National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1923/March 22/Text
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"The world hath been enkindled by the WORD of your Lord, the Shining Splendor, It is softer than the east wind, and hath appeared in the form of man, and by It GOD hath quickened His advancing servants," Baha'u'llah,
“Today the promulgation of the foundation of the Divine Teachings, which has been explicitly recorded in the blessed Tablets, is the cause of the life of tHe world, Emphasize and attach importance to this great cause, ARISE IN TEACHING, These are the days of seed-sowing. One's time must be occupied continually in sowing so that the station of the divine gardener may be attained and great harvests be prepared,” Abdul Baha,
"It is our vital and most urgent duty to assure at whatever cost the safety and the unity of the Cause of GOD, and with harmony and concord firmly 7 established amongst us, to arise with confidence and courage for the enlightenment of the world and the salvation of mankird," Shoghi Effendi,
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BULLETIN Issued by Bahai National Teaching Committee March 22, 1923,
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“We, of this noble Faith, the chosen ones of GOD, who carry with us this wholesome isedicine for the ills and sicknesses of this world, must now bestir ourselves to further activity and relentless efforts in the great and urgent mission entrusted to us by Baha'u'llah, that we may minister freely and effectively to the needs of mankind,"
This quotation from one of the recent sacred letters of Shoghi Effendi, gives us in a sentence one of the most important of all instructions, and the one emphasized repeatedly,
The series of letters from our Beloved Guardian recently received by the various Centers throughout America, have had the effect of a divine elixir, All hearts have been stirred; happiness has taken the olace of despondency; an intense longing for action in the arena of service is heardon all sides as well as expressed at length in the letters of the friends, and it is hoped the whole family of Bahais in America have determined to arise as one soul to further the great Divine Plan of the Ages as revealed in the so-called Teaching Tablets to this country, and in hundreds of other Tablets.
Shoghi Effendi is tenderly, lovingly, wisely calling for action,
enthusiasm, spiritual fervor in spreading the Most Great Message. His thrilling
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reminder in some of his letters that "firmness in the Covenant is the foundation of progress and success" has set aglow the hearts and intoxicated the spirits. A genuine love and a spiritval firmness together with a sincerely kind spirit, are manifested, and there is ever present not only the desire to hold aloft, constantly the Banner of Truth, but also "to hold fast always to those things which insure the Glory and Majesty of the Cause,"
Shoghi Effendi's letters have made the friendsin America radiant and hopeful, and, as Mr. Randall so wisely expressed it in one of his letters, "this uniting with the Spiritual Assemblies throughout the Bahai body rather than individuals, promises more beautiful cooperation and deeper health for the cause," Now it is our turn to strive as never before that we may likewise have reports of worth while activities to send to him; for just as Abdui‘’Baha so often told us that He was refreshed and made happy when hearing that the friends were busy in the field of TEACHING, so likewise Shoghi Effendi makes it clear to us that he wiil welcome the joyful news of the spread of the Cause and the “extension of our activities,." The thought that he, the Beioved Guardian of the Bahai Cause and the Frotector of the Bahai Family throughovt the world, tells us that we can “hearten him in the midst of all his future labors for the Cause by spontaneous and undiminished support as well as wise, experienced and whole-hearted assistance” fires us with an enthusiasm and determination which will not admit of anything save ceaseless striving,
a superhuman energy and a "concentration of al] activities in one channel, and that one the.Most Great Cause," “Then” as Abdul Baha once told us “you will see how the confirmations of GOD will descend, "
Jenabe Fazel’s Second Teaching Tour in America
The most important assisvence has come to aid us in reaching the goal of our hopes and in carrying into execution the greatest teaching campaign ever attempted or planned. This assistance to all America is the confirmed services of His Honor, Jenabe Fazel, who arrived in this country with his family at the appointed time.
Abdul Baha in Tablets to America tym years ago informed us that - "His Honor Fazel Mazandarmi is from those souls who have dedicated their lives to the service of the Cause of GOD, His Honor Fazel is one of the elect among the believers in His Holiness Baha'u'llah, This respected one is fevered, sincere and eloquent."
