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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 postoffice 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.
"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. 13 |
| PAGE | |
Bahais of Germany Celebrating Mashrekol-Azkar Feast at Esslingen | 218 |
News from the Bahais of Germany | 219 |
| Letters from CHARLES MASON REMEY and HARLAN F. OBER. | |
Messages from ABDUL-BAHA to all the Friends | 224 |
Letter from MONEREH KHANUM the Wife of ABDUL-BAHA—Letter from EDITH R. SANDERSON | 225 |
Scholarship Fund for the Tarbiat School | 226 |
Recent Tablet from ABDUL-BAHA to Charles Mason Remey | 229 |
Recent Tablets to the Bahais of Germany | 230 |
Tablets from ABDUL-BAHA to Bahais in America | 232 |
--PHOTO--
MASHREKOL-AZKAR-FEST
ESSLINGEN.
BAHAIS OF GERMANY CELEBRATING MASHREKOL-AZKAR FEAST
AT ESSLINGEN, WURTTEMBURG, AUGUST 15, 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 | Kudrat 1, 76 (November 4, 1920) | No. 13 |
Esslingen, Württemberg,
August 27, 1920.
To the Editors of the STAR OF THE WEST.
Dear Friends:
With this letter I am sending you a copy of a photograph of a large group of our friends in Germany. This was taken at a feast in Esslingen, on August 15th, which was a representative gathering of Bahais of these parts.
Shortly following my arrival here, a series of three large and beautiful feasts were given by the friends in Stuttgart, in Zuffenhausen and in Esslingen. At these gatherings long tables were spread, tea and other refreshments were served, and programs of reading from the revealed Bahai Word, of appropriate addresses, and music, were rendered by the friends. These were conducive to much joy and fragrance of spirit, for although these feasts were simple, they represented no little sacrifice upon the part of the people, many of whom, even now, these many months after the war, have not all they need to eat, and are under-nourished. Although food conditions here are now becoming better, yet this is slow and there is yet suffering.
Having been the recipient of so much hospitality here, both of a general nature as mentioned, as well as having been entertained in many homes, I planned to spread this feast here in Esslingen for all the Bahais and those of their friends who were attracted to the Cause. Everything was conducive to the success of the affair, even the present state of depleted finance of Germany, which has reduced the German mark from its normal value of twenty-four cents in our money, down to its present value of two cents. Under this condition I find myself temporarily in financial affluence, which makes it possible for me to make expenditures ordinarily impossible.
Through the co-operation of the friends some big tasks are accomplished with ease. So it was with the feast. The Esslingen friends worked so unitedly to make this a success, that I soon realized that in reality it was not my feast, but their feast, therefore I feel that I can praise this gathering, since it was realized through the service of the Esslingen assembly. It would have been quite impossible for me to have accomplished this had I been alone and single handed.
It was decided that the principal thought of the meeting should revolve about the Mashrekol-Azkar. Recalling a similar feast given several years ago at the Latimers' in Portland, at which a model of the Mashrekol-Azkar of Ishkabad was featured, it occurred to me to make a similar arrangement here in Esslingen. Several of the young men Bahais responded with much fervor and enthusiasm to this suggestion, and after some labor a model showing, without details, the general arrangement of the Ishbakad Temple, was built—the framework being of wood and cardboard, covered with paper and decorated with
greens and flowers. A miniature garden, surrounding the model, represented the layout of the park of the Mashrekol-Azkar of Ishkabad—the Temple being approached by nine radial avenues, containing fountains, represented
*9*
MASHRAKEL-AZKAR-FEST
BAHAI-TEMPEL-FEST
veranstaltet für die Freunde in Deutschland und jene, welche der Bahai-Sache nahe- stehen, im Festsaal des Hotels „Krone“ in Eßlingen (Württemberg) am Sonntag den 15, August 1920, nachmittags ½5 Uhr
Die Veranlassung dieses Festes ist, die Bahais und jene ihrer Freunde, welche mit dieser Sache sympathisieren, im Namen und Geiste des Bündnisses zu versammeln. — Der Hauptgegenstand, der in dieser Versammlung gezeigt werden soll, ist der Mashrakel-Azkar (Bahai-Tempel), der große universale Tempel dieses Tages und Zeitalters, in dem sich die Menschen aller Religionen, Rassen, Nationen und Klassen in der Anbetung Gottes, unseres gemeinsamen Vaters, und im Dienste der Menschheit vereinen.
