National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1921/May/Text
 | The text below this notice was generated by a computer, it still needs to be checked for errors and corrected. If you would like to help, view the original document by clicking the PDF scans along the right side of the page. Click the edit button at the top of this page (notepad and pencil icon) or press Alt+Shift+E to begin making changes. When you are done press "Save changes" at the bottom of the page. |
| "The words must be according to what has proceeded from the Mouth of the Will of GOD and is recorded in Tablets." Baha'o'llah.
"It is incumbent upon thee and upon all, to put forth the best effort inthese days in building this glorious Temple (the Mashrakol-Azkar). . . It is incumbent upon ye (men and women) to be united in this great Cause, so that ye may be confirmed by the Divine Bounty and Merciful Spirit. : Abdul Baha.
"I have planted the Seeds in America. You must nurture them and care for them. If you do this, they will yield an abundant harvest." Abdul Baha.
_—— ee ee ee Se ee es
BULLETIN No. l Issued by the Teaching Committee of Nineteen. f
May 1921. :
The first number of the Bulletin issued since the Convention in Chicago April 23 to 27, will bring to your attention some of the items of interest in con
nection with the work accomplished at the various sessions.
Probably the most important thing of the entire Convention -- considering | our longing hopes and expectations of future success -- was this: "that the union of opinions and expressions" finally obtained. It truly can be emphasized over and Over again as the most important thing, because upon attainment to this "union of | opinions" depends the building of the Holy Temple. Hear the WORD which "is Collective Wisdom, Absolute Knowledge and Certain Truth", therefore, the basis for opinions and actions of all those who are so sincerely striving for attainment unto
the good pleasure of the Lord: "Every problem must be tending toward the cause of union and harmony.
so that the confirmation and assistance may be attained: for if a great project does not become the cause of union and affinity among all, then the contrary will |
be the result." "Ye also make the erection of the Temple in America conducive to the unity
and oneness of the believers. .. But if this matter should become the cause of any disunion, its harm will be great and it will not be completed." ", . . This confirmation will descend upon the people of America if they |
will arise and endeavor,with great courage to establish union and harmony, so that every trace of difference may be uprooted and they may all become as one heart and soul."
1 These are all quotations from the Utterances of Abdul Baha. And again: , T262 "Today there is no greater Service than union and accord amongst the be1921 ' lievers, This is the imperatives need... Exert yourself in this matter,"
"Therefore, in the beginning, the foundation of this love and unity must
May ky ‘ " be laid among the believers of God,
Gc. i
? ne
eS
. Ma = m ed a
[Page 2]
= Be
As these Words penetrate deeper and deeper into the very heart ot our Spiritual being we are brought face to face with the extraordinary responsibility resting upon us in this mighty hour. If we develop keen spiritual susceptibilities through the prayerful attitude and a deep study of the revealed Words, the result will be the deeds which naturally must be manifested in the life of every believer, for, aS Abdul Baha says: "The test of the Truth lies in the influence the conception has on our lives." The delegates at this Convention attained unto a measure of success for they truly tried to “hasten toward co-operation and mutual help in the path of guidance."
Abdul Baha has instructed that “Teachers must continually travel to all parts of the Continent. .. "
Now there never was a time when the travelling teachers are more needed than at this very time. The seeds scattered so widely by the Ideal Sage, Jenabe Fazel, must be watered, and new fields must be visited. We mst do our utmost to respond to the appeals for teachers. For what other time shall we wait? Abdul Baha answers this question for us. He says:
"The responsibility for the steady progress of the Cause depends upon yous
- . Why are ye silent? Shout! Why are ye sitting? Move! “Why are ye quiet?
Stir! This is not the day of rest and comfort. Travel ye constantly, and spread far and wide the Teachings of God. . . My health consists in the progress of the Cause, and the progress of the Cause depends upon the energy and wisdom of the teachers, . . Today no praiseworthy action can be compared with teaching the Cause of the forgiving Lord. For this is the seed sowing time."
Every teacher whether a resident teacher or a travelling teacher, should have in his or her possession, the compilation of Utterances in regard to the Temple, and always emphasize -- even at a specially appointed meeting for that purpose if need be -- the importance of the Temple. After studying the Holy Utterances, the teacher's utterances can become "like a flame of fire" (as Abdul Baha tells us), and he can explain how the Temple when completed will be an "expression of the elevation of the YORD of GOD", in what way this Temple differs from other temples, not only its immeasurable spiritual effects, but also its astounding effect on material civilization. Think of what can and will be accomplished through this united effort, for, in innumerable Tablets we are promised divine confirmations wh: we cease to waste precious time on human opinions, but know only One Center "around Whom all the Names revolve" and from Thom we draw life and light and love!