Therefore, because this revered teacher who has been sent tO us as a great Bounty is so confirmed, he has the confirming povier to enkindle the light in other souls, and thos who cross his path feel an attraction to the Cause, become receptive and wish to know more and more about the Teachings,
The New York friends were favored first with the great privilege of
welcoming the revered teacher on his arrival in America, After a ‘stay in New York
of about three weeks, during which time there were many meetings both public and
private, Jenabe Fazel and his family came to Washington where they are the guests
of Mr, and Mrs, Boyle. Here, as in New York, a series of public and private meetings are being held, and all are refreshed, Jenabe Fazel is warmly, lovingly and
reverently welcomed by all, Every one is receptive because all are eager to learn
from him, He returned to New York on the 19th for a few days to attend the National
Spiritual Assembly meeting. At this meeting he talked on the subject of teaching
and he placed such emphasis on this ali-important matter that it carried conviction
to every heart. Also while in New York, he was the honored guest and teacher at
the Feast of Naurocz, We are all extremely happy to learn that unitedly the
National Spiritual Assembly stood for greater efforts in the Teaching work; the
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conviction being unanimous that we must increase our number of confirmed believers : if the Temple is to be built quickly, As one of our illumined friends stated -“If a hundred teachers were in the field, it would not meet the present capacity of people for the Teachings and Message. Meetings should be held first of all for Teaching, and then to devise plans, ways and means, for teaching," A Tablet of Abdul Baha, revealed some years ago, stated that “there was need for a thousand teachers in America." Likewise He instructed us -- "as ye have faith so shall your powers be," Our revered teacher speaks English sifficiently well so that all scem to understand him, but for his public Addresses he prefers to have an interpreter, It is certain that he will attend the Annual Convention to be held this year in Chicago, beginning with the Feast of Rizwan on April 28th, Other tentative plans are for a teaching tour of some of the middle West Cities, either going to or returning from the Convention, the summer season at Green Acre and preparations for an extensive tour of the entire South beginning early next Fall,
Preparing the way, should be the program in every Bahai Center from now on, for it is certain that Jenabe Fazel will wish to visit every Center sometime during his stay in this country. Intensive, whole=hearted cooperation is necessary at all times so that churches, colleges, universities, schools, Club organizations of all kinds and civic bodies can be successfully reached, Definite plans will be communicated to the different Assemblies or reported in the Bulletin as soon as they are formulated,
A letter from lir, Randall brings an inspiring message on the subject of TEACHING which should be widely shared:
"Jenabe Pazel brought to the Board a message which in sibstance relates to teaching, and that is that Shogni iffendi feels the necessity of more active teaching in this country and Canada and that now is the most brilliant time to awaken HEGrTES ss .c.s aces eo
"I caught in his words the following picture: In the springtime the ~~ “sceds are planted and the seedling, assisted by nature, brings forward into growth and fruitage that which had been hidden in the earth; but if we undertake to plant seeds at the season we call midsummer, it does not give opportunity before the winter comes for the fruitage to appear, -- therefore by planting in the wrong season we do not get the best results, Spiritually this is correspondingly true, and we must not deprive the souls of humanity from receiving this Message in the seedsowing time, even if in order to do so we drop less important matters......... rather than devote our entire energy to fractional parts of this development, which if the time were given to seedsowing, would be quickly made up with abundant interest later on, GOD is calling from the Supreme Concourse the souls of mankind, and although this may not be apparent at the moment, it is in reality sowing the seed for the next. step of growth which is the awakening of spiritual consciousness, and if the seed is not sown now, this spiritual consciousness may be delayed or dwarfed, “
"The believers are My soldiers, Through them will Abdul Baha triumph and gain the victory over the citics of the hearts of pcople, They are like wings for se, and the Causc for which we serve is very great, Today has many troubles, labors, nuch difficulty, great tests and trials, but the end is good," Abdul Baha.
A Message from Baheyeh Khanum >
Quoted from a letter to Mrs, Agnes S, Parsons, She mentions the visit
that had been made to Haifa, and adds:
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"Those are days that many events of history could never efface from the hearts, nay, rather, the further we go in the scale of life, the deeper becomes the impressions thereof within the meshes of our inner life.
"I read your letter with full attention, and in the course of reading, the Words of the Master were ringing in my ears -- Words that have descended like showers on all souls and hearts that can understand, .
"Now is the time when we should forget everything and concentrate our thoughts upon the advancement of the Cause of GOD, and strive day and night that the Principles and Teachings of His Holiness Baha'u'llah and the Words of the liaster might find full expression in the hearts of the true friends,
"When I think over the history of the Cause and the many difficulties that all Its promoters have undergone, I unhesitatingly am convinced that the sincere friends who have watched the events will not lose a moment, but will, with all their hearts and souls sacrifice everything in order to realize that for which the Divine Plan Has been working........
