National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1923/March 22/Text

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[Page 1] "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." Bahá’u’lláh,

"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." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

"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 established amongst us, to arise with confidence and courage for the enlightenment of the world and the salvation of mankind." Shoghi Effendi.

BULLETIN

Issued by Bahá’í National Teaching Committee March 22, 1923,

"We, of this noble Faith, the chosen ones of GOD, who carry with us this wholesome Medicine 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 Bahá’u’lláh, 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 place of despondency; an intense longing for action in the arena of service is heard on all sides as well as expressed at length in the letters of the friends, and it is hoped the whole family of Bahá’ís 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 [Page 2] 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 spiritual 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 friends in 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 Bahá’í 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 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 will welcome the joyful news of the spread of the Cause and the "extension of our activities." The thought that he, the Beloved Guardian of the Bahá’í Cause and the Protector of the Bahá’í Family throughout 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 all activities in one channel, and that one the Most Great Cause," "Then" as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá once told us "you will see how the confirmations of GOD will descend."

Jenabe Fazel's Second Teaching Tour in America

The most important assistance 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.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Tablets to America two years ago informed us that "His Honor Fazel Mazandarani 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 Bahá’u’lláh. This respected one is severed, 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 power 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 all-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 [Page 3] 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 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 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 sufficiently well so that all seem 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 re-turning 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 Bahá’í 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 Mr. Randall brings an inspiring message on the subject of TEACHING which should be widely shared:

"Jenabe Fazel brought to the Board a message which in substance relates to teaching, and that is that Shoghi Effendi feels the necessity of more active teaching in this country and Canada and that now is the most brilliant time to awaken hearts....

"I caught in his words the following picture: In the springtime the seeds 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 dwarfod."

"The believers are My soldiers. Through them will ‘Abdu’l-Bahá triumph and gain the victory over the cities of the hearts of people. They are like wings for c, and the Cause for which wo sorve is very great. Today has many troubles, labors, much difficulty, great tests and trials, but the end is good. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

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: [Page 4] "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 Bahá’u’lláh and the words of the laster 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 Kingdom.

"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 New Revelation will be the cause of America becoming a new world. It will gain a new life." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

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 Bahá’ís 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.

"If teachers be in the utmost state of attraction, in a short time great results will be forthcoming. This Promise of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 all 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 presented, 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; lir. C. A. Wragg, formerly of the Washington group of Bahá’ís, presided as Chairman. Every seat was taken. One man present from Asia Minor stated publicly that his [Page 5] father had once entertained Bahá’u’lláh. Mrs. W. W. Blakely, a radiant friend, had a meeting in her home. Among the guests were Christian Scientists, Detroit people who had Bahá’í Friends in other Cities, and others. At each meeting a few came who knew nothing of the Bahá’í Cause except what they had read in the newspapers. A dinner arranged for Miss Root at Neighborhood House after which she was the speaker of the evening, a talk at the home of Mrs. Dunklee a distinguished musician, a public lecture at the Hotel Wolverine, and a beautiful meeting at the home of Mrs. William Cole, made it possible to reach many hearts with the Message 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, Mich., 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 Miss 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. Many inquired for literature and asked to come to other meetings.

"Sunday afternoon there was a large mooting in Masonic Temple, Mr. Albert Vail presided and road from Shoghi Effendi’s translation of the Hidden Words. He introduced the speaker very happily, first giving a vivid history of the Cause. Miss Root spoke on Bahá’u’lláh’s Principles for the League of Nations of the future. Many 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 Root 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 Bahá’u’lláh, 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 how to reach the educators of China."

A happy Bahá’í Feast in the home of Mrs. Kempner was one of the very interesting parts of the program, nine countries being represented. The Juniors [Page 6] gave an angelic program, several of this group expressing the desire to become Bahá’í teachers in the future.

The Hindu Club, Phillipine 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 Bahá’í 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 Mrs. 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 might 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.

can you not imagine "Urbana Assembly has never had anything but UNITY what joyous Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í 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 our 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.

Mrs. 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 planned for him for that section.

Springfield, Ill.

"Nine hours were spent in Springfield, Ill. 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 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and one of the Springfield club women who had met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Paris, spoke informally but most interestingly for fifteen minutes preceeding the lecture. Mrs. Rieke Jurgens our lovely and faithful Bahá’í Sister in this Center, introduced the speaker. Miss Root Spoke on "Universal Education and the League of Nations of the Future. One Bahá’í bov shows the picture of the Temple to everyone on his newspaper route and [Page 7] likewise explains the Temple most beautifully. The faithfulness of two Bahá’í boys there, and the phenomenal work of a few in carrying forward the Cause in Spring- field, 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 entertain- ments often, netting small sums regularly for the Temple. These varied events also have the advantage of carrying the Bahá’í Cause to the community. The women of the Assembly also give Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í boys and girls the stories of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the lives of great teachers of this Cause in the Orient. Many a boy and girl on this trip has said to Martha 'I should like to be a Bahá’í Teacher, please pray that I may. It thrills the heart to vision what this Cause will be during the next fifty years when these Bahá’í boys and girls from the whole world go forth. Even up to this time there

"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 Bahá’u’lláh. 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.

