National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1921/March 15/Text

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National Teaching Committee Bulletins March 15, 1921

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[Page 1] "Look on My Waves, and on the Pearls of Wisdom and Utterance which have proceeded from Me. We have indeed exhorted them by manifold Utterances in manifold Tablets. Fear GOD and be not of the heedless. . . The benefit of the Utterance of the Merciful One goes to those who practice." Bahá’u’lláh.

"As to the Most Great Characteristic -- and it is a specific Teaching of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh and not given by any of the Prophets of the past -- it is the Teaching concerning the Center of the Covenant. . . Turn all your thoughts and devote all your powers to the Divine Covenant." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

BULLETIN No. 10

Issued by the Teaching Committee of Nineteen.

In one of the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the Western States, we read: Just as in these States "the marvellous scenes of the world of nature are evident and manifest -- the great Signs of the Kingdom of GOD may also be unveiled. "

Now, therefore, let us see how the "signs have been unveiled" as we "sojourn" for a few days in Portland, Oregon and hear about the blessed visit of Jenabe Fazel to this "perfumed place" -- for it is called "the City of Roses." How the real fragrances of the Rose Garden of the Kingdom have been diffused for the perfuming of many souls is a precious story, and we shall see how "firmness in the Covenant" brought the necessary confirmations.

In a Tablet to Mrs. Harriet Latimer of this City, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said: "Praise be to GOD that thou art firm in the Covenant. Thank GOD that thou art holding THIS TORCH in thy hand which is dispelling the darkness of the world of materialism." Attainment unto the success that is worth while can be realized only through Firm- ness in the Covenant, and no progress is possible and no results will be forth- coming unless an Assembly are a united band -- like one soul -- in the matter of realization of, and obedience to, the Center of the Covenant. "The first condition is Firmness in the Covenant." (See Page 67, Divine Plan.)

Portland is one of the favored Centers of the Western States for therein resides the faithful servant George Latimer, who has travelled so extensively in the interests of the Cause and whose loving services have assisted so materially in establishing a fine spirit of Bahá’í fellowship between the friends in different sections.

The following "Diary Card" reports of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab indicate how all of the beloved friends in Portland served with heart and soul to make the visit of Jenabe Fazel a success, and once again we see demonstrated the great Law that a united effort attracts confirmations:

Portland, Oregon, Portland Hotel. February 7, 1921.

Last night Jenabe Fazel left Vancouver with the sweet memories of those days and the dear friends who made us so happy with their love and friendship. This morning he reached Seattle and about 10 of the Bahá’ís were at the station to meet him once more. He had only half an hour to transfer from one to another train, but in that half hour the association with these heavenly souls gave us eternal joy and happiness. Two believers joined Jenabe in his trip to Portland, Miss Mabel King who is on her way East to join her sister in Massachusetts, and Miss Ellen -- [Page 2] Rice who is on a journey of rest and visit to Portland. This made our trip of 7 hours very pleasant and when we arrived at the station in Portland, Mr. J. W. Latimer, George Latimer and Mr. Bowman were on the platform to welcome the party. They were immediately taken to the Hotel Portland and the reporters called for interviews. The papers - Oregonian, Journal, News and Telegram have already published articles and news notices, and several thousand hand bills have been printed and circulated. The Portland program is really one of the best published. The friends here have been very much disappointed because their time was cut off nearly one week, for they intended to do great things with the second week. A wonderful feast was prepared in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nash, so that the friends could welcome Jenabe Fazel. When Mr. Nash, several months ago heard of the journey of our Persian teacher, he set aside a number of chickens, and has been feeding them all this time for this special feast. Nearly all the Bahá’ís were there -- a radiant and spiritual gathering ---- their faces shining with the love of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and their hearts filled with the emotions of meeting the "Ideal sage". A long table was arranged in the centre of two rooms, and it seemed at times everybody was serving and doing something. They had cooked "Persian Pilau" and chicken, and there were cakes and various other delicacies, ice cream and candy. It was altogether a heavenly feast, reminding one of the glorious feasts on Mount Carmel in the Presence of our Beloved ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. After the feast, Jenabe spoke on the duty of the Bahá’ís in regard to teaching the Cause and spreading the Principles of Truth. The words were listened to with the greatest attention. Then many questions were asked about spiritual subjects, the progress of the soul, the story of the two forerunners of the Bab, Ahmad and Kazem referred to in the Ighan by Bahá’u’lláh. A joy and a beauty of the Kingdom -- that precious feast! Never to be forgotten!

