The American Bahá’í/Volume 11/Issue 6/Text
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71st Convention unveils ‘rhythm of growth’[edit]
The 71st Bahá’í National Convention, held in the Mother Temple of the West at the midpoint of the initial two-year phase of the Seven Year Plan, was charged with a special urgency and excitement as the American Bahá’í community rallied its forces to establish a “rhythm of growth” designed to assure an ongoing harvest of victories on the homefront and overseas in the months and years ahead.
The Convention, distinguished by a remarkable level of unity and optimism in the face of recent calamities as well as by the serious and resolute tone of its deliberations, was blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem who addressed the Convention twice.
THE DELEGATES and visitors to the Convention also heard addresses by Counsellors Edna M. True from North America and Iraj Ayman from Western Asia along with annual reports by the National Spiritual Assembly, the Office of the Treasurer, the National Teaching Committee and National Education Committee.
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Complete text of the National Spiritual Assembly’s annual report, Page 14. |
During the session at which Miss True spoke, the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants who were attending the Convention were called to the stage by the secretary, Glenford E. Mitchell, and introduced.
Dr. Ayman gave a moving account of the Persian Bahá’í community’s heroic response to recent persecutions in the Cradle of the Faith.
One of the results of that response, he said, has been greater closeness and cooperation than ever before between
Mrs. Eleanor Lombard, a delegate from Louisiana, casts her ballot during the 71st Bahá’í National Convention held April 24-27 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.
An artist’s rendering of the proposed Bahá’í National Archives building to be constructed near the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. In January, the architects, Stanley Tigerman and Associates of Chicago, won a special citation for the building’s design from Progressive Architecture magazine.
National Archives design wins architecture award[edit]
Stanley Tigerman and Associates of Chicago received a special citation in January at the 27th annual P/A Awards program, sponsored by Progressive Architecture magazine, for its design of the proposed Bahá’í National Archives building in Wilmette, Illinois.
The Archives building will sit across the road from the Bahá’í House of Worship, just behind the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, masked by an earth berm so as not to compete for attention with the Temple.
IN ANNOUNCING the award to Tigerman and Associates, Progressive Architecture had this to say about the design:
“The architect has divided a square site in two, half of it to be covered by the undulating roofed building and the other half by its mirror image in trimmed trees (topiary).
“Inside, the ceiling is painted to resemble the sky, and columns have foliated capitals to suggest man’s earliest shelter among the trees. The primeval imagery was a response to the client’s request that the building have a quality of timelessness about it.
“Jurors appreciated the building’s imaginative interiors and its respectful subservience to the Temple.”
Legal considerations have delayed the start of construction of the Archives building, the cost of which is estimated at $1.5 million.
Race Unity plan outlined[edit]
The six-member Race Unity Committee, recently appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly, has recommended the establishment of a six-year program designed to effectively address the “most challenging issue” of racial prejudice within the American Bahá’í community.
The program would begin with a “Year of Awareness” followed by a “Lustrum of Action” (a lustrum is a five-year period).
THE FIRST YEAR would include a self-evaluation and deepening program for individual believers designed to help them “assess privately their sensitivity to and awareness of racial issues.”
The self-evaluation would be buttressed by a deepening packet to assist the individual in working to eliminate undesirable racial attitudes.
Another feature of the first part of the proposed program would be the creation of deepening materials for Bahá’í communities.
These would be designed to help communities assess racial and ethnic diversity in their midst as well as the extent of minority group participation in community activities.
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What’s inside LAND IS located in Arizona for the proposed Southwest Bahá’í Institute. Page 4 ABOUT 300 Bahá’í youth participate in the first Northeastern Bahá’í Youth Conference in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Page 7 THE ASHEVILLE, North Carolina, Bahá’í community bestows its second annual Human Rights Award. Page 8 THE SECOND annual Corinne True Awards are presented at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. Page 17 |
Consultation would focus on community strengths and weaknesses, rather than on individual behavior.
The Race Unity Committee recommends that there be a twice-yearly deepening program on this subject to be prepared by the National Education Committee.
The committee has yet to outline its recommendations for eliminating all forms of racial prejudice in the American Bahá’í community, which is the goal of its proposed “Lustrum of Action.”
One recommendation is that the National Spiritual Assembly devote at least one full page in each issue of The American Bahá’í to editorials, passages from the Writings, readers’ comments, book reviews, cartoons, case studies, contests, inspirational stories and other materials relating to the “most challenging issue” of racial unity.
Mr. Khadem, Mr. Gibson set for Native Council appearance[edit]
The Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem and Amoz E. Gibson, a member of the Universal House of Justice, will be honored guests July 11-13 at the second Bahá’í Native Council for North America.
The Native Council, which is primarily for Native American believers and pioneers to Indian Reservations, will be held at the Bahá’í House of Worship and the National College of Education in Wilmette, Illinois.
AMOZ E. GIBSON
THE GATHERING is sponsored by the Continental Indigenous Council, which includes representatives from the U.S., Alaska and Canada.
The first Bahá’í Native Council for North America was held in October 1978 at the Yakima Indian Reservation in White Swan, Washington.
“Native consultation” (among American Indians only) at this year’s Council will center on four key topics:
- Who are we? (Spiritual destiny)
- What are the tasks before us? (The Seven Year Plan)
- What difficulties must we overcome?
- How can each individual assist?
Other highlights of the Native Council will include workshops on topics of interest and concern to Native American Bahá’ís; a traditional outdoor pow-wow to include guests from the Chicago Indian Center; a “native heritage” display of arts and crafts, as well as a “silent auction” of arts and crafts items to support construction of
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VIEWPOINT
Editorial
Notes on ‘the calamity’[edit]
Throughout the American Bahá’í community, there has been much talk of late about “the calamity.” World events of recent months have heightened the sense of alarm individuals feel about the future.
Fear of a world calamity has been a subject of recurrent concern. In the December 1948 issue of Bahá’í News, the National Spiritual Assembly published a statement that is equally relevant today:
“IT IS NATURAL for many persons, forewarned of approaching calamity of a general social nature, to think of some place of refuge that could be made ready for the flood’s rise.
“Among believers, too, for many years, one has heard discussion of what Bahá’ís could or should do, as, for example, prepare some tract of land in a quiet and retired agricultural area deemed comparatively safe from military attack or economic collapse or seizure by frantic hordes fleeing (according to this imaginary picture) from stricken industrial centers.
“The authoritative Bahá’í view is in direct opposition to this policy of retreat from chaos into an artificial refuge prepared in advance. The Báb and Bahá’u’lláh stood in the forefront of all the public calamities rained down upon Their Faith. The Master went forth to meet the powerful foe; He did not retire behind a mountain or seek to hide beneath a tree.
“Moreover, the position assigned to every faithful Bahá’í by the Manifestation has been definitely stated: ‘There is no place to flee to ...’ Our only refuge is trust in God. The Divine Plan makes no allowances for the instinct of self-preservation. It enlarges from year to year the tasks which Bahá’ís are to carry out.
“Stand wherever we are. Security is from the Will of God, and not from the schemes of men. The difference between the attitude of spiritual faith and the instinct of self-preservation lies here: that while both are aware of a future calamity, faith is also aware that calamity is the mystery which conceals from unfaith the mercy and protection of God.
“BAHÁ’U’LLÁH has built the Noah’s Ark for the world today. It is not a hideout, but a new World Order. The Bahá’ís themselves are building this ark as they spread the Faith in their local community or carry out a mission in Latin America or Europe.
“Your investment in security derives from dedication of soul, not purchase of land. The Bahá’í administrative order, aside from trustee property used for direct Bahá’í purposes, recognizes no cooperative schemes for development of so-called Bahá’í centers or Bahá’í economic experiments.
“This friendly advice would not be complete without reference to one more item—interpretation of prophecy. Human society is full of psychic personalities who stand on the fringes between reality and imagination. Many such persons claim to be interpreters of ancient prophecy. They can fix the very day and hour when the calamities are to begin, and describe vividly many of the actual details.
“To the Bahá’í, there is no sound and valid interpretation of prophecy nor forecast of social conditions save in the authentic Teachings of the Faith.”
The Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem addresses the 71st Bahá’í National Convention at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.
Council[edit]
Continued From Page 1
the Seat of the Universal House of Justice; an evening of contemporary entertainment by Native American believers; and a pioneer/non-Native session that will feature an exchange of ideas among pioneers and traveling teachers.
THE NATIVE Council will be followed by a series of teacher training sessions and short-term teaching opportunities among Native Americans this summer.
Children’s classes will be provided during the Council’s daytime sessions.
Registration is scheduled from noon Thursday, July 11, to noon the following day, with the first Council session at 9 a.m. Friday.
There will be a reception for early arrivals at 7 p.m. Thursday at the House of Worship.
Deepening in Covenant only refuge from chaos[edit]
By NATHAN RUTSTEIN
As Bahá’ís, we all know how important teaching is; we even know that we will be cut off from Divine assistance if we fail to teach.
Yet there are times, sometimes long stretches of time, when we don’t share the Message with others. And the longer we don’t, the more difficult it becomes to tell someone about the Faith.
In fact, we may even shrink from an opportunity when it arises, finding ourselves slipping further away from the power of the Covenant and drawing closer to the tinsel and glitter of a society that pretends sanity and wisdom as it degenerates into chaos and madness.
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The American Bahá’í
(USPS 042-430) Published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Second class postage paid at Wilmette, IL. Editor: Jack Bowers The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letters and other articles of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith. Articles should be written in a clear and concise manner; black and white glossy photos should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright © 1980 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. |
THE ENTICEMENT of the world sometimes seems stronger than the commitment to Bahá’u’lláh. We know that this is wrong, and it hurts to think about it—but we seem powerless to resist the temptations of living in a country that devotes much of its energy to creating superficial forms of happiness, developing an artificial paradise, and searching for a path to eternal youth in a jungle charged with desperation.
We are constantly bombarded by worldly attractions through radio, television, newspapers, magazines and events in our neighborhoods.
Dashing off to some uninhabited island or mountain peak is not the answer, because Bahá’u’lláh forbade asceticism, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá also appealed to us to “live in this world but not become a part of it.”
No doubt one wonders how he can function in this world and not allow its tumult and troubles to affect him.
How can he ride in a steaming subway, pressed against drunkards, dope addicts, crying babies and scowling parents, or be locked in a bumper-to-bumper traffic jam without becoming anxious or irritable, without lashing out?
“Perhaps ‘Abdu’l-Bahá could do that,” he might say to himself, “but it’s far too difficult for me.”
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This month’s article, “The Need to Deepen,” was written by Nathan Rutstein of Amherst, Massachusetts. Mr. Rutstein, an Auxiliary Board member and former NBC News editor, is a guest lecturer in education and psychology at American International University and is author of the book, Go Watch TV (Sheed and Ward, 1974). |
THE TRUTH IS that it isn’t easy to put into practice what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá urges. There are times, in fact, when it can be quite painful.
The Master knew that, for He said this world is “a workshop, not an art gallery,” where we spend a lifetime “strengthening and refining our character.”
While ‘Abdu’l-Bahá acknowledges the difficulties of moving against popular social currents to work at perfecting Bahá’í virtues and upholding Bahá’í standards, He assures us that it can be done, and even tells us how: “Look at Me, follow Me, be as I am.”
Obviously, He meant what He said. We can be as He was—not as “the Master,” as the “Mystery of God,” or as the chosen Interpreter of the Words of Bahá’u’lláh—but we can seriously try to live as He did.
If we dedicate ourselves to that end, we will surely grow spiritually; worldly temptations will become less alluring; we will find pleasure in teaching, and become happier beings.
And when we become willing and enthusiastic channels for spreading the Bahá’í Message, we will witness the growth of the Cause of God in our neighborhood, in our town, in our region.
EXPERIENCING that kind of growth will bring us joy, for what better way is there to fulfill our purpose as Bahá’ís than to help another soul embrace wholeheartedly the principle of the oneness of mankind.
Imagine, every time someone accepts Bahá’u’lláh the world moves closer toward realizing the unity of the human family; and every time we win a goal of a Divine Plan, another stitch is sewn in the great tapestry that will one day depict the Kingdom of God on earth.
Although the process of “living the life” as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did is simple, it isn’t easily executed. Worldly distractions, and a lifestyle based on years of experiences and habits as a non-Bahá’í, represent barriers to achieving that goal.
But these barriers can be broken through. And once that is accomplished, the process becomes easier to carry out. After a while—if done faithfully—it grows into joy, and the thought of stopping generates pain.
After all, how can one turn away from the Source of life that flows into him?
So breaking the barriers becomes the major objective. In our gimmick-oriented society, we look for a pill, or some mechanical technique, or an elaborate event, brute force, even deception to transcend deep-rooted obstacles.
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The American Bahá’í
(USPS 042-430) Published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Second class postage paid at Wilmette, IL. Editor: Jack Bowers The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letters and other articles of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith. Articles should be written in a clear and concise manner; black and white glossy photos should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright © 1980 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. |
NONE OF THESE things will lead to a genuine breakthrough. Only deepening will.
It’s true, we have heard and read much about the need to deepen. To some of us, in fact, the appeal has been made so often, and by so many different people, that the message no longer seems to penetrate.
The appeal is sometimes viewed as “nagging,” while the term “deepening” is considered a cliché.
Dragging someone to see a rainbow won’t do any good, because when he
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LETTERS
We ‘need’ Bahá’ís who can love, teach[edit]
To the Editor:
There appear to be two attitudes toward the Bahá’í Faith that are hopefully becoming one as time goes on.
One attitude is that in the “Golden Age” the Faith will assume world government proportions, operating world banks, wielding vast economic power, dispersing foodstuffs internationally, manifesting the trappings of organization and order.
The other attitude is that the fundamental purpose of the Faith of God is personal transformation, that is, to teach man to develop and reflect spiritual attributes such as kindness, patience, tolerance, generosity, and love.
THIS LATTER VIEW holds that man must depend upon the Holy Spirit for spiritual knowledge, the bounty of God for strength, and the grace of God for sustenance as he strives continually for detachment.
Detachment from the world, of course, means attachment to the things of God. To be detached is to love Bahá’u’lláh above all else.
As we look into the future, perhaps we do see a world in which Bahá’ís are regulating commerce and expounding cooperation and service, but that is not the case today.
Often we hear people say, “We need Bahá’í lawyers,” or, “We need Bahá’í bankers.”
While there is certainly nothing wrong with being a banker or a lawyer, what we “need” are Bahá’ís who are detached, who promote love above all else, who expound spiritual laws and strive to live by them.
We need Bahá’ís who have administrative qualities, such as loyalty, devotion, a well-trained mind, recognized ability, and mature experience to guide and expand our Divine institutions, the Local Spiritual Assemblies.
WE NEED Bahá’ís who are detached and filled with love, who can teach the Faith in its pure form, and to the heart. We need Bahá’ís who are devoted to the Cause, who are firm in the Covenant, who are forbearing, and who rely solely on God.
To this extent I agree with Carol Colman’s letter (December 1979): the goal of manifesting one’s spiritual qualities is far greater than striving to be president of the World Bank, however noble its aims or intentions.
While it is true that mankind has been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization, each individual has been created to manifest the gems that are hidden in the mine of his true and inmost self. These gems are the attributes of God.
The purpose in being a Bahá’í is to enrich the world through reflecting spiritual qualities, not to run it by sitting in its chairs of power.
Seattle, Washington
To the Editor:
One of the most delightful practices I have observed in my Bahá’í travels is that of the gift from an Assembly to each community member of a Bahá’í calendar or Bahá’í date book.
This makes it possible for each member of the community to function, to plan ahead for Feasts and Holy Days.
I believe we feel more united when we are well informed. What a nice thing for a Local Assembly or District Teaching Committee to do.
St. John, Virgin Islands
To the Editor:
For some time, I have been distressed by the fact that only about half of the Local Spiritual Assemblies in this country contribute regularly to the National Fund.
This is outrageous; it is the responsibility of the Local Assemblies to contribute. I would think that each member of an Assembly would be troubled unless and until he or his Assembly was contributing something—no matter how small—to the National Fund.
If a member of our family needed assistance, we would make every effort to help him or her. The Bahá’í Faith is our true family; it is our responsibility, as well as our privilege, to encourage our Local Assemblies to contribute to the National Fund.
Albany, California
To the Editor:
Divorce is becoming an increasingly regular occurrence among Bahá’ís.
The recent article, “Extracts From Letters Written on Behalf of the Guardian on Divorce” (Bahá’í National Review, February 1980), stressed the individual’s responsibility.
