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PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR
In the Interest of the BAHAI MOVEMENT
By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
Publishers: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
Entered as second-class matter April 9, 1911, at the post office at Chicago, Ill., under the Act of March 3, 1879.
Terms: $3.00 per year; 20 cents per copy.
Two copies to same name and address, $5.00 per year.
Make Money Orders Payable to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
To personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.
Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U.S.A.
WORDS OF ABDUL-BAHA.
"Great importance must be given to the development of the STAR OF THE WEST. The circle of its discussion must be widened; in its columns must be published the essential problems pertaining to the Bahai life in all its phases. Its contents must be so universal that even the strangers may subscribe to it. Articles must be published, dealing with the universal principles of the Cause, the writers proving that this Cause takes a vital interest in all the social and religious movements of the age and is conducive to the progress of the world and its inhabitants. In short, the STAR OF THE WEST must promote the aspirations and the ideals that will gather little by little around these general Tablets, bringing into the light of day all the historical, religious and racial knowledge which will be of the utmost value to the Bahai teachers all over the world."
From Unveiling of the Divine Plan.
| Vol. 11 | CONTENTS | No. 11 |
| PAGE | |
ABDUL-BAHA at door of Pilgrim House, Bahjee, Acca | |
Report of Twelfth Annual Mashrekol-Azkar Convention, held in New York City, April 26th-29th, inclusive | |
Words of ABDUL-BAHA on the importance of Consultation | |
First Address by Jenabi Fazel Mazaudarani | |
Constitution and By-Laws of Bahai Temple Unity |
"On the shore of Lake Michigan a piece of land is blessed because it has been mentioned by the name of Mashrekol-Azkar. Whosoever arises for the service of this building shall be assisted with a great power from His Supreme Kingdom, and upon him spiritual and heavenly blessings shall descend which shall fill his heart with wonderful consolation and enlighten his eyes by beholding the glorious and eternal God."
(Words of Abdul-Baha from a Tablet concerning the Mashrekol-Azkar.)
--PHOTO--
ABDUL-BAHA at the door of the Pilgrim House, near the Holy Tomb of BAHA'O'LLAH, in Bahjee, Acca, Palestine.
Photograph taken March 7, 1920.
"We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened, that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes; these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come."—BAHA'O'LLAH.
| Vol. 11 | Masheyat 1, 76 (September 27, 1920) | No. 11 |
Report of Twelfth Annual Mashrekol-Azkar Convention
Held in New York City, April 26th-29th, 1920.
[These minutes of the 1920 Annual Convention of Bahai Temple Unity are prepared and published in conformity with a vote of the Convention to that effect. The Constitution and By-Laws of Bahai Temple Unity are appended hereto, also as required by said vote.—Alfred E. Lunt, Secretary.]
MONDAY MORNING SESSION—APRIL 26, 1920.THE twelfth annual Mashrekol-Azkar Convention met at the Engineering Societies' Building, 29 West 39th Street, New York City, on Monday, April 26, 1920, at 10 A. M., in accordance with the following call issued February 18, 1920:
"To the Bahai Assemblies of America, Greeting:
"At the instance of the Executive Board of Bahai Temple Unity, it is my duty to call your Assembly to the election of a delegate or delegates, as provided by the Constitution of the Unity, to attend and represent your Assembly at the annual Convention of Bahai Temple Unity to be held in New York City during a three or four day period of the Rizwan which, as you know, begins April 21, 1920 and extends twelve days. Will you kindly take immediate steps to bring this matter to the attention of the Assembly and to procure their action in accordance with this call?
"Further details will be sent at the earliest moment concerning the most important work of this Convention and the final dates fixed, place of meeting, hospitality arrangements, Convention and Congress program, etc.
Alfred E. Lunt, Secretary."
Extracts from subsequent supplementary letter:
"The feast of Rizwan will open on the 15th day of the month of Jalal (Glory), year 76, present calendar Saturday, April 24th, 1920, at the Aldine Club, 200 Fifth Avenue, 14th floor, New York City, with a Reception at 5 P. M. and the Feast will be laid at 6:30 P. M. The kind friends of the New York Assembly through their Rizwan Committee are in charge of the Feast.
"The Convention, or Annual Meeting of Bahai Temple Unity will open at the Convention Hall of the Engineering Societies at 29 West 39th Street, at 10 A. M. on Monday, continuing through the day, and similarly on Tuesday and Wednesday."
The meeting was called to order by Dr. Frederick W. D'Evelyn of San Francisco, vice-president of the Unity, in the absence of the president, Harlan F. Ober, who with Mrs. Ober had recently sailed for Haifa, Palestine. Mrs. Parmerton, delegate from Cincinnati, Ohio, invited the friends to ask the blessings of God upon this coming Convention and Congress and a moment of silent prayer was observed by all those assembled.
The presiding officer announced that the first business would be the election of a temporary chairman, and upon motion duly made and seconded, Dr. D'Evelyn was continued in that office by unanimous action of the Convention. The secretary of the Unity, Alfred E. Lunt, then read the temporary roll of delegates as appearing on the secretary's record.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the chair name
a committee on credentials. Louis G. Gregory of Washington was named with authority to appoint two other members of the committee to act with him.
The chair announced the appointment of a committee on permanent organization consisting of William H. Randall of Boston, Dr. Pauline Barton-Peeke of Cleveland, and Mrs. Emogene Hoagg of San Francisco.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that Alfred E. Lunt act as temporary secretary. The secretary thereupon offered the recommendations of the Executive Board for the admission to the Bahai Temple Unity roll of the following Assemblies:
Springfield, Mass.; Miami, Florida; Bisbee, Arizona; Pasadena, Calif.; Omaha, Nebr., and Springfield, Illinois.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the recommendations of the Executive Board that the above Assemblies be admitted to the rolls as members of the Unity was unanimously carried.
The chair called upon Mrs. Corinne True of Chicago for a report of the financial secretary of the Unity. Mrs. True reported as follows:
"The 31st day of March, 1920, there was cash in the Northern Trust Company, the bank in which our funds are deposited, $20,173.72, vouched for by the bank itself. We hold United States certificates of indebtedness, $120,000. Liberty Loan bonds of different series, estimated at par. It is very hard to give the Liberty bonds and the War Savings stamps other than to estimate them at par, because the market fluctuates, and today they have a certain value and tomorrow another, so to make it uniform, we simply register at par, and if we have a $50 bond it is called $50. We have Liberty bonds of different series from 1 to 5, $33,650; in War Savings stamps $610; total available funds March 31st, 1920, $174,433.72. We have the bonds all listed and the coupons all listed, and going over the bonds and the certificates of indebtedness and the Liberty bonds, we have in coupons interest, $5,585.99, running to 1947. You see these coupons run so long and every Liberty bond that comes to us is recorded with its number and the amount and number of coupons attached. So that today we have $20,173.72 in cash, $120,000 in United States certificates of indebtedness, $33,650 worth of Liberty bonds, counted at par, and $610 worth of War Savings stamps counted at par, a total of $174,433.72 available fund."
Dr. D 'Evelyn anounced for the Santa Paula, California, Assembly a fund of $186.50 and stated that a contribution each month is sent by that Assembly to the teaching fund. Mr. Lunt spoke of the beautiful letter received from Secretary Walter Bohanan of the Kenosha, Wisconsin, Assembly and asked the Convention to hold a moment of silent prayer for that Assembly in accordance with a request in the letter. This was done.
Dr. D'Evelyn further reported on the Assembly of Santa Barbara, California, stating that although small, it is very active and that great possibilities are in sight.
Mrs. Howard Struven of Worcester reported for Worcester, Mass., Assembly, stating that great bounties have descended upon that city.
Mrs. Maxwell of Montreal, Canada, brought the loving greetings of the friends from Montreal and spoke of the splendid work done by Mother Beecher in Canada the past winter. Mother Beecher, who had just entered the assembly hall, was invited to the platform and gave a most thrilling account of her experiences during the winter of 1919-1920 in Canada and stated, "It has been the most wonderful winter of my life." She told of how the seeds were scattered over the entire city of St. John and how she was told by one of
thousands attending meetings "that you are having a perfect whirlwind campaign here," the discussion of the Revelation even penetrating to the various society gatherings in that city where religion is seldom spoken of, but "this winter the Revelation of BAHA'O'LLAH was on every tongue." Mother Beecher said that she wanted to interest the whole Convention in that wonderful country (Canada) that Abdul-Baha has blessed and concerning which he has made so many promises. She closed with an earnest appeal for greater realization on the part of the teaching committee of their responsibility to the teachers and the Cause and that the committee should work with the teachers more and keep them informed of the events in the various teaching areas.
Roy Williams of Atlanta, Georgia, reported for the work done in the South in a spirited and appealing talk.
The committee on permanent organization reported recommending Mountfort Mills of New York as permanent chairman of the Convention. Mr. Mills on assuming the chair addressed the Convention as follows:
"Dear friends, Dr. D'Evelyn has expressed so well the feeling of anyone who is privileged to act as chairman, that I will not take your time by adding to his words in that respect. I would like to say just a few words about the way in which, it seems to me, we should approach the work this year, of all years, in these sessions. I think it has been borne in on all of us during the past, that there is absolutely no hope in the world today except through the channel of the Center of the Covenant carrying the banner of BAHA'O'LLAH to the height where it will wave over the entire civilized world.
"This knowledge as it carries more and more conviction in our hearts, makes our coming together of peculiar significance this year—of course, the responsibility would be infinitely too great if we did not know we had the Center of the Covenant not only behind us, but right with us here, in each heart that is opened to that great influence. We not only have that to rely upon, we have also his outward spoken and written word to guide us in our deliberations here at this Convention, and we know from these written and spoken words how greatly he is relying upon us this year to really liberate in the world the true freedom of democracy, of democratic government. He has expressed to many of the friends who have recently been over there and returned, he has also expressed in the Tablets, with which all of us are familiar, the outlines of the establishment really of the foundations of civilizations, insofar as that can be formed by governmental procedure. He has indicated to us this new great conception of the unity of groups, the consciousness that is created in a body of friends coming together consecrated solely for the purpose of finding out the will of God as applied to any particular situation which they may confront, and he has told us not that we should have one idea, by no means that, but that each idea should be contributed simply in the spirit of creating this group consciousness. It is a new thing to the world, so far as we have been allowed to understand it, and I thing this evolution of the group idea, is infinitely greater than the idea, and beyond the idea, of any individual.
"In the past the procedure has been more or less to impose upon groups the conception of some strong individual. Today we are told by Abdul-Baha of this new method of approaching the problems of humanity, where the individual will express his opinion but it will be the creation of the group that will express the will of God—in other words, the majority of those present. Not to take more time, we will proceed at once to the regular business of the Convention, and I presume the first
thing is to hear the report of the credentials committee."
