The American Bahá’í/Volume 2/Issue 11/Text
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The Formative Age[edit]
The Formative Age of our beloved Faith began auspiciously fifty years ago with the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Center of the Covenant, on November 28, 1921, and the subsequent unveiling of the provisions of His weighty Will and Testament, the Charter of the Administrative Order. The evolution of that Order is at the very heart of the character of the Age begun by such earthshaking happenings.
“The Administrative Order, which ever since ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ascension has evolved and is taking shape under our very eyes in no fewer than forty countries of the world,” wrote Shoghi Effendi in 1934, “may be considered as the framework of the Will itself, the inviolable stronghold wherein this new-born child is being nurtured and developed. This Administrative Order, as it expands and consolidates itself, will no doubt manifest the potentialities and reveal the full implications of this momentous Document—this most remarkable expression of the Will of One of the most remarkable Figures of the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh.”
The perception of our beloved Guardian as conveyed in this statement enlarges with the passage of time and with our realization today both that the Order of Bahá’u’lláh is now established in 318 countries and dependencies of the world and that the crowning institution of that Order, The Universal House of Justice, came into being almost a decade ago as a result of the prodigious efforts put forth by Shoghi Effendi during the 36 years of his ministry.
As we reflect during the forthcoming anniversary of the Master’s passing upon the immeasurable dimensions of our success over the last half-century, we may justifiably be assured of much more exciting developments during the next half-century as we continue to build on the framework laid by Shoghi Effendi. Writing further of the Administrative Order, he stated: “It will, as its component parts, its organic institutions, begin to function with efficiency and vigor, assert its claim and demonstrate its capacity to be regarded not only as the nucleus...”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Chicago, 1912
The Formative Age[edit]
(continued from page 1)
but the very pattern of the New World Order destined to embrace in the fullness of time the whole of mankind.”
The overwhelming evidences of the hopeless disarray of world society leave no room for doubt that the old order cannot be repaired. How extraordinary, how awe-inspiring, how challenging that such a small segment of the human race, as is represented by our Bahá’í world community, should be armed with the history-changing knowledge and unique tools of a New Order “destined to embrace in the fullness of time the whole of mankind.”
Undoubtedly, sober reflection will inspire more determined and vigorous action to accelerate the building process of the Order brought by Bahá’u’lláh. This is why The Universal House of Justice has urged the formulation and implementation of plans designed to educate the friends everywhere in their understanding of the significance of the Formative Age of our Faith. This is why that august Institution has called for the strengthening of the authority and influence of National and Local Spiritual Assemblies. This is why our National Spiritual Assembly has planned 40 seminars for Local Spiritual Assemblies.
The next half-century cries out for the reordering of life toward an era of peace upon this planet. And we, the Bahá’ís, are the only ones who are fully aware of the response that is required.
Seminars for Local Spiritual Assemblies to Begin in December[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly announced after its October meeting that the series of 40 seminars designed for Local Spiritual Assemblies will begin in December. The first of these seminars will be held in Connecticut and South Carolina. The plan is to hold 20 during the current Bahá’í year and 20 during the next year.
The seminars form part of an overall plan of the National Spiritual Assembly to upgrade the administration of the Bahá’í Community and particularly to strengthen Local Spiritual Assemblies in their important work now that their communities are increasing in size and complexity. The seminars are largely a response to the assertion of The Universal House of Justice in its Riḍván 1971 message that “The authority and influence of National and Local Spiritual Assemblies will have to be strengthened in order to deal with larger Bahá’í communities.”
The program of each seminar will include treatment of such questions as the prerogatives and functions of Local Spiritual Assemblies; their relationships to the National Spiritual Assembly, the Auxiliary Board members, and the believers over whom they have jurisdiction; the method of consultation; and the handling of individual problems, especially those produced from the effect upon local Bahá’í communities of the spread of moral decadence throughout the American society. Each seminar will be held on a weekend, beginning on Saturday afternoon and ending on Sunday afternoon.
All Local Spiritual Assemblies will be notified individually of the schedule and requirements of these seminars.