The duties of the Local Spiritual Assembly should also be emphasized.
In reviewing Guidelines for Local Spiritual Assemblies, a contrast regarding the Assembly’s responsibilities toward marriage and divorce becomes apparent.
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The American Bahá’í welcomes letters to the editor on any subject of general interest. Letters should be as brief as possible, and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address letters to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, 112 Linden Avenue. Wilmette, IL 60091. |
Referring to marriage, the Universal House of Justice writes:
“The obligation of the Spiritual Assembly is to ascertain that all requirements of civil and Bahá’í law have been complied with, and, having done so, the Assembly may neither refuse to perform the marriage ceremony nor delay it.” (Page 90)
The individuals have the major responsibility here, and the Assembly does not interfere. Rather, it encourages and nourishes these fortresses for well-being by providing the means for the growth of the community members.
The House of Justice also says, “There should be no intervention into the marital affairs of individuals in a Bahá’í community unless and until the parties themselves bring a problem to the Assembly. Prior to that it is not the business of the Assembly to counsel the parties.” (Page 93)
Thus the rights of the individual are fully protected.
However, when a couple comes to the Assembly to request a year of patience, the institution has the authority to assume a major role in preserving that fortress.
The Guidelines state that “...the Spiritual Assembly has the obligation of investigating the matter and the duty of trying to reconcile the parties before setting the date for the beginning of the year.” (Page 93)
The protection of the couple and the community is the primary concern. Everyone is hurt when a divorce occurs. So the institution must fully investigate through consultation with the parties involved, and strive to reconcile them.
If its efforts fail, then the starting date for the year of patience is set.
The Guidelines further state: “In setting the date for the beginning of the year of patience, the Assembly should recognize the date on which the couple separated with the intention of divorce, and not an earlier date than that.” (Page 93)
The individuals have the responsibility to attempt reconciliation, and it is their decision to separate with the intent of divorce.
As individuals, however, we need to realize that the Assembly can help us. Couples who are experiencing marital troubles should not hesitate to seek and follow the counsel of their divine institution, before the situation becomes irreparable.
Marriage is the start of the basic unit of society, the family. The Local Spiritual Assembly has the obligation to encourage and help preserve this fortress for well-being.
Shorewood, Wisconsin
To the Editor:
As a Bahá’í confined to a convalescent hospital, I feel isolated from the greater Bahá’í community.
There are several such Bahá’ís who are confined due to disabilities. We need the support of the community to help us feel we are an integral part of society.
I feel fortunate to have the Bahá’í Teachings to bolster an otherwise lonely, despondent life. I’m practicing the Bahá’í attributes, helping other patients feel less lonely.
THE MOST URGENT need is to feel independent and needed. We have more time to do menial tasks, so please don’t hesitate to visit and let us be included in Bahá’í activities and committees.
One way in which to help disabled people in convalescent homes may be to “adopt” a home for the year to visit and learn of the needs of residents.
Some of them need shoppers, readers, visitors. Also, many Bahá’ís have travelogs or films to share with those who are confined.
The most important gift would be the Teachings, and the knowledge that a new World Order is emerging.
By manifesting the qualities of love, service and compassion, you can help teach and meet nice people who can’t get out into the community. Why not arrange transportation to a Bahá’í picnic, a musical event, or just supper and a pleasant evening.
There are several church groups who visit and give services. This often confuses the residents because of their differences in interpreting the sacred writings.
With 1981 designated the UN Year of the Disabled, now is a perfect time to begin to practice the Bahá’í virtues and make a concerted effort to visit individuals and groups who are isolated through no fault of their own.
May the love of Bahá’u’lláh flow freely through the thousands of convalescent homes in the U.S.
Van Nuys, California
To the Editor:
I should like to add a word to the lively and interesting discussion in recent issues of The American Bahá’í in regard to Sydney Morrison’s review of the book, 239 Days.
It seems to me that an important aspect of the matter is “what is the purpose of book reviews in the Bahá’í context”?
My initial reaction to this question is that they should promote the intellectual and spiritual development of the Bahá’í community including, not least, the development of the reviewer and the author.
This no doubt implies in the first place an objective account of the basic content of the book that is reviewed, as suggested by some readers.
However, a review confined to that task has much less potential than one that also includes a clear and balanced assessment that is based on independent thought and supported by solid evidence, is frank yet just, constructive and courteous in presentation, and made with Bahá’í objectives in mind.
At first these standards may seem difficult to reconcile. For instance, in the non-Bahá’í press frankness is often equated with brutal disrespect for the feelings of others; on the other hand, courtesy is thought to imply blandness and a lack of intellectual vigor.
Yet such standards can be achieved with experience, sensitivity and spiritual maturity.
Of course, the learning experience can be painful unless we are detached. In the end, however, it will be worthwhile.
Meanwhile, my heart goes out to the Bahá’í who has given his all to write a book promoting the interests of the Faith and receives a harsh comment for his efforts.
Equally, I sympathize with the Bahá’í who courageously shoulders the task of trying to write a just and equitable review.
Vienna, Virginia
The Bahá’í community of Manatee County, Florida, sponsored this booth at the annual Manatee County Fair in January. The Bahá’í display, which prompted a number of questions about the Faith, was awarded a third place ribbon in the ‘public affairs’ category.
Loving tributes continue for poet Robert Hayden[edit]
GRIEVED PASSING ESTEEMED SERVANT CAUSE ROBERT HAYDEN. HIS NUMEROUS HONORS AND DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTION POETRY AMERICA ADDS LUSTRE ANNALS FAITH. KINDLY CONVEY TO FAMILY LOVING SYMPATHY ASSURANCE PRAYERS PROGRESS HIS SOUL.
February 28, 1980
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Memorial services for poet Robert E. Hayden, who died February 26 at his home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, were held recently in Ann Arbor, New Haven, Connecticut, and Amherst, Massachusetts.
Mr. Hayden, a Bahá’í for many years, was the author of more than half a dozen books of poetry and served in 1976-77 as consultant in poetry to the U.S. Library of Congress.
He served on the editorial board of World Order magazine to which he was a frequent contributor.
SOME 300 PEOPLE attended a memorial service April 5 in Ann Arbor, where Mr. Hayden was a professor of English at the University of Michigan.
Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Lemuel Johnson, associate professor of English at the University of Michigan, paid tribute there to the renowned Bahá’í poet.
The tribute included the reading of three of the Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, prayers by the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, and an excerpt concerning the progress of the soul after death from Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.
The memorial also featured musical performances and the reading of some of Mr. Hayden’s poetry.
The printed program featured a reproduction of a message of condolence to Mrs. Erma Hayden, the poet’s widow, from President Carter.
A group of about 50 faculty members, friends and admirers attended a memorial program for Mr. Hayden held April 8 at Yale University’s Davenport College in New Haven.
DR. FIRUZ Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly and master of Davenport College, served as master of ceremonies for the faculty-sponsored program.
Mrs. Hayden was present to hear each of the participating faculty members speak about their admired friend and to read a poem penned by him.
Michael Harper, a professor of English at Brown University, along with Yale University faculty members Charles Davis, Michael Cooke and Robert Stepto, presented eloquent and moving tributes to Mr. Hayden.
Phyllis Curtin, concert soprano and professor of music at Yale University, sang a song based on a text by Mr. Hayden.
Several of the participants, in speaking about the honored poet, mentioned his membership in the Bahá’í Faith.
Among those who attended was Dr. Magdalene M. Carney, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly.
The memorial service for Mr. Hayden held April 17 at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst attracted some 50 people. It was sponsored by the university’s Bahá’í Club.
AUXILIARY BOARD member Nathan Rutstein, the program chairman, described Mr. Hayden as a lover of God, a lover of mankind, and a man of sterling integrity.
Professor Julius Lester, a close friend and former student of Mr. Hayden’s, gave the keynote address, pointing out that Mr. Hayden was never hesitant to talk about being a Bahá’í.
“I think that his religion nurtured and sustained him through his long years of isolation,” said Mr. Lester, “and through the times of asserting his humanity in the face of whites and blacks who wanted to deny him that. I perceive that it (the Faith) gave him the courage to be whom God intended him to be.
“I cannot mourn the ending,” he added, “of a life that was lived so well.”
The program in Amherst included the reading of some of Mr. Hayden’s poetry and a song by Samuel Barber who was said by Mrs. Hayden to be one of her husband’s favorite composers.
“It is certainly a confirmation of his belief in his work to have him remembered in such a way,” Mrs. Hayden said in a letter to the program participants.
Participants in the April 17 memorial service for poet Robert Hayden at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst included (left to right) Kathy Harden; Auxiliary Board member Nathan Rutstein; and Professor Julius Lester, a close friend and former student of Mr. Hayden’s who delivered the main address.
Land located for Southwest Institute[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has located 40 acres of land on the Navajo Indian Reservation in northeastern Arizona for construction of the Southwest Bahá’í Institute.
The property is adjacent to Arizona Highway 201 near Interstate 40, just west of the Arizona-New Mexico state line. It is near a major bus route for Navajo children and near the center of Bahá’í Indian population in that area.
THE DECISION to consider the land for purchase followed a recent visit to the site by two representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly.
The representatives met with the recently-appointed seven-member Southwest Bahá’í Institute Project Committee. In addition, they heard comments from the approximately 30 people who attended a meeting to discuss the project.
The representatives of the National Assembly reported that they see “a full-scale institute emerging as the organization and needs of the Navajos are developed, possibly by the end of the Seven Year Plan.”
They suggested that the physical structures for the institute be inexpensive and largely locally designed and built.
The National Spiritual Assembly has heard recommendations that the new institute be used as a point of attraction for non-Bahá’í native people, as a place of worship, as a center for expansion and consolidation work, as a library resource center, and as a hospice and place for intertribal Bahá’í gatherings.
The idea for a Bahá’í institute on the Navajo Reservation was born during the 1978 Bahá’í National Convention, and steady efforts toward that end have taken place since that time.
Present members of the Southwest Bahá’í Institute Project Committee are Richard C. Birkey, Ben Kahn, Jeffrey Kiely, Howard McKinley and Moses Nakai from Arizona, and Mrs. Eva Castillo and Roger Coe from New Mexico.
Howard McKinley (left) and Ben Kahn, members of the Southwest Bahá’í Institute Project Committee, look over the 40-acre site near Pine Springs, Arizona, that was recently purchased by the National Spiritual Assembly as the home of the proposed institute.
Writers spotlighted[edit]
“Ecumenical Insights,” a Los Angeles-area radio program whose producer-host, George Hill, is a Bahá’í, is presenting a series of interviews in May and June with people in the secular media whose beat is religion.
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New! ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
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Among those scheduled to participate in the series are Russell Chandler, religion writer for the Los Angeles Times; Carol Hemingway, host of Religion on the Line on KABC Radio; Virgie Murray, religion editor of the Los Angeles Sentinel; John Dart, religion writer for the Los Angeles Times, and Beth MacKenzie, producer of Odyssey on KNBC-TV, Los Angeles.
“Ecumenical Insights,” a Unity Award-winning program, is aired each Tuesday on KSUL Radio in Los Angeles.
[Page 5]
THE FUNDS
Treasurer’s report notes record contributions level[edit]
Highlights of the Treasurer’s Report to the 71st Bahá’í National Convention:
•
We are delighted by the record level of contributions to the National Fund this year. Even more exciting is the news that over $2.5 million was sent through the National Fund earmarked for the World Centre; many other contributions were sent directly to Haifa.
This is a thrilling demonstration of devotion and generosity on the part of the American Bahá’í community.
In spite of the increased support for the National Fund, the combined total of contributions, estate bequests, and other income fell short of our expectations.
We must now re-evaluate our plans for the coming year and seek ways to reduce expenditures. While such measures will help erase the present deficit, the current situation requires that we address a number of far-reaching issues.
What are the financial priorities of the American Bahá’í community? What fiscal actions are necessary to ensure victory for the Seven Year Plan? What can we do to increase participation by Assemblies, Groups and individuals?
The issues we are facing are serious, but it is during times such as these that the American community has demonstrated its greatest strength.
Confronting the challenges ahead, let us follow the guidance of the Universal House of Justice to “...seize the opportunities of the hour, and go forward confident that all things are within His mighty grasp and that, if we but play our part, total and unconditional victory will inevitably be ours.”
Participation[edit]
The average number of individual believers contributing directly to the National Fund increased by 10 percent this year—an average of 2,300 individual contributions were received each month as compared with 2,100 last year.
National Bahá’í Fund—Individual Participation (monthly average)
The monthly average of Assemblies contributing to the National Fund dropped from 700 last year to 680 this year. Participation figures for Local Spiritual Assemblies have remained the same for the past five years.
National Bahá’í Fund—Assembly Participation (monthly average)
Contributions[edit]
Contributions from individuals grew from $1.55 million last year to $1.8 million—an increase of 14 per cent.
Contributions from Assemblies and Groups grew from $1.65 million to $1.75 million—a 4 per cent increase.
Total contributions were up 13 per cent—from $3.17 million to $3.6 million. This year’s goal was $3.96 million.
National Bahá’í Fund—Contributions
Revenue and Expenditures[edit]
Revenue (contributions, estate bequests, and other income) was budgeted at $5.3 million. $4.8 million was received.
Expenditures were budgeted at $5.3 million. $5.2 million was spent.
$250,000—25 per cent of this year’s estate bequests—was set aside for capital projects.
The combined effect of the money received less the money spent or set aside for capital projects resulted in a decrease in the Fund balance of $290,000.
National Bahá’í Fund—Revenue and Expenditures
ADDRESSES OF FUNDS
- National Bahá’í Fund
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, IL 60091
- Continental Bahá’í Fund
- 418 Forest Avenue
- Wilmette, IL 60091
- Bahá’í International Fund
- P.O. Box 155
- Haifa, Israel 31-000
(Note to Persian believers: The obligation to contribute to these Funds is separate from the Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh. For information on Ḥuqúqu’lláh, write to K. Kazemzadeh, 15276 De Pauw St., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272.)
Supporting Bahá’í Fund is a ‘sacred obligation’[edit]
This is the second in a series of articles on the basic principles of the Bahá’í Fund prepared by the Office of the Treasurer.
•
The obligation to contribute
“It is the sacred obligation of every conscientious and faithful servant of Bahá’u’lláh who desires to see His Cause advance, to contribute freely and generously for the increase of (the) Fund.” (Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’í Administration, pp. 41-42)
A trait characteristic of Americans is to regard anything that hints of a duty or obligation as an infringement upon their personal rights.
The instinct is to rebel—to refuse to do anything presented as compulsory. One way to overcome this tendency is to recognize that obeying the laws and ordinances established by Bahá’u’lláh promotes a happy and fulfilled life.
BAHÁ’U’LLÁH wrote: “Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws. Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice wine with the fingers of might and power.”
It is as though God has spread out a magnificent banquet and invited us to partake of its bounty, promising that the food will be good for us even though it might at first be strange to the taste.
There are daily obligatory prayers in the Bahá’í Faith. In the beginning this practice may seem foreign to a new Bahá’í, and it may be a difficult habit to acquire.
But with perseverance, it will not be long before the benefits of obeying this law of God become evident.
Developing the habit of giving to the Bahá’í Fund may also require some time and effort, but the effect of each sacrificial act will be felt immediately. Only Bahá’ís can give ...
Contributions to the Bahá’í Fund help to build the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. This means that our money supports the work of Bahá’í institutions—Local and National Spiritual Assemblies, the Universal House of Justice, and the Continental Boards of Counsellors.
The Guardian wrote: “...it should be remembered that these specific Bahá’í institutions, which should be viewed in the light of Bahá’u’lláh’s gifts bestowed upon the world, can best function and most powerfully exert their influence in the world only if reared and maintained solely by the support of those who are fully conscious of, and are unreservedly submissive to, the claims inherent in the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.” (Bahá’í Administration, pp. 182-184)
BECAUSE ONLY a Bahá’í can begin to understand the sacred nature of the institutions established by Bahá’u’lláh, only Bahá’ís are allowed the privilege of supporting the work of the Faith financially.
This principle will enable the Bahá’í Faith to remain pure—free from the influence of outside pressures.
For example, when a politician runs for office, he asks people to contribute toward the expenses of his campaign. Once he is elected, the people who gave him money might ask for favors he would then feel obliged to grant.
We would not want to see the Faith put in a similar situation. Bahá’ís give out of their love for Bahá’u’lláh, and would never think of attempting to influence the decisions of the divinely-ordained institutions that administer the affairs of the Faith.
NOTES ... from the Treasurer[edit]
‘Sacrifice’ tape well received ...