"What we need today is complete unity amongst the friends, and this will attract the Divine Assistance from the ABHA Kingdon,
“Convey my ABHA greetings to all the brothers and sisters there,"
"The Blessed Beauty has put in our hands the Lamp of Teachings. By this Light the world will be illuminated..... This liew Revelation will be the cause of America becoming a new world, It will gain a new life,“ Abdul Baha,
MARTHA'S NEVER-TO-BE-FORGOTTEN TRAIL
"The heavenly blessings and lordly bestowals" were Martha's reward every day as she travelled westward across the American Continent, stopping in City after City, heralding the Message by word of mouth, by her pen and by her deeds, The family of Bahais in this country who are aware of what has taken place are amazed at the results already apparent, The blessings seemed to increase as the journey progressed until Martha felt herself encircled with divine confirmations,
"Tf teachers be in the utmost state of attraction, in a short time great results will be forthcoming." This Promise of Abdul Baha has been Over and over again literally fulfilled. Seeds were scattered in good ground, for the entire West proved its capacity and receptivity. An ever-present joyous experience was to repeatedly encounter brilliant results from the teaching tours of His honor, Jenabe Fazel, and Louis Gregory, both of whom had previously visited 211 the Centers on the Northern Route to the Pacific Coast: Jenabe Fazel during the season of 1920 and 1921, and Louis Gregory the latter part of 1921 and the first few months of 1922, The verse "Do ye not travel through the land and behold the traces of the Mercy of GOD" surely must have been revealed to Martha at every moment,
The salient points of Martha's journey are herewith presentéd, the story briefed from a volume of letters and reports -- all of which should be published in full if space permitted; for the record of this. beautiful service in every City constitutes one of the sweet and precious stories -- vitally interesting -- because one glimpses the time when the effective seedsowing of today will result in the gathering of unnumbered harvests in the future.
Detroit friends planned six meetings. “They are splendid souls, attracting new people of calibre,“ The first talk was in the parlor of the Statler Hotel; lr. C. A, Wragg, formerly of the Washington group of Bahais, presided as Chairman, Every seat was taken. One man present from Asia Linor stated publicly that his
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father had once entertained Baha'u'ilah, j Mrs, W, W, Blakely, a radiant friend, had a meeting in her home, Among the guests were Christian Scientists, Detroit peoplz who had Bahai friends in other Cities, and others, At each meeting a few came who «new nothing of the Bahai Ceuse except what they had read in the newspapers, A dinner arranged for iiiss Root at Neighborhood House after which she was the speaker of the evening, a talk at the home of lirs, Dunklee a distinguished musician, a public lecture at the Hotel Wolverine, and a beautiful meeting at the home of lirs. William Cole, made it possible to reach many hearts with the lhiessage of Life. Dr. W, W. Denton, Professor at Ann Arbor State University, and Thomas W, Fleming a Junior in the same University came over to Detroit to some of the lectures, Lansing, hich.,a nearby City, has no regular Assembly, but Mrs. E, E, Whitney and Miss Helen Whitney formerly of Portland, Ore., now in Lansing for a short time, arranged a lecture, among others about twenty-five spiritualists being present who were greatly attracted to the Cause, The meeting lasted five hours! Lansing is.an important City for the travelling teachers to visit!
Chicago; Albert Vail had arranged for iiss Root to address the Public Speaking Forum in the Fine Arts Building, It was a cosmopolitan group, and intelligent questions were asked until a late hour, lany inquired for literature and asked to come to other meetings.
"Sunday afternoon there was a large meoting in Masonic Temple, Lr. Albert Vail presided and read from Shoghi Effendi's translation of the Hidden Words, He introduced the sveaker very happily, first giving a vivid history of the Cause. lfiss Root spoke on Baha'u'llah's Principles for the League of Nations of the future. hany were enthusiastic over China, and pledged their support to write to new souls later, Mrs. Corinne True gave a reception for the teacher in the evening, and the friends asked Miss Root to speak of the work of great teachers in the Orient,"
While Miss Reot was in Chicago, she included in one of her letters an observation about our magazine, -- shared herewith because it is a reminder of an open door for cooperation that is always timely and always worth while:
"The Star of the West is so attractive and so filled with food for the spirit. It would be a real service to humanity if Bahai friends everywhere would circulate it widely. They could put it in libraries and clubs, and give it to new interested people............. Shoghi Effendi has said the "Star" should not carry commercial advertisements, -- that is all the more reason the friends should bring it financial success in other ways, Its compilations and articles are invaluable ‘teachers' of the Cause."
