National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1923/January 15/Text

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“Blessed is he who is brightened by the Sm of My Word: | "Blessed is he whose head is adorned with the crown of My Love!" From the Beatitudes of Baha'u'llah.

"I am going away but you mist arise to serve the Word of GOD! Your hearts mst be pure and your intentions sincere in order that you may become

recipients of the Divine Bestowals." From a Talk of Abdul Baha to the Friends.

"How great is the need at this moment when the promised Outpourings of His Grace are ready to be extended to every soul, for us all to form a broad vision of the mission of the Cause to mankind, and to do all in our power to spread it throughout the world!" Shoghi Effendi.

BULLETIN Issued by Bahai National Teaching Committee Jamuary 15, 1923

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Letters from all parts of America bear evidences of a renewed enthusiasm since the receipt of the cable from the Beloved Guardian of the Cause, Shoghi Effendi, and which so appealed to all hearts that a joyous spirit has taken possession of the friends. The invitation for "undiminished support" received an immediate and perfectly glowing and thrilling response. Every letter is full of good cheer, and the encouraging question on all sides now seems to be "In what way can we serve the Cause of GOD best?"

Pondering over the Holy Utterances and seeking illumination upon them, will bring to each soul the perfect guidance, and our Beloved Shoghi Effendi gives us a key when he has summed up for us even in one marvellous utterance the need of this time:

"The time is indeed ripe for the manifold activities, wherein the servants and handmaids of Baha'u':lah are so devoutly and earnestly engaged, to be harmonized and conducted with unity, cooperation and efficiency, that the effect of such a combined and systematized effort, through which an All-~Powerful Spirit is steadily pouring, may transcend every other achievement of the past, however glorious it has been, and may stand, now, that, to the eyes of the outside world the Glorious Person of the Master is no more, a convincing testimony of His Everliving Spirit."

The second cablegram from Shoghi Effendi to the American friends likewise contains joyous news, namely: the notification that Jenabe Fazel and his family were leaving for America. The exact text of the cable addressed to Mr. Lunt, Secretary of the National Spiritual Asserbly, follows:

"Jenabe Fazel and family starting America to promote teaching. Trusting

BP300.2 harmonious cooperation of all friends in this urgent work."

-U54 The friends have been longing to hear this good news, and a warm, loving T262 joyous. Bahai welcome and "harmonious cooperation" assuredly await the great teacher 1923 Jan15

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so mercifully sent to us at this time. That his family accompanies him makes our hearts doubly glad, and surely the Family of Bahais in America will eagerly anticipate all news of them as they journey towards our shores. Definite plans for Jenabe Fazel's glorious services will be deferred wntil his arrival, and his wishes are made known. In the meantime, however, we can all be thinking how to contribute the best effort toward “harmonious cooperation."

"His honor, Fazel, is a revered person. He has been growing for a long time in the Cause. Next to His honor, Mirza Abul Fazl, he is the best informed of his contemporaries. He has no aspiration save service to the Cause of GOD. He isi0 scholar... -<. " From a Tablet. of Abdul Baha.

The following quotation from a letter of Jenabe Fazel to Mirza Ahmad Sohrab brings to our attention most beautifully the importance of teaching, and likewise brings the sweet spirit of the revered teacher close to us:

"The good news of the progress and the advancement of the Cause in that country is conducive to the happiness of the hearts of the believers of the world. The letters and communications received from that land containing the glad-tidings of the unity and agreement amongst the friends, their joy and fragrance, their attraction and enkindlement, their devotion to the service and their engagement in important affairs are the means of rejoicing to all the Oriental Bahais. The most important work today and the greatest duty of the believers of GOD is to teach and diffuse the divine fragrances. Whenever such news reaches us from that far off country, it stirs us to greater activity and makes us feel that we are all the mernbers of one family."