Special Deepening Conference to be Held in Little Rock, Arkansas[edit]
The friends are warmly invited to attend a Deepening Conference sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors, the weekend of November 26-28, 1971, in the Auditorium of Philander-Smith College, Fine Arts Building, 10th and State Streets, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Registration will begin Friday afternoon, and the sessions will run Friday evening, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning.
Early reservations are advised at either of the following hotels:
SAM PECK DOWNTOWN INN, 625 W. Capitol
| Hotel section - | $7.75 up, singles |
| $11.25 up, doubles | |
| Motel section - | $11.25 up, singles |
| $14.75 up, doubles |
HOTEL LAFAYETTE, 6th and Louisiana Streets - $8 up, singles; $10 up, doubles
RITZ MOTEL, 5301 Asher, Little Rock - $8 up, singles; $10 up, doubles
BROADWAY MOTEL, 2501 Broadway, North Little Rock - $7.21 up, singles; $9.27 up, doubles
CORN MOTEL, 100 MacArthur Drive, North Little Rock - $6.18 up, singles; $8.24 up, doubles
PARK LANE MOTEL, 185 MacArthur Drive, North Little Rock - $7 up, singles; $8 up, doubles
POPLAR TOURIST COURT, 4312 E. Broadway, North Little Rock - $3 up, singles; $6 up, doubles
Schools Announce Special Sessions[edit]
Green Acre[edit]
To commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a special three-day institute will be held at the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine, November 26-28. The faculty will include Auxiliary Board Member, Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, and Mr. William Hatcher.
The sessions will begin after lunch on Friday with afternoon and evening meetings devoted to the study of the Covenant. Saturday morning and afternoon the focus will be on the Formative Age of the Faith. On Saturday night, the program will include reminiscences of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by some of those friends who met Him, culminating in a devotional service at the hour of His ascension early Sunday morning. The institute will conclude with a final talk later Sunday morning after which lunch will be served to close the session.
The cost, including all meals plus bed for two nights, will be $10 per person. As the housing facilities are restricted to the winterized buildings at Green Acre, attendance will be limited to the first 35 individuals who register. Make reservations immediately by writing to Mr. Emmanuel Reimer, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 189 Main Street, Eliot, Maine 03903, and enclosing a $5 deposit. Regretfully, children under 15 are not encouraged to attend this special session because of the above-mentioned restrictions.
Davison[edit]
Plans have been made for a three-day program to begin Friday, November 26, in the afternoon. There will be at least three classes on Saturday, and a special devotional service at 1 a.m. on Sunday. The weekend program will end at noon Sunday after a morning class. For further information, please contact:
- Davison Bahá’í School Council
- Mrs. Elizabeth Brogan, Secretary
- 870 W. Drayton
- Ferndale, Michigan 48220
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THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091. Material must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Black and white glossy prints should be included with material whenever possible. Articles and news written in a clear and concise manner are welcomed from individuals as well as assemblies and committees. Address all mail to: The American Bahá’í Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091. |
Why a Bahá’í Budget?[edit]
The Annual Budget represents the sum total which the Bahá’ís of the United States, trustees chosen to carry out the Divine Plan created by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to save humanity from self-destruction, are able and willing to devote to the success of that Plan.
Throughout the entire world, except in the Community of the Greatest Name, the wealth, the resources, the work, the savings, and even the precious gifts of nature, are exploited for war and destruction. How many thousands of times has the sum total of our Annual Budget been wiped out directly or indirectly by a few minutes of a world war, or expropriated by social revolution, or plundered by criminals of any great city!
How rapidly we ourselves could lose collectively a total of capital or income many times the amount of this year’s Budget if, failing the needs of the Divine Plan, the affairs of the nation took a turn for the worse!
These are some of the reflections which the Bahá’ís of the United States can well make at this particular time when Bahá’ís around the world observe the fiftieth anniversary of the passing of the Author of that Divine Plan and America’s Spiritual Mission.
It is only through our complete unity of effort—in the continued and greater sacrifice of every believer—that the spiritual and material resources will be found to achieve the vital and urgent tasks entrusted to us by the beloved Master. Not through curtailing our activities, but rather by increasing our capacities to serve and to give shall we succeed in attaining the current goals which have been set by The Universal House of Justice for our United States Bahá’í Community.