Urbana: "Standing out above everything else in the three days Bahai drama in Urbana, Ill., was the splendid team-work of the friends, Each actor was perfect in his part, and the scenes moved forward to a climax that would rejoice Abdul Baha and Shoghi Effendi, The Juniors were an “all-star cast" too,
"The University of Illinois, with its ten thousand students, has 59 Chinese young men and one Chinese girl. A reception was given for them by Mrs,
H, A. Harding at her home, Decorations were in Chinese colors, and flags of the United States and China were draped side by side. Martha spoke on the Universal Principles of Baha'u'llah, and of her intended visit to China, They were enthusiastic, and gave her letters of introduction to their parents and friends, Later several called to explain what their people would be most interested to hear and howto reach the educators of China, “
A happy Bahai Feast in the home of Mrs, Kempner was one of the very
interesting parts of the program, nine countries being represented. The Juniors
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gave an angelic program, several of this group expressing the desire to become Bahai teachers in the future,
The Hindu Club, Fhillipine Club, Illinois.Club and Japanese Club of the University were entertained with a tea by Mrs, Jacob Kunz and Mrs. E. B. Paine in the home of Mrs. Paine, One Hindu said he thought Christianity was so good, he joined two churches in Urbana, but the churches did not like it! It is no small bounty to have brought these youth from several nations into an attractive contact with the Bahai Cause,
The four daily papers of Urbana did a remarkable service by their many articles, Newspaper reporters of Urbana and Champaign gave a dinner for Martha, -~ and at this dinner the "Press" heard the Message,
The Spiritual Assembly of nine and Miss Root were guests at a noon luncheon at the home of hirs, Kunz, brought together for a heart to heart talk,
Mrs, George Sendenberg gave a reception at her home in Champaign that new and attracted souls mignt hear more of the Teachings,
- A lecture was given in the auditorium of the University on "The League
of Nations of the Future," and nearly all the foreign students who had heard Martha at teas and receptions were in the audience,
"Urbana Assembly has never had anything but UNITY -- can you not imagine what joyous Bahais they are to meet?"
Mrs, Harding wrote a most delightful and absolutely inspiring report about the work in Urbana and Champaign, Every one understands how very interesting and fascinating is the life around a University center like this one, and how there are innumerable opportunities for effective service, None seem to understand this better than the very charming, intelligent and even brilliant group of Bahai servers who live there. They “are standing on the alert," ready at all times to hold aloft the Standard of Truth, In commenting on Martha's work, Mrs, Harding said:
"It surely is a difficult matter to express how much we loved and appreciated this messenger... She opened ovr eyes to a new womanhood made possible by complete trust in His Will and every action a praise to Him, ‘When our hearts are so touched, the least we can do in response is to offer greater services at His Threshold,”
Mre, Harding also wrote at length about the service of Mr, Vail from time to time, for he has rendered brilliant services to the Cause in this section, During the winter he has made frequent trips there from Chicago, and has spoken before all the University Clubs and other organizations, also in the Commerce Bldg. and Auditorium of the University and other places, One of the most important talks of the series was the one on “Scientific Proofs of the Oneness of Mankind," This attracted a large number of the foreign student group,
All this great work is preparing the way once more for a second visit from the revered Jenabe Fazel, who will one day visit this Center when a teaching tour is planed for him for that section,
Springfield, I11. "Nine hours were spent in Springfield, I1l. The Press
had already carried five announcements of the lecture, The Principal of the High
School had announced it on his bulletin board to eighteen hundred pupils, and also
in the school paper, The Circuit Court House, where the evening lecture was held,
was well filled early, Four people present had seen Abdul Baha, and one of the
Springfield club women who had met Abdul Baha in Paris, spoke informally but most
interestingly for fifteen minutes preceeding the le¢ture," Mrs, Rieke Jurgens
our lovely and faithful Bahai Sister in this Center, introduced the speaker. Miss
Root Spoke on "Universal Education and the League of Nations of the Future," One
Bahai bov shows the picture of the Temple to everyone on his newspaper route and
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likewise explains the Temple most beautifully, The faithfulness of two Bahai boys there, and the phenomenal work of a few in carrying forward the Cause in Springfield, would delight Shoghi Effendi, Friends in Urbana and Chicago promise they will go to Springfield and speak, Springfield is a spiritual flower just ready to burst into radiant bloom,"
Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, Wisc.: "Kenosha has tried several plans and found them spiritually and financially profitable, The Juniors give entertainments often, -- netting small sums regularly for the Temple. These varied events also have the advantage of carrying the Bahai Case to the community, The women of the Assembly also give Bahai Bazaars very often.