We are receiving calls and letters of appreciation from around the country for the recently distributed tape, “The Spirit of Sacrifice,” that features a talk by Auxiliary Board member Nat Rutstein.
Individual believers are asking how they can obtain personal copies. Because the Office of the Treasurer only has enough tapes for Assemblies and Groups, we are giving permission to individuals who desire a copy to duplicate the tape that was mailed to their community.
Fund Fun ...
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Wheaton, Illinois, recently wrote: “Our community has found a fun and successful fund-raising activity!
“We rent silent movies from our local library for 10 cents. Members of the community provide refreshments and we hold a ‘movie night.’
A donation is charged at the door, and there is a charge for refreshments (cookies 10 cents, lemonade 25 cents, popcorn, fruit, etc.).
“Of course, if non-Bahá’ís attend, there is no charge for them (unless their Bahá’í friend wishes to pay for them), and there is no charge for anyone who cannot afford to pay.
“In this way we have been able to raise more than $100. It’s a social activity, and when non-Bahá’ís attend it usually becomes a fireside too.”
Lifeblood in action ...
Since the outbreak of difficulties in Iran, the number of Persian believers residing in this country has increased sizeably—so much so, in fact, that last October the National Spiritual Assembly appointed a Persian Affairs Committee and recently established a Persian office at the Bahá’í National Center.
The creation of this vital committee and office, which was not included in the original budget for fiscal 1980, makes it even more urgent that we meet our budgeted contributions goal.
Some of the important activities they are accomplishing include:
- Safeguarding the Faith by verifying the credentials of Persian believers.
- Corresponding with the Persian friends in the Farsi language, including a special Persian section in The American Bahá’í. This required the purchase of a special Persian typewriter.
- Planning and executing Persian conferences. Five regional conferences were held in February.
- Providing assistance to Persian believers to relocate to foreign and domestic pioneer posts.
[Page 6]
YOUTH NEWS
Saginaw Youth Conference draws more than 100[edit]
More than 100 Bahá’í youth from five states and two Canadian provinces participated April 4-6 in the Saginaw Valley, Michigan, Bahá’í Youth Conference.
Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem participated as a guest speaker and conference workshop leader.
Other speakers included assistants to the Auxiliary Board Sundra Moyyad of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Pat Chadwick of Alpena, Michigan, and Vic Voytek of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada.
THE WEEKEND conference, held at Saginaw Valley State College, featured “how-to” workshops on overcoming shyness in teaching, developing proper spiritual habits, and organizing a conference.
Other workshops covered teaching, pioneering, pilgrimage, and U.S. goals for youth.
Each workshop was offered twice to enable youth to attend sessions of particular interest to them.
Samuel Clark, a member of the Louhelen Project Committee, addressed an audience of adult believers, describing plans for the reconstruction of the Louhelen Bahá’í School near Davison, Michigan, and explaining the need for financial assistance to help carry forward those plans.
Sharon Allen of Decatur, Georgia, a member of the National Youth Committee, led deepening sessions on Bahá’í administration and helped to conduct an election for members of the Michigan Youth Committee.
Two teenagers declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh during the two-day conference.
As a follow-up to the event, a weekend of deepening and outdoor sports was scheduled for June 14-15 near Gaylord, Michigan.
Sharon Allen of Decatur, Georgia (far left), a member of the National Youth Committee, conducts a deepening session at the Saginaw Valley (Michigan) Bahá’í Youth Conference.
Laurie D’Andrade of Wilmette, Illinois, who became a Bahá’í four years ago at the age of seven, talks things over with Clayton Taylor of the Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office staff.
Laurie: quite an unusual child[edit]
“ ...no man should blindly follow his ancestors and forefathers. Nay, each must see with his own eyes, hear with his own ears and investigate the truth himself...” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í World Faith, p. 246)
•
Laurie D’Andrade of Wilmette, Illinois, is an unusual Bahá’í child. At age 11, she possesses an extremely large vocabulary, regularly reads World Order magazine, has read at least 10 Bahá’í books including The Dawn-Breakers, Gleanings, and Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, has sung in the Bahá’í choir at the House of Worship, and has memorized the medium-length Obligatory Prayer.
Laurie’s non-Bahá’í family moved to the area near the House of Worship when she was five. She saw the Temple on one occasion then, she recalls, and was fascinated by its architecture.
She remembers walking to the House of Worship for a closer look when, as a seven-year-old, she was sent on shopping errands by her mother.
AFTER TALKING about the Faith with Michael Carr, a member of the House of Worship Activities Office staff, Laurie decided that she wanted to become a Bahá’í.
“My mother thought that seven was a little young to choose one’s religion,” she says, “but she told me I was mature, and said she trusted my judgment.”
There was no hesitation. Laurie asked her parents to sign the enrollment form, and soon afterward she began attending Bahá’í children’s classes and the Nineteen Day Feast, and contributing to the Fund.
Laurie is the eldest of three D’Andrade children. Both of her parents are faculty members at the University of Illinois Chicago Circle campus.
Although her father teaches the philosophy of religion as well as mathematics, Laurie’s parents have no formal religious affiliation.
ACCORDING TO LAURIE, her sixth grade teacher says she reads on an adult level. In addition to Bahá’í-oriented books, Laurie enjoys gothic mysteries. Among her favorite authors is Dorothy Sayers.
In school, Laurie’s teachers often give her extra work because she finishes the required assignments quickly and seldom needs to take school work home.
While such intellectual prowess could set a child apart from her peers, Laurie hasn’t let that happen.
She leads the sort of active and well-rounded life that is typical of someone her age. She baby-sits, and says she thoroughly enjoys it.
She likes ice skating and swimming as well as making rugs from kits, collecting rare coins, hand-knitting and sewing.
Laurie’s enthusiasm for Bahá’í activities can be seen regularly in the Wilmette Bahá’í community and whenever she visits her “favorite building,” the Bahá’í House of Worship on Linden Avenue.
Comment[edit]
Continued From Page 2
arrives he’ll already be too upset to appreciate its beauty. He must want to go.
Many of us have, at one time or another, suffered from spiritual inertia, or what is more popularly called apathy.
We know what is good for us, but we somehow lack the motivation to do what is right.
What a pity, when you consider that the Divine Physician has diagnosed our ailment and perfected the cure, while we either take it half-heartedly or, worse, rarely use it.
ACTUALLY, it doesn’t make sense to accept the Physician while ignoring His “wholesome medicine.” And think what He had to endure to provide us with “the elixir of His potent Revelation.”
Banished from His native land, He was poisoned, jeered at, stoned, spat upon, ridiculed, and spent 40 years as a prisoner.
Perhaps it is a blessing that we are reminded from time to time to deepen, because eventually some of us will be moved by the appeal.
If there were no continual call to deepen, the spiritual light within our heart might flicker and die. Then what? A headlong plunge into the whirlpool of a deranged world?
Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and now the Universal House of Justice urge us to deepen, not only for our spiritual growth but also for our protection:
“ ...Armed with the power of Thy name nothing can ever harm me,” Bahá’u’lláh reveals, “and with Thy love in my heart all the world’s afflictions can in no wise alarm me.”
POTENTIALLY, we are all capable of attaining that kind of spiritual strength. A commitment to deepen, and doing it regularly, will arm us with the power of God’s name.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, whom we are asked to emulate, deepened every day of His life. He understood that deepening to a human soul is like water and sunlight to a rose.
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Many of us expect instant transformation, and when that doesn’t happen, we sometimes stop trying. But as you know, a rose doesn’t always look like a rose.
The lovely flower starts as a lowly seed, and in spite of being nourished with water and sunlight, it takes time before the seed breaks through the soil—and blossoms.
‘Bahá’í’ in crossword[edit]
The March 1980 issue of the magazine “Official Crossword Puzzles” (Dell Publishing Company) includes on Page 39 the question “modern religion” in one of its crosswords, and the five-letter answer “Bahá’í” on Page 62.
[Page 7]
YOUTH NEWS
Massachusetts hosts Northeast youth[edit]
By DAVID OGRON
About 300 Bahá’í youth from New England and the East Coast states of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania participated April 4-6 in the first annual Northeastern Bahá’í Youth Conference in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
The conference, at Holyoke Community College, was sponsored by the Auxiliary Board. It was open to youth 12 years of age or older.
By the close of the weekend’s activities, which included talks, discussion groups, songs, live entertainment, and dancing, four of the non-Bahá’í youth who were present had declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.
THE PURPOSE of the conference, according to Nat Rutstein, an Auxiliary Board member for New England and New York, was “to reacquaint youth with the Teachings of the Faith; to inspire and fortify them, and, hopefully, to give them an insight into teaching.”
Speakers at the conference, in addition to Mr. Rutstein, included Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Auxiliary Board member Robert Harris.
Workshop sessions for groups of about 10 youth were designed to foster a Bahá’í perspective in their daily lives as well as to inspire them to deepen and to teach.
Sessions were offered for youth ages 12 to 14 and for those from 15 to 25.
Eighteen of the 30 workshop facilitators were assistants to the two Auxiliary Board members involved in the conference.
Other facilitators included members of the Spiritual Assembly of South Hadley, Massachusetts, which was responsible for physical arrangements for the conference.
DR. KAZEMZADEH, recalling examples of youthful martyrs in the early years of the Faith, said, “All of us are called upon to give our lives—some in an instant when the sword flashes or the rope tightens. For others of us, that giving will last 80 or 90 years.”
He stressed the advantages of youth, saying: “Perhaps the early leaders of the Faith were young because one is flexible in youth and open to new ideas. One loses this as he grows older.”
Questions from the audience focused on the present crisis for Bahá’ís in Iran.
Dr. Kazemzadeh described how the situation in Iran has opened previously unavailable avenues to proclamation and public attention for the Faith, as has been the case throughout its history.
“There is no one way to have a crisis,” he said. “Crises come in all shapes and forms. And if there are no crises, nothing happens.
“There is an old Russian proverb,” the professor of Russian history at Yale University continued, “that says, ‘If the thunder doesn’t strike, the peasant does not cross himself.’ ”
MR. RUTSTEIN, describing the Writings as being filled with growth potential, told his listeners: “You are a seed, a potential rose.”
Individual growth, he said, implies deepening, while community growth refers to teaching.
“Deepening is not just reading and knowing the Creative Word,” said Mr. Rutstein. “Meditation should be a regular part of our deepening experience. This is the nourishment for the development of this rose seed that we all are.
“Unless we deepen, we are not truly alive.”
Mr. Harris compared the challenges facing Bahá’í youth in the light of today’s moral standards as akin to trying to swim up Niagara Falls.
He encouraged the youth to read, study and love The Advent of Divine Justice, and offered “three easy rules” for meeting today’s unique challenges.
FIRST, HE SAID, know that you have a soul: “Feel it, nourish it, cuddle it.”
Second, turn to your Creator for sustenance, courage and strength.
Third, do what you were created to do: “Don’t be like an aardvark trying to act like a representative to the UN.
“Be patient with yourself,” said Mr. Harris. “God is very patient with us.”
The rising spirit of the conference reached a peak near its close when, after a youth from Rochester, New York, declared his belief, those on stage and in the auditorium stood, held hands, and sang “Alláh’u’Abhá.”
This was followed by the spontaneous chanting of prayers in Persian, and the recitation of prayers in English while everyone stood hand-in-hand.
ROBERT HARRIS
DR. FIRUZ KAZEMZADEH
Nkrumah Olinga (standing) of Springfield, Massachusetts, conducts a workshop session during the first Northeastern Bahá’í Youth Conference held April 4-6 at Holyoke, Massachusetts.
7 regional conferences in June[edit]
It doesn’t matter where you live—Nevada, New Mexico, Nebraska, Arkansas, Maine—a Regional Youth Conference is being planned especially for you!
In the Northwest, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, will host a regional conference June 20-22 at a lovely outdoor retreat.
The youth in that area are working closely with the host Assembly to have the best youth conference the area has ever seen, one that includes nationally known speakers and entertainers.
THEY ALSO HOPE to have the Canadian Bahá’í community represented at the conference.
San Diego, California, is the site of the West Coast regional conference June 20-22. This conference should draw the largest number of people of any of the seven, so be sure to make your reservations early.
The Rocky Mountain regional conference will be held June 20-22 at Fort Collins, Colorado. This area, too, is quite beautiful, and should be an idyllic, inspirational spot for youth to gather together.
Fort Worth, Texas, and Evanston, Illinois, will host conferences June 27-29, covering the Southwestern and Midwestern areas of the country.
The Evanston conference has the added bounty of being quite close to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.
The regional conference for the South will be held June 27-29 in Birmingham, Alabama, and it looks as though it will lead to the formation of a number of District Youth Committees in that area.
The regional conference for the Northeast will be held June 20-22 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
THE OVER-ALL theme for these Regional Youth Conferences is “Meeting the Challenge of a Changing World—Individual and World Perspectives.”
Their primary purpose is to encourage the participation of youth in summer projects: teaching, consolidation, and service.
Auxiliary Board members will be present at each conference. Also, a member or members of the National Youth Committee will participate as keynote speakers.
Also on the agenda will be an audiovisual presentation, entertainment, workshops and recreation.
The National Youth Committee hopes that every Bahá’í youth will try to attend the conference in his or her area.
These conferences can be your way to launch a special summer of service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
Editorial
Youth must accept, love others[edit]
“The Guardian is looking to the youth of America to raise the Banner of the Faith to ever higher and more glorious heights...” (From a letter dated August 8, 1957, written on behalf of the Guardian; taken from “Bahá’í Youth: A Compilation”)
This quote represents a new awareness within the American Bahá’í community of youth. It means that we, as youth, must accept a certain amount of responsibility in many aspects of our individual and community lives.
AS A YOUTH, and mostly as a Bahá’í who understands the difficulties of “living a Bahá’í life” in this society, I have one outstanding concern that affects all of us, individually and collectively.
Have you ever been at a Bahá’í gathering when you noticed someone who was different from the rest of the crowd, whether he or she was outspoken or even withdrawn?
Too many times, in this situation, I have seen people being treated unfairly and often prejudged; and too many times someone has been hurt.
These are the times at which we must take to heart the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “...Beware lest ye offend any heart ...”
It is imperative that we accept all people for who they are. Bahá’u’lláh tells us that no two people are alike, so why must we constantly compare ourselves to others and place expectations on those around us?
After all, accepting all people is what the Bahá’í Faith is all about. And because of this, we often find all types of people embracing the Cause.
WE ALL MUST BEGIN to build in earnest this glorious new World Order that we talk about so much; but before it can happen throughout the world, it must happen within our hearts.
If each one of us will only make an effort to become more aware of this wonderful diversity, and to make every soul feel accepted and sincerely loved in this Faith by simply taking an interest in each other, then the love we have will shine through every calamity that befalls us, and will be glorious for all the world to see.
(Submitted by Karin Ryan of San Diego, California, a member of the National Youth Committee.)
[Page 8]
PROCLAMATION
Milwaukee area Bahá’ís performed for participants at two Bahá’í-sponsored ‘Learning Fairs’ last November and February at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Shown onstage (left to right) are Layli Phillips, Talia Johnson, Gerald Johnson, Jean White Marks, Susan Engle, Sandra Maestro and Michael Moutrie.
2 ‘Learning Fairs’ held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Shorewood, Wisconsin, sponsored two “Learning Fairs” last November and February at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.
Approximately 85 non-Bahá’ís attended the family-oriented programs that were based on a similar event in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada.
The Shorewood Assembly learned of the Canadian community’s event from Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland.
THE FIRST FAIR, on November 17, honored the United Nations International Year of the Child. It was held under the joint sponsorship of the Spiritual Assembly of Shorewood and the Bahá’í Clubs at the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University.
The fair featured nine workshop sessions, an evening program of entertainment, and a children’s art contest.
The second “Learning Fair,” held February 23, was built around the theme “A Celebration of the Family.” It utilized a format similar to the first event.
Publicity for the first fair included several radio interviews, public service announcements, posters, and a mayoral proclamation.
The second fair was publicized via an hour-long radio talk show that was devoted entirely to the forthcoming Bahá’í-sponsored event.
Several Bahá’ís who later served as workshop leaders were interviewed on the program.
Asheville Bahá’ís present 2nd Human Rights Award[edit]
Approximately 100 people, more than half of whom were not Bahá’ís, were present last December 9 at the Sheraton Motor Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, for the second annual Human Rights Award banquet sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Asheville.
The award winner was Mrs. E. Thelma Caldwell, former executive director of the Asheville YWCA.
The presentation was made by Miss Ronda McLendon, a Bahá’í youth from Asheville.
THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER carried three articles and two photographs relating to the event, and on the Friday following the Sunday gathering, praised the Bahá’í community and Mrs. Caldwell editorially, saying:
“Her selection for the prestigious Human Rights Award not only recognizes Mrs. Caldwell’s services, but reflects highly on the presenters’ good judgment in naming her the winner.”
When the historic decision was made by the YWCA’s board of directors to open the facility to women of all races, Mrs. Caldwell was asked to serve as its acting executive director.
Later, because of her outstanding leadership, she was hired as executive director of the Asheville YWCA, thus becoming the first black in the South and only the second in the nation to hold such a position.
In 1975, Mrs. Caldwell spent a year in New Guinea for the national YWCA, helping the native women in a program to enable them to assume leadership in their local organization.
As pointed out at the award presentation, Mrs. Caldwell “has nurtured the spirit of unity wherever she has served; has persisted in the elimination of degrading treatment of human beings; has fostered the equality of social, cultural, and educational rights for all people; and has conscientiously worked toward unifying peoples of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds.”
MANY OF MRS. Caldwell’s friends and co-workers joined the Bahá’í community in saluting her exemplary contributions toward the furtherance of human rights.
The banquet itself represented a community effort by the Bahá’ís of Asheville.
Sherrill Hughey presented the keynote address, “On Becoming More Human.”
Kathy Reimer, who spent considerable time interviewing Mrs. Caldwell, provided those in attendance with a moving account of Mrs. Caldwell’s many accomplishments.
A handsome canvas banner, lettered by calligrapher Michael Hughey, lent colorful decoration to the ceremony. Mr. Hughey also designed attractive banquet programs.
Jerry and Nancy McLendon arranged an outstanding musical program, taking full advantage of an organ loaned free of charge by a local music store.
Wayne Eury, from the neighboring Buncombe County Bahá’í community, provided photographic coverage of the event.
Dan Reimer of Asheville served as master of ceremonies at the banquet.
In a letter of appreciation to the Spiritual Assembly of Asheville, Mrs. Caldwell said that receiving the award ranks as one of the high points in her life.
Mrs. E. Thelma Caldwell (second from left), former executive director of the Asheville, North Carolina, YWCA, receives the second annual Human Rights Award presented last December 9 by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Asheville. With Mrs. Caldwell (left to right) are her husband, Ernest Caldwell, and Bahá’ís Ronda McLendon and Kathy Reimer of the Asheville community who presented the award.
Persian youth top student[edit]
Hussein Hashemi, a 13-year-old Bahá’í from Isfahan, Iran, who now lives in Montgomery, West Virginia, was chosen seventh grade Student of the Month last November at the Montgomery Middle School.
The students are chosen each month by their teachers on the basis of attitude, academic achievement, attendance, personal appearance, extracurricular activities, classroom participation, and peer group relationships.
Hussein, who arrived in the U.S. last spring, lives with an older brother, Ziaollah Hashemi, a student at West Virginia Tech in Montgomery.
Hussein’s selection as Student of the Month was published in the local newspaper, which noted that he is a Bahá’í and plans a career in civil engineering.
The Bahá’í children’s class of the Village of Hamburg, New York, presented an original puppet show, ‘The Green Grump Finds Unity,’ during an Ayyám-i-Há party February 29 that was attended by 13 Bahá’ís and 23 non-Bahá’í guests. Carl Cole (right) was the voice of the ‘Green Grump’; Charlene and Gregory Love handled Charlie Chipmunk, Robbie Rabbit, Millie Mouse and Susie Squirrel who taught the Grump that you can’t find happiness until you give it away, and that unity comes from working together. The audience enthusiastically joined the puppets in singing the ‘Happiness Song’ at the end of the show. Games and refreshments followed.
[Page 9]
IGC: PIONEERING
Letters ... from pioneers
‘Wonderful changes’ in Chile[edit]
Katherine Meyer has been pioneering to Chile for more than 30 years. After visiting the States for several months, she returned to her post and writes:
“It’s beautiful to be able to return to a place where you had worked so hard, years before, so that a new Bahá’í community could be established.
“So often you see wonderful developments. In February, I was happily present at the inauguration of the first Bahá’í country grade school in South America, perhaps in all of the Americas. It was erected in Loncupulle, one of the earliest Mapuche Bahá’í communities in Chile.
“The talented ‘Conjunto Arthachaña’ came from Santiago to sing and play for more than 80 Loncupulle Bahá’ís who were present. I remember having gone there often on Sundays when their demanding farm work could be put aside for awhile, arriving sometimes partly by bus, the rest of the way on foot, sometimes the entire distance on horseback.
“AT TIMES, 40 or more came to these early meetings. We sat outdoors in the shade of a large tree. Many eagerly accepted Bahá’u’lláh.
“I remember that several of them asked shyly if a Bahá’í school could be built there for the education of their children and those from nearby areas. Well, all I could say at the time was that I hoped this could happen, and soon.
“Considering how one gauges time, it did happen soon, although the question was put to me almost 10 years ago. They now have a handsome, well-built, sturdy school, with all the work done by Bahá’ís—they came from various parts of Chile to participate, several pioneers from the U.S. and Persia among them, one of those directing the construction work and, of course, the Loncupulle Bahá’ís also helped.
“Beginning this school year, in March, two loving and able Bahá’ís, accredited grade school teachers, are giving both academic and religious education to the children of the area and to adults as well. Beautiful, isn’t it?”
•
Muriel Miessler went with her family to Brazil more than 33 years ago, and has served as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil for 19 years. Although her husband, Edmund, passed away three years ago, she and their two children, Bob and Margot, continue to serve the Faith in their adopted country. She writes:
“It has been a gloriously happy and satisfying life, in spite of our ‘tests’ which, like everyone else’s, have been many.
“But we have watched the Brazilian Bahá’í community grow from two Local Spiritual Assemblies to 144 Assemblies last Riḍván as well as 411 localities.
“We will surely reach close to 175 or more Assemblies soon, with 500 localities, spreading from the eastern seaboard north to the border, and northwest through the entire Amazon River country.
“The youth are wonderful, and during their summer vacation they traveled to every part of the country. We now have two or three boats going up and down the Amazon River, traveling tremendous distances on its branches, to spread the Message.
“It is very rewarding to have seen it from the beginning up to now, and to dream about the tremendous destiny that this Bahá’í community must have in the future. We know that this is happening all over the world—how wonderfully confirming!”
Forty-five Bahá’ís, the largest group this year, participated in the Pioneer Training Institute held April 3-6 in Wilmette, Illinois. Participants were making plans to pioneer to the Leeward and Virgin Islands, Belize, Mexico, Denmark, Brazil, South Africa, Japan, Ecuador, Nigeria, Barbados and the Windward Islands, Tanzania, El Salvador, Peru, Nicaragua, Hong Kong and Fiji. One of the participants represented the Spiritual Assembly of Indianapolis, Indiana, gathering information to be passed on to prospective pioneers in that community.
Friends arise to meet goals[edit]
Following is a listing of Bahá’ís from the United States who have filled U.S. overseas goals for the Seven Year Plan since Riḍván 1979:
•
Sandra Chaffin (Costa Rica); Sara Frye (Falkland Islands); Saeed Sadeghpour (Nicaragua); Karen Berson (Turks/Caicos Islands); Michael Hiebl (Venezuela); Susanna and John Sutton (Windward Islands).
Andrea Roth (Venezuela); Zakir Merchant (Belize); Terry Rex Wilson (Guatemala); Mehran Moazez (Guatemala); Hamed and Virginia Parsiani (Honduras); Bruce DeVelle Curry (Leeward/Virgin Islands).
Florence and Marc Towers (Leeward/Virgin Islands); Ted Lucas (Nicaragua); Marian Earl Brettner (Bermuda); Carolyn Buckley (Honduras); Robert Vedovi (Venezuela); Terry and Shahla Gillbanks (Barbados).
Jim and Barbara Carr (Leeward/Virgin Islands); Julie Armbruster (Leeward/Virgin Islands); Darlene Hodge (Surinam); Becky Caldwell (Cameroon Republic); Patricia and Ash Hartwell (Lesotho).
Hugh Dufner (Tanzania); Daniel Salter (Togo); Richard Kochmann (Zaire); Renee and Eric Waldman (The Netherlands); Dari Thomas (Norway); Darrell Vice (Sweden); Laura Herzog (Lesotho); Christine Hoyt (Mexico).
Kenneth Haley (Mexico); Grace Dean (Mexico); Mary McDonald (Mexico); Kathleen LeMone (Mexico); Priscilla Banks (Mexico); Carolyn Lonning (Mexico).
Laurie Blackley (Mexico); Ihsanullah Muyyad (Mexico); Steve Angel (Mexico); Loretta Rogers (Mexico); Fazlullah Imani (Mexico).
Bahamas project beckons to youth[edit]
The International Goals Committee is calling for Bahá’í youth to join a teaching project in the Bahamas from July 19-August 17.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahamas would like to have teams of youth (over the age of 18) for teaching work in West End, New Providence, and Grand Bahama.
Approximate round trip air fares are: from Atlanta, $260; from Miami, $86; from New York City, $242. The cost of room and board is in addition to transportation costs.
If you are interested, please contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
U.S. Bahá’ís needed for Mexico teaching[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico is planning an intensive teaching project in the State of Chihuahua (contiguous with Texas) from July 4 to July 30, and invites Spanish-speaking Bahá’ís from the U.S. to join in this effort.
Direct teaching using the blue book, “La Fe Bahá’í,” will be used.
Expenses while in Mexico should be approximately $80 a week. Transportation to and from Chihuahua is extra.
For further information, please contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
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[Page 10]
NATIONAL CONVENTION
71st Convention: a kaleidoscope of activity[edit]
Continued From Page 1
the institutions of the Faith in Iran, especially the Auxiliary Boards and Local Spiritual Assemblies.
Mr. Khadem lifted the spirits of delegates and visitors alike with moving reminiscences of the early days of the Faith and of his many enlightening conversations with the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi.
Referring to the inevitable triumph of God’s Cause over all the forces that are leagued against it, the Hand of the Cause quoted the words of the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:
“There is a power in this Cause—a mysterious power—far, far, far away from the ken of men and angels; that invisible power is the cause of all these outward activities.
“IT MOVES the hearts. It rends the mountains. It administers the complicated affairs of the Cause. It inspires the friends. It dashes into a thousand pieces all the forces of opposition. It creates new spiritual worlds.
“This is the mystery of the Kingdom of Abhá!” (Star of the West, Vol. 11, Nov. 23, 1920, p. 243)
The four-day Convention’s final session, on Sunday, April 27, was preceded by a memorial service for poet Robert E. Hayden, who died February 26 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and included a brief tribute to the three Hands of the Cause of God—Enoch Olinga, Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir, and Hasan M. Balyuzi—who died within the last seven months.
Introduced at the closing session were the members of the National Spiritual Assembly who had been elected the previous day to serve for the coming year.
The National Assembly members are Judge James F. Nelson, chairman; Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman; Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary; Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, treasurer; Dr. Magdalene M. Carney, assistant secretary; Dr. Dwight W. Allen; Mrs. Soo Fouts; Dr. Daniel C. Jordan; and Franklin Kahn.
One of the Convention’s most dramatic moments came during the final session when the National Spiritual Assembly unveiled a new program, entitled “The Rhythm of Growth,” that is being developed to help individuals, Groups and Bahá’í communities expand and consolidate more systematically.
THE PROGRAM, targeted for formal introduction at the District Conventions next October, will be buttressed by packets of special materials produced by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust to assist at each stage of growth, from isolated believer to Group of five or more, to Local Assembly status, incorporation and eventual expansion to a community of 30 or more active believers.
The program equates the growth and development of a single cell into an active and vibrant organism with expansion and consolidation of the Faith.
Each believer is seen as a single cell within an organic whole. As nature provides a plan for the growth and development of life on earth, so God has given us a Plan for the growth and development of His Cause.
The thrust of the program is that to grow (expand) and develop (consolidate) in an orderly fashion, individual believers and Bahá’í communities alike must turn to God’s Plan to establish the proper “rhythm of growth.”
The National Spiritual Assembly, referring in its annual report to the continuing persecution of Bahá’ís in the Cradle of the Faith, and to the untimely deaths of the three Hands of the Cause of God, described the past year as one of “sorrow, sorrow that challenged us to grow, as we did for the better.”
THE HIGHLIGHTS of the year, the National Assembly said in its report, included the following:
- Six conferences held simultaneously on May 27 to convey the impressions of the joyful 70th National Convention to a cross-section of the community.
- A joint meeting in July of the members of the Continental Board of Counsellors, National Spiritual Assembly, Auxiliary Boards, the Office of the Treasurer, National Teaching Committee, National Education Committee and International Goals Committee to discuss the guidelines adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly for the first phase of the Seven Year Plan.
- The importance of the occasion was underscored by the presence of three Hands of the Cause of God—Zikrullah Khadem, John Robarts and William Sears—and of Counsellor Aziz Yazdi, a
[Page 11]
NATIONAL CONVENTION
member of the International Teaching Centre.
- Nineteen follow-up conferences conducted in September by Auxiliary Board members and National Assembly representatives to relay the message from Borrah Kavelin, a member of the Universal House of Justice who visited nine cities in the U.S. last summer, to areas of the country untouched by his visit.
- THE SUBMISSION to the Universal House of Justice, as requested, of the National Assembly’s recommendations for the next stage of the Seven Year Plan in the U.S.
- A survey of group attitudes of opinion leaders toward the Faith conducted by Hill and Knowlton Inc., public relations consultants, that resulted in the adoption of recommendations for a wide range of programs designed further to proclaim the Faith and to reach people of authority and influence.
- The establishment of a Persian Affairs Committee and a new Persian office in the National Secretariat to assist the National Assembly in ministering to the needs of the fresh influx of Persian believers to the U.S. in the wake of the crisis in their homeland.
- The extension of special teaching plans designed to attract great numbers to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in California, Illinois, New York and Washington, D.C., to include Massachusetts.
- The beginning of plans to rebuild the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan in accordance with the guidelines given by the Universal House of Justice some time ago.
- The identification of a site for the Bahá’í institute to be established in Navajoland and the beginning of negotiations to acquire it.
- THE APPOINTMENT of a Race Unity Committee to advise the National Spiritual Assembly on measures to be taken to promote unity among the races and to deal with the problems of racial prejudice in the Bahá’í community.
With respect to the Seven Year Plan, the National Assembly reported substantial progress in several areas:
In the international field, 46 pioneers settled at their posts, representing more than half of the 76 goals assigned to the U.S. Ninety-eight teachers visited 44 countries, making 118 trips in all.
On the homefront, 1455 Local Assemblies were formed, including 34 on Indian Reservations; however, the number of localities slipped back to 6958 from the 7040 recorded at the beginning of the year.
Despite this, the report continued, “the community was in a state of great activity, proclaiming the Faith widely through the increased use of the press, radio and television; multiplying its fireside activities; and intensifying its consolidation work.
“Sparks of new life were evident everywhere in the greater attention given to the development of children, in the imaginative ways in which local communities observed the International Year of the Child, in the number and variety of youth activities and the prospects held out by the newly organized National Youth Committee, in the bold new initiatives taken by Local Assemblies to improve their Feasts, deepen the Bahá’í knowledge of the friends, and reach out to the public.”
THE OFFICE of the Treasurer reported that the number of individual believers contributing directly to the National Fund increased by 10 per cent this year, with an average of 2,300 individual contributions received each month compared to 2,100 last year.
Contributions from individuals increased from $1.55 million last year to $1.8 million—up 14 per cent.
Contributions from Assemblies and Groups rose 3 per cent from $1.65 million to $1.7 million.
Total contributions increased 7 per cent from $3.22 million to $3.5 million. This year’s contributions goal was $3.96 million.
Total revenue (contributions, estate bequests, and other income) was budgeted at $5.3 million. $4.8 million was received.
Expenditures were budgeted at $5.3 million; $5.2 million was spent.
The National Assembly said it was “delighted by the record level of contributions to the National Fund this year.
“Even more exciting,” it went on to say, “is the news that more than $2.5 million was sent through the National Fund earmarked for the World Centre; many other contributions were sent directly to Haifa.
“This is a thrilling demonstration of devotion and generosity on the part of the American Bahá’í community.”
Following the organization of the Convention on Thursday evening, the National Spiritual Assembly hosted a reception for the delegates at the House of Worship.
A non-delegate session held Saturday morning during the election of the National Assembly featured talks by Mildred Mottahedeh, a member of the International Goals Committee, and Nancy Mondschein, the National Spiritual Assembly’s representative at the United Nations.