As early as March 1923, the beloved Guardian wrote, “...as the progress and extension of spiritual activities is dependent and conditioned upon material means, it is of absolute necessity that immediately after the establishment of local as well as national Spiritual Assemblies, a Bahá’í fund be established, to be placed under the exclusive control of the Spiritual Assembly. All donations and contributions should be offered to the Treasurer of the Assembly, for the express purpose of promoting the interests of the Cause, throughout the locality or country. 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 that Fund....”
A few years later, Shoghi Effendi reemphasized the importance, nay, the utmost necessity of whole-hearted support of the National Bahá’í Fund in these words:
“As the activities of the American Bahá’í community expand, and its worldwide prestige correspondingly increases, the institution of the National Fund, the bedrock on which all other institutions must necessarily rest and be established, acquires added importance, and should be increasingly supported by the entire body of the believers, both in their individual capacities, and through their collective efforts, whether organized as groups or as local Assemblies. The supply of funds, in support of the National Treasury, constitutes, at the present time, the life-blood of these nascent institutions you are laboring to erect. Its importance cannot, surely, be overestimated. Untold blessings shall no doubt crown every effort directed to that end.”
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Qualities to Live By
—The Universal House of Justice
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For each and all of us, our days on earth are swiftly passing, and swiftly passing also are opportunities for the present generation of believers to participate in the erection and achievement of those glorious “firsts” in our beloved Faith which constitute the initial stages of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh and universal peace.
For example, no present-day Bahá’í is able to contribute to the erection of the Holiest House of Worship in the entire world which now stands in Wilmette in the heart of our own continent, but he can contribute toward its maintenance and development of those unfolding activities that stem from the accomplishment of that early goal so dear to the heart of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. In the remaining months of this Bahá’í year, all Bahá’ís can contribute to the erection of the second House of Worship in the Western World now reaching the stages of completion in Panama, a place ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said would become very important in the future. There are other vital goals throughout the world that can be accomplished only by “material means”—namely, contributions to the Bahá’í Funds which constitute “the life-blood” of our “nascent institutions.”
—A Contributor to
Treasurer’s Corner
CORRECTION[edit]
We have been informed by the Continental Board of Counsellors that the Continental Fund supports only the work of the Continental Boards of Counsellors and their Auxiliary Boards, and does not cover the expenses of the Hands of the Cause as was stated in the August 1971 issue of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í.
World Order A Bahá’í Magazine
A subscription to WORLD ORDER Magazine makes an excellent choice for a relative or friend expecting a holiday or anniversary gift.
Give WORLD ORDER magazine when you want to keep the recipient of your gift reminded and informed about the Bahá’í Faith all year long.
Order WORLD ORDER now.
The Bahá’í Family and Child Education[edit]
“Kiss the face and hair of thy dear children for me, love them and educate them in divine education.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, TABLETS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ, Vol. III, p. 689.)
“O Unequalled Lord!
For this helpless child be a Protector; for this weak and sinful one be kind and forgiving.
O Creator!
Although we are but useless grass, still we are of Thy garden; though we are but young trees, bare of leaves and blossoms, still we are of Thy orchard; therefore, nourish this grass with the rain of Thy bounty; refresh and vivify these young languishing trees with the breeze of Thy spiritual springtime.
Awaken us, enlighten us, sustain us, give us eternal life and accept us into Thy kingdom!”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, TABLETS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ, Vol. III, p. 588.
“The great thing that is necessary to teach children is to be characterized with the attributes of God and to be good. Their hearts and minds must be prepared to receive the truth as soon as they are old enough to be taught anything....”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá (STAR OF THE WEST, Vol. 7, No. 15, p. 142).
“O maid-servants of the Merciful! It is incumbent upon you to train the children from their earliest babyhood! It is incumbent upon you to beautify their morals! It is incumbent upon you to attend to them under all aspects and circumstances, inasmuch as God—glorified and exalted is He!—hath ordained mothers to be the primary trainers of children and infants. This is a great and important affair and a high and exalted position, and it is not allowable to slacken therein at all!”