Mrs. True spoke of the recent instructions given by His Holiness, Abdul-Baha, concerning the respective functions of the Unity or Executive Board and the assembled delegates in the annual Convention, quoting as follows from the blessed instructions:
"The nation chooses representatives. These representatives make an assembly of the nation. Are the affairs in the hands of the assembly of the nation or in the hands of the people? No doubt all affairs are in the hands of the assembly of the nation, not in the hands of everybody. This assembly of the nation, or parliament, those members are elected by the nation; all affairs are referred to parliament, not to the people. Parliament discusses affairs and reaches a decision. The Convention is like that and this meeting sees to the affairs and whatever the meeting decides, the Executive Board must carry out."
The credentials committee now reported the following duly accredited delegates and alternates certified by their official credentials:
| ASSEMBLY | DELEGATE | ALTERNATE |
Atlanta, Ga. | Roy Williams | |
Augusta, Ga. | Robert Irwin | Miss Margaret Klebs |
Asbury Park, N. J. | Mrs. Juliet D. Sherman | Miss Jane Durand |
Atlantic City, N. J. | Mrs. Elnora D. Terry | Mrs. D. H. Hoes |
Bakersfield, Calif. | Mrs. Mary Morton Replogle | Caroline Wagner |
Baltimore, Md. | Mrs. M. E. Lane | M. E. Thompson |
Berkeley, Calif. | Mrs. Emogene Hoagg | Mrs. Georgia Ralston |
Beverly and Salem, Mass. | Edward D. Struven | John S. Crowley |
Bisbee, Arizona | Mrs. Viola Duckett | Mirza Ahmad Sohrab |
Boston, Mass. | William H. Randall | Alfred E. Lunt |
Brooklyn, N. Y. | Howard MacNutt | Miss Bertha Herklotz |
Buffalo, N. Y. | Mrs. Movius | |
Chicago, Ill. | Mrs. Corinne True Albert R. Vail | Albert R. Windust Carl Scheffler |
Cincinnati, O. | Mrs. Annie L. Parmerton | Joseph Strauss |
Cleveland, O. | Dr. Pauline Barton-Peeke | Katherine Brandeau |
Denver, Colo. | Mrs. G. N. Clark | Mrs. Corinne True |
Detroit, Mich. | Tom O'Connor | Ernest E. Grimwood |
Duluth, Minn. | Miss Henrietta Brittingham | |
Fruitport, Mich. | Mrs. Edith Bail | Mrs. Nels Peterson |
Geyserville, Calif. | Mirza Ahmad Sohrab | |
Grand Rapids, Mich. | Mrs. Edith Bail | Mrs. Nels Peterson |
Honolulu, Hawaii | Mrs. Willard Ashton | |
Ithaca, N. Y. | Mrs. Alice House | C. Mason Remey |
Jersey City, N. J. | F. G. Hale | Mrs. Mary C. Moore |
Johnstown, N. Y. | Alfred E. Lunt | |
Kenosha, Wis. | Alfred E. Anderson | |
Lakeland, Florida | Alfred E. Lunt | |
Los Angeles, Calif. | Miss Julia Culver | |
Miami, Florida | M. W. Atwater | |
Minneapolis, Minn. | Miss Henrietta Brittingham | Albert H. Hall |
Montclair, N. J. | Mrs. William Reid | Miss Anna Van Blarcom |
| ASSEMBLY | DELEGATE | ALTERNATE |
Milwaukee, Wis. | Alfred E. Anderson | |
Montreal, Canada | Mrs. May Maxwell | Dr. Arthur Johnston |
Muskegon, Mich. | Mrs. Edith Bail | Mrs. Nels Peterson |
Newark, N. J. | Mrs. O. J. Hanko | Henry Grasmuk |
New Haven, Conn. | Edward Leotard | Emma L. Hinsman |
New York City | Mrs. Wandeyne Deuth Mountfort Mills | Roy C. Wilhelm Juliet Thompson |
Okanogan, Wash. | Mrs. Laura Luther | Mary F. Cory |
Omaha, Nebraska | Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf | Alfred E. Lunt |
Pasadena, Calif. | Mrs. Mariam Haney | |
Phoenix, Arizona | John W. Gift | Dr. W. F. Slater |
Pittsburgh, Pa. | Urbain LeDoux | Martha L. Root |
Philadelphia, Pa. and Riverton, N. J. | Mrs. A. E. McKinney | Miss Elizabeth Bowen |
Portland, Oregon | Mrs. George O. Latimer | B. Bowman |
Racine, Wis. | Andrew J. Nelson | Harold Olson |
San Diego, Calif. | Dr. F. W. D'Evelyn | |
Sandusky, O. | Mrs. Cora E. Renner | C. Mason Remey |
San Francisco, Calif. | Dr. F. W. D'Evelyn | Mrs. Georgia W. Ralston |
Santa Barbara, Calif. | Dr. F. W. D'Evelyn | Flora M. Clark |
Santa Paula, Calif. | A. Elizabeth Carpenter | Dr. F. W. D'Evelyn |
Seattle, Wash. | Henry McConaughy | Mrs. Laura Luther |
Spokane, Wash. | Miss Nellie Raney | Henry McConaughy |
Springfield, Ill. | Rieke Jurgens | |
Springfield, Mass. | Mrs. Olive Bellerjeau | |
St. Johns, N. B. | Jean E. Nixon | Dorothy Culver |
St. Louis, Mo. | Caroline M. Barbee | Roy C. Wilhelm |
Trenton, N. J. | J. Newell Ayres | Hooper Harris |
Urbana, Ill. | Albert R. Vail | |
Washington, D. C. | Mrs. Pauline Hannen Stanwood Cobb | C. Mason Remey Mrs. Marie Watson |
Worcester, Mass. | Howard C. Struven | Ralph Haynes |
Yonkers, N. Y. | Mrs. Elise Weil | Mrs. Maud Gaudreaux |
The credentials committee as constituted was composed, beside Mr. Gregory, of Mrs. Mariam Haney and Edward D. Struven.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the report of the credentials committee was unanimously accepted.
The chair presented for the consideration of the Convention a resolution adopted by the Executive Board recommending that in cases where one delegate represent several different assemblies that such delegate cast but one ballot upon any important question. After a thorough discussion of the matter by various delegates, it was moved and seconded that the existing custom in this connection be followed and that any delegate duly authorized to represent an assembly of which he or she is not a member be allowed to cast the ballots for the various assemblies they had been asked to represent. A rising vote being called for, this motion was declared lost. It was thereupon moved that not only at future Conventions, but at this Convention
any delegate representing more than one assembly should have but one vote in the Convention. An amendment was offered which was seconded, that each delegate be entitled to only one vote but that this shall apply only to this Convention. This amendment having been put to a vote was declared lost. The question was then put on the original motion which was carried.
The chair announced that the exhibition of plans and models of the various designs of the Mashrekol-Azkar was open for inspection in two adjoining rooms. The Convention recessed to meet at 12:30 P. M.
MONDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session, April 26, 1920, of the Convention was opened with singing of the hymn, "Tell the Wondrous Story."
The Mt. Vernon, Virginia, Assembly, Mrs. Elizabeth Nourse, delegate, was recommended for membership in the Unity by the Executive Board, and upon motion duly made and seconded, the recommendation was accepted.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, Alfred E. Lunt was made permanent secretary of the Convention.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, Mrs. Mariam Haney was made assistant secretary of the Convention.
The chair announced that the next business was the consideration of the matter of the selection of the plan for the Mashrekol-Azkar. Mrs. True, by request, read the verbatim account of the interview between His Holiness, Abdul-Baha, and William H. Randall, at Haifa, in December, 1919, concerning the selection of plans by this Convention (this conversation is in substance contained in the secretary's call for the election of delegates, under date of February 18, 1920). The closing words of Abdul-Baha concerning this are these: "You must make a great effort, and inspire the friends to do everything they possibly can for the building of this Mashrekol-Azkar in order that it may be started as soon as possible. That must be done at this Convention."
On the suggestion of Roy Williams, of Atlanta, Georgia, the Convention went into silent prayer for a few minutes that the hearts of all might be opened and the minds free from any differences of opinion in approaching this tremendous decision.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that each architect be given twenty minutes to explain his model. Mr. Lunt inquired whether it would not be an advantage in reaching a decision to have the verbal opinion of a building or construction engineer as to the cost of the various models.
Upon request, Mrs. Joseph H. Hannen, of Washington, D. C., chanted the prayer "Is there any remover of difficulties save God?"
The chair called upon Charles Mason Remey of Washington, D. C., to address the Convention concerning his plan and model for the Mashrekol-Azkar. Mr. Remey stated in substance that the paramount thought in the hearts of each of us is that the will and desire of the Center of the Covenant shall be worked out in deliberation in this Convention of friends. He outlined his conceptions of the Mashrekol-Azkar evolving through a period of the last twelve to fourteen years, stating that nine preliminary designs of different styles of architecture had been made by him and exhibited throughout the country, including schools, colleges and universities. Mr. Remey then depicted interestingly the Indian style of architecture; it was an adaption of the Persian style and the world famous Taj Mahal in Agra, India, pointing out that the Ishkabad Mashrekol-Azkar was built on those lines. The model made by him, exhibited in the next room, was a model of this Indian style. He further stated that the Indian style was the smallest
and most economical to build of any of his drawings and outlined his suggestions as to the method of construction, material, etc., and that a rough estimate made by Roger Boyle, of the Boyle Construction Company, was in the neighborhood of $540,000 for a stone building and about $400,000 of terra cotta. Various questions from the delegates brought out from Mr. Remey that his model was built to a scale of ⅜-inch to a foot, the exterior diameter being about 95 feet. Also, that his design would make a building a trifle smaller than the Ishkabad Temple; that the diameter of the dome is between 40 to 50 feet. Mr. Remey added that including the garden and everything shown by his model, it would scale up to about 500 feet in diameter.
The chairman stated that in common with all the other friends presenting plans to the Convention, the infinite amount of labor and the time and sacrifice that has been put into this work by these good friends is a feature of unity. "Most of us know personally of the consecrated efforts that have been made almost to the limit of physical and nervous endurance, done as it had to be done, outside of the regular activities of the friends. We cannot pass by this particular moment without noting this fact of the devoted service of these men in the Cause of BAHA'O'LLAH.