Also presented at that session and again Saturday evening was an audiovisual program entitled “Tomorrow Belongs to the Children,” produced by Bahá’ís in Encinitas, California.
[Page 12]
AUXILIARY BOARDS
Names, addresses of Auxiliary Board members in U.S.[edit]
EUNICE BRAUN
JOYCE DAHL
MARGARET GALLAGHER
D. THELMA JACKSON
JAVIDUKHT KHADEM
JALIL MAHMOUDI
SAM McCLELLAN
KATHERINE McLAUGHLIN
RONALD PARSONS
PEGGY ROSS
WILLIAM TUCKER
NANCY PHILLIPS
RONNA SANTOSCOY
Protection Board
- Mrs. Eunice Braun, Assigned Territory: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas E1, E2, C1, and S.
- Mrs. Joyce Dahl, Assigned Territory: California S1, S3, Nevada.
- Mrs. Margaret Gallagher, Assigned Territory: California C1, C2, N1 and N2, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Colorado-East.
- Miss D. Thelma Jackson, Assigned Territory: Illinois, Wisconsin.
- Mrs. Javidukht Khadem, Assigned Territory: Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa.
- Dr. Jalil Mahmoudi, Assigned Territory: California S2, Utah, Wyoming.
- Dr. Sam McClellan, Assigned Territory: Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana.
- Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, Assigned Territory: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C.; Bermuda.
- Ronald Parsons, Assigned Territory: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota.
- Mrs. Nancy Phillips, Assigned Territory: Arizona, New Mexico-North, New Mexico-South/Texas-West, Colorado-West.
- Mrs. Peggy Ross, Assigned Territory: Washington State.
- Mrs. Ronna Santoscoy, Assigned Territory: Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas C2 and N.
- Dr. William Tucker, Assigned Territory: Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Bahamas.
[Page 13]
AUXILIARY BOARDS
Propagation Board
- Stephen Ader, Assigned Territory: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan.
- Hormoz Bastani, Assigned Territory: Oklahoma, Texas.
- Stephen Birkland, Assigned Territory: Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota.
- Darrell (Bill) Borland, Assigned Territory: Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska.
- Ernest Bruss, Assigned Territory: Arizona, New Mexico-North, New Mexico-South/Texas-West, Utah.
- Mrs. Opal Conner, Assigned Territory: Washington, Idaho, Montana.
- Miss Susan Gerard, Assigned Territory: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee-West.
- Robert Harris, Assigned Territory: Delaware, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania.
- Albert James, Assigned Territory: Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C.
- Dennis Jenkyns, Assigned Territory: Colorado, Wyoming.
- Anthony Lease, Assigned Territory: California S1 and S3.
- Benjamin Levy, Assigned Territory: Alabama-South, Florida, Georgia-South, Bahamas.
- Mrs. Elizabeth Martin, Assigned Territory: South Carolina.
- Paul Pettit, Assigned Territory: California N1, N2, C1 and C2, Nevada-North, Oregon.
- Dr. Adrienne Reeves, Assigned Territory: Alabama-North, Georgia-North, Tennessee-East, North Carolina, Bermuda.
- Nathan Rutstein, Assigned Territory: Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York.
- Fred Schechter, Assigned Territory: California S2, Nevada-South.
SUSAN GERARD
BENJAMIN LEVY
ROBERT HARRIS
ELIZABETH MARTIN
PAUL PETTIT
STEPHEN ADER
HORMOZ BASTANI
ALBERT JAMES
ADRIENNE REEVES
STEPHEN BIRKLAND
DARRELL BORLAND
DENNIS JENKYNS
NATHAN RUTSTEIN
ERNEST BRUSS
OPAL CONNER
ANTHONY LEASE
FRED SCHECHTER
[Page 14]
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Complete text of the annual report of the National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
The complete text of the annual report of the National Spiritual Assembly:
The activities of the first year of the third Seven Year Plan to engage the energies of the United States Bahá’í community were overshadowed by the tragic events engulfing the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the land of His birth.
As these events unfolded this community was called upon to take increasingly urgent measures to defend our oppressed fellow-Bahá’ís in Iran.
These measures included appeals to government officials, publicity through the various communications media, and efforts to win the understanding and support of humanitarian organizations. The resounding result was a level of proclamation of the Faith heretofore unattained in this country.
BUT THE MAJOR effect of the heightening crisis was the consciousness it aroused in the community that new and critical challenges to its life and work must now be met.
This awareness was to be enlarged by four particular occurrences, namely: the deaths within a small fraction of the year of three Hands of the Cause of God—Enoch Olinga, Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, and Ḥasan Balyúzí, our indebtedness to all of whom is inestimable—and the arrival in June of Mr. Borrah Kavelin, a member of the Universal House of Justice, to fulfill a special mission on behalf of that institution.
His visit took him to nine gatherings of believers in key areas of the country, there to impress upon the friends the spiritual and material dimensions of the crisis imposed upon the Bahá’í world community by the situation in Iran.
It is under the pervasive influence of these extraordinary happenings that our community recorded the following highlights of the year:
• Six conferences were held simultaneously on May 27 to convey the impressions of the joyful 70th National Convention to a cross-section of the community.
• A JOINT MEETING of the members of the Continental Board of Counsellors, National Spiritual Assembly, Auxiliary Boards, the Office of the Treasurer, National Teaching Committee, National Education Committee and International Goals Committee was held in July to discuss the guidelines adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly for the execution of the first phase of the Seven Year Plan.
The importance of this occasion was underscored by the presence of the three Hands of the Cause Zikrullah Khadem, John Robarts and William Sears, and of Counsellor Aziz Yazdi, a member of the International Teaching Centre.
• Nineteen small follow-up conferences were conducted in September by Auxiliary Board members and National Assembly representatives to relay Mr. Kavelin’s message to parts of the country untouched by his visit while at the same time rallying the friends behind the new Plan.
• The National Assembly submitted to the Universal House of Justice, as requested, recommendations for the next stage of the Seven Year Plan in the United States.
• A survey of the group attitudes of opinion leaders toward the Bahá’í Faith, conducted by Hill and Knowlton Inc., public relations consultants, resulted in the adoption of recommendations for a wide range of programs designed further to proclaim the Faith and to reach people of authority and influence.
• A Persian Affairs Committee and a new office in the National Secretariat were organized to assist the National Assembly to minister to the needs of the fresh influx of Persian believers to the United States in the wake of the crisis in their homeland.
THE IMPRESSIVE accomplishments of this committee during a short period were reflected in the coordination it effected with other national agencies, the five regional conferences it successively held for Persian believers, and the calm and comfort its activities brought to these friends.
• The special teaching plans designed to attract great numbers to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in California, Illinois, New York and the District of Columbia were extended to Massachusetts.
• The initiative was taken to rebuild the Louhelen Bahá’í School in accordance with the guidelines given by the Universal House of Justice some time ago.
• A site for the Bahá’í institute to be established in Navajoland was identified and negotiations begun for acquiring it.
• The Race Unity Committee was appointed to advise the National Spiritual Assembly on measures to be taken to promote unity among the races and to deal with the problems of racial prejudice in the Bahá’í community. The committee’s proposals were accepted for immediate execution.
• A by-election necessitated by the departure of Richard D. Betts as a pioneer to Portugal resulted in the return last February of Dwight W. Allen to Assembly membership.
The Seven Year Plan[edit]
The Seven Year Plan made substantial progress in many areas. In the international field 46 pioneers settled at their posts, representing more than half of the 76 assigned to us; 98 teachers visited 44 countries, making 118 trips in all.
The territories for which the United States has administrative responsibility continued to receive the undiminished attention of the International Goals Committee. A flow of traveling teachers and a pioneer went to Bermuda, which established six Local Assemblies last Riḍván and is destined to raise up a National Spiritual Assembly next Riḍván.
THE DIFFICULTY of maintaining pioneers in the Falkland Islands was instanced by the return of four pioneers and the consequent loss of three of five Groups. Only one of these pioneers was replaced. However, the Spiritual Assembly of Stanley remained vigorous and reported new enrollments in a recent newsletter.
The Turks and Caicos Islands remained in need of consolidation as evidenced by the breakdown of the Local Assembly in Grand Turk; however, the International Goals Committee continued to send traveling teachers and settled a pioneer on another island, Providenciales.
Turning to the homefront, the records showed that 1455 Local Assemblies were formed, including 34 on Indian Reservations; but the number of localities slipped back to 6958 from the 7040 at the beginning of the year.
Despite this, the community was in a state of great activity, proclaiming the Faith widely through the increased use of the press, radio and television; multiplying its fireside activities; and intensifying its consolidation work.
Sparks of new life were evident everywhere in the greater attention given to the development of children, in the imaginative ways in which local communities observed the International Year of the Child, in the number and variety of youth activities and the prospects held out by the newly organized National Youth Committee, and in the bold new initiatives taken by Local Assemblies to improve their Feasts, deepen the Bahá’í knowledge of the friends, and reach out to the public.
THESE SPARKS were fanned by the actions of the National Teaching Committee in appointing a Spanish Teaching Committee, proposing a schedule for firesides, and promoting an annual planning guide for all communities; by the actions of the National Education Committee in upgrading the Bahá’í schools, increasing the number of education consultants available to local communities, and extending the Personal Transformation Program beyond the states of California, Illinois and New York; by the actions of the House of Worship Activities Committee in sponsoring a study series, broadening the Special Visit program, developing the concept of all-day observances of Holy Days, and reaching out further, through full-page advertisements in the Chicago Convention and Tourism Guide and the Rotarian magazine, to invite the public to the House of Worship where more than 100 declarations of faith were made last year.
The life of the community was further stimulated by the resurgent activities of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, which passed through a series of organizational adjustments leading to the appointment last December of Ed Ryland as general manager.
The Trust’s enormous output brought back old titles and introduced an impressive array of new products, including much-needed children’s materials.
IN OTHER AREAS of publishing, Child’s Way magazine took a new and encouraging turn under the aegis of the National Education Committee. World Order remained behind schedule, yet its value was constantly affirmed by the many uses to which its articles were put, particularly in defense of the Faith. The editors resolved to get back on schedule during the new year the better to take advantage of Hill and Knowlton’s plans to promote the magazine.
The American Bahá’í supported the development of the community through the marked improvement in its editorial and aesthetic quality.
Even considering all the foregoing, the community could not have been as resilient in a year of such tests without the loving attention freely flowing to it from the beloved Hands of the Cause, without the constant care and beneficial advice plentifully bestowed upon the friends by the Continental Board of Counsellors through the ever-alert Auxiliary Boards and their assistants.
Moreover, there was placed at the disposal of the community the unique experience of Dr. Iraj Ayman, a Continental Counsellor for Western Asia, whose sojourn in the United States contributed inestimably to the success of our work on behalf of the Persian believers.
Conclusion[edit]
In conclusion, we say this:
It was a year of sorrow, sorrow that challenged us to change, and we did for the better.
The stirrings in New York, the City of the Covenant, where a forward leap in the twin functions of expansion and consolidation occurred, dramatized this salutary change, filling us with great expectations.
This is the transcendant consequence of crisis, implying not only pain but also turning point. The American Bahá’í community is not what it was at the beginning of the year.
In many respects, its physical characteristics were made different by the unprecedented influx of Persian believers, and we are spiritually stronger for it. Once again, Persia, the repository of the divine Spark of our Faith, became the cynosure of our spiritual regeneration.
History somewhat repeated itself, recalling to our mind’s eye, in the pungent words of our departed poet, Robert Hayden, the shimmering picture of the Dawnbreaker:
- Ablaze
- with candles sconced
- in weeping eyes
- of wounds,
danced
- through jeering streets
- to death; oh sang
- against
- The drumming
- mockery God’s praise.
- Flames nested
- in his flesh
- Fed the
- fires that consume
- us now, the fire that
- will save.
Aroused to renewed faith and commitment, we face the present with radiant resolution, the future with confident prospect.
the Bahá’ís of the United States
Riḍván 1980
Even the smallest visitors were fascinated during the 71st Bahá’í National Convention held April 24-27 at the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.
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NATIONAL CENTER
U.S. Archives preserves Bahá’í history[edit]
(This is the second in a series of articles about offices and departments at the Bahá’í National Center.)
•
Imagine seeing Tablets revealed by the Pen of Bahá’u’lláh, as well as a robe worn by the Blessed Beauty Himself and locks of His hair.
Imagine visiting a room where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had stayed. There one might see His clothing and personal effects, authentic furnishings including the bed and sheets used by the Master, His prayer beads, and perhaps even the still-unwashed china from which He had eaten.
Now imagine seeing these things without leaving the United States.
THIS IS NOT merely imagination; these artifacts represent only a small part of the wealth of authentic relics and written words contained in our National Bahá’í Archives in Wilmette.
The U.S. Archives, says full-time archivist Roger Dahl, ranks as “one of the most extensive Bahá’í archives in the world, and certainly the most extensive Bahá’í archives in North America.”
The National Archives’ holdings, says Mr. Dahl, include more than enough relics to reconstruct the room of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, along with Tablets by the Master in their original form, letters from the Guardian, letters and personal papers of many Bahá’ís, publications, administrative records, and historic photographs.
“What is rather unusual,” he says, “is that most of the researchers who have been using our archives come from outside the U.S.”
He lists two researchers in Hawaii, two in Canada and one from England, as well as Bahá’í pioneers in Belgium and South America who have been drawing on the U.S. National Archives for their research into Bahá’í history.
“I am hoping that we’ll eventually have more researchers in the U.S.,” says Mr. Dahl. “That’s one thing we’ve been trying to encourage.”
HE PREDICTS that Bahá’í history books will show constant improvement in the future because researchers are making better use of unpublished sources.
“I’m happy that we’re beginning to get some serious researchers working in the archives,” says Mr. Dahl, “because much of what is written about the history of the Faith, in Bahá’í News and other places, is from printed sources that are quite limited.”
Mr. Dahl’s own research has led to the compilation of a manual describing how to establish and maintain a Bahá’í archives. The manual will be printed later this year by the Publishing Trust.
Others who are now busy with research at the archives, says Mr. Dahl, include Douglas Martin, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, who is planning to turn his dissertation on Sarah Farmer, founder of the Green Acre Bahá’í School, into a book, and a believer in Hawaii, Gayle Morrison, who has written a series of articles for World Order magazine on the Hand of the Cause Louis G. Gregory and is using the archives to help expand those articles into a book.
MR. DAHL, who has a master’s degree in American history and has taken specialized courses in the field of archives, serves as corresponding secretary of the five-member National Bahá’í Archives Committee.
The impact of that committee’s work was best described by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi (in Bahá’í News, No. 104, December 1936):
“The importance of the institution of Bahá’í Archives is not due only to the many teaching facilities it procures, but is essentially to be found in the vast amount of historical data and information it offers both to the present-day administrators of the Cause, and to the Bahá’í historians of the future.
“The institution of Bahá’í Archives is indeed a most valuable storehouse of information regarding all the aspects of the Faith: historical, administrative as well as doctrinal.
“Now that the Cause is rapidly passing through so many different phases of its evolution is the time for the friends to exert their utmost in order to preserve as much as they can of the sacred relics and various other precious objects that are associated with the lives of the Founders of the Faith, and particularly the Tablets they have revealed.
“Every believer should realize that he has a definite responsibility to shoulder in this matter, and to help, to whatever extent he can, in rendering successful the valuable work which national and local Bahá’í archives committees are so devotedly accomplishing for the Faith in America.”
“ACCESSIONING” is the first step for all newly-arriving archival materials. This involves making inventories that describe the nature and content of the materials.
Their physical condition also is noted, and numbers are assigned to each item so it may be quickly located in the archives.
National archivist Roger Dahl at work in the processing room at the National Bahá’í Archives in Wilmette. Here, new archival materials that have been inventoried and assigned a catalog number are arranged and placed in acid free folders and boxes so researchers may begin using them.
After accessioning, the new materials are arranged and placed in acid-free folders and then in boxes so that researchers may begin using them. This is known as processing.
The national archivist has been handling about 180 accessions each year, or about 10 to 20 per month. “Sometimes,” he says, “they tend to arrive in bunches—and many are quite disorganized.”
Certain items, such as new publications and periodicals as well as inactive administrative records from various offices, arrive at the archives on a regular basis.
“We also receive a small number of Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and letters from the Guardian sent by individual Bahá’ís,” he says, “as well as photos and printed materials along with individuals’ personal papers.”