Portland Hotel, Portland, Oregon, February 8, 1921

The Bahá’í Assembly of Portland is an active body of men and women, whose minds and hearts are filled with the love of the Centre of the Covenant, and they have no other aim but to promote the Principles of love and brotherhood. For this reason they have been able to prepare a splendid program for Jenabe Fazel. This morning he lectured on "Modern Education in Persia" in the Jefferson High School, before 2,000 students and more than a hundred teachers. It was in the Assembly Hall and Prof. Jenkins, the Principal, made the introductory remarks, Mr. George Latimer spoke also. It was a wonderful inspiring gathering -- young, plastic minds receiving the Educational Principles of Bahá’u’lláh and the Great Teacher of today. At noon he delivered the second talk before the Kiwanians in the Benson Hotel. There were about 150 professional and business men, and they listened to the plan of the Universal Economist of this day -- solving the difficulties between capital and labor. The officers gave a vote of thanks to the Persian scholar for his instructive speech. At 3 p.m., another lecture was given on "The Progress of the Jew in the Orient" before the Jewish Council of Women at B'nai B'rith building, 13th and Market Streets. The Hebrew sisters were happy to hear that their brothers have advanced so far in the East. They were delighted with the talk, especially the part referring to inter-marriage between Jewish and Mohamadan Bahá’ís and the ideal union and splendid children resulting from it, eliminating all prejudices and opening a new era of concord and harmony. There are many Jewish sisters who are intensely interested in the Bahá’í Cause, and desire the universal promotion of its Principles. Both in the morning and evening, breakfast and dinner were served in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Latimer. A Persian dish was prepared by an Oriental brother. The home of Mrs. Latimer is a nest of rest and spirituality. She puts so much of herself into it. She is a glorious Bahá’í, so devoted to the Cause. Her sister, Mrs. Allen, of Berkeley, California, another splendid Bahá’í, is visiting her. In the evening the 4th lecture was delivered in the Y.M.C.A. Auditorium, under the auspices of the Oregon Social Worker's Association. The subject was vital to the present day problems: "Racial Antagonisms and International Justice." The hall was crowded with several hundred eager listeners. Innumerable questions were asked and [Page 3] "Wa every one was answered fully and briefly. In answer to one question he said: cannot break the law of brotherhood; if we attempt it, we break ourselves." "The aim of God is union in this age and no earthly power can oppose it." The Confirmations of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá were witnessed.