"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 was deep 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 rs, Beulah Barnitz Brown while in Milwaukee. Miss Root 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 Bahá’í 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 by former schoolmates of Martha's and a 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. i. E. Church in Minneapolis. The Bahá’ís gave a Feast at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Penny in Minneapolis, the Juniors giving a wonderfully spiritual program. The Pilgrim Baptist Church in St. Paul was the scone of the last talk. "All moot- [Page 8] ings were well attended. It was a carefully planned and splendidly carried out program. Meetings were thrilling, joyous. Only Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi 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 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the sweet faithfulness of the friends. Duluth newspapers used two and three articles a day, carrying the Universal Principles to one hundred thousand, and the newspapers in Superior, Wisc., (one hour's ride from Duluth) carried them to forty thousand more." 11 Mr. 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 Future." The result of this Talk was that the President of the Club offered to give artha a letter of introduction to all the Lion's Clubs throughout the West. A public 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:

"Miss Root has already given Talks at several important Clubs and her message has been well received everywhere. Martha certainly specializes on newspaper work, -- her success in this line is one of the crowning events of her tour. In a letter she wrote: "Every travelling teacher can increase his efforts if he will have carefully written and typed a brief account of his lecture, perhaps two or three hundred words. (All Bahá’ís speak extemporaneously, but one can make a gist of a Talk). Each resume should bring out clearly the Universal Principles and state that these are the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh."

A Talk at the Kiwanis Club Luncheon in Duluth was a striking event. A public lecture in the Calvary Baptist Church before a good audience; The Kiwanis Club Luncheon at Superior, Wisc., where there was a very keen interest and the Secretary of the Club offered to mail literature on the Bahá’í 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 community house). Irs. Berridge had interested the Director, and after the lecture, the Bahá’ís 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 liss Root, gives an important item:

"The Secretary of the Bahá’í Assembly of Duluth, after the visit of a travelling teacher always writes letters of thanks to every club, church, newspaper and individual 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 Bahá’ís there. It is also due to the Teaching Committee for they mapped out a definite spiritual journey and kept in close contact: with each City.

Montana

is one of the '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 Bahá’u’lláh’s Words: 'Put thy hand into liy Treasury, then will I lift My Head radiant above thy treasures. [Page 9] "The pioneer souls in Montana are building the Cause well. Mr. and Mrs. A. C. 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.

"This teaching visit was about as follows: Fred was on 'The Montana Record-Herald and helping out with the press work on 'The Independent' during Martha's visit. Through his efforts in Helena Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í publicity that Montana 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 prosent.

"Mrs. Mary Richardson, a radiant Bahá’í 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. Mrs. 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 Mortensen speaks every Friday night in the Truth Center on Bible Prophecies. He is a very fluent speaker.

Mrs. Richardson accompanied Martha to Butte, where the latter was the guest of dear Mr. and Mrs. Frank Symons, Both are beautiful Bahá’ís. Among the lectures in Butte were the Talk at the Spiritual Science Church; another to 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 Men's Christian Ass'n Hall. One of the lovely encouraging signs, is that at all those lectures, the people are so interested that they come again and again. Another important talk was ono to the Club Women of Butte. The Spiritualist Church received the Talk most sympathetically, the President is much attracted to the Bahá’í Cause, even the Bahá’í hymns 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, Mont., meetings were held in the Bethel Baptist Church; -- the Methodist Church in the same neighborhood closing its doors and all joining in the Bahá’í service. Later a talk was given at a special meeting of the League of Women Voters. "All love Jenabe Fazel and Louis Gregory. It is glorious to meet the Bahá’í pioneers of Montana.

"Airs. liary Richardson of Seattle, should be mentioned in this story. She is doing something others could with profit follow. Guided by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to spread the Cause in Montana, she goos from City to City earning her living selling face creams (and part of the time as an actress) and "living the life." She sells Bahá’í 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 nine times at nearly every public meeting. There have been some good healings in [Page 10] this ten minute part of the service. In Anaconda Mrs. Richardson passed around to the audience typed slips (done by Mr. Wolcott of Spokane) containing the words of the Bahá’í 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.

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 Talk in the Church of Truth. This Church is always open to Bahá’ís and they are all very sympathetic to the Bahá’í Cause. Between these lectures the Bahá’ís 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 before the Good Government League of Women 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. Mr. O. 0. Wolcott has done a glorious service sending out typed sheets of Prayers and Tablets, sending them by the hundreds to lontana 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 become a confirmed, fine Bahá’í through the splendid work and effort, and very heartening and instructive letters of Mrs. Henrietta Wagner of Akron, O., 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 friends 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í Assembly a public lecture on "The Four Ways of Acquiring Knowledge;" Informal Reception for Newspaper and Club people of Portland; Feast given by the Bahá’ís 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 Club; another talk at Theosophical Hall on "New Evidences of Life After Death; a reception at the home of Mrs. T. D. Hunt to meet a lusical 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 lietaphysical 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 [Page 11] 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 ABHÁ.

Miss Root ended her report with these words: "Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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,

And thus ended the first stage in the journey. The first part of this 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 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 ABHÁ Spirit and the Bahá’í 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." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The prophecies of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are continually being fulfilled; 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.

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 [Page 12] bond,

Her loving ministrations unto him and his tender solicitude for her always was most manifest and will be an abiding sweet memory 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 knew that his life taught many a weary traveller on the highway of existence.

When dear Old Dr. 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 know that his crown must have been his recognition of the Most 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 obtained 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 hearts so that the souls may progress day unto day and obtain a new exhilaration." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

"May the Light of His Divine Guidance illumine our path and lead us to our glorious destiny!" Shoghi Effendi.

1302 Connecticut Ave., Washington, D. C. BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE By Mariam Haney, Secretary.