MASHREQ! UL-AZKAR

There may be sone repetition in reporting about certain contributions to the Temple Fand from Oriental countries, but it is not amiss to repeat the following encouraging news which is so full of inspiration. Mrs. Corinne True writes:

",.. a large sum was sent from the Holy Land with the names of the friends who had contributed, and every member of Abdul Baha's Family, from the revered Greatest Holy Leaf to the youngest grandchildren, had a share in this contribution. Friends from Syria, Alexandretta and from Karachi, India; and very recently Mrs. Finch has sent contrioutions from the blessed Japanese Bahais. Dr. Moody reports a sum of $600 collected in Persia...-.......... Abdul Baha's daughter, Rooha Khanum, has written me the following ~ 'I hope that the work on the Mashreq'ul-Azkar is going on successfully, and that all the friends in America will do their best to complete it during the First Century of the Bahai Cause. It will be the most ‘important Temple of the world since the first stone in it was laid by the Master.'" Nathesegh iy ses And Mrs. True contirmes "One never visits that structure without the heart almost breaking from longing to have the work ceaselessly going on until completed. If the present crude concrete foundation fills the soul with ‘such power and stability and majesty, what mst be the effect when that beautiful dome rears its head over Lake Michigan in the very heart of this Western Continent?"

Dr. Zia Bagdadi has recently been invited to speak in Philadelphia, New York, Rochester and Montreal in the interests of the Temple. In a recent letter to a group of friends, he said: "Prayers and heart attachment to the Divine Temple have already given results...... I beg of the friends to pray that all the Assemblies and all the faithful friends may show forth a new effort in this most important and most urgent service."

Mr. Louis G. Gregory was appointed recently as Special Lecturer for the Southern District in the interests of the Temple, in addition to his regular service [Page 3]ah

as travelling teacher, His numerous public and private talks in Washington have stimalated a great interest, and he will remain in this District for an indefinite period. He has also spoken in New York and vicinity, Philadelphia and Baltimore recently.

The following from the recent letter of His honor, Jenabe Fazel, to Mirza Anrad Sohrab is of absorbing interest, for the first Bahai Temple of Worship in the whole world was erected in Ishkabad, and therefore this is the Mother Temple of all other Temples to be erected hererafter. This accoumt from Jenabe Fazel gives us some small idea of what we may expect in the future when the Mother Temple in America is completed:

"Of late we have received good news of the diffusion of the Cause in Ishkabad, Russia. This news gave us great rejoicing and happiness. In large gather ings of from two to three thousand people, Bahai teachers have been invited to deliver the Message and expound the Principles. The listeners have teen sreatly attracted and have acknowledged the greatness and potency of this Peerless Cause. All the people and religions have been drawn by the power of love, acknowledging that the true religion and the Cause of GOD in this Age mst be in accord with reason and science, and the only Cause today that answers this need is the Bahai Movement. A large number of the Russians, Tartars and other tribes have become so enkindled with the fire of Faith in this Cause that they have declared their belief before large gatherings and thus, through their action, many other souls have been guided to the shore of the sea of Oneness. Already they have arisen to lay the foundation of a new Mashreq'ul-Azkar, building a new school, organizing new lecture nalls, a Bahai Museum, a Bahai Theatre, etc., etc. They are more and more eager to learn the Truth, and every day large parties enter the Mashreq'ul-Azkar and hold converse with the friends. A number of wonderful teachers have been sent to all parts of Russia.....Every day new souls are being drawn to the Cause."

"When the Mashreq'ul-Azkar was erected in Ishkabad, its influence was felt in all the Oriental countries. Whosoever heard of it, commenced an investigation of the Cause. Now the Mashreq'vl-Azkar of Ishkabad like an evident banner waves in the world. And if in Chicago the Mashreq'ul-Azkar is established, even as in Ishkabad, then you will see what the recognition of the Cause will do....."

From the Utterances of Abdul Baha.

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MARTHA'S TEACHING TOUR

Just as heaps of letters were being received containing inquiries as to the orobable visit of a travelling teacher or teachers to the various Bahai Centers in the West, and there seemed little hope for a definite favorable response, at least for the immediate future, -- suddenly Miss Martha Root found it possible to start on her visit to China, for which she had long been preparing. Immediately it was thought an opportune time for a teaching service at every Center on the Northern Route to the Pacific Coast, from whence Miss Root will sail. So the Lord provided a teacher when there was the great need; -- which proves once again that we need never be discouraged for He hears all the heart appeals, and from Him every Bestoval enanates. : The Teaching Committee cheerfully offered to assist in this service, and prepare the way as far as possible in each Assembly.

On January 3rd, Miss Root left her home town in Pennsylvania, and started on her long mission which may take her not only ta China, but to many other Oriental countries as her guidance may direct from time to time.