PROGRAMM
| 1. | Gebet aus den Worten von Baha'o'llah | Herr Hugo Bender |
| 2. | Musikstück — Violine und Piano | Geschwister Hauff |
| 3. | Begrüßung | Herr Remey |
| 4. | Vorlesung aus den Geoffenbarten Worten | Fräulein Köstlin |
| 5. | Die Geschichte der Bahai-Religion | Ansprache von Frau Konsaul Schwarz |
| 6. | Gesang | Fräulein Stäbler, mit Begleitung von Frln. Eypert |
| 7. | Vorlesung aus den Geoffenbarten Worten | Herr Jäger |
| 8. | Der Mashrekel-Azkar | Vortrag von Herrn Remey |
| 9. | Chorgesang | der Eßlinger Bahais |
| 10. | Vorlesung aus den Geoffenbarten Worten | Fräulein Düring |
| 11. | Tee und Erfrischungen | Musik von Frau Schlag, Frln. Kälble, Frln. Eger, Herrn. Gustav Eger |
| 12. | Klaviervortrag | Otto Haeffner |
| 13. | Vorlesung aus den Geoffenbarten Worten | Frau Schweizer |
| 14. | Die Prinzipien der Bahai-Religion | Ansprache von Herrn Herrigel |
| 15. | Lobgesang von 3 Mädchen | Frln. Schreiner, Frln. Kälble und Frln. Kalmbach |
| 16. | Vorlesung aus den Geoffenbarten Worten | Herr Kohler |
| 17. | Ansprache über die Bahai-Offenbarung | Frln. Knobloch |
| 18. | Gebet aus den Worten von Abdul-Baha | Frau Bender |
| 19. | Segnungslied | das alle Freunde mitzusingen gebeten werden |
Anmerkung. Das Modell in der Mitte des Saales stellt die Hauptumrisse des Bahai-Mashrakel-Azkar dar, welcher vor 12 Jahren in der Stadt Eshkhabad in Russisch-Turkestan erbaut wurde und ganz im orientalischen Stil gehalten ist. Wie das Modell zeigt, hat das Bauwerk neun Seiten (die Zahl 9 symbolisiert die Bahai-Offenbarung). Dieser Tempel ist mit einer Kuppel überwölbt, während sein Haupteingang, von 2 Minaretten flankiert, in der Richtung des heiligen Landes liegt. – Der Miniaturgarten, durch Zweige und Blumen angedeutet, die das Modell schmücken, stellt die Parkanlagen vor, welche den Mashrakel-Azkar in Eshkhabad umgeben. Strahlendförmig laufen diesem Bauwerk 9 Straßen zu, während in die 9 Gartenstücke zwischen diesen Straßen Springbrunnen eingebaut sind, welche auf dem Modell durch Wasserbacken angedeutet sind. – Die Untersuchung des Modells mag auch eine Vorstellung der Inneneinrichtung des Eshkhabad-Tempels geben, dessen Kuppel auf 9 Bögen ruhend, von 9 Pfeilern getragen wird, welchen den Rundbau unter dem Dom bilden.
Auf Wunsch des Festgebers aus dem Englischen übertragen von Heinrich Schwab, Eßlingen.
in miniature by trays of water, the shrubbery, grass, and flower beds being done in flowers and greens.
The regular weekly meetings and the feasts of the Bahai assembly of Esslingen are held in the ballroom of the Krone Hotel, so we first planned to hold this Mashrekol-Azkar feast in this same room. However, when we came to make the final arrangements we found that the room was not large enough to accommodate the anticipated crowd, so our paraphernalia was arranged in the garden of the hotel, which proved to be far better, for the day was warm, and over three hundred people were present.
Under the present existing conditions here in Germany, the matter of getting together sufficient food at one time for such a gathering was difficult. Nevertheless the friends solved the problem by going to a number of shops, getting
*9* Mashrekol-Azkar-Feast
BAHAI TEMPLE FEAST
Given to the believers in Germany and to those attracted to the Bahai Cause, in the ballroom of the Krone Hotel in Esslingen, Wurttemberg, on Sunday afternoon, August 15th 1920, at half past four o'clock.
The object of this Feast is to gather together, in the name and in the spirit of the Covenant, the Bahais, and those of their friends who are in sympathy with the Cause. — The principal subject to be presented at this meeting, is the Mashrekol-Azkar (Bahai Temple), which is the great Universal spiritual temple of this day and age, for the gathering together of the peoples of all religions, races, nations, and classes in the worship of God, the one Father of us all, and for service to mankind.
PROGRAMME
| I. | Prayer from the words of Baha'o'llah | Mr. Hugo Bender |
| II. | Music — Violin and Piano | The Misses Hauff |
| III. | Address of welcome | Mr. Remey |
| IV. | Reading from the Revealed Word | Miss Kostlin |
| V. | Adress — The History of the Bahai Religion | Mrs. Consul Schwarz |
| VI. | Song | Miss Staebler accompanied by Miss Eypert |
| VII. | Reading from the Revealed Word | Mr. Jaeger |
| VIII. | Adress — The Mashrekol-Azkar | Mr. Remey |
| IX. | Choral Singing | Friends in Esslingen |
| X. | Reading from the Revealed Word | Miss Doring |
| XI. | Tea and refreshments Music by Mrs. Schlag, Miss Kälble, Miss Eger, and Mr. Gustav Eger | |
| XII. | Music — Pianoforte | Master Otto Haeffner |
| XIII. | Reading from the Revealed Word | Mrs. Schweizer |
| XIV. | Address — The Principles of the Bahai Religion | Mr. Herrigel |
| XV. | Presentation of a playette | Miss Schreiner, Miss Kälble and Miss Kalmbach |
| XVI. | Reading from the Revealed Word | Mr. Kohler |
| XVII. | Address — The Bahai Revelation | Miss Knobloch |
| XVIII. | Prayer from the words of Abdul-Baha | Mrs. Bender |
| XIX. | Chant of the Benediction, in which all will kindly join in singing. | |
Announcement: The Model, in the center of the room, represents the general lines of the Bahai Mashrekol-Azkar, erected twelve years ago, in the city of Eshkhabad, in Russian Turkestan. This edifice is in the Oriental style of architecture. As will be seen by the model, the building has nine sides (the number nine being symbolic of the Bahai Revelation). The temple is surmounted by a dome, while its main entrance, flanked by two minarets, faces the direction of the Holy Land. — The miniature garden in greens and flowers, surrounding the model, represents the layout of the park surrounding the Mashrekol-Azkar in Eshkhabad. The building is approached by nine radial avenues, while the nine garden plots, between these avenues, contain fountains, represented in this miniature by trays of water. — By examining the model an idea may be obtained of the interior arrangement of the Eshkhabad Temple, the dome of which is borne upon nine arches supported by nine pillars surrounding the rotends beneath the dome.
as much as possible from each, until the necessary amount was secured.