Portland Hotel, Portland Oregon. February 9, 1921

Although it rained, it had no effect on any one; the meetings were as well attended as before, the interest of the audience as keen and the welcome as hearty. Portland is the city of rain and roses, and in a real sense in these days the rain of the mercy of God is pouring down and the roses of the garden of Abha are abloom, diffusing their fragrance abroad. With this rain we have no fear for draught, no anxiety for the future. Jenabe Fazel has given us a universal vision of this truth; we must never lose sight of this fact; we must never become satisfied with ourselves, we must be charitable and kindhearted, forgiving and appreciative, gentle and courteous. This is conducive to the good-pleasure of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, -- and the unfoldment of our own spiritual possibilities. This morning Jenabe had a long interview with the reporter of the Journal who is going to write a long article for the Sunday edition. At 10 o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Latimer came and took him to Reed College, a splendid institution of about 10 years, having about 250 students, boys and girls. The college buildings are out of the city, amidst pleasant surroundings and splendid panorama. The auditorium was filled with the students, and Jenabe spoke to them on "Old and New Life in Persia" -- giving them toward the end a synopsis of the educational (standard) norms of Bahá’u’lláh. Lunch was served in the home of Mrs. Latimer, and at 2:30 another lecture was given before the members and guests of the Metaphysical Society whose president, Mrs. Kloh, is a beautiful, spiritual woman, gloriously attracted to the Cause. The subject was: "The Teachings of all Religions are Identical." The Hall and corridors were crowded and many people were standing. At the end of the lecture numerous slips of paper were presented on which questions were written and the speaker answered every one joyously. A man exclaimed: "This is the best lecture I ever heard, and I would like to have a copy of it, -- to study it carefully." All the people were exhilarated and attracted! From this meeting Jenabe came to the hotel to have a private interview with Mr. Whiteney who has a great plan to establish a colony of Bahá’ís in Brazil or Peru. For dinner he was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Waede in Beaverton -- a town many miles outside of the city. The ride was through wooded country, most beautiful to behold. A chicken dinner was served; several guests were also present with whom he spoke about the Cause. At 8 p.m., a great meeting was held in the High School auditorium under the auspices of the Parent-Teacher's Association; the subject "Universal Education and Co-operation." Here also the hall was packed to the doors, many girls and boys had come, and they listened quietly. It was a fine gathering and deep interest was manifest.

Portland Hotel, Portland, Oregon. February 10, 1921

A great day of intense spiritual activity, of the promotion of the Fragrances of the flowers of the rose-garden of Abha and of the diffusion of the lights of Truth. At 8:30 this morning Jenabe Fazel spoke to 1600 students of the Washington High School on "Old and New Life in Persia." The Principal and the teachers were highly pleased and delighted. It was a glowing gathering of young America and upon the tablets of their hearts was printed the name of Bahá’u’lláh. It was a seed sown that some day will bring fruits. At 12:30 he was the principal speaker and the guest of honor at the luncheon of the Progressive Business Men's Club at Hotel Benson. Three hundred men were present, all wide awake and desiring to know the reality. The subject was the "Master Key to Success." The three keys to prosperity are: unceasing work, undivided unity, and cooperation; Jenabe told them. He held their attention all through the long talk, and at the end he was greeted with repeated applause. Without doubt it was one of the most effective meetings, for these men have now heard the message of divine love and affinity and the mass [Page 4] The is actually leavened. At 2:30 p.m., the third lecture was given on the "New Evidences of Life after Death", before the members of the Metaphysical and Theo-sophical Societies in their Hall in Central Building. The large hall was overflow-ing with more than 300 men and women, many people sitting on the platform, standing around the hall and the corridors. They listened to the message of hope with con-centrated attention, with keen desire and with spiritual eagerness. Innumerable questions were asked. It was a warm, heavenly meeting. The friends of God are happy that so many doors are opened and such receptivity realized and witnessed. The people were so anxious to know that they would not let Jenabe go away. At 6 o'clock he was the guest of Mr. B. N. Bowman, the treasurer of the Bahá’í Assembly. It was a stag dinner party; and the men present were all splendid firm Bahá’ís. guests were Mr. L. B. Nash, Mr. Weed, Mr. J. W. Latimer, Mr. George O. Latimer, Mr. Ralph, Mr. W. Addison and Mr. Lehman. It was a celestial dinner; the love and hos-pitality of Mr. Bowman was manifest in all the dainty preparations and culinary concoctions. At 8 p.m., a great meeting was held in the large auditorium of the Public Library, holding a capacity audience of nearly 700 people. The talk was on the "Ideals of the New Age". Nothing is more glorious than to watch the faces of the people illumined with the light of hope and love. This last meeting was also spiritual and the questions asked, sympathetic. In the morning Jenabe called on Dr. Wood, a good Bahá’í woman who is sick in bed and was so anxious to see the teacher. Thus in one day more than 3000 people in this city actually have listened to the call of the messager of light! May this light spread!

Hotel Portland, Portland, Oregon. February 11, 1921.