The chair called upon Louis Bourgeois of Englewood, New Jersey, concerning his model. Mr. Bourgeois stated in substance that he realized from the reading of the Hidden Words that a new art was to come with this Revelation, together with a new science and everything was to be renewed. Therefore, he had undertaken to avoid all the style of the past. Also, that since the teaching of BAHA'O'LLAH was to unify all the teaching of the past into one thought and the religious thoughts of the past had expressed themselves through different styles of architecture, he had combined several creations of architectural style of the past in his model with a new setting. He spoke of symbolizing the Hidden Words and of various ancient symbols and that he used the form giving the idea of the classic, Romanesque, Moorish, Gothic and the Renaissance, blending these into an entirety. He then realized that in addition to this the union of the Orient and the Occident must be clearly shown and that as he studied the matter a new form of the first floor of the Temple came to him in the symbol of a nine pointed star, made of inverted circles upon circles. He was unable to get any further light on the second floor until the first floor had been made and immediately the second floor came to him. Each floor above was not conceived until the floor below was finished. Then came the dome which was very unusual, to crown the whole. He then put the various different sections together and said "you can see the result now." He expected, like all new tilings, this would be criticized, stating that the model is one-quarter scale but if half this size model should be required it would reduce it to about 225 feet in diameter for the whole building and he estimated that this 225 ft. model to erect would cost about a million and a half dollars. He said that one feature which left the cost indefinite was the amount necessary to be spent in foundation; on the half-inch scale the height would be about 180 feet. He said the idea was to build in terra cotta which would allow the model to be preserved in case an accident happened, another piece could be cast easily and he had no fear as to the tracery work on the dome. That there were nine towers, nine columns, nine orbs around the outside. He expressed his opinion that $200,000 would build a crypt up to 27 feet where meetings could be held until more funds came in for the next floor.
The chair then called upon W. S. Maxwell of Montreal to explain his design.
On motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that Mr. Maxwell be permitted to bring his plan into the room for explanation as Mr. Maxwell presented no model.
Mr. Maxwell then proceeded to explain his drawings. He said that it was a nine-sided building with entrance by a flight of nine steps, leading to an entrance here, both these symbolic of BAHA'O'LLAH and Abdul-Baha. Another entrance to a smaller apartment symbolizes the Bab. These are all vaulted chambers or vaults. The dimensions of the central space are nine by nine, 81 feet, in diameter from column to column. Places for meditation are placed around the nine columns. A gallery which he called the Gallery of the Tablets is all around the back of the columns, on the first floor set in a surrounding, corresponding to that of the ideas of the 16th century. A paved terrace surrounds the building with nine avenues, each terminating in a fountain with the Temple as the central axis, each fountain nine feet in diameter. The dome to be lighted by nine groups of three windows with a pier between each group. He spoke of the beauty of the dome of glass mosaic with gold background such as is found in Italy. The lighting in the dome would be by means of 27 reflectors thrown on the light of the dome, radiating color and light on to the Temple. Mr. Maxwell outlined how deeply he was interested in finding a point in construction where the East and West would contact. The tree of life is shown and the symbolism of the great religions of the world with nineteen spaces for the "Letters of the Living."
In response to questions Mr. Maxwell stated that he could not give any definite estimate of price as he did not think it desirable to reduce the building to less than 63 feet in diameter (interior), that if the building were so reduced in size the expense would run probably somewhere around a million dollars.
Following these elucidations the delegates recessed for fifteen minutes to inspect the various models.
Upon regathering, it was moved and seconded, that the friends who must leave before the end of the Convention be allowed to cast their votes in sealed envelopes showing their choice of plan. After discussion, the motion was put and declared lost.
It was moved and seconded, that the chair be empowered to have present at the opening of the morning session an expert engineer and an expert architect to consult with the delegates on the matter of choice of plans. After a discussion of the motion, the motion was unanimously carried.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the meeting was adjourned to reconvene the following day at 10 A. M.
TUESDAY MORNING SESSION
APRIL 27, 1920
The Convention re-assembled on Tuesday, April 27th, at 10 A. M. in the Convention Hall. The secretary opened the session with reading of supplications. Albert R. Vail, of Chicago, Illinois, offered prayer to Almighty God for the healing of the sickness of Miss Knobloch. The chairman anounced that Mr. McGonigal, president of the Architectural League of New York City, and one of the best known architects of the country, was present for the purpose of any service he might render the Convention in the selection of plans; also Mr. Abbott, of the Fuller Construction Company, a very able and prominent engineer.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the Convention adjourn to the hall of plans so that this discussion of the experts might be in the midst of the different plans and models. Discussion arose concerning whether or not the delegates only should be present during the discussion or during the selection of plans or either of them. Without
taking any action at this time all the delegates and friends in a body met in the hall of plans. Mr. McGonigal, having been introduced, outlined in substance as follows, saying that he was forced to consider these various designs from the point of view of only a few minutes study of the tenets of the Movement so that he was obliged to judge largely from a purely technical standpoint. He said further he was not judging by virtue of the mystic symbols of numbers which occurred in the various designs but as to the agreeableness of the motif. Mr. McGonigal referred to the difficulties in estimating cost of building in the present disturbed, economic and industrial conditions, saying that it had become common that the labor units would not respect contracts made as to wages, therefore, he felt the thing to do was for the delegates to decide what they wanted and then get the money for it. He then proceeded to analyze the different designs, plans and models before the Convention. Following this analysis Mr. McGonigal kindly answered a number of questions from different delegates, including durability of different materials, dimensions, structural possibilities, defects and changes, the practicability of the tracery and open spacing in the Bourgeois plan, etc., etc. The Convention conveyed its unanimous expression of gratitude to Mr. McGonigal for his most valuable assistance on these important questions.
The chairman now introduced Mr. Abbott, of the Fuller Construction Company, said to be the largest construction company in the country. Mr. Abbott addressing the Convention illustrated how impossible it is to estimate costs of structure without first having some sort of a sketch, plan and outline of what the materials are to be, dimensions, etc. He pointed out how building costs had been mounting about four per cent a month for the last three or four months. Mr. Abbott commented generally on the models, saying that on the base of diameter and height the expense in accordance with geometrical ratio, the same rule applying to the lacery effect which compared with the solid dome. He advised in the case of the Bourgeois model to close up between the lace openings with glass, keeping out snow and ice which might otherwise expand and break it. He figured roughly that marble would be at least twice the cost of terra cotta as construction material. Mr. Abbott gave the Convention his rough estimates of the ratio of cost of the various models and plans to each other. In response to questions Mr. Abbott gave valuable information concerning the cost of foundation based upon any one of several kinds of soil. Certain questions also brought out the fact that a crypt or underground room could be built up to, say 27 feet high. For instance, in the cast of the Bourgeois model, to stop at the top of the first gallery, which could be occupied for services prior to the final completion of the Temple, it would cost about fifty per cent of the whole cost. Mr. Abbott later thought that this was too low an estimate, that it might cost up to sixty to seventy per cent. This, however, would include the entire first story and nine entrances and the terrace. He would estimate with a basement of twenty-seven feet, i. e., to the top of the first flight of steps, it would be around twenty per cent of the total cost.
The Convention unanimously and by a rising vote expressed its warm thanks to Mr. Abbott for the great enlightenment and patience with which he had presented these matters based upon his great experience along these lines.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the Convention make its choice of the Temple plans and elect the Executive Board this afternoon, tomorrow to be devoted to teaching, publication and other problems.
It was moved and seconded that the
choice of the Temple plans be by private consultation of the delegates only. After discussion of this motion, it was put to a vote and was declared lost, the effect of this negative vote being to leave the matter in the hands of the delegates but with no thought of seclusion or privacy.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously voted that the chair name a committee to meet and to give consideration, pending the recess, to all the utterances and Tablets on the subject of the Mashrekol-Azkar, including any instructions that had been received, and to place these before the Convention at the afternoon session, including certain instructions that had been received concerning the method of consultation which should be followed in Bahai conventions. The committee, as constituted, was as follows: Charles Mason Remey, W. S. Maxwell, Mountfort Mills and Louis Bourgeois.
The Convention recessed to meet at 2 P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The Convention was called to order at 2 P. M. by the chairman. An announcement was made concerning the serious illness of Miss Fannie Knobloch, at New Haven, Connecticut, and requests were made for prayers for her.
Mr. Remey reporting for the art committee stated that the committee recommended that certain designs be nominated by the Convention and if more than one design made by any one architect was to be considered mention should be made of that fact.
Mr. Vail reporting for the committee appointed during the recess hour to gather the Tablets and instructions relating to the Mashrekol-Azkar, stated that this committee had decided to report upon the more recent words of Abdul-Baha concerning this, inasmuch as "every day has a new order; obey the order of the day." He thereupon read in substance the recent references of Abdul-Baha, as to the necessity of decision upon plans by the Convention whether unanimously or by majority, as given to William H. Randall when recently in Haifa.
Mrs. True, being interrogated as to any allusions to the probable cost of the Temple made by His Holiness, Abdul-Baha, as recorded in her Mashrekol-Azkar records, recounted a conversation with him, Mr. Wilhelm and Mrs. True being present, in New York, in 1912, when he said that the Temple would cost over a million dollars.
A discussion followed as to which instructions the Convention should deem itself bound by, whether the former references scattered through the Tablets or the recent instructions to the Convention to assume the responsibility of choice. The chair ruled that under recent instructions the delegates are entrusted with the completion of the work in hand including the choice of plans "leaving it entirely to them to decide."
Mr. Lunt, having in his possession a discourse on the subject of consultation, given by His Holiness, Abdul-Baha, at the Plaza Hotel in Chicago, 1912, was asked to read it:
Words of Abdul-Baha on the Importance of Consultation
"In this Cause the question of consultation is of the greatest importance. But the spiritual consultation, not physical consultation. In France I visited the Senate, the Parliament. I did not like their system at all, for consultation must have for its aim the arrival at truth and not opinionated opposition. When there shall be opposition or inimical opinion, it is very bad. I found that they altercated, by worthless or useless altercations, each one presenting a certain angle or a certain word, someone would oppose him, and then there was a turmoil, and it happened that while I was there two of them got up and had a fight. I said, 'This is not parliamentary consultation. This is a fiasco! What is the use of going to theatres and spending your money? Come to the National Assembly and see what is going on! It is
more entertaining than the theatre. Call it a play and not the parliament.'
"The purpose is this, that consultation must have for its aim or object the investigation of truth. He who expresses an opinion must not voice his opinion as if that opinion is correct or right, but he must give it as a contribution to the consensus of opinion, for the light of reality becomes apparent when there is a coincidence of two opinions. Because when you have the flint and the steel, you will have a spark produced when the two come together. The negative force and the positive force coming together produce, as it were, electricity. It is the friction of the two which is productive of light. That should be the object. With the greatest or the utmost serenity, sobriety, soberness of temperament, with the utmost state of tranquillity, perfect composure and absolute calm and composure should man weigh his opinions. But before expressing his own opinion he must weigh the opinion previously expressed. When he sees that the opinion previously expressed is better, he must immediately accept it. He must not be wilful in having an opinion of his own. This we call the endeavor at arrival at unity or truth. That is very good.