At an early hour, the morning of the feast, practically the entire Esslingen group of Bahais assembled for work. There are but few horses now left in Germany, so the friends came drawing wagons themselves, transporting provisions, flowers, chairs and the many things required; all worked diligently and by early afternoon the model of the Mashrekol-Azkar had been placed in the center of the garden, the tables and chairs arranged, decorations in place, and all other things were in readiness for the arrival of the people.
This feast had more the character of
the feasts in the Orient than any which I have attended in the Occident. I presume this was largely due to the garden setting. In an open pavilion at one end of the garden a stage was arranged, and here several young girls gave a short play, built around the Bahai thought of the flowers of the Kingdom, which terminated with the Greatest Name. Another feature of this presentation was the distribution of flowers among the friends by several small girls dressed in white.
Our program, a copy of which I enclose to you in this letter, would probably have been long for an American gathering, but here in Germany, like in the Orient, the people are less restive than we in our country, so the three hours and a half that we were being refreshed and entertained both spiritually and materially, passed quickly and without fatigue.
In one end of the garden tea was served, while at another end tables were spread with fruit, and everywhere there were flowers, for even though there is a scarcity of food here, one finds at every turn a profusion of flowers. The program was so arranged with music and pauses, that the people could move about between the numbers without interruption to the meeting.
As the evening progressed the model of the Mashrekol-Azkar, and the miniature garden about it, were lighted by a number of small colored lights, while above it hung a large copy of the Greatest Name all in light. Many paper lanterns and lighted wicks in colored shades in the trees and shrubbery gave a mellow light, which, with the music, and the spiritual thoughts on the lips and in the hearts of the friends, made a picture which I can never forget.
The Bahais assembled not only from the immediate neighborhood, but some came from places at a considerable distance—Berlin, Leipzig, Karlsruhe, and Ludwigshaven (the latter in the occupied country beyond the Rhine)—besides a number of towns here in Württemberg, were represented.
It was a very happy occasion, as you will see by the smiling faces in this photograph which I send you.
Faithfully yours in El-Abha,
Chas. Mason Remey.
LETTER FROM CHARLES MASON REMEY TO THE TEACHING COMMITTEE.
To the Bahais in America.
Dear Friends in El-Abha:
I have been for some days now in Germany and I am receiving so much Bahai love and kindness at the hands of our friends here, that I hasten to write you this letter in order to share with you the spiritual bounty of this experience.
It has been the fortune of many of the Bahais to travel in foreign parts there to find the love of Abdul-Baha burning very fervently in the hearts of the people of The Covenant—friends who poured out this spirit of faith in acts of love and kindness, upon the favored traveler. This experience is a spiritual bounty of the Cause of God. Such love and kindness is not the result of human interest nor changing affections; these are the fruits of the divine love which the Manifestation of God has planted in the heart of humanity, and which is burning in the souls of His people.
Some years ago when I traveled among the Bahais in Persia, I had brought to my mind, and penetrating my heart at every turn, the fact that I was the unworthy recipient of a great wealth of kindness and devotion, which those people held in their hearts for the Bahais of the Occident, and that this love between those distant people of the
East and of the West was the fruit of The Covenant.
Now here in Germany I am experiencing a similar blessing, for through the kindness showered upon me here, I feel this great love and devotion of our friends here for the Bahais in America. It is as Abdul-Baha teaches, when soldiers of the world rush into battle to kill one another, soldiers of God's Kingdom rush forward to embrace one another.
With the Bahais here in Germany, I have demonstrated to me daily that the recent war has caused the love of the friends here for those in America to become more evident and manifest than ever before. This is most apparent, because it is in such strong contrast with the surrounding chaotic conditions of this nether world. In the hearts of the Bahais here there is not only no trace of the national hatred, which of late has characterized the relations of our two countries, but more than this they have a great love for the friends in America. I am deeply touched and spiritually refreshed by their Bahai attitude, for the psychology of the war has not entered into their souls, with the result that the fragrance of the Kingdom of El-Abha is a living divine presence in their midst.
Our people here in Germany have suffered much. They are now undergoing the after effects of the war, which, in some respects are as trying, and as difficult, as were the conditions during the period of fighting. Although nominally the war is over, practically there is still the greatest economic pressure between the nations and this is causing the people here much suffering and misery.
The people here do not have quite enough to eat, nor is the food which they have sufficiently nourishing. Months and years of this continued shortage of food and nutriment needed by the normal man has reduced them physically to an extent which their bright and cheerful faces and spiritual countenances would belie.
The other day, while in Leipzig, I visited a Bahai home in which there were four children. The parents were working people. The three youngest of the little ones were boys, and at my invitation they drew near and finally sat on my knees. I remarked to the mother, who stood by smiling, that she must be very happy to be the mother of such a family, whereupon a change of expression crossed her face; she looked pained and left the room. A Bahai present then told me how hard it had been for these parents even to partially feed their children, and even harder for them to see their little ones growing up undernourished. Though these little fellows had tanned skins and pleasing and responsive faces, their bodies were pitifully thin and emaciated. The eldest of the trio told me he was twelve years old, but he appeared to be about nine! This is but one example of the many which I am seeing daily. These are living testimonials of the troubles caused by war.