The Cities visited thus far enroute to the Coast have been Akron, Cleve[Page 4]-4 land and Detroit. Short reports from time to time will keeo us in touch with the work accomplished. May we all becore Martha's co-partners in the service of the Master through our constant and earnest prayers in her behalf that she may be es given an abundant strength daily. A time when one feels enormously the Bahai Unity and family spirit is when all unite heartily to assist a teacher who goes forth into the world, severed and detached, and willing to sacrifice all for His sake. Tne following interesting items are excerpts from Martha's letters:

"Mr. and Mrs.Bussell Brooker of Akron, Ohio, had their hore crowded with people at the talk given Wednesday evening, January 3rd, on "The League of Nations of the Future.’ Many of the friends present were members of the popular Club for Lonely People. For nearly four years Mr. and Mrs. Brooker have had these Wednesday evening social evants (never missing once). The meeting is open to all in Axron who are strangers or lonely. Sometimes seventy-five are present. After the ade... dress, questions were asked anc answered.

"The Akron friends are doing something entirely different from other Asserblies, and friends could with profit write them for full information about these meetings: one part devoted to the Creative Words, and followed by a social hour..... More than two hundred young people call young Mrs. Brooker 'Mother 3rooker! and take their problems to her.

"The Akron papers of January 4th and 5th used six short articles, four of which carried some of the Universal Principles of Baha'y'llah.

"Mrg. Belle Iuxmore had a happy meeting for friends and neighbors ai her home on January 4th.

"Mrs. Henrietta Wagner has been writing to a prisoner for over a year. When he becomes free in the very near future, he is so confirmed that he will carry the Message to Australia."

"Cleveland was aflame with the Love of GOD. A meeting was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Potter, January 6th. Teachers from private schools and Club women were among those present. The Sunday Cleveland Plain Dealer' had an excellent resume of the address in its first section next morning.

"Sunday afternoon the Bahai Juniors heard stcries of great Bahai teachers of the Orient. Mrs. Potter and her young daughters, Judith and Newell, served tea.

"Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Fleming had a large meeting in their home on Sunday evening. The talk was on ‘Universal Education -- the Four Ways of Acquiring Knowledge.' The Colored Associated Press sent out a three hundred word report. Rev. Dr. Harold M. Kingsley of the Mt. Zion Congregational Church of Cleveland, spoke for a few mimutes after the lecture, endorsing the Universal Principles.

"Dr. Pauline Barton-Peeke, gave a short talk, showing how the Cause of Baha'u'llah is the same as the Cause of Christ. Mrs. Amelia Kibby read from the Yords of Baha'u'llah.

"In the social hour following, many present expressed the wish that Cleveland might have a Convention for Amity between the colored and white races..... One advantage of this trip across the Continent is that hundreds are so interested in China that they offer their services later to write and help new souls who will hear of the Bahai Message, -- it will mean a golden circle of friendship between the countries, that will endure down the centuries. Also new souls in each City contact with the Movement through public lectures. ‘Some receive cards of introduction to Bahais in other Cities (and give cards of introduction to friends in China), and each Asserbly will follow its own new seekers. Tocomech cannot be said for publicity for Bahai meetings, and sending or taking reports of Bahai meetings to newspaper editors..... When people hear the Principles they will ask 'That is the Movement?!

"Everywhere the friends love and revere Shoghi Effendi, treasure his cablegram in their hearts, and pray to serve him faithfully and well."

ee ee ee ee [Page 5]-5 "As ears are awaiting the summons for Universal Peace, it is therefore advisable for thee to travel, in case comfortable journey is possible, to the different parts of the globe and roar like unto a lion in the Kingdom of GOD. Widereaching consequences thou shalt witness and extraordinary confirmations shall be exhibited unto thee." From a Tablet of Abdul Baha to Miss Root.

BOSTON LIGHTS

‘Lights used in this sense conveysa double meaning: the strongest spiritual Light on the path of any soul is turned on when the Current of Creative Thought reaches the ear of heart and soul through the Holy Utterances revealed in this Great Day, and likewise each and every Bahai who plants a seed in new soil, joins the Arny of Truth-bearers who are termed by Abdul Baha the "very lamps or candles of the world of humanity....shining stars radiating the lights of the oneness of humanity."

Refreshing and encouraging news about the spread of the Cause in Boston this winter is constantly reaching us, and as some one has aptly said, the good results which have been forthcouing are due to unity -- the unity of the friends -which becomes the magnet attracting Divine Confirrations. In the Tablet to the Northeastern States, Abdul Baha said: :

"The believers mst arise in perfect mity in teaching the Cause of GOD."