"After the first public lecture given by Miss Root in Retailer's Hall,
a delightful Feast was given in one of the homes,
"Another large meeting open to the public was held in the regular Assembly Hall,
"Almost equally important with telling new people about the Universal Principles, is the unprecedented opportunity of recounting to the eager Bahai boys and girls the stories of Baha'u'llah and Abdul Baha and the lives of great teachers of this Cause in the Orient, Many a boy and girl on this trip has said to Martha ‘Tl should like to be a Bahai Teacher, please pray that I may.’ It thrills the heart to vision what this Cause will. be during the next fifty years when these Bahai boys and girls from the whole world go forth,
"The publicity work has been marvellous, Even up to this time there have been published more than one hundred articles giving the Universal Principles and the name Baha‘u'ilah, Thus millions of eyes will know they can inquire further,
"Kenosha friends went on to Racine with the speaker, for the Sunday evening lecture, where there was one of the largest audiences of the trip. The Power of the Holy Spirit was as a wonderful breeze quickening the hearts,
f "The few believers in Milwaukee, Wisc,, arranged a beautiful meeting in the Plankington Hotel, It had been remarkably:.well advertised, and the audience was made up of people from all religions, Interest rasdeep and sincere, Strangers asked where they could buy books, and one man said he would buy every book he could get; it seemed to be just what he was seeking, Miss Root was the guest of Irs, Beulah Barnitz Brown while in Milwaukee, MissRoot added in one of her letters: ‘The Teaching Committee arranging and standing back of this trip has brough me great happiness with the friends, and each and all are doing all they possibly can, The ‘altogether effort’ is what is bringing such fine results,'"
Minneapolis and St, Paul (the so-called Twin Cities): “Real results were apparent in these Cities, The Light of the Supreme Concourse, and the pure and sweet spirits of Albert Hall and Dr, Harper were surely helping us from the Other Side, Every Bahai rendered instant, exact, complete and efficient service, Mrs, Long of Pine City joined the group and assisted radiantly,”
The following record of important Talks in the order in which they
were given, are taken from the interesting programs arranged: Miss Root spoke in
the home of Dr. Orrol L, Harper in St, Paul; in the Community Room of the
Lincoln National Bank Bldg. in Minneapolis; before more than four hundred in the
Park Avenue Congregational Church in Minneapolis; at a luncheon given ty former .
schoolmates of Martha's and 9 large group of their friends; in St. Peter's A,M.E.
Church in Minneapolis, another address in the St. Paul Library, and later in the St,
James A, li. E, Church in Minneapolis. The Bahais gave a Feast at the home of Mr,
end lirs. Penny in Minneapolis, the Juniors giving a wonderfully spiritual procren.
The Pilgrim Baptist Church in St, Paul was the scene of the last talk. "11 mect[Page 8]
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ings were well attended, It was a carefully planned and splendidly carried out progran, Meetings were thrilling, joyous, Only Baha'u'llah, Abdul Baha and Shozhi Effendi know how many thousands of fruits will come from this planting of the Heavenly Seeds of Truth in those five days,"
Duluth: “Standing out preeminently in this Northern trip across the Continent are the confirmations of Abdul Baha and the sweet faithfulness of the friends, Duluth newspapers used two and three articles a day, carrying the Universal ,Prinet pias to one hundred thousand, and the newspapers in Superior, Wisc., (one hour's ride from Duluth) carried them to forty thousand more," iir, and Mrs, Bauers entertained Miss Root at supper on arrival. The first public Talk was before the Lion's Club (one hundred men) in the Chamber of Commerce on "The League of Nations Of the Suture." The result of this Falk was that the President of the Club offered to give Martha a letter of introduction to all the Lion's Clubs throughout the West. A oublic lecture in the Duluth Library under the auspices of the Colored Woman's Council, both races about equally represented,
The city Editor of the Duluth Herald among other things, wrote editorially in his paper: “liiss Root has already piven Talks at several important Clubs and her message has been well received everywhere,” lartha certainly specializes on newspaper work, -- her success in this line is one of the crownins events of her tour. In a letter she wrote: “Every travelling teacher can increase his efforts if he will have carcfully written and typed a brief account of his lecture, perhaps two or three hundred words. (All Bahais speak extemporaneously, but one can make a sist of a Talk), Each resume should brins out clearly the Universal Principles and state that these are the Teachings of Baha'u'llah,”
A Talk at the Kiwanis Club Luncheon in Duluth was a striking event,
i, public lecture in the Calvary Boptist Church before a good audience; The Kiwenis Club Luncheon at Superior, Wisce,, where there was a very keen interest and the Secretary of the Club offered to mail literature on the Bahai Cause; an address before the students of the Business University, In the evening a Talk to a very interested group in “The Bethel" (a workingmen's hotel and commmity house), Urs, Berridge had interested the Director, and efter the lecture, the Bahais were invited to come and hold other meetings there, ,
Among other Talks and Addresses given were: Women's Council (a civic organization), Business Women's Club, Twentieth Century Club, Theosophical Society.