The cheerfulness and the hope and the spiritual assurance of the Bahais here in Germany, is in such strong contrast with their material condition that their problems are all the more appealing—particularly to one who finds himself the recipient of so much of their kindness such as I am now receiving.
In the near future I hope to be able to write to the friends in America, telling them in detail of the Bahai work here in Germany. Now I am writing in brief in order to send this letter immediately and without loss of time, in order to suggest that the friends in America do all in their power to further the Bahai spirit of love and service of the friends there for friends here.
Shortly after the postal service was re-established (after the armistice between America and Germany) some of the Bahais in America wrote very kind
and warm letters to the believers here. Those letters coming at that time, with the spirit which they brought, were very much appreciated, for this demonstration from the American Bahais was an assurance to the people here that the divine bands of the Kingdom of El-Abha
Öffentl. Vortrag
Dienstag den 31. August
im Kaffeehaus zum Kopf
im Gartensaal
BAHAISMUS
die Universalreligion der Zukunft
als Verkünderin des allgemeinen Weltfriedens, der Einheit aller religiösen und philosophischen Systeme und der Zusammengehörigkeit aller Völker der Erde
Redner
Herr Charles Mason Remey
aus Washington
Derselbe Sprach in: Amerika, Japan, China, Birma, Indien, Persien und in allen größeren Städten Deutschlands, wo bereits Zentren dieser Bewegung existieren.
Anfang 8 Uhr abends Eintritt frei!
Poster printed in Germany
united the hearts of the believers in the
midst of all the upheavals of the great
world war. Furthermore, in addition
to writing letters, some friends in America
sent wearing apparel and foodstuffs
to the Bahais here, and this was a
spiritual demonstration which so supplemented
the letters that many good
results followed.
It would be very good indeed if the friends in the American Assemblies would write to the Bahais here and share with them copies of the translations of Tablets recently received from Abdul-Baha. Several of the Bahais here are students of English, and they translate into German many of the revealed words coming from America. These are read in the meetings and are then spread among the people.
During the past year and a half the majority of the people in general in America have been in plenty, enjoying the luxuries of life to a degree unprecedented
Öffentlicher Vortrag Dienstag, den 31, August im Kaffeehaus
zum KOPF in Freiburg
BAHAISMUS
die Universalreligion der Zukunft
als Verkünderin des allgemeinen Weltfriedens, der Einheit aller religiösen u. philosophischen Systeme und aller Völker der Erde.
Redner: Herr Charles Mason Remey aus Washington
Derselbe Sprach in: Amerika, Japan, China, Birma, Indien, Persien u. allen größeren Städten Deutschlands, wo bereits Zentren dieser Bewegung existieren.
Anfang 8 Uhr abends. Eintritt frei.
Am Mittwoch, den 6. Oktober, abends 8 Uhr spricht im Kammermusiksaale der Stadthalle Heidelberg
Mister Ch. M. Remey aus Washington und Frau Alice Schwarz aus Stuttgart
über die Prinzipien der
Bahai-Weltreligion.
Diese Religion hat heute schon Anhänger aus allen Nationen und Konfessionen der Erde.
Mister Remey sprach über diese Religion in Japan, China, Birma, Indien, Persien u. in versch. Städten Europas.
Freier Eintritt! Einlaßgebühr 20 ₰, wofür Garderob. frei!
Newspaper notices printed in Germany
in the history of our own country and, so far as I know, unprecedented as well, in the history of any other country. This condition is one of the after effects and the results of the war. While war brings untold miseries to many, to others it often brings, for a time, a certain appearance of prosperity, resulting from the disturbed and shifting political and commercial conditions. Again as the pendulum swings back to the other extreme, conditions are reversed and comes the restitution which is inevitable.
In addition to writing to the friends in the assemblies in Germany, it would be very good indeed if the friends in America, in our present hour of material
(Continued on page 226)
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 with 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 | Kudrat 1, 76 (November 4, 1920) | No. 13 |
"You must think now of spiritual affairs. Try to enlighten the morals and try to spread the teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH, so that this fire of dissension which is burning in the world may be extinguished. It is impossible for the different nations and parties which exist now—such as socialists, Bolshevists, the extremists or radicals, strikers and those who wish for absolute authority, to leave these dissensions and be united—save through BAHA'O'LLAH'S teachings. The teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH are like the sun and these dissensions are like the darkness. This darkness cannot be dispelled except through the teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH. The snow of disagreement has covered all the world and this snow cannot be melted except through the teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH. The teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH declare the unity of the world. The teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH are a shining reality. The teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH will dispel all national disunion, all racial disunion, and the teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH will conquer the economic difficulties. This is the essence of questions. You must all try to give life to the dead people, to make the blind see, the deaf hear, and to give all the help you can to the poor. This is what attracts heavenly assistance."
"Now you are going on your way home. For each one you must have a message. Convey to all my greetings and tell them that they are all my friends, my very dear friends and the servants of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH, and for this reason they are dear to me. I am always thinking of them and I am constantly praying for them in the Kingdom of Abha, so that they may become lighted candles, so that the light of guidance may radiate from them, so that they may become shining stars in the Heaven of Truth, that the light of Truth
may shine in this world, so that they may be the comforters of the people, so that they may live in accord with one another, so that they may sacrifice their own souls in the service of one another, so that they may be the consolers of the poor, so that they may be the kind parents of the orphans and so that they may relieve the sick. Convey this message."