Many things appear in the daily work of Jenabe Fazel which are beautiful and inspiring -- so glorious in his love and self-sacrifice. Without this sefl-surrender no success is attained in the Cause, for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh demands the forgetfulness of self and material things, and the concentration of one's object around the promotion of the Principles of divine civilization. Once a soul has achieved this spiritual triumph, he will think of nothing else but the Cause. Jenabe Fazel is the embodiment of this truth. This morning Mr. George Latimer came to the hotel about 9 o'clock and took him to their lovely home for breakfast. Some of the friends came also and asked many questions, and were rewarded with illuminating answers. At noon he spoke at the Men's Resort, 4th and Burnside Streets, on "Universal Brotherhood." This is a similar institution to Mr. Ledoux's "stepping stone" in New York. The workers and unemployed are welcomed and fed here. News-papers are on many tables and the unfortunate ones of the earth drop in and are comforted and cared for. It was a fine meeting. Nearly 200 listened to the message of peace and happiness and inner contentment. At 3 p.m., the Woman's Club held their meeting in the ball room of the Multnomah Hotel and Jenabe was the honored speaker. Mrs. John M. Scott helped the arrangement of this unique gathering. About 400 women and a few men were present. Mrs. Runyon, the President of the Club, and Mr. George Latimer introduced the Oriental teacher, and the talk just held them en-tranced for more than one hour. Mrs. Latimer was especially pleased with this im-portant meeting. They had always objected to having Bahá’í speakers, but one is always sure that if they hear Jenabe, they will revise their ideas. It was a mean-ingful meeting and the results of it will become apparent. Mrs. Hunt, a splendid Bahá’í invited Jenabe and about 15 other souls to dinner. It was a beautiful dinner and the talk was turned to the Cause. Jenabe gave the guests a refreshing outline of the Cause. At 8 p.m., Mrs. Cady, the sister of our dear brother, Mr. William Hoar of Fanwood, N. J., had asked the Persian teacher to go to her school and speak about the Cause to her friends. Many people were present and a number of the little pupils had come to hear the lecture. The lecture fascinated both young and old, even the children listened with rapt attention. Mrs. Cady has a fine private school, teaching the boys and the girls of the new age all that is useful, beautiful and practical. She was most happy to have Jenabe in her school. It was a day of zeal and enthusiasm. May all the coming days be as such. [Page 5]

The Portland Hotel, Portland, Oregon. February 12, 1921.

The fragrance of the Spirit is being wafted from the kingdom of the hearts and the people of Portland are being awakened with a new out-breathing of divine power. This morning Mr. George Latimer gave a wonderful drive on Oregon's famous Columbia River Highway to Jenabe Fazel. Here one observes great mountains, canyons and numerous Falls whose sparkling waters descend hundreds of feet into pools surrounded with over hanging cliffs. Miss Rice, Miss King and Mr. Houghton of Seattle joined the party. The drive lasted several hours across the most beautiful highway: on one side the Columbia River and on the other side mountains, falls and other scenic attractions. In a little restaurant near Multnomah Falls the happy party had a delicious lunch. This Falls is the queen of all American cataracts, the second largest Falls in America, the highest and grandest Falls along the Columbia Highway. There is a sheer fall of 600 feet into a rock basin and this is a boiling, seething cauldron. Jenabe stood before this majestic Falls for a few minutes enjoying the spraying wavelets, the encircling white mist, the luxuriant growth of ferns and shrubberies and listening to nature's symphony in water, rock and foilage. It was a divine sight never to be forgotten! On his return to the hotel at two o'clock there was a large reception in the Blue Room where more than a hundred eager souls were waiting to listen to the message of love. Here he talked for one hour and answered the questions with great lucidity. Immediately after this function he was taken to the Assembly Hall in another part of the hotel where the Portland Federation of Women's clubs and organizations was holding its monthly meeting. Here Jenabe gave an eloquent talk on "World Problems in Economics and Education." Several hundred women were present and they sat literally spell-bound under the magic of his divine exposition. When he finished they had witnessed a mental picture that they shall never forget. For dinner he was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Holdman, a fine Bahá’í family. Here several Bahá’ís were also invited and many questions were asked about the inner problems of the Cause and the Hidden Words.