An excerpt from a letter of itiss Root, gives an important item:
"The Secretary of the Bahai Assembly of Duluth, after the visit of a travelling teacher always writes letters of thanks to every club, church, newspaper and individusi.who helped make the work successful, It is a fine courtesy," Also she writes: “Precious friends, no outline of the work can visualize to you the beauty of the new souls touched, the splendid calibre of the men and women who listened to learn: truly in the Duluth spiritual rose-garden of the next decade you will see rare and beautiful flowers and hear the whir of angels’ wings in the air, for the Supreme Concourse will love to come to that Garden, The success is due to the faithfulness of the glorious Bahais there, It is also duc to the Teaching Committee for they mapped out a definite spiritual journey and kept in close contact with each City."
Montana: “is one of tne ‘top-o'-the-world’ States, Its people like its
mountains are big in thought and in ideals, As one sees the mining of the world
in that high land, one can only ponder Baha‘a'llah's Words: ‘Put thy hand into liy
Treasury, then will I lift My Head radiant above thy treasures,’
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"The pioneer souls in Montana are building the Cause well, Mr, and Mrs,
A. ©, Killius sowed the seeds, They gave their very health and business to begin the work, Fred Mortensen in Helena has long been a Prince of the Cause,
‘Phis teaching visit was about as follows: Fred was on 'The Montana Record-Herald' and helping out with the press work on 'The Independent’ during lartha’s visit, Through his efforts in Helena Bahai articles were used two, three and four a day, -- articles on the Temple, on the different Universal Principles and general feature stories as well as news stories. ‘The Montana Record-Herald' has the second largest circulation of any paper in the State, No State in the country has had the deluge of Bahai publicity that lMontana had from Feb, 5th to 17th, The stories towered on the pages, dignified, impressive and numerous, -- a spiritual symbol of the rugged Rocky Mountain peaks,
"The Legislature was in session in Helena, the capital, and people were gathered there from every section.
"The first public talk was at the Rotary Club Lunchcon on ‘The League of Nations of the Future,' State senators, mombers of the Governor's staff and distinguished guests from several other States were present,
"Mrs, Lary Richardson, a radiant Bahai of Seattle, who has been teaching the Cause in Montana for nearly a year, came to Helena two weeks in advance to help prepare for this visit. lirs. Fred Mortensen, a new and very sweet young sister, a little bride, worked faithfully and efficiently, Can the friends who have many in their Assemblies, realize the spiritual pioneering that is being done here?"
Lectures were given each evening in Edison Hall during Martha's stay, Fred lortensen speaks every Friday night in the Truth Center on Bible Prophecies, He is a very fluent speaker.
firs, Richardson accampanied Martha to Butte, where the latter was the guest of dear hr. and Mrs, Frank Symons, Both are beautiful Bahais, Among the lectures in Butte were the Talk at the Spiritual Science Church; another te fourteen hundred boys and girls of the High School Assembly; still another address was to the Spanish section of the High School; a lecture in the Unity Center; and in the Young lien's Christian Ass'n Hall, One of the lovely encouraging signs, is that at all these lectures, the people aré so intercsted that they come again and again, Another important talk was one to the Club Women of Butte. The Spiritualist Church received the Talk most sympathetically, the President is much attracted to the Bahai Cause, even the Bahai hymms were sung at this service.