Haifa, Palestine,
Sept. 22, 1920.
My dear spiritual daughter:
I sincerely hope and supplicate to God that you may always be confirmed in your undertakings. Your letters have regularly arrived and have aroused great joy. We never fail to present to the Master your humble love and greetings.
Two days ago I wrote you a letter in Persian about the school we have been thinking of establishing on Mt. Carmel. That is surely a lofty idea and if taken up it will undoubtedly help the education of the Bahai girls and serve the uplift of the world of humanity.
We agreed that I should give the land and you procure the other expenses. The ground is ready. It is according to the wish of the Master and is situated on an elevated and most beautiful spot, near the Tomb of the Bab. Now, I have done my share, the rest remains upon your help and energy.
We have mentioned our plan to the Master and he approves of it. When speaking about procuring the funds, the Master expressed a desire that this work be done by the Bahai women.
The Greatest Holy Leaf (Abdul-Baha's sister) as well as the other members of the family send you their love.
Hoping that you will be confirmed and assisted by His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH in accomplishing this helpful undertaking, I will ever remain,
Yours in His Name,
MONEREH.
Letter from Miss Sanderson
To the STAR OF THE WEST—
Dear friends in El-Baha:
While in Haifa several months ago, the Master's wife, Monereh Khanum, spoke to me of her great desire to see a school for girls built on Mt. Carmel, and asked if I could help her in the realization of her desire. What could I do but answer her appeal with all my heart, feeling that the heart of all Bahais would answer in unison with mine, a prompt acquiescence to her request. Not only because the need for a school in which Bahai girls of the East may derive the much longed for education, which to a certain extent is accessible in schools already established in various parts of the East by catholic or protestant missions, but because it would be the most perfect tribute that the women of East and West could pay to one of the finest women in the world today, whose name and personality has remained concealed behind the power and majesty of the Master, but who nevertheless through her life of absolute self-sacrifice in the path of BAHA'O'LLAH will ever remain a magnificent example to womankind.
One of the reasons why this school is of paramount importance is that the difficulties are many for Eastern girls who wish for a truly practical education and they are apt to lose in one way what they gain in another in schools where the Bahai principles are unknown.
We know the great importance BAHA'O'LLAH
has attached to education; in the Kitab-El-Akdas parents are commanded to educate their children, and if they fail to do so, it is incumbent upon the House of Justice to carry out this command. Also, elsewhere we are told that to educate a child is an act of worship. Therefore, to contribute towards the erection of this school where the Bahai principles will be implanted in the minds of the coming mothers of future generations, will be like unto an act of perpetual adoration.
Mr. White, who was in Haifa while I was there had several talks with the Master on this subject and was commissioned by him to look into the most modern methods of education now in America and to present his report to him.
I wish now to make an appeal, joined to the enclosed letter just received from Monereh Khanum, to all Bahais alike to give whatever they have to give of time, thought and monetary support towards a speedy realization of the desire of one towards whom we should turn with deepest love, respect and reverence.
Subscriptions to be sent in Egyptian money to Rooha Khanum, care of Mirza Jalal, Haifa, Palestine.
Yours faithfully in El-Baha,
Edith Roobie Sanderson.
P. S.—I must add that this school will be open to all girls desirous of entering, irrespective of creed or nationality.
The American friends of the Tarbiat Scholarship Fund will kindly note a change in the address of Mrs. Louise D. Boyle, which will be in future The Hadleigh Hotel, Washington, D. C. During the many years when our dear brother Joseph H. Hannen was in charge of the Scholarship Fund as treasurer of the Persian American Educational Association Mrs. Boyle was assistant treasurer and countersigned all checks. Therefore, with the passing of our faithful brother the care of the Fund reverted automatically to Mrs. Boyle, who has accepted this service for the present at least. Scholarship dues may be sent to her at the Hadleigh and will be promptly acknowledged.
The Special Memorial Fund for the Tarbiat School which was suggested at the Convention, in appreciation of the services of the late Joseph H. Hannen, is in charge of Miss Nellie Lloyd, 104 Wall Street, New York, N. Y., as announced in the STAR OF THE WEST of June 5, 1920.
Louise D. Boyle.
plenty, would send packages of foodstuffs to the Bahais here. Much is needed here in Germany, but certain foodstuffs are most needed above other things. These are white flour, canned butter and milk and sugar. Such supplies can be sent by post from America into Germany in packages not exceeding five kilogrammes (about ten pounds) in weight. These packages should be clearly and legibly marked Liebersgabe (gift of love) which will enter them into Germany free of customs. Packages should be very securely wrapped—preferably sewed up in cloth then tied in paper—and should be registered. Further particulars and directions can be had through inquiry at the post offices in America.
Since Stuttgart is the principal Bahai center in Germany, and since the friends there have organized a "bund"
or an assembly, which has been recognized by Abdul-Baha, I would suggest that any Bahai offerings coming to these parts be sent to the Bahai-Bund, Hölderlinstrasse 35, Stuttgart, Wurttemberg, Germany—with the request that these gifts be distributed among the friends throughout Germany where they are most needed.
With the arrival of any foodstuffs in response to this letter, I will suggest to the friends of the "Bahai-Bund" that a committee be formed to distribute these offerings.
The work of teaching in Germany will be helped by food sent to the friends here, for these Bahais are serving those whom they teach and will make it possible for them to give offerings of food along with the teaching which will be productive of good results. The value of such services will be all the more enhanced when it is known that these offerings come from the Bahais in America.