THE UNIVERSAL House of Justice, says Mr. Dahl, requests file copies for the World Centre of all the Tablets of the Master and letters of the Guardian: “We automatically send them copies of any originals that we receive for our archives.”
One of the largest threats to archival papers stems from the paper itself.
Until the middle of the last century, says Mr. Dahl, paper was usually made from cotton rag that had no acid content. “It keeps very well over the years.”
Then in the mid-19th century, a process was developed for making paper from wood pulp. Unfortunately, this left impurities in the paper that form acid.
That is why so many books on library shelves are falling apart, says Mr. Dahl. “The acid breaks down the fibers and makes the paper brittle. Eventually, it will simply turn to dust.”
Since the 1940’s papers have been developed that are non-acidic, and it is this kind of paper that archivists such as Mr. Dahl use for storing printed matter. The National Archives also uses non-acidic storage boxes.
ACID NOT ONLY gets into paper from the manufacturing process and from pollutants in the air, it can migrate to anything stored next to it.
“If you store a newspaper clipping next to a letter,” Mr. Dahl explains, “the acid from the newsprint will go into the letter and leave a brown spot.”
Damage to some of the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that are now in the archives, he adds, has resulted from their being folded and unfolded many times. “Some have begun to tear along these fold creases.”
One Tablet from the Master to an early believer was seriously damaged, he says, “because someone carried it next to his heart until he realized it wasn’t doing the Tablet any good.”
Other Tablets have been damaged by transparent tape used on them by early believers.
“Over the years, the adhesive on the tape has caused the paper to become almost transparent,” the archivist says. “Luckily, this doesn’t appear to damage the ink.”
ONE OF THE ORIGINAL Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh in the archives is mounted on acidic cardboard. The National Spiritual Assembly, fearing further damage, has asked for restoration proposals from specialists in that field.
The Tablet must be removed from its backing and de-acidified.
“Hopefully, the work will begin sometime this year,” says Mr. Dahl. “Once that is done, we hope to make it a regular practice.”
To keep up with the latest developments in restoration and conservation of archival materials, the National Bahá’í Archives Committee belongs to a professional society of conservators and maintains frequent contact with two trained conservators.
National and local Bahá’í archives committees have some competition in their ongoing search for early published Bahá’í materials, says Mr. Dahl.
A robe once worn by Bahá’u’lláh Himself is carefully and reverently displayed by national archivist Roger Dahl. The National Bahá’í Archives, described by Mr. Dahl as one of the most extensive Bahá’í archives in the world, also includes locks of Bahá’u’lláh’s hair as well as clothing, furniture and personal effects of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
An illuminated Tablet written by Bahá’u’lláh to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, one of the many treasures in the National Bahá’í Archives, is displayed by archivist Roger Dahl.
[Page 16]
CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIED notices in The American Bahá’í are printed free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. These notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no commercial or personal messages can be accepted for publication.
•
CALLING ALL CHILDREN! An issue of Child’s Way magazine is being planned to have stories, poems, art work, songs, crafts, etc. by children. Works about friendship are especially needed. Also planned is a page for children to ask questions about being a Bahá’í in today’s world. All items for this special issue must be received by Mary K. Radpour, editor, 6446 Ridge Lake Road, Hixson, TN 37343 by July 15, 1980.
HOMEFRONT PIONEER desperately needed in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to help preserve and consolidate an Assembly of mass-taught Bahá’ís. Must be a dedicated, well-deepened Bahá’í with patience and perseverance. Bartlesville, a city of about 40,000, is the home of Phillips Petroleum, so there are good job opportunities. The Eastern Oklahoma District Teaching Committee will be happy to help in finding a job and housing. There is a possibility of subleasing an apartment from a Bahá’í who is working elsewhere. Contact the Teaching Committee secretary, Sunny Stallings, Rt. 4, Box 440, Ada, OK 74820, or phone 405-436-0934.
YOU ARE NEEDED! Teaching opportunities abound for homefront pioneers on the Navajo-Hopi Indian Reservation. Come live, learn and teach among the indigenous people of America. Ongoing consolidation work needs Bahá’ís following recent proclamation efforts. Jobs available for elementary school teachers (especially special education and English as a second language), secondary and community college teachers, physicians, nurses, dentists, and other professionals. Choice of two-year colleges for the student who pioneers. For details, send a large self-addressed and stamped envelope to Jan Herbst, P.O. Box 701, Ganado, AZ 86505.
CLERICAL and managerial help needed for a fast-growing Bahá’í-owned and Bahá’í-oriented audio visual publishing business. Competitive salary offered. Homefront pioneering posts nearby. Washington, D.C., area. Write to Images International, 615 Truman Circle, Vienna, VA 22180.
GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School has summer jobs. Needed are an innkeeper to supervise the entire registration, food service, and housekeeping functions; program directors for adult, youth, and children’s programs; arts/crafts director; cooks; kitchen help; housekeepers; librarian; night watchman, and others. Must be available from June 20 to Labor Day. Apply to the Green Acre Bahá’í School, Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.
“CULTIVATORS” and “harvesters” needed to tend the Bahá’í “seeds” planted for many years in Lake Elsinore, California, which presently has a Group of four. The area has 10,000 to 15,000 people of various ethnic backgrounds with some 4,000 in the city itself. Lake Elsinore is a semi-retirement community with clean air, open spaces, and horse- and water-oriented recreation. Some light industry, good schools, a hospital, and planned growth with a new shopping center already under way. The city is within 1 1/2 hours via freeway from Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, with Riverside, the home of two universities, a 45-minute drive. For more information, contact the Bahá’ís of Lake Elsinore, P.O. Box 902, Wildimar, CA 92395, or phone 714-674-6794.
ACTORS NEEDED for what will now be a summer production in San Francisco of a full-length Bahá’í play. Eight actors needed (four female, ages 70’s, 46, 21, 19) and four male (ages 24, 14, 14, 14). Contact Thomas Lysaght, 107-D East Beach, Watsonville, CA 95076, or phone 408-724-1563.
PICTURESQUE rural community, 65 miles north of San Francisco and minutes from the ocean amid redwoods and apple blossoms, needs three adults to assure the continuation of its Spiritual Assembly. A junior college and state university are nearby, and there are employment opportunities locally and 10 miles away in a city of 80,000. Possible employment fields include agriculture, lumber, education, electronics, sales, insurance, and medical. The area has many Bahá’ís with whom to share fellowship and activities. There are teaching opportunities among the Spanish-speaking, Indian and Japanese populations. Present community members will help in finding employment and housing. Write to the Spiritual Assembly of Sebastopol, P.O. Box 226, Sebastopol, CA 95472, or phone the secretary, Suzy Gilbertson, at 707-823-4229.
WILL TRADE. I have an extra Volume II of Promulgation of Universal Peace; will trade for Volume I. Please contact Alice Hendershot, 188 South Indian Avenue, Palm Springs, CA 92262.
BAHÁ’Í RADIOLOGIST and his X-ray technologist wife would like to relocate in a Bahá’í goal area in the Southwest in July 1981. We are planning a trip to the Southwest the last two weeks in August to visit Bahá’í communities and investigate job opportunities. Please contact Mark Vaccaro, M.D., 2539 Steele Road, Baltimore, MD 21209.
HELP SAVE a Bahá’í College Club. East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, needs Bahá’í students to form its College Club in September 1980. ECU is a state-supported school with about 12,500 students. It has strong programs in business, art, nursing, health, geology, medicine, and more. The university is about an hour away from Atlantic Ocean beaches. For more information, please contact Nabil Jurney, 500 Rockspring Road, High Point, NC 27262.
WANTED: HOMEFRONT pioneers to one of the most heavenly spots in the U.S., the South Texas Rio Grande Valley. Couples of any age, families, and especially college students are needed in this area that boasts two colleges, a technical school, favorable weather, the Gulf Coast and near access to Mexico. There is one strong Assembly, two that need bolstering, and six localities with Groups or isolated believers. College students (especially Persians) could attend Pan American University in Edinburg or Texas Southmost College in Brownsville. For more information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of McAllen, P.O. Box 3321, McAllen, TX 78501, or phone 512-687-4069.
NOW RECRUITING individuals, with or without experience, to work with children ages 3 to 11 at the annual Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference September 13-14. Needed are experienced teachers, teachers’ aides, and volunteers interested in working with children; also, musicians, dancers and puppeteers to perform for children, as well as teachers for arts and crafts and outdoor programs. Please contact Bud and Victoria Polk, children’s program coordinators, 924 W. 19th St., Chicago, IL 60608, or phone 312-733-0192.
WOULD YOU LIKE to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Carmel, California, on lovely Carmel Bay, needs two adult Bahá’ís to help save its Assembly. That’s the “good” part. The other part is, there is no industry here, and rents and property are quite high. But if you have a substantial income and can afford it, please come to Carmel! For more information, please write to Laura Smithson, P.O. Box 3231, Carmel, CA 93921, or phone 408-624-3252.
GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School needs teachers for children’s and youth classes for any week from July 4 to September 1. Age groups available are 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, 15-18. Patient, enthusiastic, loving people needed. Please send a resume of experience with children or youth to Sally Eiler, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.
THE ROGERS, Arkansas, Bahá’í community warmly invites Persian believers to come to Rogers, a fast-growing resort area of the Arkansas Ozarks. Please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Rogers, Arkansas, 1022 S. Arkansas St., Rogers, AR 72756.
WE INVITE and welcome anyone who could help our Bahá’í community grow in Richmond, Kentucky. We have a university in town along with on-campus and off-campus housing. Job opportunities are available. Bahá’ís can furnish temporary housing. If interested in Richmond or Eastern Kentucky University, please contact Pat and Craig Harmsen, 339 Woodland, Richmond, KY 40475.
HOMEFRONT PIONEERS needed immediately in a most important area, the Yakima Indian Reservation near Toppenish, Washington. There are many employment opportunities—in agriculture, education, etc. Needed are families, native believers, youth, and at least one Spanish-speaking Bahá’í. Relocation assistance is available. Please contact the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Toppenish, c/o Topaz Brown, secretary, P.O. Box 252, Toppenish, WA 98948, or phone 509-865-4757, or 509-865-3270.
CALLING ALL ARTISTS! A giant Art Festival traveling to teach the Faith starts in Sacramento, California, in the spring of 1981. Fine arts, crafts, painting, sculpture, performing arts to be included. For information and entry blanks, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Sacramento, Box 161252, Sacramento, CA 95816.
COLLECTORS of Bahá’í books and books with references to the Faith ... we’d like to get together! Please send your name, address and area of specialty to be included in a directory of collectors. Directories will be sent free of charge to everyone who is listed. Send information to Payam Afsharian, 835 San Vicente Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90402.
ANYONE traveling to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, in a professional capacity, is asked to contact the Spiritual Assembly of Lincoln to learn how you might help with the teaching on campus. The address is Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Lincoln, P.O. Box 80601, Lincoln, NE 68501.
THREE TEAMS of traveling teachers are needed for teaching projects in the towns of Coban and Zacapa in Guatemala. These individuals must be Spanish-speaking and self-supporting. For further information, contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
HIGH SCHOOL teaching positions are available in Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Transkei, and Bophuthatswana. Math and science teachers are especially needed in these countries. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Carnation, Washington, was formed by joint declaration March 30. Assembly members (left to right) are Deb Schoppert (recording secretary), Jim Schoppert (chairman), Sheila Walsh, Neng Lee, Niki Sellers (corresponding secretary), Becky Abbott Fonua (vice-chairman), Herb Moran, Penny Hansen, Chris Hansen (treasurer). Since the Assembly was formed, the community has enrolled one new adult believer. It also includes 12 children 10 years old or younger and one junior youth.
The musical group ‘Eyrie’s Summit’ entertains at the Joint Effort Teaching (JET) Conference held February 10 in Sacramento, California.
Citrus Heights conference sees ambitious JET project launched[edit]
The Joint Effort Teaching (JET) Project, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Citrus Heights, California, was launched Sunday, February 10, with a special one-day conference at American River College in Sacramento.
The JET Project is an intercommunity teaching, expansion and consolidation campaign aimed at winning specific goals of the Seven Year Plan.
AMONG ITS GOALS by Riḍván were establishing at least one Local Spiritual Assembly, opening at least one locality to the Faith, and enrolling at least 75 new believers.
The friends attending the Sacramento conference represented nearly all the Bahá’í communities in the Sacramento area as well as others as far away as Chico and Red Bluff.
Featured speakers at the conference were Auxiliary Board member Margaret Gallagher and Roger Guinee, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board.
The presentation of project goals was made by JET Project coordinator W. Abdallah Brooks.
At the close of the conference, nearly 100 Bahá’ís signed up to perform such services as teaching, fireside speaking, consolidation work, or proclamation planning.
In addition, $109.85 was contributed for an intercommunity teaching fund.
Music at the conference was performed by Phil Franks and the musical group, “Eyrie’s Summit.”
Second annual Corinne True Awards given[edit]
Two Bahá’í communities and 29 individuals who volunteered their time to serve at the Bahá’í House of Worship during the past year received the Corinne True Award for Meritorious Service during a special program April 12 in Foundation Hall at the House of Worship.
Continental Counsellor Edna M. True, for whose mother the award is named, presented each of the recipients with a special certificate of appreciation.
WHITEFISH BAY, Wisconsin, and Wilmette, Illinois, became the first Bahá’í communities to be honored with the award, given in recognition of outstanding assistance to the House of Worship Activities Office.
The first Corinne True Awards, given in 1979, were presented to 47 individuals chosen for their many contributions to the House of Worship over the years.
This year’s award ceremony included piano music and a special audiovisual tribute to the Bahá’í World Centre produced by Bruce Whitmore, secretary of the House of Worship Activities Committee.
Gwen Clayborne, a member of the House of Worship Activities Office staff, narrated a second audiovisual presentation on the contributions of outstanding women in Bahá’í history.
The Hand of the Cause of God Corinne Knight True, who died in 1961 at the age of 99, was a guiding force behind the construction of the House of Worship during a 50-year period that began in 1903 with the request to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to build the Temple and ended in 1953 with its public dedication.
Mrs. True served as financial secretary of the national executive board overseeing the building’s construction. She inspired great interest in the project through her worldwide correspondence.
Twenty nine individuals and two Bahá’í communities were honored April 12 with the Corinne True Award for Meritorious Service presented during a special program at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. The communities of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, and Wilmette, Illinois, were recognized with the other recipients for their contributions to programs of the House of Worship Activities Office during the past year. The awards were presented by Counsellor Edna M. True (standing right of center in dark dress). The award is named for Miss True’s mother, the Hand of the Cause of God Corinne Knight True.
Ayyám-i-Há and Naw-Rúz—‘A New Way for a New Day’ was the theme of the children’s program at the Arizona Bahá’í Winter School held last December 29-30 in Phoenix. Children participated in discussions about various religions’ times of gift-giving, offered ideas about activities they could suggest to their families for Intercalary Days, and read stories from Child’s Way magazine about Ayyám-i-Há. They also made gifts, ornaments and games to help denote the period. Seen here displaying some of their artistic endeavors are (left to right) Farzad Varahramyan, Jessica Jester, Layli Cruz, and Tyneiia Russell.
Gregory Institute slates events[edit]
July events at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, S.C., include presentations on Bahá’í family life by Dr. and Mrs. Dwight Allen (July 6-11); a Youth Week focusing on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Greatest Holy Leaf (July 13-18), and a media workshop (July 25-27) conducted by Haynes McFadden.
August programs include a Children’s Week on Bahá’í Holy Days (August 3-8); a presentation on the spiritual essence of Bahá’í community life by J. Jose Cortez (August 8-10); five days of deepening and three days of teaching (closed campus) led by a group of Bahá’ís from the Bahamas (August 16-24), and personal memories of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory by Mrs. Felice Sadgwar and Ms. Mabel Manley (August 29-31).
CLASSES for children ages 4 years and older will be held during the adult programs. Children’s classes on July 6-11 and August 29-31 will have the same themes as the adult programs.
Child care for those under 4 years will be provided for a nominal fee. Please pre-register.
Courses of more than one day begin the evening of the first date. The new tuition rate at the Institute is $7 per day for room and board, with linens and towels furnished.
The Gregory Institute is a lovely, modern facility in the heart of teaching and consolidation work being done in the South.
The campus buildings are air-conditioned, and there are ample classroom, dining and outdoor play areas.
Youth to have ‘pen pal’ program[edit]
Have you ever wanted to correspond with a Bahá’í youth in another city, another state, another country? You now have that opportunity!
The National Youth Committee has begun a “Pen Pal” program that will link up youthful correspondents around the world.
The program has been advertised in the new “Bahá’í Youth News Update” and is receiving an excellent response.