Among the many very interesting meetings which have already produced fruit are the following:

Mrs. Parsons spent several days in Boston on her way from Dublin to Washington, and while there assisted most effectively in the work of the Kingdom. A reception was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Smythe, and Mrs. Parsons and Ir. Randall gave the Message and the Life of Abdul Baha to a very charming and interested group of women. Through arrangements made by Mrs. Parsons and Mrs. Smythe, Mr. Randall also gave the Message at the Women's City Club, and others asked for meetings at their homes. In commenting on these introductions, openings and opportunities, work already accomplished, and invitations for the future, made possible through Mrs. Parsons' efforts, Mr. Randall said:

"J think Mrs. Parsons ought to be tremendously happy because this is born of the seeds she has planted in Dublin, and to find this circle of friends avakening to the breezes of Life, is in itself a wonderful tribute to the Power of our Beloved Abdul Baha, and to her service.”

Mr. Randall spoke five times in one week to new groups, including a large gathering in the Church of the Spiritualists.

A Unity meeting of the Commnity Church, Ethical Culture Society and Bahais was also of great interest and did much to publicly herald the Bahai Movement, and to attract many, many souls to investigation of truth. Mr. Randall gave the Bahai Message at this meeting.

Dr. John Herman Randall of the Commmity Church, New York, speaks one Sunday each ronth in Boston at the Bahai Public Assembly Meeting, taking in turn the Bahai Principles and their Revelation as the Spirit and Life of this New Age, and is attracting large audiences. When the Master was in New York in 1912 He had several talks with Dr. Randall and unquestionably the creative seed was planted in his heart at that time by the Hand of Power Itself.

Miss Leonora Holsapyle who has been serving in South America for the last two years or more has returned to this country, and recently gave a most wonderful and beautiful account of her trip and work to the Boston friends. As Mr. Randall reported in his letter: "She truly had many wonderful experiences and carried the Light of the Kingdom to many souls. She is yearning to return, and expects to so back to Brazil in the Fall." ‘

The following excerpts from some of Mr. Randall's letters will be of interest and materially assist in the work of the various Assemblies: [Page 6]wie

"Our Feast Committee has arranged to have the Nineteen Day Feasts come “regularly on the first day of each Bahai month, ~ taking for the subject of the evening that quality which is indicated by the name of the month. The BAB named these months after the attributes of GOD, and thus in a year - covered by the Nineteen Feasts, it brings into the light of heart and mind these great spiritual qualities which constitute the unity of the Day of GOD, thus we have 'Power', 'Knowledge', 'Splendor', 'Glory', 'Beauty', 'Light', etc. The reason this is mentioned is because it has given a more definite spiritual quality to the Feasts, has created an enthusiasm and interest, and has brought us all together once in every Nineteen days with expectancy and unity."

"The grestest bounty to the Bahai soul in this age is to teach, and to overcome every personal limitation, and to study deeply the Creative Words every day, in order that the heart and mind may be prepared for teaching........

"We have the greatest Revelation that humanity has yet received. We have the greatest Power of GOD that has ever been demonstrated in the world of souls. We have the Most Brilliant Life that has ever functioned through the Temple of humanity. We have the open doors of a New Kingdom, and through those doors the Supreme Concourse is surrounding the huran world and creeping into every soul that admits the Light... Ye need teachers who will teach. We need teachers who will stay with the people and continue the watering of growing souls....We mst develop and encourage teachers who can give forth this Light of the Eternal Lamp, so that the souls who witness this Light shining through into the outer world, may find Its Source in their own souls...... Ae

"We mast do larger and larger work. We mst not wait for souls to come to us; we rust create the magnet that draws them. When we can work with thousands we are ready for great things."

A printed card is issued monthly in Boston giving the program or list of speakers for the month. Among the other speakers at the Sunday night public meetings have been Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, whose subject was "A Century of Light"; Mr. M.C. Oglesby on "The Great Surrender" and Mr. Harlan F. Ober on "The Bahai Revelation". In a Tablet to Mr. Lunt, Abdul Baha covered the subject of TEACHING in America in this Life-Imparting Utterance and most beautiful message for the teaching work in this country: :

"Grasp therefore the present opportunity, for a wonderful capacity for the hearing of Divine Teachings has been manifested among men. Concentrate, therefore, at present your whole effort in spreading the Message. It is time for the diffusion of fragrances and the promulgation of Divine Teachings and for nothing more. The world of humanity is athirst and these Divine Teachings are pure and limoid water. Exert effort in teaching, and if blessed souls undertake to travel throughout all the States of America, corplete and thorough confirmations from the Kingdom of ABHA shall be witnessed by them. So much so that they shall be bewildered. Verily, this is an exceedingly momentous question."