At 3 p.m., a lecture was delivered before the overflowing audience of the Theosophical Society in Central Building on "Soul, Mind and Spirit". All the corridors, halls, and the platform were occupied and numerous souls were standing all through the lecture. In answer to a question he said: "One hour discussion in hygiene and Eugenics is more profitable than a thousand year talk on theology." In answer to another question he said: 1st. "The followers of the Manifestations who live in accord with their Teachings. 2d. Those who believe in the Manifestations and do not live according to their Teachings. 3d. Those who do not believe in the Manifestations and act in accord with their teachings. 4th. Those who do not believe in the Manifestations and do not live in accord to their Teachings. The first class is the highest and the 4th the lowest, while the 3d class in comparison to the 2d is by far superior to the 2d and more acceptable at the Court of the Almighty; for in this glorious age deeds are the standards." This last meeting was glowing with spirituality and deep interest and all the people responded very quickly. May the influence of such a gathering grow.

The Portland Hotel, Portland, Oregon. February 13, 1921.

With joy and fragrance the first schedule of the tour of Jenabe Fazel came to an end today; covering vast areas, visiting innumerable cities in the United States and Canada, addressing hundreds of meetings, carrying the message to hundreds of thousands of people and diffusing the fragrances of the Kingdom of Abhá. Tomorrow he will leave for Southern California, starting his journey throughout the cities of that Golden State. This being the last day of his stay in Portland, ha had his breakfast in the home of Mrs. Latimer where he met a number of loving Bahá’ís whose questions he answered with clearness. At 11 a.m., he lectured on the "Universal Consciousness of Christ" in the First Divine Science Church at 816 East Clay Street, near 25th. Reverend T. M. Minard, the broad-minded pastor, introduced Mr. Latimer, who in turn spoke very eloquently on the Cause, preparing the hearts to listen to the message of the beloved Teacher. The Pastor was delighted with the [Page 6] A enunciation of the broad Principles, and has offered his church to the Bahá’ís to hold Sunday night meetings. Dinner was served in Mrs. Latimer’s home and nearly 20 Bahá’ís were around the hospitable table, all basking in the Sunshine of the love of the Centre of the Covenant.

There is nothing so gloriously harmonious in the whole world as a Bahá’í family! Real, strong, true and noble are these Portland Bahá’ís, the pearls of one strand! At 3 p.m., the lecture on the “New Vision of Immortality” was delivered in the Spiritualist Church of the Soul, 208 Third Ave., The Church was crowded with more than 700 people, packed to the door, some people sitting on the floor as in Persia and many standing. The interest was keen and the questions asked evoked deep satisfaction. At 5 p.m., Jenabe was the honored guest of Mr. and Mrs. Whitney, good and lovely Bahá’ís, their daughter as bright as a star. Here a select number were invited to meet and listen to the great teacher. highly instructive discussion of the Cause continued for more than 3 hours and everyone felt exalted. A delicious buffet supper was served and all were filled with happiness. The last public lecture was delivered on “Palestine” before the Portland District Zionist Organization of America in B’nai B’rith Building. The large audience was composed of Jews and Christians and they all listened to the marvellous story of reconstruction in the Holy Land with breathless interest. After this meeting the friends gathered in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Latimer to meet for the last time their beloved teacher who for the period of one week held aloft the torch of guidance. This was a beautiful, soulful gathering, short speeches were delivered by the friends and Jenabe expressed his great appreciation for their glorious services, saying that without their sincerity, devotion and faithfulness to the Centre of the Covenant these refulgent Confirmations would not have been vouchsafed. It was about midnight when we bade farewell to each and all with the magical words of Alleho Abha. Who can measure the spiritual effect of these days of service and promotion of the Word?

In one of the Divine Tablets ‘Abdu’l-Bahá writes: “His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh has said ‘Verily, We gaze upon ye from My ABHA Horizon and shall come to the assistance of him who has arisen to the service of My Cause with the phalanxes of the Supreme Concourse and with a legion of chosen and favored angels. Thus the diffusion of divine fragrances is above all the most important matter.’”