"But should it be an opposition and cause dispersion, it is very bad. It is better then to have one opinion, because the individual opinion of a wise man is better. But if it is simply opposition or altercation in which varied and divergent opinions will be presented, then there is need of a judicial body to discuss the opinions expressed, and the opinion of the majority (of that body)—because though the consensus of opinion, that is to say, the quorum—may decide upon a thing that may be correct. A thousand people may give opinions and may be mistaken, and one sagacious person may give an opinion and be right. That is possible. In the utmost of love consultation must be held. The members must be in the greatest spirit of fellowship toward one another, so that good results may be forthcoming. That is the foundation.
"In the realm of consultation the greatest was the council held by the disciples of Jesus Christ after His ascension or departure. That was consultation. They got together on the summit of the mount and said: 'His Holiness, Jesus Christ, has been crucified and we have no intercourse with Him, therefore we must be loyal and faithful to Him, we must appreciate Him, He resuscitated us, He made us wise, He gave us life. We must be faithful. What shall we do?' And they held council. One of them said, 'We must detach ourselves, that is to say, lessen our attachments; with attachments or fetters we cannot do this.' Everybody said: 'That is so.' Another among them said: 'Either we must be married and be faithful to our wives and children, take care of our families, or we must serve our Lord freely without these ties. We cannot keep families, care for them, and at the same time herald the Kingdom in the wilderness. Therefore, those men who have not married, would better not marry, and those who have married must provide means of sustenance and comfort for their families, so they will not be in need, and then leave them in comfort and depart.' They said, 'That is right.' And there was no disagreement or dissenting voices. All agreed. The third said: 'To do some worthy deed you have to be self-sacrificing. If we should want to be at ease and also teach, these two will not coincide. From now on we must forego ease, we must accept every difficulty.' Everybody said: 'That is right.' The fifth said: 'Oh, this has another aspect! For Jesus' sake, we shall be beaten, we will be imprisoned, we will be exiled. They may kill us. Let us learn this lesson now. Let us know that we may be beaten, we shall be banished, we shall be cursed, we shall be spat upon, and we may be killed. Let us accept all this. Surely we will! That
is right!' And after this council, from the summit of the mount they descended, and each one took a direction. That is the kind of consultation! That is spiritual consultation. Not that if one should express an opinion the others should rise against him like the French parliamentarians and fight each other."
At this point, Jenabi Fazel Mazandarani and Manucher Khan, who had just reached New York from Haifa, entered the Convention hall. Their advent produced the greatest happiness among the delegates and the fragrant breezes of the Covenant were wafted to all hearts. Our brothers being invited to address the Convention, Jenabi Fazel, ably interpreted by Manucher Khan, spoke as follows:
First Address by Jenabi Fazel Mazandarani
"We are very glad to see you all. Our hearts are pleased indeed. We were eight days on the sea and the waves were very high, but the hope to see you made everything happy and easy for us. We were in such ectasy and such longing that it can only be imagined.
"Think of the distance between the East and West, how far Persia is from America. Such unity and such harmony is special to this Cause only. All the Divine Manifestations appeared in this world for love and unity, and in their own time they all established love and unity. See what this Cause has done during such a brief period—what union and love it has brought about. It has united East and West. This is one of the miracles of this period and this cycle. There are thousands in the East who are anxious to see you. It is their greatest wish to see one of you, but it is too far away and they cannot. It is only through the bounty of the Master (Abdul-Baha) that we are here. We are very happy and consider ourselves very fortunate indeed. We did not deserve this bounty at all. We left Haifa about two months ago to come to see you. Many obstacles arose for us on the way, and we had many difficulties too; when they became most difficult then the invisible Hand untied the knot. His invisible bounty made those difficulties easy.
"Praise be to God, that we have attained to the end of the journey in such a good time—the time of Rizwan. Before the Rizwan ended we have succeeded in seeing you. This feast of Rizwan is mentioned in the Book of Akdas—and it is called the greatest feast, for it was during this time that the greatest Manifestation (BAHA'O'LLAH) appeared in the world. It was during this time that the best foundation of love was started; in this period the Sun of Reality and the Sun of Love appeared; in this time the standard of peace was elevated in the world. It was in this time that steps were taken for the unity of the people of the East and the West.
"In this time of Rizwan the Bahais all over the world render great services; they hold meetings of consultation to consider how to spread the spiritual fragrances of the many Mashrekol-Azkars. If there are no Mashrekol-Azkars in their country or district, at this time they take steps to build one, and if they already have one they take steps to make it larger. Mashrekol-Azkars are very necessary in this Cause. Abdul-Baha says that we must have a Mashrekol-Azkar in every town. It is also the command of His Holiness, BAHA'O'LLAH. That is to say, real supplication should be shown to the people of the world in this Temple, which is the Temple of unity; to show the people of the world what is pure supplication and pure prayer. In this season and in this time all the Spiritual Meetings (Houses of Spirituality) are renewed, in this time they select their members again; that is, they begin to elect their representatives in this season, who in turn select the members of the Spiritual Meetings.
"I hope that in this time we will be successful in all of our services. When
I was in the presence of the Master (Abdul-Baha) he gave me a very glad tiding, that is, regarding his health. And we are here to tell you of his perfect health. He was in splendid health and so happy; his happiness had never been greater or his health better and he was greatly pleased with everything that was going on in the Cause. He was very glad indeed. We know why he was so glad and so happy, because the Cause is spreading rapidly and making progress everywhere. The only thing that can make his heart happy is the spread of the Cause.
"When we were in the presence of the Master we received good news from all over the world, from the East and the West. When we were there we heard great news from America. He was so pleased that he handed to the friends there some of the letters you had written to him, and they were translated for all the Bahais. It shows how delighted the Master was with you.
"There is also great progress and improvement going on in the East; they are all so ablaze in the East that you cannot imagine the greatness of it. In former times they had so many difficulties, especially in Persia. There was no security of life for them at all; but now, as they are more secure and free in these times, they are doing better work. They have reported to the Master that in Teheran alone they have thirty meetings every night for teaching. That is the way the Cause is advancing in Persia, therefore the Master is exceedingly pleased in these days. That which pleases him most of all is the individual service and the taking of steps to advance the Cause. Where there are more meetings held, more success is made.
"The Master wants every one of you to take steps privately to teach the people; that is to say, that all the Bahais should spend their time in this service, for such a wonderful capacity has appeared in the people. These catastrophies and calamities that have occurred in the world have opened the eyes of the people, and they will see that they should accept this Cause. In the first place, all the prophecies that were mentioned in our Holy Book have come to pass. Without any mistake, every one of them happened. All the prophecies in the Book of Akdas took place and these calamities have prepared the people to understand and accept this Cause. This is why a special capacity and talent has been created in the hearts of the people of the world. We hope that every one of you will spend all your time in serving humanity. That is what pleases the Master most. Allaho'Abha!"
Miss Juliet Thompson, being called upon by the chairman to read further words concerning the question before the Convention, read two talks of Abdul-Baha given at 780 West End Avenue, New York City, in 1912, as follows:
"The body-politic today is greatly in need of a physician. It is similar to a human body afflicted with nervous ailments. A doctor diagnoses the case and then prescribes treatment. He does not prescribe, however, until he has made the diagnosis. The disease which afflicts the body-politic is lack of love and absence of altruism. In the hearts of men no real love is found, and the condition is such that unless their susceptibilities are quickened by some power so that unity, love and accord may develop within them, there can be no healing, or agreement among mankind. Love and unity are the needs of the body-politic today. Without these there can be no progress or prosperity attained. Therefore, the friends of God must adhere to the power which will create this love and unity in the hearts of the sons of men. Science cannot cure the illness of the body-politic. Science cannot create amity and fellowship in human hearts. Neither can patriotism or racial prejudice effect a remedy. It
(Continued on page 186)
O thou STAR OF THE WEST!
Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness firmness, firmness!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
O ye apostles of BAHA'O'LLAH—May my life be a ransom to you!
. . . . Similarly, the Magazine, the STAR OF THE WEST, must be edited in the utmost regularity, but its contents must be the promulgator of the Cause of God—so that both in the East and the West, they may become informed of the most important events.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
| Northeastern States: HOOPER HARRIS. | Western States: HELEN S. GOODALL. |
| Southern States: | Dominion of Canada: MAY MAXWELL |
| Central States: ALBERT VAIL, CARL SCHEFFLER. | |
Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST—GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
Honorary Member: MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB
| Vol. 11 | Masheyat 1, 76 (September 27, 1920) | No. 11 |
CONSTITUTION.
He Is God!We, the Bahais of North America, in unity convened at the City of Chicago, to the end that we may advance the Cause of God in this Western Hemisphere by the founding and erection of a Mashrekol-Azkar dedicated to His Greatest Name, and devoted in His love to the service of mankind, do hereby adopt the following constitution:
ARTICLE I.
We acknowledge God as the Source and Preserver of our Unity, revealed to us through the Manifestation of His Glory in BAHA'O'LLAH, and declared by the beloved servant of God and man, the Center of the Covenant, Abdul-Baha.
ARTICLE II.
The name of this Unity shall be Bahai Temple Unity.
ARTICLE III.
The object of this Unity shall be to acquire a site for and erect and maintain thereon a Bahai Temple or Mashrekol-Azkar, with service accessory buildings, at Chicago, Ill., in accordance with the declared wish of Abdul-Baha.
ARTICLE IV.
The powers of this Unity shall abide in the several Bahai Assemblies, now and hereafter comprising it, and shall be exercised through one representative chosen by each established Assembly, to serve for the term of one year. If more than one Assembly shall exist or be established in any city or local municipality, such Assemblies shall unite in the one representative, except the
following, which shall each select two representatives: New York (Borough of Manhattan), Chicago and Washington. New York (Borough of Brooklyn) shall select one representative.
ARTICLE V.
The affairs of this Unity shall be managed by an Executive Board of nine members to be selected from the representatives duly chosen as provided in Article IV., or from the members of a constituent Bahai Assembly, subject, however, to confirmation by such Assembly, by open ballot in Convention, or written assent by mail, and whose term of office shall be one year. From their number the Executive Board shall select a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Financial Secretary and a Treasurer. The two Secretaries and the Treasurer shall constitute the Temple Treasury, in which name, by joint action, they shall receive, deposit, invest and disburse all funds of this Unity, under the direction of the Unity Board, and until incorporation as herein provided shall hold as trustees the property of this Unity.
ARTICLE VI.
The Annual Meeting of this Unity shall be held during the Feast of Rizwan, at the place selected by the Executive Board; at the same time and place shall be held the Annual Meeting of the Executive Board. All other meetings shall be upon call or at stated periods as fixed by the Executive Board.
ARTICLE VII.
The local seat of this Unity shall be the City of Chicago, Illinois, where an office shall be established and maintained until the erection of the Temple.
ARTICLE VIII.
The Executive Board shall have power, in its discretion, to incorporate this Unity under the Religious Incorporation Act of Illinois, or such other state as they may select.
ARTICLE IX.
This constitution may be amended at any annual meeting of the Unity, or by mail, but only upon assent of at least two-thirds of the component Assemblies to such proposed amendment, and not until it shall be recommended by at least two-thirds of the Executive Board, and thirty days' written notice thereof shall be given to all the Assemblies before action.