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"THE VOICE OF THE VEST"

Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, Chairman of the Western States Regional Committee, has sent a glowing account of the first Western Teaching Conference which was held in San Francisco the last of November. Also she has forwarded very comprehensive,

. beautiful reports from Mirza Namad Sohrab and Mrs. Louise Waite. Every one of these reports is soul-inspiring and should be shared\in full. They will be preserved, however, so that those following us may read of the beauty of service, the mtual help and cooperation manifest, and lastly the record of "practical and spiritual achievenents."

It is difficult to choose the most important, but here are some beautiful excerpts from Mrs. Cooper's letter: [Page 7]mPa

"The Conference was 2 success beyond all our expectations, - our only regret is that we could not have continved it another day: the time proved to be all too short in which to consider the many important and interesting subjects. We feel that it was well worth doing from every standpoint, and if nothing more has been ascomplished than to establish one of those small beginnings from which larger things ray grow, we shall be happy and content. To us who make the effort have surely come the blessings....already outwardly evidenced by a beautiful new understanding of the meaning of Bahai cooperation in efficient and joyous service (which is but the symbol of real unity); and inwardly, by the undoubted changes that have taken place in each individual, a wonderful new impulse toward spiritual growth, an expansion of soul, a loftier, purer vision, a deeper longing for still more universal accomplishment, with a determination to 'do it new', and best of all a demonstration of Bahai love. Now it remains for us to put all this dynamic force thus created into the practical work of teaching. Already plans are formulated in each Assembly by which the Message will be carried to nearby territory at once, and soon we expect to have travelling teachers in the less frequented districts cf this vast Western region.

"One of the most interesting decisions reached was the possibility of holding an Amity Convention here sometime next year. It soon developed that on account of the cosmopolitan environment of this seaport City, our ideas would have to expand until they should embrace all nationalities, and not merely one race, or even two or three. It was voted to fellow the wise method of Mrs. Parsons in planning -.-> for the 'Mother' Convention in Washington and it will be conducted along the same general lines as the Washington Convention which was so remarkably successful, also Springfield, Mass.

"There is no doubt that the Juniors mede the 'hit' of the whole Conference for instead of simply giving a little program (which is more or less the same in all Assemblies), Mrs. Frankland suggested that they should be called upon to mike their own report as to what they were doing in their meetings, and how they gave their Feasts, etc. In this way they took part in the discussion and were tremendously enjoyed. In fact they created quite a diversion, they were so naive, These youthful speakers were Helen Frankland, Marion Carpenter and Philip Rood. We also had an illuminating talk from charming Miss Rice of Seattle, who is heart and soul devoted to the interests of the Juniors. The friends in general are very much alive to the vast importance of the training of these chilcren upon whose shoulders the responsibility of the Cause will rest before very many years.......

"It is gratifying to note that in preparing for their work in life, they are counting service to the Cause of GOD as of prime importance. For example, one of them plans to take up journalism which will give her travel, and is studing Spanish very faithfully in order to be prepared to go to South America.../nother is preparing herself to teach so that she may be able to serve in the Girl's School to be built on Mt. Carmel, and so on. These are the things that give us hope and courage for the outlook of the Cause in the hands of the coming generation. How tmch more they will do than we ever dreamed of doing -- bless then!

"An eloquent appeal was made by Mrs. Collins for the Star of the “est. She had just returned from the East, and coming through Chicago took particular pains to inform herself of the exact condition of the Magazine at this point in its progress. She drew forth a most hearty response.”

The following are excerpts from Mirza Ahmad Schrab's report:

"Seldom in the history of the Bahai Cause in the United States has been manifested such wonderful and Godlike tokens of hospitality, material and spiritual. Practically all the delegates and visitors were entertained in the homes; some of the friends leaving their rooms and beds for their Bahai brothers and sisters. On their arrival they were welcomed by delegations, whisked in avtomoviles to their various hones and on their entrance to their rooms they were greeted with bouquets of flowers and baskets of fruits. It was indeed Persia and the Holy Land, for the [Page 8]« traces of the love and self-sacrifice of those far-off believers had become fully manifest in the lives of the Bahais on the golden shore of the Pacific. ALL hail te the Powers of Abévl Baha who changed the homes of San Francisco friends into the Rose-garden of ABHA!