As we realized the importance of the great work accomplished by this Convention, we asked some of the friends to write short reports so that we might share the news in brief as quickly as possible. } |
In the following letter from Mr. ‘im. H, Randall, you are given rather more than a "glimpse" into things. Those on the "outside" are on the "inside" through the intimate touches contained herein: |
"The Convention of 1921 was most memorable in that it comprehended the necessity of unifying the various activities of the Cause, realizing that Temple, Teaching, Publishing, printing work etc., are the various organs of the united body, connecting all with the heart beats of one central life. It was apparent from the beginning that a spiritual unity was present in the body of the assembled delegates and that this spirit was always a majority and never wavered. As Wendell Phillips once said -- one with God is a majority. Through all the deliberations and consultation this spirit of unity never failed to impress itself upon the deliberating
body. It was the most open, free and truly consulting Convention that I have ever attended.
"The constructive work of the Convention will be far reaching, because the delegates realized that a new step had been taken in the unity of action. Its
first constructive step, in obedience to the will of Abdul Baha, that the Convention
[Page 3]
on ie
consisted in appointing a Committee to re . ; | ievers, is the executive body of the believ laws of the
draft and present to the next Convention a revised Constitution and By- | Unity, permitting the scope and elasticity that now becomes necessary to legally
and effectively carry on the work. | tr "As the will of Abdul Baha is to function through the Convention, it 1s
clear that the Convention should appoint an Executive Committee, possibly 19 in number, and not merely various disjointed Committees, in order that all Committees may spring from this Executive Head to function the delegated authority ziven by the Convention and in a united way. To my mind, this is the inception of the life imparting spirit to the Bahai unity of America.
"Secondly, the Convention confirmed the oneness of Temple and Teaching work and whereas, it is desirable for the present that the two funds be kept separate, it was clearly discerned that in reality they are one, each serving the other as mind and body, for as the Temple is the symbol of the elevation of the Word of God, the heavenly teaching is its spiritual life. This affirmation of the Convention should bring composure to many hearts who have been in doubt as to which fund they should conscientiously contribute.
"The great necessity to continue the Bulletin was emphasized as the circulating voice of the activities of the Cause and the inspiring note of progress.
"Another constructive step was the recognition that the will of the Convention carried the sanction of Abdul Baha and should be obeyed as His will, therefore, with happiness and resolution we should turn from the mistakes of infancy to the maturity of our hopes and longed for consummation, -- the building of the Temple, and the seed sowing of the Kingdom.
fhe words of the Master received in cables and Tablets since the Convention of 1920 clearly indicated His confirmation of the model chosen by that Convention, and His hope that the foundation would soon be accomplished. The Convention ratified the acts of the former Executive Board, with some modifications in the contract made with Mr. Bourgeois, but the price was not altered.
"Perhaps the most inspiring step taken by the Convention was in the authority given to the new Executive Board to go forward with the building program and if possible have the foundation completed by the Rizwan of 1922, which would complete the Temple to 11 ft. above the ground, including the approaching steps and the first floor completed, thereby giving an enclosed room of about 72 ft. in diameter and 27 ft. in height, constituting a place of assembly and a House of Worship. The estimated cost to complete this mich as stated by the engineers, is about $225,000, therefore this is the goal towards which all eyes are turned and an additional $65, 000. will complete this work. May our united endeavors reach this goal and may funds flow,through the bounty of the Covenant, into this treasury of the wealth of reality. The Convention even ventured to hope that should we acconplish this mich, the way might be opened for the Master to be with us at that time and consecratsé with His Holy Presence this Temple which hereafter would be as the body of the Manifestation upon earth. If we concentrate our spirit to this one aim and contribute our funds to this single purpose, we can accomplish, and as the Temple grows the spirit of unity will shine and the mysteries of the Kingdom will be revealed. | |
"The great solicitude in the hearts of the believers is -- have we been obedient to the will of Abdul Baha, and whereas through the veil of human understanding we have not been as luminous as the mirror of perfect reflection, and have been slow to respond to the heavenly guidance, deviating at times from the pathway to the Kingdom, the voice of the Convention indicates to me that we have not been disobedient but imperfect and that no single heart or mind catches the rays of infallibility; that in this day an assembled body is the true mirror, and it is the wisdom of God that the Bahai Conventions from year to year shall reflect the will of the Center of the Covenant, growing in nearness and clearness and thereby become
the mirror of His will.