Any Bahai Assembly, incorporated or otherwise, may become a member of this Unity in the following manner:
It shall duly authorize, at a regular meeting thereof, an application in substantially the following form:
"The Bahai Assembly of .............................................. hereby certifies that, at a regular meeting thereof, it was resolved to become a member of the Bahai Temple Unity of Illinois, under and in accordance with its constitution and by-laws.
"The delegate who is hereby authorized to represent this Assembly, in accordance with the constitution and by-laws of the Unity, until further notice is: Name ...................................................................
- Address ...................................................................
- By ...................................................................
- Secretary."
The application shall be sent to the secretary of the Unity and shall be presented by the secretary to the Executive Board for investigation and verification of the facts stated in the application. The Executive Board shall be entitled to ask for and obtain any further information which it may desire; and may advise the applying Assembly of its apparent acceptability, subject to final approval by the Convention; but in case of becoming convinced that, in the interest of the Bahai Movement, the acceptance of such Assembly is inadvisable, the Executive Board shall notify the applying Assembly of its intention to so report to the coming Convention. The question of the acceptance or rejection of the application shall be decided by the Convention in its consideration of the report of its regularly constituted Committee on Credentials.
II. ABANDONMENT.
Any Assembly, a regularly enrolled member of this Unity, which shall fail to elect a delegate to represent it in accordance with the constitution and by-laws of the Unity for a period of two years, shall be deemed to have abandoned its membership in this Unity, provided that any such Assembly may revive its membership by making application for membership in accordance with the provisions of these by-laws.
III. AMENDMENTS.
These by-laws may be amended by the Unity at any annual or special meeting, by resolution adopted by three-fourths of the votes cast at such meeting, provided the notice that an amendment will be proposed, stating the general scope of the proposed amendment, shall be sent by the secretary to each of the assemblies of this Unity thirty days before the meeting at which such amendment is proposed to be submitted.
IV. NOTICES.
All notices required by these by-laws to be given in pursuance of any provisions thereof shall be considered duly given when mailed by the secretary to the secretaries of the assemblies of this Unity, at such address as may appear from the records of the secretary, or if no such address appear, to the address believed by the secretary to be the address of any member of said assembly.
V. ENACTMENT.
These by-laws shall go into effect from and after their enactment.
- [A true copy—Attest: ALFRED E. LUNT, Secretary.]
must be accomplished solely through the divine bounties and spiritual bestowals which have descended from God in this day for that purpose. This is an exigency of the times, and the divine remedy has been provided. For the spiritual teachings of the Religion of God can alone create this love, unity and accord in human hearts.
"Therefore, hold to these heavenly agencies which God has provided, so that through the love of God, this soul bond may be established, this heart attachment realized, and the light of the Reality of Unity be reflected from you throughout the universe. If we do not hold fast to these divine agencies and means, no result will be possible. Let us pray to God that He will exhilarate our spirits so we may behold the descent of His bounties, illumine our eyes to witness His great guidance, attune
our ears to enjoy the celestial melodies of the Heavenly Word. This is our greatest hope. This is our ultimate purpose."
"This is in reality a goodly meeting. My hope is that the meeting in New York shall become what it should be, for a Bahai assembly must be as a meeting of the Supreme Concourse. When you assemble together you must acquire the lights of the Supreme Kingdom. Let your hearts be as mirrors reflecting the radiance of the Sun of Reality. Every bosom of the bosoms must be a telegraphic station, one terminus of the wire in the bosom of each soul and the other in the Supreme Concourse, so that inspiration may descend from the Kingdom of Abha and right things be discussed. Then will opinions coincide with Reality, day by day there will be general development and each meeting become better, more radiant and more spiritual. This attainment is conditioned upon perfect unity and agreement. The more you realize of agreement and love, the more the confirmations of God and the help of the Blessed Perfection will descend to assist you. May this be a divine meeting and boundless bestowals come down upon you. Strive with heart and very life that day by day agreement and unity may increase. In discussions look toward the Reality without being self-opinionated. Let no one assert his own mere opinion, nay rather, let each investigate the Reality with the greatest love and agreement. Consult together upon every matter and when one presents an exposition of Reality that shall be acceptable to all, then will unity and spirituality increase among you. Your illumination will be greater, your happiness and joy more abundant, and you will draw nearer and nearer to the Kingdom of God."
Mrs. True then read the Tablet concerning laying the cornerstone and and foundation of the Mashrekol-Azkar, as follows:
"O thou beloved maid-servant of God! Your detailed letter was perused, and from its contents it became evident that the debt on the land and on the Mashrakol-Azkar is clear. This news made the hearts happy and caused infinite rejoicing. Now, it is hoped that the believers of God may show magnanimity and raise a great sum for the building so that the foundation of the Mashrekol-Azkar may be laid, and perchance, God willing, the cornerstone of the foundation may be laid by the hands of Abdul-Baha. This confirmation will descend upon the people of America if they will arise and endeavor with great courage to establish union and harmony, so that every trace of difference may be uprooted and all may become as one heart and one soul. Convey the wonderful Abha greeting to all the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful. Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!"
The roll of the delegates was now called and forty-nine delegates certified to their presence.
Mrs. True read portions of two other Tablets from Abdul-Baha with reference to laying the foundation of the Mashrekol-Azkar. It was brought out in the discussion that followed that any one of the plans before the Convention could be so modified without impairing any essential feature, as to bring the cost either to a minimum, intermediate or maximum sum.
After full and deliberate discussion of the entire question including tha best means both practical and ideal by which to arrive at the selection of some one definite plan, it was duly moved, seconded and unanimously carried that the Convention proceed to an informal ballot to determine which plan it would select for the structure of the divine edifice, and that prior to the taking of the
vote the Convention enter into supplication in silence for divine guidance. Words were also read from the Surat' ul Hykl of BAHA'O'LLAH. All the friends, both delegates and non-delegates, present in the Convention joined in this prayer. The committee for the distribution, collection and count of ballots was announced to consist of Mr. McConaughy, Mr. O'Connor and Mrs. Deuth.
While the ballots were being counted, the Bahai Juniors gave a most interesting and instructive program for the edification of the Convention, lasting about half an hour. Many comments were heard upon the beautiful picture and telling points registered by the children with reference to the great principles of the Cause during this demonstration.
The Bahai Juniors having completed their work, upon motion duly made and seconded, Roy C. Wilhelm was seated as delegate from Springfield, Illinois, in response to a telegram from Miss Root stating that credentials to that effect were on the way.
It was here suggested that in these Conventions as well as Bahai gatherings in general, the ordinary applause by clapping of the hands be superseded by the utterance of the Greatest Name by those present.
The chairman of the ballot committee, Mr. McConaughy, reporting upon the vote, announced the result as follows: For Mr. Remey's model plan, seven votes; for Mr. Remey's No. 5 plan, the so-called Indian or Persian model, thirteen votes; Mr. Maxwell's plan, one vote; Mr. Bourgeois' plan, twenty-eight votes—making total of forty-nine votes cast. The chair announced that by this informal ballot the majority of the votes had been cast for Mr. Bourgeois' plan and that the situation was now cleared for the formal action of the Convention.
Upon motion, it was duly moved, seconded and voted that the Convention now proceed to a formal ballot. Mr. Remey at this point voiced his hope that the Convention would register an unanimous vote for Mr. Bourgeois' plan. The motion to proceed to a formal ballot was at this time unanimously carried.
A discussion following as to the form in which this formal ballot should be taken, it was duly moved, seconded and carried, that the ballot take the form of a unanimous expression of the Convention in favor of Mr. Bourgeois' plan, which ballot was duly recorded and took effect as the unanimous will of the Convention. Jenabi Fazel Mazandarani chanted in Persian the prayer of thanksgiving.
Upon motion duly moved and seconded, the secretary of the Convention was instructed to send a cable to His Holiness, Abdul-Baha, conveying the glad tidings of the unanimous selection of the Temple plan and that the details be speedily sent him for his approval and instructions. This motion was unanimously carried.
Dr. Pauline Barton-Peeke, of Cleveland, announced that the Cleveland Assembly was the banner assembly of America in its contribution to the Mashrekol-Azkar and that she had with her a collection of four hundred ($400) dollars to start the contribution in the Convention this year.
The chairman announced that the next business in accordance with the vote of the morning was the election of an Executive Board of Bahai Temple Unity. It was moved and seconded that a nominating committee of nineteen be selected to bring in nine names for the Board. After discussion the motion was put and declared to be lost. It was now duly moved and seconded that the Convention proceed to vote by written ballot for nine members of the Executive Board. This motion having been unanimously carried, after discussion as to the future plans of certain members of the present Board whether or not they would be available for service in this country the coming year, the chairman appointed Mr. McConaughy, Mrs. Deuth,
Mr. O'Connor, Mr. Latimer and Mrs. Hoagg as a committee to distribute, collect and count the ballots, and the Convention entered upon the work of balloting. The ballots having been collected, pending a report, Mr. Wilhelm read a letter from P. Y. Kawai which was of much interest. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that in the event a second ballot was necessary, following the report of the ballot committee, the Convention defer such ballot until the next morning session.
Mrs. Luther of Okanaga, Washington, delegate from that assembly, gave a stirring and beautiful spiritual talk concerning the Bahai work in the northwest. All felt the blessing of listening to this sincere and radiant soul in her account of her spiritual experiences.
The ballot committee now announced its report as follows: The total number of ballots cast were forty-nine; Mr. Randall received forty-six; Mr. Wilhelm received forty; Mr. Lunt received forty; Mrs. True, thirty-seven; Mrs. Maxwell, thirty-one; Mr. Mills, twenty-five; all others having received a number of ballots less than a majority of the votes cast. The election of the persons named, six in all, was declared by the chair to be complete, leaving three to be selected. The minority ballots were cast substantially as follows: Dr. Frederick E. D'Evelyn had twenty-three; C. Mason Remey had twenty-two; Albert R. Vail, eighteen; Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, fifteen; Louis G. Gregory, twelve; Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, Hooper Harris and Albert R. Windust each had eight; Henry McConaughy and Mrs. Wandeyne Deuth had seven; Mrs. Annie Parmerton, Dr. Pauline Barton-Peeke and George Latimer had six; Urbain LeDoux, five; Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford, Howard MacNutt, Juliet Thompson and Roy Williams, had four each.
The Convention adjourned to meet on Wednesday morning, April 28, 1920, at 9:30 A. M.
WEDNESDAY MORNING SESSION APRIL 28, 1920
The Convention was called to order at 9:30 A. M. Prayer was read by Mr. Bowman of Washington. It was suggested by one of the delegates that the Convention send a telegram of love and sympathy to Miss Martha Root who was with her sick father and unable to be present.