Any young person who would like a national or international “pen pal” (please indicate) should write to the National Youth Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Include your name, address, phone number, age, Bahá’í I.D. number, and indicate whether you would like a male or female pen pal, and what your interests are.
Requests for international pen pals, of course, will take longer to fill.
The pen pal program should be of particular benefit to isolated youth, in that they will be able to establish communication with other young Bahá’ís. The Youth Committee encourages all Bahá’í youth to write in!
Gregory biography highlights summer World Order issue[edit]
“To Move the World,” the first in a series of biographical articles by Gayle Morrison on the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory, is among the highlights of the Summer 1979 issue of World Order magazine that is now available.
|
New! THE PROMISED DAY IS COME
Looking for an authoritative perspective on current world events? Shoghi Effendi’s 1941 letter to western Bahá’ís is a must. In this revised edition of The Promised Day Is Come Shoghi Effendi analyzes the main trends of the last hundred years and finds the underlying cause of the crises of our age in man’s rejection of Bahá’u’lláh. Shoghi Effendi also discusses Bahá’u’lláh’s proclamation of His mission to the rulers of His day — rulers who by their rejection brought about the religious, political, economic, and moral turmoil that has engulfed our planet. Shoghi Effendi states that this turmoil is “a visitation from God and a cleansing process for all mankind.” Cloth. 124 pp., rev. index. Cat. No. 7-08-17 $9.75 |
Another article of interest in the Summer issue is an examination of “Ecumenism and the Agapastic Attitude,” by Mary Carman Rose. The agapastic attitude is defined as “the desire to comprehend and learn from religious positions other than one’s own.”
Also in the Summer issue are a poem, “The Year of the Child,” written for his grandson by the award-winning poet Robert Hayden who died February 26; and a report by the Human Rights Commission of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Switzerland on the state of the Bahá’í community in Iran.
The Summer issue includes an index for Volume 13 of World Order (Fall 1978-Summer 1979).
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PERSIAN PAGE
[Page 19]
PERSIAN PAGE
[Page 20]
Idea Exchange
Colorado churches are visited; children plan Feast in Iowa[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Fort Collins, Colorado, have been very successful in establishing a good relationship with various church and university organizations.
They have been asked recently to give Bahá’í talks to the Quakers, the First Presbyterian Church, the Zion Lutheran Church, and to a church youth group.
In addition, a professor at Colorado State University wrote an article for the university newspaper entitled “Will Islamic Freedom in Iran Suppress Religious Minorities?”
•
The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bahá’í children got an early taste of consultation as they met in a children’s class to plan the Feast of Alá for their community.
The children, ages 3-11, discussed and arrived at each decision in admirable consultative fashion. They were attentive to one another’s suggestions, enthusiastic in their voting, and supported the group’s decisions with a wholeheartedness that was exemplary.
The Feast they prepared, which included a lively game of musical chairs, was very special, and provided both a sense of exhilaration and importance for the children as well as a new appreciation for the adults.
•
To help deepen itself in the verities of the Faith, the Spiritual Assembly of Riverton, Wyoming, has decided that each Assembly member will memorize one Hidden Word each week until all of them have been memorized.
•
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Spiritual Assembly is finding that placing on its agenda the on-going topics of “teaching projects” and “love and unity” has helped to establish a new sense of oneness in the Assembly, socially as well as administratively, and enabled it to become more effective in developing the Bahá’í community and increasing the teaching work.
•
Community members and Bahá’ís from Green Bay, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas contributed recently to a “friendship quilt.” Each family designed and made a square. The quilt was then sent to a pioneer couple in Japan who reported that it became an excellent teaching tool.
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Do you know of an idea that has worked well in your community? We’d like to hear it. Send it to the Idea Exchange, in care of the Department of Community Administration, Bahá’í National Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Parents focus of IYC exhibit[edit]
To commemorate the International Year of the Child, the Glendora, California, Bahá’í community presented a parent information exhibit, as a public service, at the public libraries in Glendora and nearby Azusa.
The purposes of the exhibit were (1) to acquaint people with the Declaration of the Rights of the Child adopted by the United Nations in 1959; (2) to focus on the right of a child to a loving, nurturing home environment; and (3) to provide public exposure for the Faith.
Press releases informing the public about the exhibit were published before its appearances.
TO HELP RAISE the consciousness of parents concerning their responsibilities to their children, materials about parent education were distributed without charge by the Bahá’ís.
Among these materials were lists of family service agencies, locations of parent education classes, lists of emergency “hotlines,” child development booklets, “Love That Child” pamphlets, and pamphlets on poison prevention, home safety, toy safety, product safety, and others.
An integral part of the free literature was an annotated bibliography on child rearing and parenting, nutrition, and the emotional, intellectual and physical development of children.
To attract attention to the literature, a colorful, eye-appealing booth was built from two plywood panels hinged together.
Mounted on the front of the panels were two Bahá’í posters, a Bahá’í mobile, and UNICEF posters dealing with the rights and needs of children.
Permanently affixed to the rear of the panels was a collage of the faces of mankind interspersed with four Bahá’í quotations on the unity of mankind.
THE LIBRARIES were made available when the Bahá’ís promised that there would be no proselytizing or acceptance of any donations.
When anyone asked about the exhibit, he or she was told simply that it was being presented as a public service by the Bahá’ís of Glendora.
Those who asked about the Faith were acquainted with some of its principles; those who displayed a further interest were invited to attend a fireside. No Bahá’í pamphlets or other literature were distributed, except for the “Love That Child” pamphlets that were a part of the exhibit.
The over-all experience was extremely positive. Everyone involved felt that it was beneficial to himself, the Faith, and the people with whom the friends came in contact.
This booth is part of a parent information exhibit sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Glendora, California, that was displayed at the public libraries in Glendora and Azusa, California, to help commemorate the International Year of the Child.
Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, speaks to students in a class on comparative religion at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Mr. Mitchell’s visit on February 21 was arranged by the Bahá’í Club at the University of Illinois. He spoke to almost 200 students in two classes and at a public meeting that evening.
National Assembly considers new report from PR consultant[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly recently received a 28-page report from Hill and Knowlton, a public relations firm that is serving as a consultant to the National Assembly.
Recommendations in the report include those for the development of an historical novel or a book of popular history about the Faith; the creation of a new audio-visual presentation for use at the House of Worship and elsewhere; and the redesigning of Foundation Hall.
ACCORDING TO Hill and Knowlton, the book about the origins of the Faith would be “a powerful medium for reaching the general public in a lasting way, particularly if it were reinforced with a TV dramatization.”
Such a book, said the consulting firm, could be published with a guaranteed hardback sale of 10,000 copies to believers.
Hill and Knowlton has been charged with the creation of a new audio-visual presentation for non-Bahá’ís.
The program is to show the Faith as “a living presence” with examples of the ways in which Bahá’ís practice their beliefs in the mainstream of society.
The over-all tone of the presentation would be “contemporary rather than biblical,” according to Hill and Knowlton.
The suggestion about redesigning Foundation Hall, the firm said, is aimed toward “more dynamic use of interactive display techniques with a modern design that invites relaxed visitation ...”
THE IDEA IS to provide visitors to the House of Worship with a greater sense of Bahá’í life.
Hill and Knowlton also describes the creation of a “standing spokesperson corps” of believers who are willing to speak to media centers nationwide as “an important communications activity for the near term.”
These believers would make themselves available for media interviews on behalf of the Faith.
The National Spiritual Assembly also received a recommendation that it seek the placement of Bahá’í Holy Days on commercially available calendars and in almanacs by working with major commercial publishers of these materials.
Another recommendation in the report calls for the development of posters for general distribution that feature Bahá’í “sayings.”
A vigorous promotional campaign for World Order magazine is suggested, along with the development of a monthly newsletter for leaders of thought and opinion that would include a digest of articles printed in World Order.
The report, entitled “For a Broader Base of Understanding,” also recommends that the National Spiritual Assembly consider participating in appropriate activities sponsored by organizations such as the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches.
Another recommendation is that the National Assembly encourage Local Spiritual Assemblies to have representatives join ecumenically-oriented ministerial and related organizations in their areas.
Bahá’í House of Worship Wilmette, Illinois
Summer Hours: May 15 to October 14
- Auditorium
- 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Open for Worship)
- 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Open to Visitors)
- Visitors Center in Foundation Hall
- 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Book Shop
- 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday Activities
- Devotional Program—3 p.m.
- Public Meeting—3:45 p.m.
Information on transportation, food and lodging is available from the Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Service for the Blind[edit]
AVAILABLE NOW:
In Braille or on tape—
- Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh
- The Priceless Pearl
- Selections From the Writings of the Báb
- The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh (Volumes 1 and 2)
plus more than 80 other titles
For a printed catalog write:
- BAHÁ’Í SERVICE FOR THE BLIND
- 3110 East Lester St.
- Tucson, AZ 85716
Teaching trips throughout U.S. must be increased[edit]
The National Teaching Committee, in cooperation with District Teaching Committees, is eager to help all those who wish to offer their services by traveling teaching throughout the 48 adjacent states.
Recent reports from District Teaching Committees indicate that in some districts there is currently a high level of activity with the friends traveling frequently to visit goal localities and Groups.
HOWEVER, the frequency of visits to established communities needs to increase so that all areas of the country may benefit from these visits.
The importance of this activity was outlined by the Universal House of Justice in its Riḍván 1967 message:
“The challenge to the local and national administrative institutions of the Faith is to organize and promote the teaching work through systematic plans, involving not only the regular fireside meetings in the homes of the believers, the public meetings, receptions, and conferences, the weekend, summer and winter schools, the youth conferences and activities, all of which are so vigorously upheld at present, but in addition through a constant stream of visiting teachers to every locality.
“The forces released by this latter process have been extolled by Bahá’u’lláh in these words:
“ ‘The movement itself from place to place when undertaken for the sake of God hath always exerted, and can now exert, its influence in the world. In the Books of old the station of them that have voyaged far and near in order to guide the servants of God hath been set forth and written down.’ ” (Well-spring of Guidance, p. 76)
HOW DOES ONE go about being a traveling teacher? If you are able to visit communities or isolated believers in your district or nearby districts, contact the District Teaching Committee who will either schedule your activities or will provide you with the names, addresses and phone numbers of Group correspondents and Assembly secretaries.
If you are not known to the District Teaching Committee, please supply a letter of recommendation from your Local Spiritual Assembly.
If you are free to travel outside of your immediate area and have sufficient time and financial resources, contact the National Teaching Committee, giving a tentative itinerary and the length of time you will be able to travel.
You will then receive a Traveling Teaching Information Form to complete and return. So that we may be of the utmost service to you and to the communities you visit, we ask that you make your plans with at least one month’s notice.
The friends should not feel that only those Bahá’ís of recognized training, ability, and experience can or should go traveling teaching.
Non-Bahá’ís who come to firesides and/or public meetings often respond to the diversity of the Bahá’í community as well as to the sincerity of individual teachers.
WHEN UNDERTAKING your teaching trip, please consider the following guidelines taken from a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly dated July 18, 1974:
- Prepare yourself through study and review of appropriate passages in the Sacred Texts.
- Teach properly, giving the Message directly, honestly, and with conviction.
- Proclaim the appearance of the Lord of Hosts and inform your hearers of the essential purposes of His unifying, world-civilizing Revelation.
- Do not go after mere numbers: rather, fill each receptive heart with the Divine truths brought by the Bahá’í Teachings and let the power of the Covenant ignite the spirit animating such a heart.
The friends who wish to undertake this activity would, no doubt, find it helpful to refer to another message from the Universal House of Justice that refers to some of the major subjects Auxiliary Board members or traveling teachers should discuss when they meet with members of local communities collectively or individually in their homes. Please refer to A Special Measure of Love, pp. 31-32.
Your visits to specific localities will be under the direction of the appropriate Local Spiritual Assembly or District Teaching Committee. Please work closely with these bodies in any teaching you do in areas under their jurisdiction.
If you have any questions about traveling teaching, please write to the National Teaching Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone the committee at 312-256-4400.
Louhelen sets summer dates, theme[edit]
“The Community of the Most Great Name” is the theme of the summer 1980 Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan.
Two five-day sessions will be offered from Sunday evening through the following Friday noon. The dates are August 17-22 and August 24-29.
The site is the East Lansing Environmental Education Center in Wayland, Michigan, about 20 miles south of Grand Rapids.
Among the features will be three classes for adults, an excellent children’s program for all ages, a program for youth, family recreation activities, and an evening “open house” and talent show.
Teachers are needed for youth and children’s classes. Please send requests for application forms and other information about the school to Mrs. Paula Drewek, corresponding secretary, Louhelen Bahá’í School Council, 29503 Dover, Warren, MI 48093.
Edith Elmore (right) of Davenport, Iowa, and her daughter, Mrs. Laura Cox of Bettendorf, dressed as clowns to visit the children of Bahá’í families during Ayyám-i-Há. Also visited were the industrial plant where Mrs. Cox works, a restaurant managed by Mrs. Elmore’s son, and a large shopping center in Davenport. Gifts were given to many Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, and several hundred people learned about the Faith and Ayyám-i-Há, its special gift-giving time.
In response to a recent call from the Universal House of Justice for Persian pioneers to Nicaragua, Reza Sharifi, his wife, Malihe, and their daughter, Ladan, who recently came to the U.S. and were living in Falls Church, Virginia, left Miami International Airport on May 1 for their pioneering post in Nicaragua. The House of Justice requested that six Persians pioneer to Nicaragua as soon as possible.
Persian believers urged not to ‘cluster’ in larger communities[edit]
Following is the text of a letter dated December 20, 1979, from the Department of the Secretariat at the Bahá’í World Centre to the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. conveying guidance from the Universal House of Justice:
•
On behalf of the Universal House of Justice we have recently written to you about the influx of Persian believers to the United States with the recommendation that special attention be given to directing them to pioneer goals.
Of some concern to the House of Justice is the tendency for these friends to cluster together and even at times become a predominant element in the community in which they reside, and we have been instructed to send to you the enclosed excerpts from letters written on behalf of the beloved Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of Persia in 1956 and 1957 drawing attention to this tendency and giving guidance which the House of Justice feels is applicable to the present situation in the United States.
“The Guardian feels that the Persians should not congregate in a few chosen places, but rather that they should, when going to France or Germany, spread out in the various cities of these countries where there are no Bahá’ís. If this is done, it will greatly facilitate the teaching work in those countries, and at the same time will overcome the problem of establishing Persian colonies in Europe.
“One of the problems in France, Germany and Switzerland is that so many of the Persian pioneers congregate in certain cities, and this creates actually a Persian colony, and little or nothing seems to be done about teaching the natives. If the Persian pioneers dispersed to various cities, then of course they would automatically begin to teach the natives, because they would not be burdened with the necessity of Assembly functioning and association with other Persian Bahá’ís.
“The same situation exists with regard to American pioneers in these countries. They all want to congregate in one place, and thus little or nothing is done for the country itself.” (From a letter dated February 5, 1956, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Persia)
“He feels the Persians can render the utmost assistance to the teaching work, wherever they settle; but they must go on the basis of pioneers, and take up residence where they can render the best service to the Cause of God. It does little good for the Faith to have large groups of Persians settled in a city, and thus constitute an Assembly. When they move the Assembly falls. What we need in all areas is native believers. The pioneers should be in the minority, and aid the natives to shoulder the responsibilities of the Faith.
“Thus he feels you should encourage the friends leaving Persia to settle in outlying areas, in smaller cities, where there are no Bahá’ís, or few, and teach there. Many pioneers are needed, especially in the Scandinavian countries, Finland, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Greece, and Austria.” (From a letter dated February 17, 1957, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Persia)
[Page 22]
Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, speaks at the grand opening last December of the Bahá’í Center in Burbank, California.
In Burbank, ‘spring’ refills, new Bahá’í Center found[edit]
For nearly 40 years, the Bahá’í community of Burbank, California, had a goal of having its own Bahá’í Center.
About three and one-half years ago, the Spiritual Assembly of Burbank established a Center fund to help realize that goal.
At each Feast, a small amount of the money given by the friends was set aside for the purpose of buying or renting a suitable Center.
THE FUND had begun to grow to sizable proportions when the news came of a fresh wave of persecutions in Iran, and the inability of the friends there to offer further financial support.
Shortly afterward, the Burbank community sent $1,500—a major part of its Center fund—to the Universal House of Justice to aid the homeless and beleaguered followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the land of His birth.
It looked as though plans for a Center in Burbank would have to be postponed for some time to come.