"The publicity work was a revelation to every one. Both before and after the Convention, all the papers carried articles and news items, illustrated and otherwise, advertising the meetings broadly. It was the first time that the San Francisco papers were more than willing to publish the news of the Congress, giving the Bahai Cause a fair chance to explain itself. This made everyone happy for the spiritually minded could see in this, the working out of the Unseen Power of Reality.

"The Memorial Meeting in commemoration of the Ascension of the Center ofthe Covenant on Sunday morning was "heaven unveiled'. Our divine sister ‘Louise of Carmel! (Mrs. Louise Bosch), gave a soul-stirring account of the last days of Abdul

' Baha here on earth. The very air was vibrating with spirituality, her voice was that of an ongel, her face transfigured, her eyes shining like stars. It was indeed a celestial meeting. The writer has attended imndreds of meetings all over the world, but never, never owe like this. It will live in the memories of all those who were privileged to attend that meeting as the most glowing event in their lives. . It was indeed something different; drama combined with tragedy, intense yet spiritual; bitter yet sweet; grippingly realistic, yet transcendentally intangible. She took you on a journey to the Holy Land and you accompanied her -~ silent, awe some -- step by step through the sublimely tragic events of those harrowing days. She made you see the grief-stricken members of the Holy Family, their lamentations ana woes, the funeral procession up the steep slope of Mt. Carmel, with thousands of men and women climbing to pay their last tribute to the 'Father of the Poor', and the moanings and utter desolation witnessed on all sides."

Mrs. W. H. Cline of Burlingame presided at this memorable gathering.

"Another spiritual event that carried deep significance was the visit of a large number of delegates, visitors and friends to the sacred tomb of the ‘Mother of the Asserbly', Mrs. Helen Goodall; there they prayed with their lips and hearts that her spirit of devotion and love may continue to abide with the friends forever and her examole may stirmlate the youths of all lands to arise in the accomplishment of greater services. Eer tomb was decorated with flowers and the prayer in the Western States Tablets was chanted.

"The youths of Baha were summoned to enlist in the army of the new General of the Kingdom, the Guardian of the Cause......... --.lt is the day of youth, of energy, initiative and fearlessness. The significant fact that the Nev King of the Kingdom of ABHA is young -- of the same age as the BAB -- mst fire the imagination of the youths of Baha all over the world. It is their day, their opportunity. They mist rise in concert and assist their youthful General with every means at their disposal. There is no other salvation for the Bahai Cause save through this unanimity of thoughts and opinions."

Some of the concrete anc practical achievements of the Conference as reported by Ahmad sre:

"The Voice of the West": subheading for the Bulletin for all reports sent in from the Western Section.

"Extension of the Western Teaching Comittee."

"Yorld Amity Congress."

"Publicity Committee" for the Western section,

"Mir. Thornton Chase - Account of Life" ~- A Committee appointed to write a short pamphlet on the life of Mr. Chase and his services to the Cause of ABHA.

"Formation of Clubs among Bahai girls and boys."

"Entertainnents and Musicals." This plan was discussed and approved by the Convention. This was looked upon as a wonderful way, not only to bring the people together in cultural and artistic association, but considerable funds could be raised for the various activities of the Cause. [Page 9]=o=

From Mrs. Waite's beautifully written account, the following excerpt gives us a glimpse of the closing hours of the Conference:

"The Convention closed with the 'Feast of the Covenant’. The large auditorium of the Club House had been transformed into a banquet hall beautifully decoreted with flowers and lighted candles. After the really sumptuous repast, a delightful program was given, of msical numbers interspersed with a few words of greeting from the different delegates. That which appealed most ceeply to every heart was the exquisite rendering through recitation of the Persian legend of 'The Camel-back Mountain' contained in the story entitled 'In the Desert of Waiting’ dy Ann Fellows Johnson. How I wish every Bahai in America could have shared with us this rare treat! Mrs. Seeley, who recited it, is blind -- that is her ‘desert of waiting!.........Her voice was soft and melodious and every word of that wonderful little story was engravened upon the minds and hearts of all who listened, with an indelible touch.....The story carries to each soul, though differently expressed, the instruction of Baha'u'llah in the Hidden Words: 'O Son of Man! My calamity is My Providence. In appearance it is fire and vengeance; in reality it is light and mercy'. Mrs. Frankland who presided most beautifully as Chairman, quoted this Hidden Word at the close of the number with great effect. We had next a few words from Louise Bosch who spoke of the Attar of Fis Love, and then annointed all present with attar of roses, which brought the actual fragrances of Haifa to us, the whole hall was filled with its rare perfume. After a chant by Ahmad, the Benediction was sung sweetly and tenderly by Miss Woodward, Mrs. Cooper playing the accompaninent; all stood with vowed heads, and upon the waves of song the first