Report of George Latimer

The following report from Mr. George Latimer gives us another vision of the beauty of service and further refreshing and encouraging news of the confirmed visit of Jenabe Fazel and Ahmad in Portland:

“I regret my inability to record with fitting expression the spiritual joy and heavenly radiance that his honor, Jenabe Fazel brings to the hearts of the people in whichever city he enters. This is undoubtedly due to the fact that his great heart is in direct contact with the spiritual dynamo of the Covenant. In the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: ‘His Honour, Fazel is verily of the utmost sincerity, without any desire save service to the Cause of God.’ It is this self-sacrificing spirit and his all-encompassing love that gives to him the keys of the cities which he visits. There is no question but that the Beloved has endowed him with that quickening power, which is characteristic of the Center of the Covenant, and once a soul is touched by this spirit, immediately it attracts unto itself heavenly confirmations. Ahmad, also, is manifesting such a beautiful spirit of service and through his tireless energy, the message of Jenabe Fazel is enabled to reach thousands of people, while his diary gives new hope and increased urge to the friends. Indeed we must give prayers of thankfulness to our Lord for the Bounties of this historic and eventful pilgrimage!

“The ‘Persian Pilgrims’ were greeted by a week of rain in Portland, which was symbolic of the heavenly outpourings which descended upon the city. However, Jenabe Fazel assured us that he quite enjoyed the rain for this city reminded him greatly of his own home in Mazandaran, and he proceeded to make his abode in the hearts of the people. He arrived late Monday afternoon of the 7th, in time to at- [Page 7] tend a Feast of 'Persian pilau' given by the friends of Portland at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nash. The personal and intimate touches of the Bahá’í life cemented the hearts of the friends to make his short visit in Portland most fruitful. in the City.

"Tuesday the work started with a splendid talk at the largest High School When he began by saying: 'It gives me great pleasure to be with such a beautiful nosegay of boys and girls,' a joyous acclaim arose from the two thousand students that re-echoed throughout the entire week. The principal of the school remarked afterward that though he could not understand a word of the language, that the beauty, musical rhythm and spirit of that opening sentence would never be forgotten in his memory. At noon Jenabe Fazel and Ahmad were guests of the Kiwanis Club and the subject was the Economic Solution'. The business men are always agreeably surprised to find that Jenabe has such a grasp of the affairs of the world and gives such a practical application of his teachings. In the afternoon the Jewish women of Portland invited him to speak to them on the 'Progress of the Jew in the Orient'. They learned many new things that the spirit of the New Age was doing for their people. In the evening the large Auditorium of the Y.M.C.A. was opened up and the subject was 'Racial Antagonisms and International Justice.' This meeting was presided over by Dr. Kohs, a young Jewish doctor, who made several openings for the Persian Pilgrims in this city and in other places also. At the end of the meeting questions were presented and this is always one of the most attractive features of Jenabe's lectures, for his knowledge is so wide and spontaneous and his answers so acceptable and to the point that the audience invariably breaks out into rounds of applause. Often the questioner may be seeking confirmation of his own ideas, but the gentleness and tact of Jenabe's replies are so given that no sign or prejudice or ill-feeling is ever manifest.

"Wednesday was opened by an illumined talk on Persia, at Reed College, a most progressive and modern institution. After the talk many of the students crowded around to ask questions relative to their studies and theses, and their faces were noticed in subsequent meetings. At 2:30 the overflow was so great in the Metaphysical Hall, that Mrs. Kloh, their leader and a great friend of the Bahá’ís, made arrangements with the Theosophists to use their larger room. The building was ransacked for chairs and the people sat in the windows, door-ways and halls listening intently and asking many pertinent questions for two hours about the subject 'The Teachings of all Religions are Identical'. In the evening our brothers were entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Weed of Beaverton, who have a beautiful nursery and landscape gardens, and who have done splendid service in opening many doors for Bahá’í Meetings. Later a mass meeting was held in the crowded Auditorium of the High School to hear the message of 'Universal Education and Co-operation.'