[Page 4]
ge
~ 4 "Notes of the Convention. The Teaching work must go forward with eas greater support and earnestness and Jenabe Fazel expressed the hope that we “ have more teachers in the field of service duing the coming year, and he conside that it would be a calamity if the Bulletin were discontinued, and that teaching, bulletin and Temple were one worki : | | 3
"The Teaching Committee hopes that the friends will promptly renew a increase if possible their pledges and contributions for the coming year and that perchance the light of the Center of the Covenant may signalize some universal soul ¢ to contribute to the Temple fund and become recipients of the bounty of God.
"It was suggested that each Assembly send to the Secretary, Mrs. Mar Lam Haney, the names of those teachers who are eligible for this work, naming those who can give their entire time to the Teaching program, free of expense to the fund; those who can give their entire time supported by the Fund; and those who can divide their time in part in the service of teaching, with assistance in whole or in part. Will the Assemblies kindly do this in an earnest effort to enlarge the field of activity and make the Fund commensurate with the demands."
Please note particularly the above request for names and addresses. Also note that we are here to furnish information, and we are cheerfully willing to share whatever we have, so please do not hesitate to call upon us at any time. Likewise if you have information of importance, please send it to us so that it may be communicated to others.
Mr. Horace Holley contributes the following very comprehensive report:
"It would be as impossible to describe this Convention by a mere record of its actions, as to describe the Spring season by cataloguing its earliest flowers.
"This Convention manifested a new spirit -- and only with reference to its spirit can the great significance of its various activities be realized.
"Let the friends who could not attend the Convention be assured that the event has served to separate two epochs in the history of the Cause in North America, We Bahais have become more responsible -- responsible to each other, responsible to Abdul Baha, and responsible in the eyes of the world, The fact that the Temple of God has actually been commenced, that its activities are visible; that we are thereby eternally committed to complete this structure at no matter what cost or against whatever difficulty -- here, I believe, is the source of the new influence so profoundly felt by all the delegates this year. There's al] the difference in the world between a plan and its realization, between a ship in the yards and the ship at sea. In the same way, there's a world of significance which has entered the Cause in North America since a year ago.
"In many ways, the Convention exerted itself to create a healthy and conscious body capable of carrying out the will of Abdul Baha to a degree never attempted before. There was the utmost effort to organize the meetings in such a way aS to allow ample discussion for each problem, yet shut out no new phase of the work that seemed to require attention. The friends seemed to realize as never before the importance also of making permanent the Convention's vision and will.
"The three vital aspects of our Bahai work -- teaching, building the Temple, and organizing the publications -- drew closer together as they were seen to be, in reality, so linked that neither could forge ahead without the support of the other two. Perhaps the most decisive advance made this year was the motion for the Chairman to appoint a committee to examine the present Constitution, and present to the next Convention a recommendation for such changes as it finds advisable to permit the organization of one central executive board, able to administer, through suitable sub-committees, all the activities which future Conventions may find it desirable to carry on.
"Through such an executive board, we may expect a much more successful use of our common talents and resources, and many new bonds of unity between Assem
[Page 5]
Bee
blies throughout North America.
"To mention this action on the part of the Convention is really to tell volumes, since it implies a vigorous maturity and a definite purpose which could only have been born of an inner unity acceptable to Abdul Baha.
"If there were hundreds of friends present at the Convention, there are as many articles that could be written about it. Yet all would agree on the essential, I am sure, which is that the established oneness of purpose on the subject of the Temple has been, and will be, the root of all outward growth and success of the Cause.
"An event which opened up many new channels of influence was the efficient plan, and the generous self-sacrifice, by which Miss Mary Lesch established an incorporation to carry on the Bahai Publishing Society identified for so many years with her unassisted and unremitting work.
"Who can forget the prayer uttered by Fazel on the Temple grounds that glorious Sunday morning? “Along what paths of service he has trod these twelve fruitful months, that we might encounter in such a spot one who himself is a Mashrakol-Azkar, a dwellingplace of truth and a dawning of love?"
"Hence, you must, first of all, arise in teaching the Cause and calling the people to the manifestation of the Kingdom; so that God's assistance may encircle you from all sides. Should you not render this service and should you not win this goal in the field of action, others coming after you will accomplish this work. . .." Abdul Baha.
