the name of Christ are saved but those who live in accord with the will of the Father. Character must be transformed, regeneration must be experienced, spiritual vision must be obtained and divine insight gained. No one can be saved by proxy. Each soul must carry his own cross."

Park Hotel, Great Falls, Montana. January 9th, 1921.[edit]

Days are rolling into eternity with the swiftness of light and the services rendered in the Cause are written with the pen of gold on the tablets of the hearts. Mr. and Mrs. Killius have been the essence of love and service. During the last few days they left their work and were with Jenabe Fazel in Butte, Anaconda, Helena and Great Falls, arranging meeting interviewing newspapermen and doing everything possible to gather the people to listen to the talks of the great teacher. Mr. Fred Mortensen likewise was with Jenabe in the above places and with cheerful helpfulness contributed largely to the success of this journey. Today at 3 p.m., Jenabe spoke before a large audience in the Palace Theatre on the "Oneness of the World of Humanity and the Removal of Prejudices from amongst the religions." Mr. Killius introduced him and spoke very beautifully. All the members of the New Thought Centre are very much attracted. They are near the Cause and filled with the spirit of earnest investigation. After the meeting they kept Jenabe answering many questions. At 8 p.m. another lecture was given on the spiritual work of Bahá’u’lláh and [Page 7] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in the large Masonic Temple Hall, comfortably filled. Here also the audience felt the throb of the New Ideals, the raising of the hope to a newer and wider plane, the rending asunder of the veils of ignorance and superstitions and the proclamation of the unity of science and religion. The people were most vitally interested, the seeds are sown, and assuredly God will cause their growth; the sun of reality will shine upon them and the breeze of Providence will blow from the four directions. The listeners were appreciative and the words found receptive places. Assuredly for Mr. and Mrs. Killius and Fred Mortensen these glorious meetings were the fulfillment of their prayers and hopes. The Tribune of this morning contained a fine article on "World Unity and its Universal Principles." Tomorrow morning Jenabe Fazel leaves for Billings and Red Lodge to sing his songs in other fields.

Plaza Hotel, Billings, Montana. January 10th, 1921.[edit]

Getting up early in the morning to catch the train has become Jonabe Fazel's habit by this time. Hence he was up at 6 A. M. to start for Billings at 7:50. Mr. Killius and two New Thought friends were there to bid him farewell. Jenabe was sad to leave these good friends who had done so much to spread the message of love and peace. Fred Mortensen was there, too, and although separation was unavoidable there was this consciousness--that in the Bahá’í family the feeling of union is strong and permanent. All day the train speeded along snow-covered deserts, mountains, and fields, passing through innumerable towns and villages. What a vast State! Its agricultural and mining future is great. On the train two persons who had heard Jenabe's lectures joined him and for two hours a discussion on religion continued. One of them said: "Some lady friend telephoned me yesterday that a Mohamadan had come to divert the people from Christianity. You must go and defend it. When I came and listened to your lecture, I realized you are teaching the truth. May God give you the power and strength to continue it." At 6 P.M. the train arrived at Billings and the beloved brother, Peter Maus, and his friend to whom he has taught the Cause, were at the station to welcome the teacher sent by the Centre of the Covenant. Our brother had published and distributed handbills, advertized the meetings in the Gazette and rented the Coliseum Hall for the meeting. Jenabe Fazel was brought to the Hotel Plaza where rooms were reserved for him and after dinner they all went to the Coliseum. A goodly number of men and women had come and they listened to the good tidings of the glorious Message. After which they asked questions. This was the first time that the Cause was introduced to the people of Billings and the people were genuinely interested. At the end of the meeting Peter Maus was at the door distributing literature supplied by the Teaching Committee. It was a fruitful gathering and no doubt out of this seed-sowing, great results will be forthcoming.

Pollard Hotel, Red Lodge, Montana. January 11th, 1921.[edit]

Travelling in the path of God brings the greatest joy and satisfaction. It is the most wonderful stimulus to high striving and noble effort. In all these American cities the call of the kingdom of Abhá is raised as never before, the people listen to the message of Peace with eagerness and wherever Jenabe Fazel appears the ears are attuned to the music of spheres. This morning Mr. Maus and Mr. Olson accompanied the teacher to Red Lodge -- their home city of about 6000 inhabitants. They left Billings at 9:15 A. M. and arrived here about noon. Rooms were taken in the Pollard Hotel and after lunch, they went to a meeting in the Sanitorium of Dr. and Mrs. Sanders. Many people had come to listen to the lecture on Physical and Spiritual Healing. Jenabe Fazel gave a very instructive talk. No matter where he is or what manner of an audience he is addressing, he attracts the souls to the Kingdom of God. Many hundreds of leaflets advertising the three talks to be delivered here have been distributed amongst the miners -- so that they all know about the coming of the Persian philosopher. In the evening at 8 P.M. the second lecture was given on "The Solution of Economic Problems" in the large Hall of [Page 8] the Labor Temple. Men and women had come to listen to the interpretation of this subject by an Oriental thinker and they received much food for thought. They were most attentive. The audience was composed of clean young men, desirous to know. "In the Bahá’í Movement" the speaker said "you find the spiritual solution of every subject. It is the panacea for all the ills of humanity. When you study the Principles of this Universal Religion your eyes are opened, your ears are unstopped, your mind illumined, your hearts enlightened, your consciousness expanded and your tongue unloosed. It is a banquet where you will find every kind of food. It will satisfy the hunger of the world, and allay the thirst of all mankind. Bahá’u’lláh through His Teachings united all the religions, taught internationalism, unfurled the flag of universal peace, and filled the ears of the listening ones with the melodies of the Bird of Paradise. Blessed are those who hearken to this call."