The Society of Friends (Quakers) in America have established food distributing centers in a number of cities in Germany, and this good work has helped to better the international feeling of friendship among the people in this country. Let us Bahais also do materially in proportion with our means, to help our friends here, and thereby further the spread of the message of The Kingdom. . . .
The town of Esslingen, where I am now staying, is near Stuttgart. It is an old city nestled in the valley of the Neckar, between hills covered with orchards and vineyards still retaining its medieval ramparts with fortified towers, and narrow winding streets, with picturesque half timbered gabled houses, the upper stories of which project over the sidewalks and are supported by quaintly carved corbels. In rambling about the town it is easy to imagine onesself back in the middle ages, but when one enters into the homes of the Bahais in Esslingen, one finds there the life and the spirit of the Abha Kingdom to such a degree, that the contrast between the new and the old—the quickening life of this new age, and the old civilization of the past—is very forcibly borne in on one's consciousness.
Here in Esslingen we have a very nourishing and active Bahai Assembly. The meetings are very joyful and their spirit is most soul refreshing. Last Sunday these friends spread a Feast. One hundred and fifty persons sat at one table, built in the form of a hollow square, which filled a large banquet hall. We sat at a table for over three hours and a half constantly refreshed by the varied spiritual program. This consisted of the reading of prayers and Tablets and addresses by the friends. Music was rendered during the serving of refreshments and later a poem written for the occasion was read by its author, a young man, which was followed by a short Bahai play presented by four attractive young girls. To me the most beautiful feature of this entertainment was that it was given at no little sacrifice, for our people here in Esslingen are all in modest circumstances. Though the refreshments served were simple (in America they would have been considered very simple indeed) yet the outlay represented a great deal in this country. Although our friends here have not enough food for themselves, yet a good portion of what they have they offer to others in the name of The Center of the Abha Covenant!
The Bahais here are much interested in knowing of the progress of the Mashrehok-Azkar. So many have asked me about this work that I plan to spread a Mashrekol-Azkar Feast here in Esslingen the middle of August, at which the program of thought will revolve about the ideals of the Mashrekol-Azkar.
Faithfully yours in His Service.
Chas. Mason Remey.
October 9, 1920.
LETTER FROM HARLAN F. OBER TO THE TEACHING COMMITTEE
. . . Our journey through Germany was a heavenly journey, filled with vivid and happy memories. We stayed three weeks in Stuttgart and Esslingen, holding many public meetings and visiting in many of the homes. The love, unity and faithfulness of the German friends must be seen to be realized. Their assemblies are fragrant with the perfume of spirituality. No words can describe them as they are described by Abdul-Baha, in a letter which has just reached us. We had written to one of the secretaries of Abdul-Baha, Mirza Aziz'ollah Khan Bahadur, who visited the German friends in 1919. He writes:
"I told the Beloved that you (Mr. and Mrs. Ober) have been feeling that you are in Paradise." Abdul-Baha said, "Verily it is so. They are now in Paradise. The German friends are pure, their hearts are overflowing with love, their whole beings are filled with the Cause of God. They are sacrificial in their services and therefore they have won eternal glory. They are serving the Cause of God, not for name, fame and winning glory. Not simply because their sense of duty is strong, but a duty which is permeated with pleasure and joy. They are distinguished from all the western friends. This is because no distasteful odor of violation has penetrated in their midst. They are kept clean and pure. I cannot forget the hours I myself spent among them. They were such sweet and endeared hours. The associations of those sweet hours perfume the nostrils whenever I recall them. When thou art writing to them, tell them that they are very dear to me. Often in the middle of the night when I am awake I turn my face towards the Holy Threshold of the Blessed Beauty and ardently pray for them. They are the great pioneers of Universal Peace. See! the Americans and the Germans have been hostile and yet how the Germans are receiving the Americans! This is because they are the lovers of the Holy Cause, and its principles, striving for the fulfillment of its great purpose. National prejudices cannot interfere in their religion. God and Religion is to them superior to every other phase of life. Therefore it is no wonder that you see they are blessed and confirmed in their religious life. The Blessed Beauty
--PHOTO-- APRIL 1913
Bronze portrait of Abdul-Baha mounted on granite, in commemoration of his visit to Germany in 1913. It is over seven feet in height. Erected by the Schwarz family of Stuttgart in the park of the sanitarium at Bad Mergentheim, Wurttemburg.
says, 'Verily, verily, do we reinforce him who arises in the service of my Cause with an army of the Supreme Concourse and a force of the most favored of my angels.' Surely their success is great. It must be left to history to describe it."
"Then Abdul-Baha went on to describe some of the assemblies of the German friends which he had blessed with his holy presence. After that he described to the friends who were in the holy presence—some of the friends, such
as the globe of the fire of the love of God, Taereh, Mrs. Consul Schwarz, and the dear Consul himself; Mr. Herrigel and his unique sincerity; Miss Knobloch and her devotion and productive services; Miss Kostlin and her purity of faith and efficiency in service and how she has kept the Esslingen community in harmony, love and ardor. He said, 'The Schwarz family have become the embodiment of confirmation!' He then told a wonderful incident about this family and said—'From this ye can imagine what type of people they are. Verily, verily, I say unto ye that a single step that some soul takes with sincerity in the path of the Blessed Beauty will never pass unnoticed or unrewarded. It is like unto a seed which is sown by the farmer. The rain of Mercy and the heat of the Sun of Truth help it grow and develop into a stately tree whose verdure and shade will be enjoyed for millenniums.'"