The following report from Miss Martha Root should be carefully preserved for reference throughout the year lest we forget some of the ideas which may prove of great assistance in our activities:
"No assembly can afford to be without IDEAS for raising funds for the Mashrakol-Azkar -- a wealth of practical thought now ready to be sent out free to each assembly that asks for it. The Ideas Committee Suggested several plans that are already being used. In addition here is a list of splendid IDEAS, compiled by different chairmen who have spent many weeks working these out. The chairmen could hardly afford the expense of sending out to individuals, but they will send to each assembly upon request, these spiritual 'seeds' which are capable of growing great trees of firm activities -- trees that will bear "fruits close together and of perfuming fragrance' and the Temple will have funds for its construction.
"Some of the special committees are:
"Certain money plans IDEAS, Chairman, Miss A. Morris, 2201 Larkin Street, San Francisco, Calif. These plans include such suggestions as, who will give everything he has? Who will give one ninth? One nineteenth? Savings for one year? Jewels? Cost of a meal every nineteen days? Nine cents a day? etc. This plan has the support of the whole San Francisco assembly.
"Chairman of Advertising Committee, Mr. Horace Holley, 315 Vest 24th St., New York City, N. Y. Any information about the best ways to advertise the Bahai Cause, meetings etc., may be obtained from him.
"Chairman of Mashrakol-Azkar compilation, Mrs. E. B. Kinney, Hotel Woodward, 254 lest 55th Street, New York Sates N. Y., assisted by Mr. Philip Sprague.
"Chairman of Music Committee, Mr. E. B. Kinney, Hotel Yoodward, 254 West 55th Street, New York City, N. Y. He has promised to arrange concerts, Bahai Rallying Songs, music for moving pictures, oratorios, Persian evenings, etc.
"Chairman of Plays' Committee, Mrs. Valeria DeMude Kelsey, 217 Liberty Avenue, New Rochelle, N. Y- She has arranged a book of plays and entertainments which will not only help to raise funds for the Temple but will be excellent to spread the Teachings of this new Universal Day.
[Page 6]
ve
wn
"Chairman for Children's Group plans, Miss Ella Robarts, Chairman, care of Miss Roushan Wilkinson, 35 Congress Street, Boston, Mass.
"Outline of a letter assemblies might send out to Theosophists, Spiritualists and other societies asking if they would like to have a lecture on the Universal Temple -- the IDEA of how one might word such a letter may be obtained fro. Mrs. C. M. Barbee, Chairman, 4--13, Railway Exchange Building, St. Louis, Mo.
"No Chairman is yet appointed for special publicity work.
| "Chairman of Prayer Group Committee, Mrs. Gustave Christine, 125 Vest Ormsby venue, Louisville, Ky. She has a beautiful typed booklet stating how Bahais all over the world may unite in seasons of prayer for the Mashrakol Azkar work.
"Chairman of Club IDEA, called 'Hands of Service', Mrs. Nathaniel Clark, 4301 Xavier Street, Denver, Colo. Friends wishing,to work with their hands will find excellent suggestions.
"Model of bank in the form of the Mashrakol-Azkar designed by Mr. Sutherland Maxwell. These may be obtained from the Unity Board. These banks in homes are attractive and will prove a 'teacher', for every one will ask about them.
"Mashrakol-Azkar meetings to be held each month. Consult Dr. Zia Bagdadi, 1659 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, Ill.
"Chairman of Bahai Lantern Slides and Steriopticon work, Mr. W.H.Randall, assisted by Martha Root. For information address Martha Root, Cambridge Springs, Pa. Over two hundred new Bahai slides, colored slides 60 cents each, uncolored 45 cents each. Excellent lanterns $60 each. These lanterns are very easy to operate. A city assembly could keep one in use almost every day in the week, different Bahais taking turns giving the talks. Three kinds of lectures could be given: one uSing Slides from all around the world; one on architecture leading up to church architecture, Notre Dame, St. Peter's and the new Universal Temple; third, splendid Bahai lectures showing the growth of the Bahai Cause over the world. These lectures can be written out for any who would like such an outline. Also, a little booklet giving description of each slide will be typed. This is only the beginning, as friends from all over the world are loaning their precious pictures and the slides will prove a wealth of treasure to pass on down the ages. If any of the friends have good pictures will they please loan them to be photographed for slides -- the picture is not injured, only stood up and photographed and will be returned promptly. The lantern will give a picture 12 foot square. Larger lantersn can be bought, but this is the size used in most halls. It has the advantage that it can be carried about easily. Any boy or girl can operate this simple lantern. Full lantern instructions will be sent.
o
"Temple post cards, another IDEA suggested by the committee, and Temple pictures are already out and cin be purchased from the different assemblies or the treasurer of the Bahai Temple Unity, Mr. W. H. Randall, 35 Congress Street, Boston, Mass.