BAHÁ’Í REFERENCES ON EDUCATION, Vol. I, page 7 (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, TABLETS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ, Vol. III, page 606)
Dear Tabby,[edit]
Our new community wishes to start classes for children. Could you give us an idea of what kind of materials are available (teachers’ manuals, workbooks, etc.) and how to set up such classes?
Bahá’í greetings,
Greenville
Dear Greenville,
There is a wealth of material already put out by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust that includes teaching plans, teacher’s manuals, and handbooks. (Catalog and pricelist available from Trust).
The Office of Child Education offers on request materials which are helpful in setting up children’s classes.
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For information on child education write to:
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We also encourage you to keep us informed of your school’s activities by sending articles and pictures so that we may share them with the National Bahá’í Community through THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í.
Bahá’í love,
“Tabby”
Help Wanted[edit]
Southland[edit]
TEACHERS like those described by our beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in the TABLETS OF THE DIVINE PLAN with specific references to the Southern States:
“...with a firm resolution, a pure heart, a rejoiced spirit, and an eloquent tongue, engage your time in the promulgation of the divine principles so that the oneness of the world of humanity may pitch her canopy in the apex of America and all the nations may follow the divine policy.”
Our greatest need is for mature, experienced, and devoted Bahá’ís, firm in the Covenant, and deepened in the Faith’s spiritual principles and Administrative Order, who will come as permanent settlers or stay and work full-time in one community for a minimum of one month. A two-year commitment would be desirable.
The work of calling on new believers daily and increasing their sense of community until they are finally nurtured to the point of gathering as a Bahá’í community is long and tiring but the spiritual bounties and rewards are immense.
The Bahá’ís who arise to this challenge must know that they must be obedient to the local institutions responsible for administering the work at this stage of our development.
They need to be aware that no funds are available for deputization from local sources, and that a car in good condition is a vital piece of equipment necessary for the job.
Above all, quality in teaching and a rectitude of conduct must be maintained by all who are engaged in this noble enterprise.
The friends should carefully and realistically view their attitudes, resources, and motives before making a commitment to serve in this arena. Those who are struggling with financial difficulties and who have problems with personal conduct only jeopardize the teaching work so sacrificially brought to this stage.
The Southland is no place for disillusioned souls to escape their problems.
Neither the Regional Office nor the District Teaching Committees are prepared to serve as employment agencies. We hope the friends will seek their own employment if they must work.
Positions for self-supporting home-front settlers or temporary helpers on a voluntary full-time basis are open in all 16 Southern States from Delaware to Texas. Needs most acute are in South Carolina, Central Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas.
Please address inquiries to the SOUTHERN REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE, 424 Johnson Street, Canton, Mississippi 39046 or call (601) 859-1875.
Colorado[edit]
Southern Colorado is looking for mature believers interested in home-front pioneering. Two priorities in southern Colorado are the groups of Gunnison and Lamar. Both towns have college facilities. Please contact:
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Other Regional and District Teaching Committees are hereby requested to send us a list of places within their respective areas requiring settlers. Please indicate priority needs and send your lists to the National Teaching Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. |
- SOUTHERN COLORADO DISTRICT TEACHING COMMITTEE
- Mr. Chris Cholas, Secretary
- Box 114, Fort Lewis College
- Durango, CO 81301
- Telephone No. (303) 247-0111
Periscope[edit]
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Because of a lack of space in the last few issues of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í some of the articles which follow could not be published. They are now being shared, however, in the knowledge that news, whether old or new, from a family as “real” as ours, is always received with a warmth of love and understanding.
On the weekend of September 4-6, a highly successful conference on Bahá’í morality was held in Vernon, CONNECTICUT, for the Bahá’í youth in the New England area. A total of 180 youth registered and attended most of the sessions. The spontaneous unity and joy which prevailed among the youth, the exemplary conduct in their personal behavior, their diligent care of the building and camping grounds, and their friendly spirit of fellowship with the surrounding community were the first fruits from a conference highly praised by all present. Throughout the conference, members of the fledgling, very new Spiritual Assembly of Vernon beamed countenances of love and gratitude upon their fellow Bahá’ís. Trusting in Bahá’u’lláh, and confident in the ability of its youth to carry out the largest share of the work involved, the Assembly had launched its first major undertaking.