Billings, Montana. January 12th, 1921.[edit]

The days in Montana are brought to a close not with regret but with a feeling of joy and satisfaction. The seeds of Truth were scattered in this Western state and the Principles of the Cause were proclaimed in the meetings and the press. Jenabe Fazel was a candle of illumination, a voice in the wilderness and a herald throughout all these cities. The two Bahá’í brothers in Red Lodge, Mr. P. Maus and Ed. Olson were on fire and made every effort to prepare the way for the teacher of the things of spirit. Before leaving Red Lodge at 3 P.M. two very beautiful meetings were held; one in the Sanitorium and the other in the room of Mr Maus. He invited a number of his friends to listen to the Message of Light and Janabe gave them effectively the life and Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh who came to unify the hearts of mankind. "Purity of thought, purity of word and purity of deed are the great laws of life, laid down by Bahá’u’lláh" he said. The people in this city will soon inquire about the Persian Bahá’í Teacher who lived in their midst for a while. At 3 o'clock Jenabe bidding fairwell to his two heavenly hosts, left for Billings, arriving there about 5:30. Here he gave his last lecture on "Scientific and Religious Education" in the Trade and Labor Hall. They were all immensely attracted to the Cause and wanted to have a teacher stay in their midst and spread these universal Principles. They had never heard of this Cause and the Revelation came to them like a benediction. Literature was distributed and many gave their addresses, anxious to get more for their friends. This meeting was a wonderful "God-speed of Montana" to Janabe. He came out of the Hall radiently happy, for the work was so richly blessed. The Power of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was manifest in every movement and the lights of the Sun of Reality are being scattered. At 11:13 P.M. the train pulled out of Billings for Spokane. Jenabe Fazel is praying for the confirmation of all the friends and wishing that they will pray for him too.

"Today, the Lord of Hosts is the Defender of the Covenant, the Forces of the Kingdom protect It, heavenly souls tender their services, and heavenly angels promulgate and spread It broadcast." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Letters from Mr. Killius, Mr. Mortensen and Mr. Maus giving some details of the great work in Montana fill us with joy as we read of the beautiful services of all the friends. Sacrifice was the keynote of their endeavors; they were willing to sacrifice anything and everything to make the visit of the great teacher a success. Mr. Killius writes: "We completely suspended our business ten days before Christmas and through the entire stay of our beloved teacher, Jenabe Fazel. Mrs. Killius left a sick bed to do all in her power. Though we were a little delayed in making arrangements, our efforts were crowned with success." When the element of real sacrifice enters into the work, how the Confirmations pour down and how the blessings of the Kingdom become evident on all sides! Mr. Mortensen's letter was full of the joy of the spirit and he emphasized the fact that on all sides, every- [Page 9] where in Montana the people spoke of the great love emanating from Janabe Fazel. He writes: “Ahmad is also great, and all thought they were wonderfully united and a good combination to work together for the Great Cause. Assemblies are about to begin in Butte and in Anaconda, and a study class in each City. We are witnessing the beginning of real life.” Mr. Peter Maus of Red Lodge and his co-worker, Mr. Olson, are serving continually and arose with heart and soul to further the divine plan of teaching. Mr. Maus shared with us their printed programs and excellent leaflets which they had printed in sufficient numbers for all meetings. The publicity work was splendid.

Bahá’u’lláh instructed that “Good deeds bear witness to the Truth of Words.” There is no doubt but what the Cause has been spread in the great State of Montana both by deed and word.

News about the Temple comes in various letters the past month. One item from Mr. Randall’s letter is most interesting:

“We have arranged to ship the Temple model to Chicago where it will be on exhibition at the beautiful Art Institute there in the most conspicuous and beautiful place, and we are shipping it at the invitation of the President of the Art Institute so that it may be exhibited during the Convention of the Architects of the State of Illinois which meets during the month of March. Of course it will be there during our Convention.”

Mrs. True’s letter tells of the necessity for completing all structural drawings of the entire Temple before the building permit is granted. The Construction Engineer hopes to have them ready by March 15th. Mrs. True also tells us of a very fine article written by Mr. Alfred Lunt of Boston, and published in The Lake Shore News, Wilmette, Ill., Feb. 4th, on the subject of the Temple. It would be well if every believer could read this article.