"Instead of putting slips in Bahai books sold to explain the Temple, Temple post cards are being used. One hundred dollars worth of these post cards were given by a Bahai as a gift to the Mashrakol-Azkar work,
"Chairman of the Bahai seal, Mr. 0. J. Hanko, Box 9, Newark, N- J. San Francisco Assembly designed the seal to be used on letterheads and envelopes. The Unity Board will see it first. It is very beautiful and any one wishing any information on seals, please write to Mr. Hanko who will reply as soon as he receives the suggestion and can work out a plan for a general seal. His part had to be
delayed. "Chairman of Bulletin News, Mrs, Mariam Haney, ‘The Mendota , Washington,
D. C.
"Districting the country for Mashrakol-Azkar work is not here mentioned because it was well covered by Mr. Horace Holley's plan. Also the IDEAS Committee makes no report of the teaching program as that was covered by the Teaching Commit
[Page 7]
wifi
tee. Any one with any IDEAS please report them to these various chairmen or to Martha Root, Cambridge Springs, Pa., Chairman of the IDEAS work."
"Convey the Message. Attract the hearts! Sow the seeds?! Teach the Cause to those who do not know." Abdul Baha.
Mirza Ahmad Sohrab's "Diary Card" series will be continued, so that we may be associated in this way with the work of the blessed and révered teacher, Jenabe Fazel. Ahmad gives the interesting and intimate sidelights on the work which the friends enjoy. The following are some of the recent cards:
. Auditorium Hotel, Chicago, I1l., April 23, 1921.
They are coming. They are coming from the East and from the West, North and South! Delegates of the Bahai Assemblies from all parts of the United States and Canada have arrived to attend the 13th annual Mashrakol-Azkar Convention and Congress to be held in the Banquet Hall, Ninth floor of the Auditorium Hotel, -- a great gathering of the lovers of the world of humanity, the servants of the principles of Truth. All day long there was a flow of spiritual ccnsciousness, the meeting of old friends, the exchange of celestial greeting. Lo and behold here is a delegate from Spokane, there is one from Boston; here he comes from Washington and there you meet one from Denver; sincere men and women, workers for the Cause of Universal Peace; joyous singers of the glory of the Kingdom; standard-bearers of the oneness of the world of humanity. What a happy life is the life of the Spirit. The spiritual charm of this Feast of Rizwan was the presence of many returning pilgrims! Mr. M. ‘Glls, Mr. L. Bourgeois, Mrs. M. Morton, wrs. Van Patten and many others; their faces set aglow with the love of Abdul Baha. The Sanquet Hall was beautifully decorated with fragrant flowers, the Tablets of the Divine Plan were hanging on the walls with the map 2f each country underneath -- as a strong reminder to the Bahais that their most important duty is to teach the Cause throughout the world of humanity. More than 300 delegates and guests sat around the tables with their heaming faces; the supper was fine and really there was a spon taneous comradery a loving association among these children of the New Age. Mr. Albert Windust acted as the chairman of the Feast; he read portions from the Divine Plan; Miss Alma Knoblock spoke eloquently on the promotion of the Bahai Cause in Europe and South Africa where in the latter place her sister is teaching; Dr. _ Bagdadi delivered the message in eloquent language and Jenabe Fazel delivered a glorious talk on "How the Bahai Teachings are uniting the East and the West." Majame Bagdadi chanted a beautiful prayer in Arabic; Mrs. Ruth Breytsproak Hayman played some joyous violin solos, Miss Marie Hertzog and Miss Sarah Yindust were the delightful pianists. Altogether it was a soulful gathering of the dear friends; the love of Abdul Baha was in the hearts and they all turned their faces toward Him. It was indeed the Feast of Rizwan, the dawm of the New World -- the commencement of the New Age and all those who are centered in the Manifestation of Light and Truth were calm and peaceful. Afterwards, the friends grouped themselves together and had those rare, spiritual commnions that are as balm to the souls.