"Great work was planned during this Conference, and with the Help of the Center of the Covenant, Please GOD it may all be accomplished. The call to every soul in these Western States is 'Awake! Arise! and work in the Light of this New Day to His Glory and for His Name sake.'"

A report of this historic and wonderful Teaching Conference would not be complete without reference to the talks given by the various speakers at the public sessions of this Conference. Mrs. Cooper's 'echoes' on this subject are herewith presented:

"Glowing reports could be written of the two meetings which were open to the public and of all of our speakers at these meetings. Wonderful Mrs. French spoke splendidly and looked like a picture. Ahmad was in splendid form as usual, and Mrs. Waite gave a fine talk. There was mech interest shown in her talk, the burden of which was 'do it now'. As Mrs. luther could not be present, her time was taken by Mr. Ioas, who as Chairman, made a few timely remarks. George Latimer's talk was especially interesting and unusual, bringing in the Temple in a new connection with the great Principle of the ‘Agreement of Science and Religion’. Dr. D'Evelyn spoke with his usual force and gave every one ‘something to think abovt' which he always aims to do. The hall was crowded and a great response seems to have come forth from the publicity gained by our efficient Committee of Young Men."

"Teach the Cause, spread the coming of the Kingdom and herald the Dawn of the Sun of Reality. To convey the Message is a confirmed matter. Whosoever arises in this service, the angels of the Supreme Concourse will always aid him."

Addul Baha.

SHOGHI EFFEMDI'S MESSAGE TO THE ENGLISH FRIENDS

"Solaced and strengthened, I now join my humble strivings to your wmtiring exertions for the Cause of Baha'u'llah,"

Shared with us through the kindness of Dr. Lotfullah, who is now in London, and who writes: [Page 10]si6«

"It was indeed a most wonderful news to hear that Shoghi Effendi was back in Haifa 'solaced and strengthened' to take up the great tasks awaiting him. A few days ago there was a letter addressed to the friends in Great Britain by him. We are all overjoyed by its wonderful news.....This letter and the telegram have strengthened and quickened us all very mech and we are all very happy.....Again a few days ago there was a telegram from him saying that a Persian teacher wovld soon be in London to serve in the Field of the Cause. We are all glad to hear this news. When the teacher comes, we hope to let you mow from time to time of work ané services in the Path of the Cause here in England."

Shoghi Effendi's letter referred to dy Dr. Lotfullah, gives one’s heart a deep spiritual thrill, its compelling force makes one wide awake to the requirements of this Day, and a joyous response is immediately forthcoming. We are so grateful for every word coming to us from the Beloved Guardian of the Cause. The following heavenly expressions from his letter will add to the wealth of happiness which is already ours through his message to America:

"May I at the very outset of this, my very first letter to you, convey to your hearts in words, hovever inadequate but assuredly deeply felt and sincere, a measure of my burning impatience, during my days of retirement, to return speedily and join hands with you in the great work of Consolidation that awaits every earnest believer in the Cause of Baha'u'llah......

"That in every one of you our departed baster reposed His future and truest hopes for an able and convincing presentation of the Cause to the outside world, is abundantly revealed in His spoken and written Words to you, as well as in His general references to the spirit of sincerity, of tenacity and devotion that animates His friends of that land...........

"With abiding affection and renewed vigor I shall now await the joyful tidings of the progress of the Cause and the extention of your activities...... r

"The world has become a new world! Souls are guickened, spirits renewed, refreshed. Truly it is a time for happiness." Abdul Baha.

ewe me wee eH ee

THE NATIONAL BAHAI TEACHING COMM TTEE

By Mariam Haney, Secretary.

1302 Connecticut Aveme, Washington, D. C.

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