“The Mashrakol-Azkar, though outwardly a material foundation, is possessed of spiritual effect, and causes the union of hearts, and the gathering of souls.

“Therefore, O ye friends and maid-servants of the Merciful, as long as ye can, endeavor with life and heart so that the Mashrakol-Azkar of Chicago may soon be built, organized and confirmed.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

A letter from Mr. Louis J. Voelz of the Kenosha Assembly gives a report of the good work in that vicinity. It is always an inspiration to hear from those blessed firm souls in the Covenant who are members of this Assembly. A few interesting items are quoted:

“Our hope is that all the believers will soon realize the wonderful benefits of the work accomplished through our beloved Jenabe Fazel, and will arise and serve to their utmost capacity, assisting in this great work, both by teaching and financially. It is inspiring to know that the Temple will be started in the Spring. This will mean that there will be many seekers.

“We have been assisting in the establishment of a Bahá’í Assembly at Lake Geneva, Wis., where we have many beautiful souls. We travel thirty-two miles by automobile. Mrs. Slater of Chicago has also been sending different speakers there; then they return with us in the evening for a talk before our Assembly. Dr. Bagdadi, Mr. Windust and Mr. Scheffler have all been there, and here too, and many glorious meetings were enjoyed by the friends at both places. The Lake Geneva Assembly is now well established. Dr. Bagdadi also spoke here, and at Racine where Mr. Jensen had gathered several strangers who were investigating and searching for Truth.”

Mrs. Louise Bosch shares with us an interesting letter from one of her Spiritual children in the Island of Tahiti, where she and her husband served so faithfully last year. The letter has a heart appeal which is worthy of record:

Mrs. Bosch’s letter, in part, follows: [Page 10] "...We know that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has said that any effort, even a slight one, put forth in the promotion of the Cause of GOD in this Day, will bear fruit in the future.......So if we have been fortunate enough to really succeed in doing something in Tahiti worth while, it will record itself as time passes. There is one thing my husband and I have a better understanding of now, namely the Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá where He says His health and happiness comes through the good news of the friends. It is so with us. Now that we are back again in our own country, we await eagerly some news from our friends in Tahiti. A ship brings letters about every forty days, and our joy is great when we receive news testifying to their attraction to the Cause of GOD. What if my husband and I were sick and afflicted!--but if we should receive with every ship that comes the good news that we are always anticipating, how very happy it would make us! Whereas, were we in the best of health and physical well being, and received the news of the passing away of any interest in the Cause in Tahiti, how sick and ill we would become from grief! May GOD prevent such an occurrence, and may He keep alive the fire that is burning there now in the hearts of those in whom the divine seed was planted! Soon after our return, we received the surprise of the following letter from a girl only eighteen years of age, who was so shy that she never would even speak to us while we were amongst her people:

Very dear Mrs. Bosch: I have a great desire to write to you because I feel such gratitude and thankfulness for your having come to Tahiti to announce to us the Glad Tidings. All that you told us is yet fresh in my heart; and I shall not keep it to myself alone, but will teach it to all my friends, and finally to all my acquaintances, that they, too, may know the Truth. Altho sometimes the people may ridicule, yet this shall not deter me, and I shall speak out to all those I can find to listen. I shall set myself this task: to do at least the little that I can do, so that others may have the joy of knowing.......... I wish to ask you to assist me, by the Power of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, that I may obtain knowledge and courage.. I am afraid of GOD because I have fled far from HIM, but I wish to become reformed, and I ask of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and of you to give me the spirit and the confirmation." And dear Mrs. Bosch adds: "This is one letter from which we became hopeful for the future of Tahiti."

"This is certain: that the Divine Policy is justice and kindness toward all mankind. For all the nations of the world are the sheep of GOD, and GOD is the Kind Shepherd. " ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

We have been asked to share with the friends a list of some of the questions asked Jenabe Fazel at public meetings. It has been suggested that these questions should be considered in the classes for study, and answers given based upon the Revealed Word. These questions will be found on a separate sheet for convenience.

Also herewith will be found a list of some of the publications which all may not know are ready for distribution or which have been suggested as valuable literature for inquirers.

"One of the greatest foundations of the Religion of GOD, the significance of the WORD of GOD and the duty of the believers of GOD is mutual assistance and co-operation....... .The believers of GOD must especially fortify the foundation of this reality among themselves, so that all may help each other under all circumstances, whether in the degree of truth and significances or in the stations of this world of matter and, especially, in founding public institutions which shall benefit all the people, and still more the founding of the Masrakol-Azkar, which is the greatest of the Divine Foundations. Consequently the friends of GOD, with the [Page 11] utmost magnanimity, sincerity of purpose and self-abnegation, must help for the building of this Supreme Foundation . . . ."

Respectfully and lovingly submitted,

THE TEACHING COMMITTEE OF NINETEEN By Mariam Haney, Secretary.

The Mendota, Washington, D. C. February 1921.


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