However, a report soon came to the Assembly from one of the friends who worked near the city hall that a nearby building that was to be razed could be rented for a modest amount until its demolition date arrived.
Although no one knows when that date may be, the Burbank Assembly has rented the building and held a grand opening with Judge James Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, speaking on “A Violence-Free Society.”
Assembly meetings are held there on Monday evenings, youth study classes on Wednesdays, firesides on Thursdays, and impromptu tours for seekers occur whenever one of the friends has time to spare and can man the Center.
The Burbank Assembly reports: “The well-publicized secret of the ‘spring that continually refills itself,’ if only we give from it, has been again confirmed.”
Archives[edit]
Continued From Page 15
“There are some non-Bahá’í libraries that I know of that are collecting Bahá’í books as a part of their collecting policies,” he explains.
MR. DAHL KNOWS of no non-Bahá’í archives that are collecting manuscript materials. “This gives us an advantage,” he says, “since we have no competition at the moment.”
Most of the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and letters of the Guardian as well as relics of the Central Figures of the Faith in the archives were gifts from American believers, especially those who made pilgrimages to the Holy Land in the days of the Master, according to Mr. Dahl.
“Members of the Holy Family gave many of these pilgrims things from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” he says. “Eventually, many of these items would find their way to the archives.”
The robe of Bahá’u’lláh now in the archives was brought to the U.S. by Lua Getsinger who was delivering it on behalf of the Master to an American believer, Elizabeth Nourse. Mrs. Nourse later gave it to the National Spiritual Assembly.
One of the Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh in the archives was addressed to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and was presented to the National Spiritual Assembly by the Guardian in the 1930s.
The Guardian also sent other Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh and certain other relics to the U.S.
THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives actually grew out of the Chicago community’s archives: most of Chicago’s early records are now a part of the National Archives.
When the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada became two separate National Assemblies, the bulk of archival materials remained in Wilmette.
The National Archives Committee decided last year that its full-time archivist should make an annual visit to local archives around the country and to visit Bahá’ís who have papers desired for the National Archives.
Mr. Dahl’s first trip took him to New York, New Hampshire and Maine; this year, he traveled to the San Francisco area and to Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington.
One of the greatest satisfactions to Mr. Dahl is the level of organization at the archives.
“We are at a point where we now have a body of collections that are available for research,” he says. “We have a small but growing number of researchers who use the archives, which is very gratifying.”
WHILE THE ARCHIVES has been acquiring the personal papers of Bahá’ís, says Mr. Dahl, it has not received as many papers as it would like.
Another ongoing challenge facing the archivist and other members of the Archives Committee is locating original copies of about half the three volumes entitled Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
“That’s maybe 400 Tablets we’re searching for,” he says.
The task is made extremely difficult because these Tablets were revealed before 1909, and many were written to believers whose relatives are almost impossible to find—and many of these people aren’t Bahá’ís.
The concept of the annual Archives Institute at the National Center has broadened from helping Bahá’ís become archivists to guiding local archivists and those who are interested in helping with archives on a volunteer basis.
“Eventually,” says Mr. Dahl, “we hope to develop a group of archives representatives across the country who can help with local Bahá’í archives, somewhat like the Treasurer’s Office has done with its NTR program.”
THE MOST NOTABLE successes in trying to locate materials, he says, have resulted from leads supplied by believers visiting the National Archives during Pioneer Training Institutes, Special Visit tours of the National Center, or National Conventions.
“I’ve found that these leads tend to be the most profitable,” he explains, “because it’s particularly difficult to learn about family relationships from our own records. This isn’t something that membership records can tell us.”
Microfilming the approximately 6,000 letters and cables from the Guardian has begun, with the goal of microfilming most of what the archives contains.
There are plans for a new Archives building at the National Center, and the Archives Committee would like to add a second qualified archivist to the staff.
One cannot help but develop more knowledge about history while working with archival materials, says Mr. Dahl, who plans someday to write a history of mankind.
“Certainly,” he says, “I have developed a greater love for Bahá’í history while working here.
“Even if we don’t have many more people going into archives work per se, I believe we need a greater knowledge of Bahá’í history in general, as there is much we can learn from the Faith’s history—both what to do and what not to do.”
Essay deadline nears[edit]
Have you entered the National Youth Committee’s essay contest yet?
The deadline is July 1, so send your entries in now!
Tell us, in 250 words or less, why one should be a Bahá’í. There will be 10 prizes of H.M. Balyúzi’s new book, Bahá’u’lláh: The King of Glory, and the winning entries will be printed in an upcoming issue of The American Bahá’í.
Send your essay to the National Youth Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Coming next month ...[edit]
All about the Auxiliary Boards: their purposes, duties and responsibilities, and how best to use their services. Watch for it!
In memoriam[edit]
- Mrs. Tehireh K. Akhavan
- Muncie, Indiana
- March 16, 1980
- Mrs. Roseta Anderson
- Key Largo, Florida
- February 1980
- Mrs. Sara F. Anthony
- Washington, Georgia
- 1979
- David D. Barnitz
- Luray, Virginia
- March 3, 1980
- Mrs. Mildred V. Battaglia
- W. Los Angeles, California
- March 17, 1980
- Donald D. Benson
- Tampa, Florida
- March 22, 1980
- Theodore Birdsall
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- 1978
- John Blakeny
- Fort Mill, South Carolina
- August 4, 1977
- Stanley H. Brooks
- Marbledale, Connecticut
- Date Unknown
- E.K. Cooley
- Orrum, North Carolina
- Date Unknown
- Henry D. Dawkins
- Los Angeles, California
- April 8, 1980
- Ramez Fakhri
- Woodland Hills, California
- March 9, 1980
- Miss Johnnie Mae Fister
- Chester, South Carolina
- August 7, 1979
- Mrs. Mae Fries
- Corvallis, Oregon
- February 21, 1980
- Henry Gaskin
- Kershaw, South Carolina
- November 22, 1979
- Ulysses Givens
- Fort Mill, South Carolina
- April 17, 1976
- Mrs. Yvonne B. Gordon
- Claremont, California
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Laura Hamrick
- Blacksburg, South Carolina
- 1977
- Thomas Jackson
- Washington, D.C.
- March 2, 1980
- Mrs. Emma L. Jarrett
- Decatur, Illinois
- July 1979
- Mrs. Fontella Jenkens
- Ruffin, South Carolina
- Date Unknown
- Shadri J. Johnson
- Denmark, South Carolina
- 1979
- Mrs. Lou Jones
- Waynesboro, Georgia
- July 10, 1979
- John L. Marlowe
- Peterborough, New Hampshire
- March 6, 1980
- Mrs. Kathryne Mays
- Edwardsville, Illinois
- February 25, 1980
- James McCall
- Wauchula, Florida
- December 1979
- Mrs. Gladys McConico
- Moncks Corner, South Carolina
- 1977
- Johnnie McNeil
- Orrum, North Carolina
- 1979
- Philip McWilliams
- Decatur, Illinois
- February 1980
- Mrs. Luella Cordell Mills
- Spokane, Washington
- February 22, 1980
- Mrs. Renee Bercide Moyano
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- 1979
- James L. Mullins
- Modesto, California
- 1979
- Miss Lucille Ogden
- North Falmouth, Massachusetts
- March 10, 1980
- James Page
- Rowland, North Carolina
- March 16, 1980
- Herbert J. Patzer
- New Haven, Connecticut
- September 12, 1979
- Robert Peoples
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- November 27, 1979
- Jessie Pernell
- Blackville, South Carolina
- January 1975
- Mrs. Lidia Perry
- Blackville, South Carolina
- February 1980
- Mrs. Cuba Roach
- Santa Cruz, California
- February 13, 1980
- Mrs. Dorothy H. Russell
- Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
- March 21, 1980
- Mrs. Sara Russell
- South Bend, Indiana
- January 7, 1980
- Miss Lois K. Sokup
- Forest Grove, Oregon
- April 5, 1980
- Wilfred Henry Spoden
- Duarte, California
- Date Unknown
- Horlis S. Tillman
- Washington, D.C.
- February 25, 1980
- Mrs. Maureen Mae Wilder
- Byron, California
- March 5, 1980
- John Wilson
- Whiteville, North Carolina
- January 1980
- Mrs. Mary A. Winningham
- Orrum, North Carolina
- March 1980
- Mrs. Joy June Young
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Date Unknown
- Heshmatollah Ziai
- Los Angeles, California
- Date Unknown
- Ramin Ziai
- Los Angeles, California
- April 2, 1979
[Page 23]
PUBLISHING TRUST
Bahá’í
Publishing Trust
Spring 1980 Children and Youth Releases
My Báby Book
NEW book for parents and children 0-3
Special features include a page for the Bahá’í birth certificate (see description below) and pages to record the child’s spiritual education and growth, including first community, first Feast, first Holy Days, and first prayer memorized. Also includes pages for traditional baby-book information.
Handsomely illustrated in rainbow water-colors and highlighted with quotations from the Bahá’í writings, My Baby Book is a welcome gift for new parents and an excellent means for reinforcing a young child’s Bahá’í identity. Text by Deborah Christensen. Illustrations by David Cunningham. 32 pp.
7-52-53 cloth $14.50
Bahá’í Certificate of Birth
For parents and babies
Elegant presentation item for new parents. The new baby book (see above) includes a page for the Bahá’í birth certificate.
7-68-55 paper $1.50 NET; 5/$6.25 NET
Sunflower Books for Young Children
New series for children and parents
Designed to help young Bahá’í children, especially three- to seven-year-olds, learn a little bit about being a Bahá’í in ways suitable for their age. Written in the first person from the child’s point of view, the Sunflower books offer basic information and try to give children a good feeling about the Bahá’í Faith. They include simple activities (drawing, coloring, painting, cutting, matching, pasting, games) to involve each child.
A Message-to-Parents insert contains general comments on the purpose of the series and suggestions about the individual book. The books are to be shared by parents and children and should become a part of the child’s personal library. Written and designed by Deborah Christensen. Illustrated by John Solarz. 16-20 pp.
My Bahá’í Book helps the child develop a positive Bahá’í identity. It locates him in his multiple Bahá’í communities and discusses God and the Central Figures and their messages of love and unity.
My Favorite Prayers and Passages encourages children to memorize and use the Bahá’í writings as a part of early Bahá’í life.
God and Me emphasizes worship through deeds and divine attributes, the effects of which can be seen in the physical world.
Our Bahá’í Holy Places introduces Holy Places and Houses of Worship around the world, visible symbols of a proud heritage that belongs to each Bahá’í child.
| Set of Four Sunflower Books | 7-53-05 $10.00 NET |
| My Bahá’í Book | 7-53-01 $ 2.75 NET |
| My Favorite Prayers and Passages | 7-53-02 $ 2.75 NET |
| God and Me | 7-53-03 $ 2.75 NET |
| Our Bahá’í Holy Places | 7-53-04 $ 2.75 NET |
Come and Sing
NEW children’s record album
A delightfully entertaining collection of songs created to assist children to understand and develop the attributes of God. Makes an ideal gift for children of every age and faith.
Included are fifteen prayers and poems set to music. They cover reverence, obedience, courtesy, truthfulness, patience, love, and the equality of all mankind. Produced by Susan Engle and Warren Kime for the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, this charming album will provide hours of entertainment and joy for the entire family. So COME AND SING!
6-35-21 stereo LP $7.50
The Birth of the Bahá’í Faith
NEW booklet for youth
New for youth! An illustrated history in magazine format that brings alive the Heroic Age of the Bahá’í Faith, 1844-1921. The clear text and attractive line drawings make this an excellent teaching and deepening tool for youth and new Bahá’ís of all ages. Text and illustrations by Debbie D. Wittman. 23 pp.
7-52-55 paper $1.25
Work, dedication impel Service for Blind[edit]
A catalog of more than 80 Bahá’í titles in Braille and on tape is now available to visually impaired believers and seekers in the U.S.
Current issues of The American Bahá’í, Bahá’í News and World Order magazine also are available on tape from the Bahá’í Service for the Blind.
Books in Braille range from Bahá’í Prayers to The Priceless Pearl. Recently produced Braille versions of Selections from the Writings of the Báb also are available.
A CURRENT PROJECT is the completion of taped and Braille versions of Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
This impressive array of Bahá’í materials for the visually impaired is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of a six-member committee.
Many of the Braille texts and cassette tapes produced during the last 17 years have come from the home workshop of the committee secretary, Mary Francis Baral of Tucson, Arizona.
The committee chairman is Dr. Allan L. Ward of Little Rock, Arkansas. Other members are Fred and Janet Bixby of Cicero, Illinois; Jane Mclver of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Barbara Wilson of Newaygo, Michigan.
Three of the six committee members are among the approximately 150 visually impaired believers in the U.S.
When a new Bahá’í book is published, the committee’s first task is to make a master tape of its contents, because not everyone who is blind reads Braille.
The cassette tape is a faster way of getting materials ready for the visually impaired, explains Mrs. Baral.
“WE DO TRY to get everything into Braille eventually,” she says, “but we aren’t caught up yet, and probably never will be.”
The help of volunteers is sought to make a taped version of a book. These volunteers are found by word of mouth.
“At the moment,” says Mrs. Baral, “we have three people who are making tapes and three other volunteers who are doing work in Braille.”
Once a volunteer has read a book onto a master tape, a number of cassette tape copies are made.
Bahá’í books in Braille are either hand transcribed and hand bound, or they are made in the newer plastic thermoforms.
Thermoform Braille is created by a special machine that copies Braille from a paper master onto plastic pages by heating the plastic to form the Braille alphabet’s raised dots. These thermoform sheets are then bound into a Braille book.
The Bahá’í Service for the Blind operates a lending library through which books and other materials are available at no charge to all visually impaired believers.
THE BRAILLE books are sent worldwide, wherever there are people who can read the Braille form of English.
“We’ve furnished libraries for the blind in India and Pakistan, and in a couple of African countries too,” says Mrs. Baral.
In all, the committee deals with more than 25 countries.
“In some cases,” the committee secretary explains, “pioneers write to request Bahá’í materials on tape or in Braille for a library at or near their pioneering post.
“Some sighted Bahá’ís purchase materials from us to give to their seeing-impaired friends and seekers.”
The Bahá’í Service for the Blind offers taped versions of The American Bahá’í, Bahá’í News and World Order magazine on a subscription basis.
Subscribers pay for the first cassettes that are used. These tapes are then returned, erased and re-used for the following issues of the periodicals.
THE COMMITTEE’S history is a long one, spanning some 45 years, and Mrs. Baral says she has found some Bahá’í texts in Braille that date back to 1925.
In the early days of the Bahá’í Service for the Blind, believers had only one or two Bahá’í prayers in Braille.
The beloved Guardian encouraged the committee in its work, and made specific requests for Braille versions of Bahá’í books such as the Kitáb-i-Iqán.
In a letter to a member of the Braille Committee (its name at that time), the Guardian wrote:
“Persevere, nay redouble your efforts. I am planning to establish in the Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí a special section wholly and exclusively devoted to Bahá’í literature in Braille.” (Bahá’í News, No. 107, April 1937, p. 5)
Mrs. Baral, a member of the committee for 22 years and its secretary for the last 17, recalls that her interest in Braille was sparked by her friendship with Mrs. Bixby, who was later to join the committee herself.
“I had been writing to Janet on a typewriter,” she says, “and someone had to read my letters to her. Once, as I watched her take notes in Braille, I thought that it didn’t look too difficult, and so I asked her to teach me.”
Later, Mrs. Baral took a course in Braille through the Library of Congress and was certified as a Braillist and teacher of Braille.
“I dearly love to transcribe the Writings of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh into Braille,” she says, “though I seem to have less time these days to devote to it.
“There is so much other work to be done, such as packing and shipping books and tapes as well as correspondence.”
Besides her work for the Bahá’í Service for the Blind, Mrs. Baral serves as librarian for her local Bahá’í community.
Asked if she simply likes books, whether printed or in Braille, she replies quickly, “Indeed I do!”
Mary Francis Baral, secretary of the Bahá’í Service for the Blind Committee, makes plastic thermoform Braille copies from paper Braille originals with the help of her non-Bahá’í husband, Herbert, in their Tucson, Arizona, home.
The Hand of the Cause of God Ugo Giachery examines the Braille edition of a Bahá’í book during a visit in 1965 to the Bahá’í Service for the Blind’s library in Tucson, Arizona.
Mary Francis Baral records the contents of current issues of Bahá’í News and The American Bahá’í for vision-impaired subscribers across the country. The Bahá’í Service for the Blind Committee is headquartered in a former guest house on the Baral family property in Tucson, Arizona.