"Thursday morning at 8:30 Jenabe spoke at Washington High School, the second largest in the city and met with the same splendid response that he received at Jefferson. This is one of the fine ways of seed-sowing, to remove the prejudice in the minds of these future citizens of the world and to have them associate the Bahá’í Cause as a movement of universal importance in educational, social and spiritual affairs and based upon the foundation of love and unity of all mankind. At noon he was the guest of the Progressive Business Men's Club at their luncheon in the magnificent banquet-room of the Benson Hotel. This was an inspiring meeting to see two hundred business men listen for an hour to the application of spiritual ideals in modern life; that unselfishness, co-operation and reciprocity were the keys to Success. In the afternoon another packed meeting of the Metaphysical Society listened to the lecture on 'New Evidences of Life after Death'. A word of tribute should be paid to Mrs. Kloh for her untiring efforts in arranging these meetings and postponing her own during the week so that her people could drink deeply from the fountain of wisdom and love eminating from our glorious teacher. In the evening about 600 people gathered in the Public Library to hear and ask many questions about the Bahá’í Movement and 'The Ideals of the New Age'. Mrs. Fred L. Olson prominent in musical circles, giving her services many times in the spirit of [Page 8] Bahá’í love, sang most sweetly a fitting song called 'Gloria.'

"Friday noon a meeting was held at the Men's Resort where the less fortunate members of humanity gather. The subject was 'Universal Brotherhood', and they all felt the power of the Bahá’í spirit to bring abouts its accomplishment. At three in the afternoon was one of the most remarkable meetings of the entire week at the spacious Ball-room of the Multnomah Hotel before the Portland Woman's Club. When we first learned that the meeting and subject were to be limited because of the feeling towards religious and spiritual matters, we decided to call the meeting off. When the Club heard the decision, it was very much put out and sent word they would call an open-day meeting and wanted Jenabe to speak on the 'Old and the New Persia'. Hundreds of women were present and the porter had to bring in more chairs to accommodate the crowd. Jenabe closed his interesting talk of Persian life with a thrilling account of the life and teachings of the first equal-suffragist martyr, Kurrat-ul-Ayne. The vast audience was completely charmed. After these glowing meetings it is always difficult to get the brothers away for a brief respite and rest, so numerous and eager are the seekers. In the evening Mrs. Cady, (the sister of brother Hoar, and Mr. Cady, splendid Christian Scientists, opened up their private school for a meeting to which their students, parents and friends were invited. Everyone was delighted and attracted by the talk.

"Saturday morning was devoted to a trip up the famous Columbia River Highway, a physical manifestation of the Handiwork of God. Visiting friends from Seattle and Spokane accompanied the party and shared in a breakfast feast at the foot of a magnificent waterfall of nearly 800 feet high. In the early afternoon a reception was held in the parlors of the Portland Hotel for all the people who had become attracted during the visit to Portland. The gathering was large and devoted entirely to questions pertaining to the vital interests of the Cause. Then Jenabe was invited to another large hall in the Hotel to speak before the monthly gathering of the Women's Federated Organizations on 'World Problems in Education and Economics.' This impromptu meeting was one of the finest of the week. The evening was devoted to a packed audience of Theosophists on the subject: 'Mind, Soul and Spirit'. Again the questions and answers were the magnet of attraction.

"Sunday morning a beautiful service was held in the First Divine Science Church on the 'Universal Consciousness of Christ'. After the service Dr. Minard told his congregation that even though Jenabe Fazel could not speak a word of our language and had no interpreter, no one could help receiving a heavenly inspiration by his very presence and that the touch of his hand gave the warmth of love and spiritual fellowship. Mrs. Minard said that they wanted to have more co-operative meetings with the Bahá’ís and that we would be welcome to use their church for Bahá’í gatherings. In the afternoon hundreds of people thronged to the meeting of the Spiritualists to hear about the 'New Vision of Immortality'. Many had to stand and again the questions were varied and the answers most satisfying. Mrs. Angus, the wife of the leader of this group, is a good friend of Dr. Watson of Toronto and was very happy to have our Persian brothers with them. The last public meeting was held Sunday evening before the Zionist Organization at which the problems of the Jews and the Holy Land were fully discussed. Several Jewish ladies expressed themselves as being Bahá’ís after meeting this glorious soul.