After discussion as to how the Convention could best get before it the names of those most available and capable to fill the remaining three places on the Executive Board, it was moved and seconded that the names of the three friends receiving the highest minority votes in the first ballot, be posted on a blackboard. It was moved to amend further, that the six highest minority names appearing on the first ballot be posted instead of three. This amendment having been accepted, the chair called for a ballot to elect three of the six persons whose names were before the Convention, stating, further, that the delegates were, of course, not bound to vote for any of the six, but that freedom of action was an essential.
At this point, it was moved and seconded, that in future Conventions the secretary of the Convention prepare typewritten copies of the names of all delegates to a Convention as soon as the credential committee's report had been accepted, for distribution among the delegates so that all might know the names of delegates and refer to the list for such action as might be necessary.
Mr. Remey desired to withdraw his name from the six posted, owing to his expectation to leave shortly for Europe and the Holy Land. Dr. Bagdadi's name was also suggested to be withdrawn, as his stay in the Holy Land was indefinite. Mr. Gregory desired his name withdrawn owing to his general plans for teaching. It was then moved and seconded that the names of the delegates and alternates be read in the Convention,
also those voted for the day before who were not chosen and that the delegates present have the privilege of suggesting from the floor any additional names without stating personal qualifications of any kind. It was then moved to amend by substituting three additional names to be suggested from the floor for the three names hitherto drawn. Upon a submission to the Convention, the amending motion was declared by the chair to be carried. It was suggested from the floor that the next three names, that is to say, the seventh, eighth and ninth names, on the minority list of the former ballot, be added to the other three names now before the Convention. This suggestion being brought into motion, was declared carried.
The list for the consideration of the Convention now read: Dr. F. W. D'Evelyn, Albert R. Vail, Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Albert R. Windust, Henry McConaughy and Mrs. Wandeyne Deuth. It was further moved that the names of some women delegates be added to the list. This motion being put to a vote was declared carried. The names of the following were then suggested from the floor: Mrs. Louise Boyle, Mrs. Watson, Dr. Pauline Barton-Peeke, Mrs Parsons, Mrs. Howard Struven, Miss Juliet Thompson, Mrs. Annie Parmerton, Mrs. Mariam Haney and Mrs. Elizabeth B. Nourse.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the nominations be closed.
Mrs. Parmerton desired to have her name eliminated, as she expected to be traveling.
The Convention having voted to select three from the list before them and the ballots having been taken and pending report on the same, the chair invited Jenabi Fazel Mazandarani, who was present, to read to the Convention the special Tablet he had brought to the friends from Abdul-Baha. Jenabi Fazel then read the Tablet with the utmost fragrance and power.
At this point, contributions for the Mashrekol-Azkar fund begun to pour in. Dr. Peeke of Cleveland announced that $30 of the $400 contributed from that assembly was from the children. Other contributions were rapidly added as follows:
Cleveland Assembly | $ 400.00 |
Boston Assembly | 130.00 |
Baltimore Assembly | 155.00 |
Denver Assembly | 10.00 |
Worcester (Mass.) Assembly | 1,011.50 |
The chairman announced that $27 had been given to Mrs. True | 27.00 |
Okanagan (Wash.) Assembly | 11.00 |
Pledge for | 25.00 |
Buffalo Assembly | 1,000.00 |
Mrs. Mills (now in N. Y.) | 5.00 |
Lakeland (Fla.) Assembly | 25.00 |
Denver Assembly, pledge | 25.00 |
Christmas savings of two of the Boyle children in Washington, $100 Liberty bond | 100.00 |
E. B. Boyle, two $50 Liberty bonds | 100.00 |
A pledge from Jersey City (Mary V. Moore) | 50.00 |
Manhattan Assembly | 10.00 |
Muskegon Assembly | 15.00 |
Mrs. Coles, Montreal | 500.00 |
Washington (D. C.) | 231.69 |
Cleveland increased its contribution | 10.00 |
Washington increased its contribution | 11.00 |
Utica (N. Y.) | 50.00 |
Bahai Juniors in Washington | 5.00 |
Toronto, Canada, brought by Mrs. Pomeroy | 10.00 |
Cortland, N. Y., Florence A. Cobb | 10.00 |
One of the most devoted servants in this Cause | 5,000.00 |
Detroit | 10.50 |
Chicago | 100.00 |
Rockford | 1,000.00 |
Pledge from Beverly and Salem, Mass. | 100.00 |
Pledge from Yonkers | 100.00 |
Pledge from Detroit | 100.00 |
Washington Assembly | 10.00 |
New York Assembly raised its contribution | 100.00 |
Cincinnati Assembly | 11.00 |
One of the friends here | 10.00 |
Seattle, pledged | 200.00 |
A friend | 2.00 |
Emily Moore | 5.00 |
St. Louis Assembly (Mrs. Barbee) | 20.00 |
Mrs. Fowler | 62.00 |
Omaha | 10.00 |
Worcester (Mass.) | 15.00 |
The Yonkers Juniors | 5.00 |
The Boston Juniors | 20.00 |
Two pledges from Minneapolis, $100 each | 200.00 |
Atlantic City (This contribution is in addition to $20.12 which had already been sent to Mrs. True) | 89.02 |
Cleveland raised its contribution | 30.00 |
New York raised by pledge | 10.00 |
New York, donation | 100.00 |
Washington Assembly, pledge | 100.00 |
Atlantic City, through a friend | 25.00 |
Montreal raised its contribution | 200.00 |
Montreal, pledged | 500.00 |
Boston, pledged | 100.00 |
Boston, another pledge | 25.00 |
California | 50.00 |
Atlantic City | 5.00 |
Cincinnati | 20.00 |
Montclair, N. J. | 5.00 |
A pledge of | 100.00 |
Washington, pledged | 10.00 |
Atlantic City | 1.00 |
From the Sardos of Alaska | 6.00 |
Riverton Assembly, N. J., pledged | 10.00 |
Boston Assembly | 30.00 |
Montclair, N. J. | 5.00 |
Southern California, pledged | 100.00 |
Spokane, Wash., pledged | 50.00 |
In arranging for the expense of the Rizwan Feast in New York contributions were received in excess of $150, which was added to the New York contribution | 150.00 |
A New Jerseyite from Englewood, N. J. | 5.00 |
Denver increased its pledge | 25.00 |
From a little girl blessed by Abdul-Baha when in Philadelphia | 5.00 |
$275 worth of photographs of Abdul-Baha | 275.00 |
Worcester increased its contribution | 5.00 |
Boston | 10.00 |
A friend sent | 5.00 |
Washington | 1.00 |
Worcester, Mass. | 10.00 |
Washington, again | 5.00 |
A quilt which Abdul-Baha used while in Chicago | |
Another quilt | |
The ballot committee reported as follows, to the effect that the ballots taken showed no one receiving a majority of the votes cast. There were fifty ballots cast, and the votes were as follows: Mr. Vail 23 votes, Mrs. Greenleaf 17, Mrs. Boyle 13, Dr. Peeke 13, Mrs. Parsons 12, Ahmad Sohrab 11, Dr. D'Evelyn 10, Mr. Windust 7, Mrs. Struven 7, Mrs. Haney 6, Mrs. Nourse 5, Juliet Thompson 5, Mrs. Ford 5, Mr. Harris 5.
It was thereupon moved, seconded and carried that the first nine names on the list just presented, Mrs. Haney being substituted for Mrs. Parsons who was not present, meet at once and agree upon three names to present to the Convention. Miss Thompson was appointed by the chair to take Dr. Peeke's place in her absence. The committee so appointed retired for consultation.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that a committee be nominated for the purpose of drafting a resolution
commemorating our departed friend, Joseph H. Hannen of Washington. This motion was unanimously adopted by a rising vote. Urbain LeDoux and Mrs. Josephine DeLagnel were appointed as this committee.
It was moved that a nominating committee of nine be appointed to present a list from which to elect a teaching committee, in accordance with the plan adopted by the Convention at its 1919 session. It having been pointed out that this nominating committee, under the motion, would not be bound in any way as to the number of the teaching committee it shall recommend to the Convention, and also that the nominating committee should include some recommendation as to the best means by which the Convention may handle the other matters mentioned in the book entitled, The Divine Plan, which are matters associated but not necessarily identical with the work of the teaching committee, the motion was put and declared carried. Mr. Randall now reported as secretary of the committee of nineteen, chosen last year as a teaching committee.
The chair announced the names of the nominating committee just authorized as follows: Mrs. Mabel S. Rice-Wray, Mrs. Emogene Hoagg, Mrs. Ellen Beecher, Mrs. Annie L. Parmerton, Louis G. Gregory, Albert R. Vail, Roy Williams, Howard C. Ives, and Ahmad Sohrab.
The chair further announced that the summary of donations and pledges given during the morning was as follows: Donations, $10,395.23, in cash; pledges, $2,030; photographs, etc., $275; making a total of $12,700.23.
The committee of consultation, with power to select the three remaining members of the Executive Board, reported through Albert R. Windust, chairman, the names of Albert R. Vail, Mrs. Louise D. Boyle and Dr. Frederick W. D'Evelyn as the members selected.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the secretary be instructed to cast one ballot for the election of these three members of the Executive Board. The secretary announced that he had cast one ballot for each of the persons named, and they were declared duly elected.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer to the Executive Board for decision, the important question of the exhibition and future disposition of the Temple model made by Mr. Bourgeois and accepted by the Convention.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the meeting adjourned to meet at 2:30 P.M.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session of the Convention was opened with an announcement by the chair that further contributions to the fund of $10 from New York City had been received. The chair then called upon Howard MacNutt of Brooklyn to address the Convention. Mr. MacNutt brought before the Convention the gist of the situation relative to the publication of the addresses of Abdul-Baha given in the United States and Canada in 1912. He stated that nearly eight years had elapsed without these important discourses being given to the world in consistent and complete form, although the discourses given in Europe were published there before Abdul-Baha left Europe. Mr. MacNutt stated that Abdul-Baha had instructed him to prepare the American addresses for final publication and that he had been at work for nearly four years, and that the addresses were now ready for the printer. He urged that some action be taken, for the immediate publication of these valuable addresses. There are about 250,000 words and there would have to be four volumes with a considerable expense attached for publication.
The chair called upon the treasurer of the Unity, Mr. Randall, to give his report at this time, which was done. The report shown in brief was as follows:
"That up to April 1st, 1920, which does not include anything which came in since the month of April, 1920, we have—
United States treasury certificates of indebtedness, which are short-time maturities maturing in a few years and paying 4½ and 4¾% | $110,000.00 |
Another issue of United States certificates of indebtedness | 10,000.00 |
Cash balance in the Northern Trust Company April 1st, 1920 | 20,173.72 |
Liberty bonds received to date | 28,050.00 |
Liberty bonds received since April 1st, 1919, with last year's accumulated interest | 5,600.00 |
Making a total now of practically (counting Liberty bonds as cash) | $174,433.72 |
So that with the $12,000 or $15,000 raised here, we are very near to the $200,000. We hope there will be some more contributions to raise that to $200.000. These books are turned over to the auditing committee."