Grestin> to every one.
Auditorium Hotel, Chicago, I1l., April 24, 1921.
A most busy day. A most happy day for Jenabe Fazel and the Bahai delegates and guests! In the morning all the friends went to the Temple grounds including Jenabe. Mr. Wills, Mrs, Morten, Mrs. Van Patten, Mrs. Krug, Mr. Holly of New York and Mrs. Boyle of Washington took him in their car. There were hundreds of Bahais on the sacred ground. Nine shafts are made in the soil and machinery and laborers are busy. Lc! the work has started in earnest and God willing the Glorious Temple will be constructed. Jenabe gave a short talk on the significance of the event and chanted a prayer. Returning to the city he was the guest at
[Page 8]
ye
Luncheon given by the same friends. In the afternoon a glorious meeting was held on the 9th floor of the Auditorium. Fully 1000 people had come, attracted by the announcements in the paper. Many people stood up. Mr. M. Mills just returned from the Holyland presided and spoke beautifully about his recent visit to the Centre of the Covenant; Mr. L. Bourgeois also returning from the Presence of Abdul Baha gave a significant lecture on the origin and creation of the Temple; Mr. W. H. Randall talked on "The Universal House of Worship for Today." It was a spiritual presentation of the subject and every one felt happy over it. Then Jenabe Fazel arose with his glowing spirit, his grasp of the universal desire of all desire, his lucid explanation of the two kinds of Temples; the spiritual and the material -- the Inner and the Outer -- the first becoming the foundation of the latter. Everyone felt the vibrations of the spirit emanating from this glorious teacher sent by Abdul Baha as a precious gift to America. After this meeting the delegates from the Western states met in consultation to present certain matters to the Convention -- one of which is to hold the convention on the Pacific Coast next year. They had a fruitful meeting. Inthe evening there was a reception for Jenabe and all the delegates were most delighted to come in personal touch with him. The "Bahai Junior" exercises under the direction of Mrs. Foster -- a tried and sincere Bahai -- were beautiful. They sang, recited the words of Baha'o'llah, gave little speeches and everything they did was enthusiastically received. The last act of the busy day was the presentation of the stereoptican views of the Holy Land by Mr. Randall and Miss Martha Root, AS the pictures were thrown on the Canvass one by one Miss Root and Mr, Randall explained the historical facts of the Bahai Movement. It is a most instructive manner to teach the Cause and to present the matter of the temple before vast audiences. All the people who saw these pictures were delighted. Auditorium Hotel, Chicago, I11., April 25, 1921.
Mrs, Louise Boyle has been the hostess of Jenabe Fazel every morning and thus it is a great pleasure to sit around the same table and speak about the many problems of the Cause confronting the delegates at this important gathering, The first business session of the Convention was opened at 10 o'clock by Mr. Mills with a very Spiritual introductory talk. Permanent chairman and secretary were elected in the persons of Mr. Mills and Mr. Lunt. The roll call of the delegates was in order and from more than 60 cities the Bahai Cause was represented. While the committee was verifying the certificates of the delegates, Mrs. Maxwell spoke about Montreal, Mrs. Bosch about her trip and that of her husband to Tahiti island, Dr. Bagdadi about the Orient, Ahmad Sohrab about Vancouver and on and on. It was a feast of the soul, everyone felt happy to hear the speakers and get a glimpse of the progress of the Cause. Other nominating committees were elected for Teaching and making an agenda of all matters to be presented to the Convention for discusSion and consultation. It was after one when the seSsion closed, for the luncheon hour, the delegates returning at 2:30 for the second session. At the afternoon meeting lfr. Lunt, as the Secretary, gave his report of the work of the last year, likewise Mr. Randall,the Treasurer,and Mrs. True, the Financial Secretary, Major Burt, the Architect and Engineer, gave a fine report, saying that the Temple without interior decoration will cost about $1, 200, 000, divided into four parts, foundation, basement, first and second galleries and the dome -- all to be completed if the adequate fund is forthcoming in 4 or 5 years. He answered all the questions most intelligently and many of the friends felt that the work is in good reliable hands. The report of the Treasurer showed that there must come into the Treasury within the next 12 months, $75,000 in order that the work may go on without delay and he felt the believers would rise to the situation. In the evening Jenabe Fazel was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Randall; Manoucher Khan, Mrs. Haney, Mrs. Parsons and Mr. Latimer were other guests. At noon Mr. and Mrs. ftruven of Worcester, Mass., entertained our teacher for luncheon. At the evening session of the Congress
[Page 9]
r)
sin Mas
Dr. Peeke of Cleveland presided at the meeting, Dr. D'Evelyn of San Francisco spoke on the Independent Investigation of Reality, Mr. Louis Gregory of Washington, gave an address on the "Oneness of Mankind" and Jenabe Fazel on the subject: "Religion mast be the Cause of Love and Amity". It was an enthusiastic audience, the response was glowing in the eyes -- for only love and the joy of love brings the people together. This is life and this is spirituality. Let us have more love.