"After this meeting the friends all gathered in our rooms for the last farewells, and the hearts were united in that love of the Covenant and its Center, made so manifest to us by the visit of these two radiant Bahá’ís. This brief account does not mention the many private meetings and dinners crowded in between the public gatherings, at the homes of various friends at which the personal touch was given to many new souls who had become attracted to the Cause. The newspapers had accounts and notices of the meetings every day, some excellent write-ups and friendly co-operation. The leaders of various organizations offered their services whole-heartedly and doors opened on all sides showing the Confirmations of the Holy Spirit. The patience, love, self-sacrifice and service of Jenabe Fazel and Ahmad [Page 9] are the Bounties of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and when they left for California Monday morning, our Godspeed and prayers accompanied them."

"Whosoever arises to spread the WORD and performs this service (teaching), he will behold that the Doors of Confirmation are open wide before his face. This is the season of teaching, and therefore it will yield results. . . . Any person desiring to be surrounded by the Confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh, must arise and teach the Cause. This is the Path." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

At last we have the bounty of a letter from Miss Julia Culver, dated at Geneva, Switzerland, March 1st. She tells us of her busy life of service while in Paris. And now also in Switzerland, there is always an opportunity to serve. She speaks of the tragic need for help along all lines and on every side. Many very fine people suffer rather than ask for help. One of the interesting items in Miss Culver's letter is a brief word about Mrs. Enogene Hoagg who is serving in Italy. Some fine connections have been made and meetings arranged for her among people of intelligence and standing, and Miss Culver adds: "She is great in the work and just fitted for what is now unfolding." As for Miss Culver; She seems to be serving in many fields and is constantly a "bird of passage" for we gather that she is travelling about a great deal and not remaining for a long time in any one place. There is no prospect of her returning to the U. S. at present, but instead she will soon make a return visit to the Holy Land.

Any word from these two well known and beloved sisters will, we know, be very welcome news and most happily received.

Mr. Louis G. Gregory is spending some time in Washington after finishing his Southern tour which came to a close with the completion of the work in North and South Carolina. Since his return to Washington, he has been visiting the public schools and thus far has spoken about the Cause in ten of the schools. He tells us that "The teachers and pupils are making happy response and many have expressed themselves as deeply interested and grateful for the Message which brings hope and joy."

"Think of GOD, and let thy thought be of GOD, and let thy brother be trained according to the highest moral standard. In the tenderest years of their youth the pure hearts of boys and girls must be illumined with the light of love of GOD. Then when they grow up, most astonishing results will be produced, because the maps of their whole lives would be drawn with the Hand of the Spiritual Educator." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

An excerpt from a letter from Mr. Randall is appealing and so we pass it on:

"The Temple is the great teacher and we must have teachers to teach this. There is no life or safety outside of the Power of the Covenant and strict obedience to the Will of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. All else is superstition and imagination, and every other work is, as compared to Reality, like building houses upon the sands. We cannot plant within ourselves the permanent temple for the indwelling spirit of the Covenant without obedience to the Law of GOD, and to me steadfastness means that our faith does not waver."

"The sincerity of a pure person is apparent in his deeds and activities."

"I hope that all the beloved of GOD collectively in the Continent of America, men and women, will strive night and day until the Mashrakol-Azkar be erected in the utmost solidity and beauty. Thank GOD that thou art living in the Dispensation of the Covenant." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The Mendota, Washington, D. C., March 15, 1921.

Respectfully and lovingly submitted, THE TEACHING COMMITTEE OF NINETEEN, By Mariam Haney, Secretary.