The treasurer brought to the attention of the Convention in connection with his report, a pending question as to what should be done with reference to the refunding of a certain contribution previously made and now desired or needed by the contributor. It having been brought out that in a Tablet from Abdul-Baha dated January 23, 1920, this matter was referred to the Convention, and certain legal considerations in connection therewith having been explained, it was moved, seconded and carried that the amount so contributed, plus the interest, received by the Unity, be returned to the contributor; provided he is now ready to receive it, and the treasury is authorized to make this payment; provided, however, that it sufficiently appears that the legal questions involved are such as to give authority to the Convention to take this action.
The chair announced the appointment of an auditing committee to go over the books of the treasurer, as follows: Edward D. Struven of Beverly, Mass., and Mrs. Mabel S. Rice-Wray of Detroit, Mich.
The status of the present Bahai Publishing Society and the best means of expanding this work was now discussed by several of the delegates. It was moved, seconded and unanimously carried that the matter of publication of the American addresses of Abdul-Baha and the work of the Publishing Society to the end that the necessary financing may be done and the addresses published, be referred to the Executive Board.
The committee on the nomination of the teaching committee reporting through Mrs. Hoagg announced the following nominations:
"From the East: Mr. Randall, Mr. Mills, Mrs. Deuth. From the South: Mrs. Parsons, Mrs. Haney, Mrs. Latimer. From the Middle West: Dr. Barton-Peeke, Mrs. Slater, Carl Scheffler. From the Western States: Mrs. Cooper, Mr. McConaughy, George Latimer. From Canada: Mrs. Maxwell, Mrs. Cole, and we put in Mrs. Rice-Wray as she is so near the border. Then there are four more to make up the nineteen. Roy Williams, Mr. Ives, Mrs. French. Mr. MacNutt."
It was duly moved and seconded that
the secretary be authorized to cast a ballot for each of the nineteen persons so nominated as the teaching committee named by the Convention. This motion was carried.
Mirza Ahmad Sohrab presented to the Convention the matter of the Persian-American Educational Society and its splendid work in Persia, especially in the Tarbiat school. He spoke of its need of re-invigoration and reorganization, and that a Tablet from Abdul-Baha, which had just reached him, expressed the hope that the Tarbiat school would receive assistance from the American friends. Mirza Sohrab hoped that the Convention would be able to take some action on this important matter. He spoke of the great sacrifice of many of the eastern Bahais to send contributions to the Mashrekol-Azkar here, and referred to the great benefit which would come from this reciprocation from us with reference to the support of the Tarbiat school. It was announced by Mrs. Boyle that there are fifty-eight scholarships in good standing which have been kept up. It was imderstood that any special funds so contributed are to be sent to Persia in the name of our dear brother Joseph H. Hannen through Mr. Wilhelm.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer all matters connected with the passing upon articles, books and writings concerned in the Cause not specifically exempted by the Tablets, to the Executive Board in accordance with a Tablet to Miss Jean Masson on this subject, dated July 22, 1919.
The committee which had been appointed to prepare the resolutions on the departure of our dear brother and friend Mr. Hannen, reported as follows, through Mrs. Watson. Mrs. Watson said in part: "I would like to pay a little tribute personally to that beloved saint who has ascended to the Supreme Concourse. I knew him for nineteen years; he was indeed a faithful servant; one who brought sunshine and joy into every meeting, and I can scarcely put into words and express the grief now, in these days, when we miss him; but Bahais submit, and with radiant joy accept whatsoever He wills." This is the resolution:
"The Twelfth Bahai Congress, in Convention assembled, offers the following resolution:
"Whereas, our beloved brother, Joseph H. Hannen, has ascended to the Supreme Concourse, and is therefore freed from this 'earthly furnace of mortality;'
"And Whereas, he was a faithful servant of Abdul-Baha, firm in the Center of the Covenant, and untiring in his efforts for the Cause of BAHA'O'LLAH,
"It Is Hereby Resolved that all the friends of God offer praise and gratitude to the threshold of Almighty God, and beseech for the family and friends of this free soul, consolation, assistance, guidance and enlightenment. May they, in this calamity, realize the providence of God."
Upon motion duly made and seconded, this resolution was unanimously adopted.
Mr. Harris stated to the Convention that a telegram had just come that Miss Fannie Knobloch had passed the crisis and was out of danger. The Convention paused in its work for a few moments of silent prayer in gratitude to God for this divine assistance to this blessed maid-servant.
Mr. MacNutt explained to the Convention the situation in connection with the voice-record made by Abdul-Baha while in the United States, saying that he, Mr. MacNutt, had endeavored since 1912 to persuade the Columbia Graphophone Company to sell the matrix of this record, but without success so far. He urged the Convention to appoint a committee to take this matter up to see if this valuable master-record of the voice of Abdul-Baha could not be permanently secured and protected for future generations. Mr. MacNutt further spoke
of the moving-picture film, that is to say, the master-negative from which the films of Abdul-Baha, with which the friends are familiar, were copied. He told about the circumstances under which this wonderful film was taken and urged the Convention likewise to take some action to secure possession and continuous ownership and control of this original negative. He said: "Consider what it means to those who had no opportunity whatever of seeing or hearing Abdul-Baha. They will be able to hear his beloved voice and see his wonderful face on the screen and hear the voice record. This is for posterity and not for us. I leave this question before the Convention. I have long waited for an opportunity of putting it before an authoritative committee or body of the Bahai Cause."
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that Mr. MacNutt act as chairman of the committee to take up both of these matters, and to have power to increase the committee by adding thereto in his discretion.
Mr. MacNutt concluded, asking that the friends so far as possible co-operate with him and Mrs. MacNutt to perpetuate their house in Brooklyn as a Bahai home as a memorial to the Bahai Cause. This was the scene of the motion-picture and Abdul-Baha has written Tablets concerning this home and its perpetuation.
The chair announced that many important questions still to be taken up would be impossible of decision at this session, suggested another session of the Convention tomorrow, Thursday morning.
The auditing committee, reporting on the books of the treasurer, complimented the manner in which they were kept, and upon motion duly made and seconded, the report of the auditing committee was accepted.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the Convention recess until tomorrow, Thursday morning, at 9 o'clock in the Bahai Library, 415 Madison Avenue, New York City.
A further contribution of $10 was announced to the Mashrekol-Azkar fund.
The Convention then informally adjourned to attend the wedding ceremony of Mizra Ahmad Sohrab and Miss Juanita Storch which took place in the large auditorium in another part of the building.
THURSDAY MORNING SESSION APRIL 29, 1920
The Convention was called to order at 9 o'clock A. M. at 415 Madison Avenue. Alfred E. Lunt in the chair, Chairman Mills being detained. The Convention united in singing "Softly His Voice Is Calling Now."
After supplication for guidance, the chair stated that we were favored this morning with the attendance of Jenabi Fazel Mazandarani and Manuchur Khan who had instructions for the Spiritual Assemblies of the country; the Convention being ideally such a Spiritual Assembly, and desired to hear from these brothers concerning any important matters they had in mind.
Jenabi Fazel replying, mentioned the Mashrekol-Azkar and its importance, saying "we have been reading about the Mashrekol-Azkar in America and this news has been echoing throughout the world, and all the Bahais in the world are praying most anxiously to see the result." He spoke of the command of BAHA'O'LLAH concerning building Mashrekol-Azkars in every center and of the wish of Abdul-Baha that the Mashrekol-Azkar should be as imposing a structure and edifice as it is possible to make. it. For the people would be therefore attracted and "if they do not see the material temple they will not be informed about the spiritual temple."
Jenabi Fazel spoke of the importance of the teaching work, and of how teaching was carried on in Persia.
For instance, the Bahais elect a Spiritual Assembly (House of Spirituality) who have many sub-committees. One of these committees is the committee on teaching who elect teachers and the teachers in turn make a report to their committee as to their doings and activities. One of the teachers is sent to each one of the meetings held in different parts of the city, who gives the principal talk. After this there are other meetings which are called "encouraging meetings" for those who are partly convinced. Fuller information is given them and everything possible done for them.
The Spiritual Assembly (House of Spirituality), performs many things and has great responsibilities. One of its responsibilities is to keep the Bahais in unity and remove all causes of difference and dissension in a meeting. If a teacher is traveling and comes to another town the committee of teachers there has a plan to arrange for him as they are better informed about the conditions in that town than one who comes from the outside. Jenabi Fazel expressed the hope that if such committees could be organized in America it would be very beneficial. He hoped that before long such committees would be organized everywhere. This would greatly assist the traveling teachers.
The Convention entered into consultation concerning the best means of assisting the newly appointed national teaching committee. The question of literature for distribution at such meetings was brought up and the crying need of this manifested. Mrs. Hoagg spoke on this subject and suggested that if each of the friends would donate one dollar a month to the teaching fund it would be of the utmost assistance.
The chair inquired if Jenabi Fazel would present to the Convention the real qualifications intended by the term "Spiritual Assembly" or "House of Spirituality." Jenabi Fazel answering, said that the House of Spirituality is the same as the Spiritual Assembly or the Spiritual Meeting. Members of this Meeting or House are elected by the Bahais, that is to say, by a majority. These are elected from among the friends themselves in this manner: All the Bahais by preliminary election elect a number of people from their own number, then those who have been so elected meet to choose from their number a House of Spirituality. The friends who are placed upon the House of Spirituality must be firm and well known in their steadfastness. They must be sincere and well known to the others. Having been elected, the House has the responsibility of carrying on the different activities concerning which Jenabi Fazel had just outlined. The subject at the teaching meetings is chosen before hand and the teacher sent there speaks on that subject. The teacher reports to the teaching committee and the committee reports to the House of Spirituality. This House should have all the control in its hands and should hold consultation at least once a week. It is very important that the friends consult in order to bring about the best decision. The members of the House of Spirituality must be sincere and firm. This is more important than anything else because it is the center of the Cause. The center should be clear and purified. It should be like a source that all the streams spring from. If it is not clear how can the streams be clear? It must be light. If there is any darkness in it it will be of no use. Each member should have no will but the will of God. He must not be tenacious and persist in his own opinion. If somebody has a better opinion he should change his opinion at once. "What aim do we have save servitude?" Jenabi Fazel emphasized the important fact that the preliminary committee selected to choose the House of Spirituality must be larger than the House it is to choose and that this preliminary committee must choose the House of Spirituality
from out of its own members. [See pages 155 to 158 for detailed report of this talk.—Editors.]
The Executive Board being obliged to meet at this time, George O. Latimer was asked to serve as chairman.