Anaconda, Mont,, was the next City visited, and here as well as elsewhere lirs, Richardson helped arrange some of the meetings, Theosophical Hall, where the first lecture was given was crowded, some of the people sat on the floor and on tables, On her return to Butte, iiont,, meetings were held in the Bethel Baptist Church; -~- the Methodist Church in the same neighborhood closing its doors and all joining in the Bahai service. Later & talk was given at a special meeting of the League of Women Voters, "i411 love Janshs Fazel and Jouis Gregory. It is glorious to meet the Bahai pioneers of hontana, "
"lirs. Mary Richardson of Seattle, should be mentee in this story. She is doing something others could with profit follow, Guided by Abdul Baha to spread the Cause in Montana, she gocs from City to City earning her living selling face ercams (and prrt of the time as an actress) and “living the life." She sells Bahai literature at every lecture, It is like a school in salesmanship to see her do it: she buys the books with her own savings and sells them at exact cost, She talks about the books until every listener wishes to possess one,.....Mrs, Richardson also lectures several nights a week and prays the Healing Prayer
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nine times at nearly every public meeting. There have been some good healings in
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this ten minute part of the service, In Anaconda lirs. Richardson passed around
to the audience typed slips (done by Mr, Wolcott of Spokane) containing the words
of the Bahai Benediction Hymn, Words of the Healing Prayer and Words of the
Prayer for Thankfulness, The audience joined in these during the service, and
they had the slips to take home,” :
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Spokane: Two wonderful days were spent here, An address was given in the Forum on "The Harmony between Science and Religion,” In the evening another Taitk in the Church of Truth, This Church is always open to Bahais and they are all very sympathetic to the Bahai Cause, Between these lectures the Bahais gave a very happy Feast, The following day, a program was arranged for Martha which is a fair sample of the indefatigable services of the West. A talk was given befére the Good Government League of Vomen at one o'clock; at three before the Woman's Alliance of the Unitarian Church; at six o'clock before the Study Circle of the Advertising Club, and at 8 o'clock she lectured before the Fellowship Society, the President of which is enthusiastic about the Cause,
"Eight newspaper articles were used in Spokane, Ur. 0, 0, Wolcott has done a glorious service sending out typed sheets of Prayers and Tablets, sending them by the hundreds to Montana and to different groups in South America,
"All the friends in Spokane are united, happy and working hard, They could have arranged twenty more lectures if Martha could have stayed,"
Leaving Spokane Martha went out of her way to visit Walla Walla, Wash., where the State Prison is located, and a few in that institution have heard the Message, One of the men, has Lecome a confirmed, fine Bahai through the splendid work and effort, and very heartening and instructive letters of Mrs, Henrietta Wagner of Akron, 0., who has been teaching this brother through letters for over a year.
Portland: "The city of Roses and beautiful highways is similarly symbolized in the realm of the spirit, Not only was the Message given to many large groups but a great work was done individually as friénds interested were invited for heart to heart talks at breakfast, lunch or dinner, It was a cumulative progress, People who came to one lecture, came again," -- And this is due to the faithful, wonderfully efficient service of the splendid Bahais of Portland over a period of years, Hearts were READY! "Perhaps few American Cities have had the Message given to all organizations and groups for the past years as thoroughly as has Portland, Every one seems to know something about the Cause,"
Here are a few of the open doors in Portland: A talk at the Metaphysical Hall on "The League of Nations of the Future;" at the Portland Woman's Club;
at the Bahai Assembly a public lecture on "The Four Ways of Acquiring Knowledge;"
Infcrmal Reception for Newspaper and Club people of Portland; Feast given by the
Bahais in the Latimer home; at the Home of Truth Church a talk on "The Harmony of Sc
Science and Religion;" before the Advanced Spiritualist Society on "The New Viewpoint of Immortality; a talk before the Progressive Women's Ciub; another talk at
Theosophical Hall on "New Evidences of Life After Death; a reception ot the home
of Mrs. T, D. Hunt to meet a liusical Club; a reception given by Dr. Mabel and
Dr, Chester Easter to meet their friends and the members of the Realization Club;
an address before the Pennsylvania Woman's Club, and a talk in Metaphysical Hall
on "The New Orient." Mr. J, W, Latimer also arranged for Miss Root to address
the Oregon Civic League, Other talks were given on "Spiritual Healing," in
the Church of Truth; and on "What is Brotherhood?” Bethel M, E, Church, one of
the largest churches of the colored people in Portland opened its doors, and the
talk given there was on "The Radiant Century of the Passing of Prejudice." A
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talk before the Psychology Club in the Portland Library, closed a program of vitally
interesting, thrilling and successful talks, made possible through the confirmations
from the Kingdom of ABHA,
Miss Root ended her report with these words: "Bahais came to the Latimer home to say good-bye, Their love and kindness have set such a standard, one can only TRY to pass on to others the perfect hospitality of the spirit, It makes one long to love the Chinese and serve them as radiantly and as efficiently as the Portland friends love and serve, It has been a Bounty from Baha'u'lloh to visit these Assemblies from ocean to ocean," Mrs. J, W, Latimer accompanied Martha to Seattle,
Owing to illness the trip to Vancouver had to be cancelled, and several of the engagements in Seattle likewise had to be cancelled, Some of the friends from Vancouver motored to Seattle, and thus had the joy of meeting.