Auditorium Hotel, Chicago, I1l., April 26, 1921.
The delegates of the Bahais in North America assembled in Chicago went again into sessions this morning and afternoon. Mr. Remey's letter to tne Convention and his remarks in regard to the Temple were read and for four solid hours the delegates talked, read the words of Abdul Baha and discussed the matter. Innumerable delegates took part and at last they came to the final, irrevocable conclusion that the work of the Temple must go on as outlined in recent instructions by the Centre of the Covenant, and the Secretary was directed to write a letter of thanks to Mr. Remey. Other matters taken up by the convention were publication, Teaching, Bulletin, and committees were appointed to report at next session. The power of Abdul Baha was indeed manifest in all the deliberations of the delegates. There was a unaminity of desires and hopes to sacrifice all human opinions for the sake of the Cause. Jenabe Fazel in the morning session spoke most eloquently on the importance of the Temple and how now that once for all the delegates have selected the model, the next step is to concentrate all our attention on the matter of getting funds for its construction. In the afternoon he delivered a second address on the supreme importance of Teaching and how without teaching we could not have a building at the present day. Everyone tried to listen to the teacher who is shining in our midst like unto the star. At noon Jenabe was invited to luncheon by Mr. and Miss Bauer and Mrs, Berridge of Duluth. They are wonderfully sweet Bahais and sincere in the Cause. One sees the love of Abdul Baha in their faces. In the evening Mrs. Florian Krug requested Jenabe to have dinner with her and Mrs. Fales of Dayton. She asked many questions about creation, God, and Good and Evil and the answers satisfied her. The session of the Congress at 8 P.M. was well attended. Several hundred being present. Mrs. L. Boyle of Washington was in the Chair. Her knowledge, her sweet voice and her smiling face made her an attractive presiding soul. Mr. Alfred Lunt spoke on the, Solution of Economic question -- his points cogent and reasonable -- in accord with the Divine Plan. Then Jenabe Fazel gave a ringing lecture on the "Conformity of Science and Religion" -- the. Universal Education of the Future. The vast audience was thrilled with his address. It was a masterful array of facts, a wonderful picture of spiritual genius -- the crowd gathering around him after the address, expressing their deepest thanks and pleasure.
Auditorium Hotel, Chicago, I1l., April 27, 1921.
Another day of the Convention of Abdul Baha held in this city. In the morning the Convention went into session discussing the contract made with Mr. Bourgeois in regard to the purchase of his model and at last decided to award him $50,000, because Abdul Baha had ordered this matter mist be decided by the Convention. Then a committee was appointed to write a new constitution for the executive committee or Unity Board, enlarging its scope and including the manifold Bahai activities. This was an important step taken which will be reported at the next Convention. Jenabe Fazel was invited to Speak and he delivered an address on the matter of Tarbiat school in Tcheran and the need of assistance to be given by the friends. He also referred to the schools of Bahais in Hamadan. This being the last day, the Executive Committee was elected by the majority vote as follows: Mr. M. Mills, Mr. Alfred Lunt, Mr. H. Randall, Mr. Roy Wilhelm, Mrs. C. True, Dr. Zia Bagdadi, Ifrs. L. Boyle, Mr. George Latimer, Mr. C. Remey. For the ensuing twelve months the above names will form the Executive Committee of the Temple Unity. In the afternoon Jenabe Fazel gave a talk on Persian Art before the members of the
Federation of Chicago Women's Club. It was an appreciative audience. The Club held
[Page 10]
-10
its meeting in the Morrison Hotel. For the last Congress session Mrs. Florian Krug
of New York was inthe Chair. The meeting was held at 8 P.M. Mr. Vail gave a very
eloquent address on the Essential Necessity of the Confirmation of the Holy fpirit;
Mrs. True talked on the Temple of Universal Peace and Jenabe Fazel spoke on the Dawn
of the Sun of Reality and the Power of the Influence of Baha'to'llah. It was a ringing address ~- clearly manifesting the spiritual power manifesting from the Blessed
Perfection in removing the prejudices which existed for ages among the religions of
the world. There were many people in the audience who were attracted to the Cause
of God and if such meetings could be kept up through the year with the same enthusiasm, the Movement would indeed advance by leaps and bounds. During the day it
was reported to the Convention that a colored Newspaper, "Defender", had offered
the writing of a weekly article in its columns on the Bahai Movement. This is
another proof of the progress of the Cause.