Mrs. Parsons brought out a point observed by her when in Haifa, suggesting that many individuals in each assembly in America write the same questions to Haifa and if each is answered it means duplicating the same answer to many. One of the Oriental friends at the holy household suggested to Mrs. Parsons that if the friends from each assembly would meet together concerning these general questions and combine them in a supplication from such assembly, it would be of much assistance. This she said did not concern the personal matters about which many write and is not intended to interfere with personal supplications and personal answers to each one. Mrs. Parsons also expressed the belief that if these general questions were made as brief as possible it would avoid errors in condensing the letters by translators over there and where possible it would be well to have them typewritten, in the interest of clear expression. She said "I have never seen people work in my life as these translators do, from dawn until late in the night and their work is really colossal, as we all know."
Mr. Windust gave a comprehensive statement about the STAR OF THE WEST, especially with reference to the utterance of Abdul-Baha about it, published in The Divine Plan. He read an extract from a Tablet revealed since The Divine Plan was published, dated June 4, 1919, to Harlan F. Ober [while he was president of the Bahai Temple Unity], as follows:
"Concerning the STAR OF THE WEST, the organ must be so promulgated in America and Persia that at least its necessary expenses may be provided. Upon this point a letter shall be written to Persia."
He also read a further Tablet revealed June 27, 1919, to the Bahais of Persia which we reproduce in full:
"To the members of the Spiritual Committee, Teheran — Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
O friends of God!
The magazine of the STAR OF THE WEST, notwithstanding great difficulties during the days of the war, has continued until these days of quietness and tranquillity which have come. Although it had been cut off entirely from Persia, yet it managed to sustain its existence. Therefore financial hardships obtained.
But now that war has ended in peace, there must be given regularity to the STAR OF THE WEST, so that it may circulate throughout the East and the West. And this is conditioned upon the increase in number of the subscribers. Therefore the friends in all the provinces of Persia must subscribe to this blessed matter. Strive ye in the promulgation of this growing magazine only for service to the Cause of God, in order that it may become the means of the stimulation of its editors and for the best regularity of the institution.
Likewise, if possible, some of the friends may subscribe to the newspaper Chehreh Nema in Egypt and pay the subscriptions in advance.
Upon ye be El-Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS."
It is evident that one purpose at least of these Tablets, is that the friends should rally to the support of the STAR OF THE WEST in the way of subscriptions to a degree never before realized. Let each one of the friends in America take this to heart.
Mr. Windust proceeded, reading extracts from Tablets recently received by himself and Miss Buikema, dated July 20th and 29th, 1919, respectively, as follows:
["The STAR OF THE WEST must, at present, be written both in English and Persian. Miss Gertrude Buikema is indeed serving the STAR. We hope that with his honor Dr. Zia Bagdadi—Upon him be the Baha-El-Abha!—ye may be both assisted in remarkable services. Your efforts are evident and well known in the sight of Abdul-Baha. I pray God that, under all conditions, ye may be assisted and confirmed. As to the editorship of the STAR OF THE WEST, whatever ye deem advisable is accepted by Abdul-Baha."
"At present both of you must, as ye have been doing in the past, endeavor for the arrangement and the publication of the STAR OF THE WEST. However, the means of subsistence are necessary for both of you and ye cannot concentrate your time in this matter. Serve, therefore, as much as it is possible, the STAR OF THE WEST, and in order to secure the means of livelihood, do not abandon your own occupations. When the STAR OF THE WEST will be so widely published as to insure your necessary expenses, then if ye abandon your occupation and concentrate upon the STAR, it will be preferable. But at present ye are forced to engage in your occupation that the means of livelihood may be secured.
"As I have no time, I have written thee in brief. Whatever question comes up, submit it to the Editorial Staff Committee for discussion and consideration and then hold to what ye deem advisable and suitable."]
Mr. Windust went on to say that the instructions to the Persians brought immediate fruit, as always, and that a short time ago the STAR received a contribution from Teheran. He spoke of a remarkable spiritual incident which has occurred in the affairs of the printing office in which he, Mr. Windust, is a partner, which he believes will enable him to give more attention to the STAR OF THE WEST than previously. He described most beautifully the ideals of the editors of the STAR in the following words:
"We Bahais know that Paradise for us is the Face of God. Paradise is not a room or a picture or a creed, or a certain state of mind or anything of that kind. We know that the ultimate goal is to come into the Presence of the Manifestation of God. We know the people of the past have been looking forward to the appearance of BAHA'O'LLAH, for He is the One whom the people of the ancient and modern times have been seeking. The journeys of the people of the past lead to the presence of His Holy Face. His Blessed Face is the goal of the lovers. As He has been the goal of the lovers since the beginning of historic time, so will He be the goal of future people for a thousand or thousands of years. The people of the future will look backward to His time. Every movement, every word of His Holiness, BAHA'O'LLAH'S wondrous life and of His son's blessed life—His Holiness, Abdul-Baha, the Center of the Covenant—and of every one of the holy souls with him together with the activities of the friends during this time, will be the most precious things of humanity for a thousand or thousands of years to come. The spotlight of history is directed to this time. Remember what Mrs. Chamberlain said Mirza Abul Fazl's answer was to her question, 'What is the greatest thing in the Bahai teachings?' and he said, 'The appreciation of this time.'
"When the curtain comes down on the last word and action of His Holiness, Abdul-Baha, upon this plane, the great drama of the ages will have been closed. There has been the prologue, there will be the epilogue, but the great Third Act of the mighty drama of the Bab, BAHA'O'LLAH and Abdul-Baha will have ended. And it is evident that the people of the future will search out every detail, not only in connection with the Bahai Cause, but every other activity—scientific, literary, etc.—everything that has happened at this time.
"Now, what is the point? It is this: The Words and deeds of the Bab, BAHA'O'LLAH and Abdul-Baha are the most vital. The Tablets of Abdul-Baha are the most valuable words uttered in the world today. There is nothing more valuable today than the words of Abdul-Baha, and these words have been coming to you and to me in talks, addresses and Tablets and they are being printed in the STAR OF THE WEST, and thus distributed in permanent form. The STAR OF THE WEST, through the confirmation of God, has also been the depository of the development of the Cause in the West. Abdul-Baha says, 'It is a clear mirror of the events and happenings in the Cause.' But most important of all, Abdul-Baha's words, together with photographs of him are being preserved. And these issues of the STAR when bound in book form are the very books the people of the future will search and research.
"Another illustration: The redwood trees of California, if we examine them closely, reveal that many are thousands of years old; that is, if we count the rings inward until we find the center ring, we can tell how many years old they are. That center ring is the deposit of the first period of growth of that tree. The STAR OF THE WEST, if you will permit this illustration, preserves the first period of the growth of the Bahai Cause on the North American continent. No matter how many rings of enlargement or growth in the future—which Abdul-Baha desires it to have—we will still find this center ring the tree has grown during the time Abdul-Baha was upon the earth, the most precious of all. Some people say it is narrow, it is limited. It is. The enlargement comes naturally, gradually. Abdul-Baha said in his instructions in The Divine Plan, that the contents should gather 'little by little around these general Tablets.' We are limited as to space. We have but a few pages now,—the cost of production limits us to that—yet we are depositing the most vital things in permanent form, in our opinion, and we believe that the future will show it to be so."
Mrs. Parsons mentioned the earnest request of many of the English friends as to whether the Bahai Publishing Society could, not provide more of the books for use in England, so that they would be available at a cheaper price, binding some of the books in paper covers. She felt that this would be of utmost assistance in spreading the Cause in England.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the secretary issue as soon as possible the business minutes and proceedings of the Convention including the constitution and by-laws of the Bahai Temple Unity for distribution to all parts of the country. The Executive Board having completed its session reported the election of the following officers of the Unity:
Mr. Mountfort Mills, President.
Dr. Frederick W. D'Evelyn, Vice-President.
Mr. William H. Randall, Treasurer.
Mrs. Corinne True, Financial Secretary.
Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, Secretary.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the legal ratification meeting of the Unity, conforming to the annual meeting, required by the laws of Illinois, be held in the city of Chicago, Saturday, May 22d, 1920, at 10 A. M., at 5338 Kenmore Avenue.
The matter of exclusion of delegates representing more than one assembly from voting participation in the Convention was again brought up. It was pointed out that although this action was largely asked for in view of the importance of voting on the Temple plans at this Convention, that notwithstanding this, through the divine confirmations and the faith and splendid spirit of the delegates, the action on the plans became ultimately unanimous action.
It was also stated that so far as the vote of this Convention attempted to bind future Conventions to the same effect, i. e., that delegates notwithstanding their holding official credentials from more than one assembly, should have but one vote in the Convention, that this could not have the desired effect as future Conventions could only be held in conformity with a by-law duly passed in accordance with the constitution and by-laws of the Unity. This has not been done. It was suggested, therefore, that before the next Convention the assemblies should take action on this important question which should result in initiating a by-law for consideration and action by the next Convention or by the assemblies which would settle this question.
The Convention entered into consultation concerning this question, and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the Executive Board be directed to formulate a by-law on the subject matter of the representation of delegates and alternates in the annual Convention from the several assemblies, and as to whether one delegate may represent more than one assembly, and that notice be given, with copy of such by-law, by mail to each assembly seasonably, as provided under article 9 of the constitution, so that action on this matter shall be had prior to the election of delegates to the next annual Convention.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously voted that the Convention hereby record its thanks and appreciation to the Engineering Societies of New York for their great courtesies extended during the period of the Convention and Congress.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the secretary issue to each of the architects who have filed plans and designs of the Temple with the Unity, an expression of gratitude for their loyal service to the Cause and the Mashrekol-Azkar in preparing and submitting these invaluable plans.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to send a telegram to the friends at Buenos Ayres responding to their beautiful expression to the Convention, and also telegram of sympathy to Miss Martha Root for her father who is so ill, and that Mr. Wilhelm perform this service.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that a letter of greeting be sent to Mrs. Helen S. Goodall of San Francisco, expressing the hope of the Convention for her recovery from illness, this letter to be sent through Mrs. Emogene Hoagg.
The chairman called the co-operation and interest of the friends to the following matters which they had been unable to reach in the discussions of the Convention:
Bahai Library, in New York city, Mrs. Deuth; Unity House in Boston, Mrs. Randall; Fellowship Press, New York city, Mrs. Chamberlain; Bahai Publishing Society, Chicago, Miss Lesch; Bahai restaurant, New York city, Mrs. Lehmann; social service on the East Side, New York city, Mr. LeDoux; the progress of Esperanto throughout the year was to be described to us by Mr. Morton, and it was understood that these matters would be taken up by the friends mentioned as to each activity, at 3 o'clock P. M., at 415 Madison Avenue, in informal consultation.
Jenabi Fazel Mazandarani having chanted a prayer in Persian, upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to adjourn sine die.
Allaho'Abha!
Alfred E. Lunt,
Secretary of the Convention.
[A true copy of the Minutes of the Convention held in New York City, 1920.]
Attest: Alfred E. Lunt, Secretary.