From one of Martha's letters, we quote the following:
"The trip across the Continent has been one full of opportunities, and in each City we have worked to the utmost,..., Now my precious friends you will go with me into the heart of China and so there is no good-bye, My love, my prayers will be with you each day, In spirit there is no China and America, we are together."
Martha sailed from Seattle on March 22nd, She expects to arrive in Yokohama on April 8th, and will spend a week or two in Tokyo with Agenes Alexander and then go on to Peking, China, ; ;
See ee eee
gloriously confirmed teaching tour was closed,
To be a lighted torch lighting the path for countless souls; to point the Way today; to refresh and gladden the hearts; to be in truth and in fact a heavenly gardener in the Vineyard of the Lord; to have lived and loved and sacrificed all and served thousands with the Bread of Life -- the Glad-tidings of this Great Day; and to have surmounted every difficulty in the path, is real victory, for the teacher and shows how the Promises of Abdul Baha are fulfilled; likewise this foreshadows the beauty of service spiritual conquests and triumphs which we shall hear about from far off China, -=- brought near to us through the Most Holy ABHA Spirit and the Bahai life and love made possible only through the Creative WORDS of the Life-Givers of this Age.
"america will be enlightened very much and from there lights will be sent to all places, Therefore, I hope that from America teachers may go to other places to China, Japan, India and to Europe and other countries.” Abdul Baha.
The prophecies of Abdul Baha are continually being filfilled; they are always fulfilled, From America have gone many teachers to foreign lands; a long list of radiant servers whose names are now known around the world.
ee ee ee ee ee
"THROUGH THE GATE INTO THE CITY"
We have been informed that many of the friends do not know of the passing into the life eternal and radiant of some of the friends in the past few months,
Miss Root's father died only a short time before she left for her field
of service in China, Between this father and daughter there was an extraordinary
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bond, Her loving ministrations unto him and his tender solicitude for her always was most manifest and will be an abiding sweet moary ever cherished by the entire community in which they lived,
The passing of Mr. Wilhelm, the father of our dear brother Roy, had been expected for some time, All who had the privilege of knowing Mr, Wilhelm could never forget his sweetness of spirit, He had a marvellous influence in a quiet way, but he himself never mew that his life taught many a weary traveller on the highway of existence,
_ When dear Old br. Harper, the father of Dr, Orrol Harper, passed from this life, a pure spirit soared to the heavenly mansion prepared for him, and every believer in the country who knew him will cheerfully join in praising his noble adherence to Truth, and all kmow that his crown must have been his recognition of the lost Holy Covenant,
also we have been reminded that many friends do not yet know of the passing sometime ago of Mrs, Caroline Barbee of St, Louis, While the dissolution of the temple of clay -- the body -- was sudden and a great shock to the loved ones about. her, -= for her, the release of the spirit and soaring into the larger life of real freedom, must have been joy upon joy,
Her remarkable services to the Cause in St. Louis, her arising to manage and arrange all the programs for the travelling teachers, her unceasing endeavors and unfailing efforts for the advancement of every part of the Bahai work, though she herself was in the business world earning her living, -- all this LIVES, and will ever LIVE as the most precious part of the history of the Bahai Cause in that city.
"It is our hope that in the divine world we shall find eternal union and seek everlasting fellowship, Importance lies in this fact. This station is obtaired through faith and self-sacrifice in the Path of GOD......"
" ,.Breathe the spirit of the Covenant and the Testament as much as ye can in the BAYS so that the souls may progress day unto day and obtain a new exchil laration," Abdul Baha,
“May the Light of His Divine Guidance illumine our path and lead us to our glorious destiny!" Shoghi aeaRaA, ;
BAHAI NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE
By Mariam Haney, Secretary,
1302 Connecticut Ave., Washington, D, C,