Auditorium Hotel, Chicago, Ill., April 28, 1921.
‘The Members of the Teaching Committee appointed by the Convention today are nineteen as follows: Jenabe Fazel, Honorary Member. For the Northeastern States: Mr. W. H. Randall, Mr. Roy Wilhelm, Mr. E. B. Kinney and Mr. Oglesby. Southern States: Mrs. Parsons, Mrs. Haney, Mr. Gregory, Mrs. Murphy. Céntral States: Mrs. Parmerton, Carl Scheffler and Dr. Bagdadi. Western States: Mrs. Ella Cooper, Mr. George Latimer, Mrs. E, Clark, Ahmad Sohrab. Canada: Mrs. Maxwell, Miss Marion Jack, Mrs. Laura luther and J. H. Hougen. During the day two sessions of the Teaching Committee were held, and it was decided to continue the publication of the Bulletin, enlarge the scope of the work and find an assistant for the Secretary. Jenabe Fazel spoke at the morning extra session of the Convention on the iden- f tity of the work of the Temple and Teaching. They are the two wings of the same heavenly bird and both must be strengthened. It was a remarkable speech and should be read by all. Mrs. Morten spoke about the girlsS' school on Mt. Carmel, to be built in the not distant future. Miss Root presented a series of plans evolved by the Ideas Committee to increase the fund of the Temple and the Teaching. Mr. Randall addressed the delegates on the importance of teaching and the need of finanCial support on the part of all the friends. Mr. J. Gilligan gave a graphic picture of the organization of the Bahai Fellowship in San Quentin prison, the formation of a library and the wonderful work that one can accomplish in this direction. Dr. Maxwell Ryder spoke on the organization of "Visual Reality” and the possibility of the moving picture as a medium for presenting the Message of Baha'o'llah to the world. Miss Hlla Robarts spoke about the Junior work and the magazine of the Children of the Kingdom. Many ideas were presented to the delegates which no doubt will be fully developed as years roll on. A committee was appointed consisting of Mr. Latimer, Mrs. Boyle and Mr. Oglesby to write a cable to Abdul Baha, the Centre of the Covenant, and the following was adopted and sent: "Convention acknowledges divine confirmations. They go forth united to teach and build the Temple." Thus with this glorious realization of a new unity, the delegates filled with the holy Spirit, returned to their respective homes to teach and build the Temple of the Lord.
=
"If ye seek the illumination of the Kingdom, ye must arise with infinite resolution.
“What a great blessing it is that when the torrents, streams, currents, tides and drops are all gathered in one place, they will form a great ocean and the real harmony shall overcome and reign in such a manner that all the rules, laws, distinctions and differences of the imaginations of these souls shall digappear and vanish like little drops and shall be submerged in the ocean of spiritual unity.
By the Ancient Beauty, in this case and condition, the blessings of the great ocean will overflow and canals shall become as Spacious as an endless ocean and each drop
shall become as a boundless sea. | "Let us encourage each other and set all in motion. Let us strive to
[Page 11]
«its
diffuse the Fragrance of GOD and engage ourselves in exalting the Word of GOD.
"Let us ever be alert through the influence of the gentle breeze wafted
from the Garden of Favor, and enjoy the sweet fragrance of the Garden of Unity."
- Abdul Baha.
Last year the Teaching Committee promised to issue the Bulletin on the 19th of each month. In just a short time this was found inadequate, and two, three and even four Bulletins were printed during each month. This year the Teaching Committee wishes to announce that the number of Bulletins issued will depend on the material at hand. It is our hope that we will be able to get the news to the friends promptly. Please send us your suggestions as to how the Bulletin can be developed f: 0m time to time so that it will carry refreshment and enlightsemzent in its pages,
Respectfully submitted, THE TEACHING COMMITTEE OF NINETEEN, By Mariam Haney, Secretary.
The Mendota, Washington, D. C.