We enjoyed the privilege of association with these heavenly souls, and many new souls who are radiant with the flame of love. On trains and in various cities we found souls who were ready for the divine Glad Tidings, and the meetings were full of spirituality, the hearts being melted with love.
The friends in Germany were very happy because of the letters they had received from the friends in England and America and are very anxious to increase the correspondence. They requested us to convey to all the friends the most glorious Abha greetings of love and unity.
Harlan F. Ober.
--PHOTO--
Durch die gläubige Seele, Taereh, der Frau Seiner Ehrwürden Herrn Consul Schwarz. Stuttgart. Deutschland an Seine Ehrwürden Herrn (Charles Mason) Remey, auf ihm sei die Herrlichkeit Gottes des Allherrlichsten.
- O du erleuchteter, geliebter Sohn!
Preis sei Gott, dass Du glücklich und gesund in Leipzig angekommen bist, die strahlenden Gesichter der Freunde Gottes siehst und dich der Geistigkeit und Liebe der deutschen Freunde erfreutest. Wahrlich, wahrlich, die deutschen Freunde sind strahlend, geistig und himmlisch. Sie arbeiten für die Einheit der Menschheit, sie sind im Frieden mit allen Nationen der Welt und betätigen die Liebe und Freundlichkeit allen Religionen der Welt gegenüber. Sie sind selbstaufopfernd auf dem Pfade des Königreiches und sind fest und standhaft im Bündnis und Testament. Du bist jetzt zweifellos in größter Freude und Begeisterung, da du im Umgang und in Verbindung bist mit diesen gesegneten Seelen.
Es ist meine Hoffnung, dass diese gegenwärtige Reise grosse Resultate zeitigen wird. Überbringe in meinem Name die Liebe und Zuneigung an alle Freunde, die Diener und Dienerinnen Gottes!
Auf dir sei die Herrlichkeit Abhas!
(gez.) abdul-Baha-abbas
Ins Deutsche übertragen nach der Englischen Übersetzung von Azizullah Khan S. Bahadur von Heinrich Schwab, Esslingen 19 September 1920
Tablet of Mr. Remey's printed in Germany
--PHOTO--
Tablet of Mr. Remey's printed in Germany
Through the faithful soul, Taereh, the wife of his honor Consul Schwarz, Stuttgart, Germany, to his honor, Mr. (Charles Mason) Remey—Unto him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!
He Is God!
O thou enlightened beloved son!
Praise be unto God, that thou didst arrive at Leipzig safe and sound; didst
see the brilliant faces of the friends of God, and didst enjoy the spirituality and love of the German friends. Verily, verily, the German frinds are luminous, spiritual and heavenly. They are spreading the oneness of humanity, they are in peace with all the nations of the world, and practice love and kindness towards all the religions of the world. They are self-sacrificing in the path of the Kingdom, and are firm and steadfast in the Covenant and Testament. Thou art unquestionably in the utmost joy and rapture now that thou art mingling and associating with those blessed souls.
It is my hope that thy present trip will give rise to great results. Convey on my behalf, love and affection to all the friends, the servants and the maid-servants of God!
Unto thee be the Glory of God!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Azizullah S. Bahadur, August 20, 1920, Mount Carmel, Palestine.)
TABLET TO STUTTGART
Through his honor Aga Mirza Azizullah Khan Bahadur—Upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!—to the friends of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful, Stuttgart, Germany—Upon them be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!
Miss Doring, Mrs. Kusterer, her daughter Hilda, Miss Julie Stabler, Miss Elise Stabler, Miss Elsie Sechald, her mother and brother, Mr. Franz Poellinger, Mrs. Bauer and her family, Miss Nebelhack, Miss Raps in Nurenberg, Mrs. Rosa Schwarz, Roschen and Mr. Edward Schwarz, Mr. and Mrs. Weigle, Mrs. Klatte, and her family, Miss Schnitzler, Mr. Heinz and his family, Mr. Grober and his family, Miss Schenerle and her sisters, Mr. Dengler, Miss Emelie, Martha Stabler, Mrs. and Mr. Schlag, Miss Schutz, Mrs. Steidle and her family, Mr. Bergheimer, Mr. and Mrs. Weiland in Karlsruhe, Mr. Richard Kohler and his mother, Mr. Max Bender and betrothed, Miss Herther Doring, Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Doring, Mrs. Simon and her family in Hamburg, Mrs. Hausmann, Miss Schuler and Miss Alma Knobloch.
He Is God!
O ye real friends of Abdul-Baha!
The letter of Miss Doring was perused. Praise be to God, it had the glad-tidings of your firmness and steadfastness; of your attraction to the divine breathings and enkindlement with the fire of the love of God. Praise be to God, that ye are all brilliant candles and trees of the Paradise of Abha.
Abdul-Baha feels great attachment to the Stuttgart friends. His nostrils are perfumed with the fragrance of those flowers and his heart is exceedingly delighted with the luster of those blessed souls. Therefore it is certain that the teachings of the Most High, BAHA'O'LLAH, will, in that region and country, spread to the utmost and souls from Germany will like unto the candles enkindle and radiate streaming beams in all directions.
Therefore I am giving ye the glad-tidings that the glance of favor is directed upon ye, and the rays of the Sun of Reality are the adornment of your hearts. There is no confirmation greater than this. This is because the distasteful smell of violation has not, up to this time, reached that blessed region.
Some Persian enemies, however, from the followers of Yahya (Azel) are in the region of Berlin, who in various underhand ways are striving to penetrate into
the community of the friends and deposit like unto the snake their poison and give false impressions. Ye should be very watchful of this, not admitting these souls in your meetings and assemblies.
Everyone who has in his hand a letter of permission to associate with the friends, written and signed by Abdul-Baha, ye may associate with him, else ye should avoid and abstain. No individual of ye is permitted to associate with them because the diseases of the spirit are like unto the diseases of the body and like unto plague, cholera and cancer will infest.
Ye should be in the utmost union and harmony with the formal community of the friends, that is the "Bahai Bund" and communicate with it with love so that in Germany there may exist but one ardor, one feeling, one attachment and union in order that this may penetrate throughout the world.
Upon thee be Baha-El Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Mirza Azizullah S. Bahadur, April 9, 1920, Haifa, Palestine. Received by Mrs. Consul Schwarz.)
TABLET TO ALMA KNOBLOCH
Through Aga Mirza Azizullah Khan Bahadur—Upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!—to the maid-servant of God, Miss Alma Knobloch, Stuttgart, Germany—Upon her be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!
He Is God!
O thou maid-servant of the Kingdom of God!
Thy letter has been received. Its contents indicated that thou didst desire to go to Leipzig so that thou mightest spread the divine breath there, but there appeared some obstacle. Now no obstacle hath remained.
Before going to America thou shouldst busy thyself with the service so that the love of God in Leipzig may effervesce with enthusiasm.
Convey my utmost affection and love to the maid-servant Miss Schutz, Mr. Hugo Bender and his wife, Mr. Franz Poellinger and his brother, Miss Alma Nebelhack, Miss Elsie Seebald, Miss Doring and Misses Stabler.
I beseech the Most High BAHA'O'LLAH that through His grace, He may endear these souls both in this world and that of the Kingdom, so that they may become the emblems of guidance.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Mirza Azizullah S. Bahadur, January 30, 1920, Haifa, Palestine.)
TABLET TO FANNY KNOBLOCH
Through Mr. Hannen—Upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!—to the maid-servant of God, Fanny Knobloch, Washington, D. C.—Upon her be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!
He Is God!
O thou, the loved maid-servant of God!
Ye are three sisters. Praise be to God, all three are of the Kingdom, and are godly and luminous. Alma Knobloch raised the Banner of Guidance in Germany and was unusually confirmed. Pauline Hannen is, day and night, busy with self-sacrifice, and thou also hast no ease, but with heart and soul art striving to render some service to the Kingdom of God.
These three sisters are really brilliant and spiritual, godly and divine. I am pleased with all three and supplicate to the Threshold of the Lord of Hosts to bestow assistance and favor upon ye.
I replied by telegraphic message. It has of course reached thee.
Convey utmost love and heavenly relationship on my behalf to thy sister and to Mr. Hannen.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated January 23, 1920, by Mirza Azizullah S. Bahadur.)
LOUISE SMITH
To the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Louise Smith, Cleveland, Ohio—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou daughter of the Kingdom!
Two letters have been received from thee. Thou hast a highly praiseworthy wish and that is service to the Kingdom of God, service to the oneness of the world of humanity, the training of children at the home of Mrs. Kibby and the promotion of the question of the Mashrekol-Azkar. All these intentions are acceptable at the Threshold of the Almighty. I therefore pray God that thou mayest be confirmed in service, so that these children may be trained by a divine education and may each become aware of the inner realities and significances.
Convey, on my behalf, to the friends in Cleveland, longing greeting. I hope that the love of God may become the cause of their union and harmony and the power of the Covenant may do away with this difference. Today, no power can do away with this difference save the power of the Covenant of the Blessed Beauty, for a specially appointed Center has been appointed by the Supreme Pen to which all differences must be submitted and which settles all differences. Whatever he says is right, for, in accordanc with the explicit command, all are ordered to turn their faces toward that Center, and he is the expounder of the Book. Thus it is made evident and manifest that the power of the Covenant is the power which solves all difficulties.
Convey on my behalf the utmost love and kindness to the maid-servants of God, Mrs. Potter, Miss Williams, Miss Fanchon and Miss Brandeau.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, August 2, 1919.)
MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB
Through Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, New York City—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!—to Mirza Ahmad Sohrab—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou servant of the Holy Threshold!
Thy cablegram was received, and immediately a cablegram of congratulation and felicitation was sent. Undoubtedly it has reached thee. This news became conducive to exceeding rejoicing. It is strongly hoped from the favor of the Blessed Perfection that it may be consummated in the most perfect manner. Rest thou assured that there will arise no obstacle and no impediment. Give thou importance to this matter, and manifest thou magnanimity in its regard.
In all those regions exercise thou the utmost vigilance and caution—so that nostrils may be protected from the evil odor, and eternal death may not creep over souls. Give thou importance to this fundamental principle; for, if a thousand able-bodied, healthy souls, with utmost freshness and elegance, associate with a sick consumptive the health of those thousand souls will not affect the consumptive, but the illness of that consumptive will be communicated in a short time to those healthy bodies. Therefore, do thou protect the souls as far as thou art able. Send away the sickly looking consumptive. There is no other recourse. According to the texts of the Sacred Verses, one must refrain from associating with the wicked. . . .
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Denver, Colo., February 12, 1920.)