The three-day schedule was fully packed with activities that ended with a public meeting—a youth panel discussion. The conference provided rich and varied opportunities for deepening in Bahá’í moral principles. A keynote address and five talks on the major topics of Chastity, Obedience to Government, Bahá’í Family Life, the Most Great Sin, and Drugs and Alcohol, alternated with workshop discussions on those topics as well as on those of Modesty, Reverence, Honesty, Cleanliness, Courtesy, the Prostitution of Art and Literature, and Work as Worship. Throughout the conference, a table containing an extensive Bahá’í library and prepared listings of the locations in the Writings to any of the given topics remained open at all times for research. The weekend’s activities included a program of candlelight devotions, both planned and extemporaneous entertainment, and time left free for games and the Bahá’í fellowship of high spirits associated with youth.
All the major speakers set forth and reinforced one another in a single unified view of ultimate concerns and immediate historical perspectives. The cause of their unrehearsed unity as well as the generally harmonious blend that was achieved between the lectures and the workshops, stemmed from the emphasis given to the Bahá’í Writings. The availability of indexed listings to the various topics furnished an immediate access to the infinite wellspring of light from which all insight and clarity that leads to unity arises....
[Page 6]
Periscope (continued from page 5)
For the third year in succession, the Spiritual Assembly of Bristol, NEW HAMPSHIRE, sponsored a booth at the Plymouth State Fair, August 26-29, with the support of the friends from the surrounding area.
The booth was simply decorated with large posters, one of which had the Name, Bahá’u’lláh, another of which read “Bahá’í Faith”, and several of which were in color depicting people of various ethnic backgrounds. The backdrop was a framed, hand-made sign of burlap and yarn showing a large nine-pointed star and the words, “The Unity of Mankind Through the Love of God” along with a quotation from THE HIDDEN WORDS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH: “O Son of Spirit! Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then unto that for which thou wast created.”
There was a lot of interest shown by the public, and many pamphlets were distributed. In general, more people had already heard of the Faith, many had seen the House of Worship in Wilmette, and several had seen the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa.
One lady was so excited about the Bahá’í Faith that she stayed and talked with the friends at the booth for eight hours one day, and came back the next day!
The Bahá’í Community of Tonawanda, NEW YORK, sponsored a Mass Teaching Conference, July 3-5, most of which was planned and directed by its youth committee.
The conference opened with a picnic in a park, during which the friends sang, prayed, consulted upon the concept and techniques of mass teaching, and deepened themselves in the principles of Bahá’í conduct.
Taking advantage the next day of the July 4 public holiday, the believers converged on another park where they either split up into teams or went out individually to offer the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the picnickers. Each person who was given the Message was invited to a fireside that evening.
Monday morning was spent in prayerful thanksgiving and a sharing of experiences. With a firm resolve and supercharged spirits, the conference adjourned in reluctant but joyful good-byes.
The success of the conference cannot be measured in terms of the three souls who embraced the Cause of God, but rather in the bounty of the tremendous flow of spiritual energy which has been released and which will no doubt stir the seeds so patiently sown by the Tonawanda Community.
Mrs. Mary Sawicki of Wilton, Connecticut, is shown congratulating Mr. Edwin L. Miller, Chairman of the Conway (NEW HAMPSHIRE) Bahá’í Group, on the opening of the Bahá’í Center on Washington Street. Mrs. Sawicki is the United Nations Observer representing the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States among Non-Governmental Organizations. The Bahá’í Center plaque, which the friends are holding, is a wood carving that was given to Mr. Miller by the Bahá’ís of the island of Grenada.
As a Bahá’í entered a restaurant in Fanwood, NEW JERSEY, he noticed a rather down-and-out, elderly man sitting at the counter. As the newcomer sat on a stool two seats away from the man, he heard the man behind the counter mutter something derogatory about the old codger, who then raised his head and said, “I know what you think of me. You may not believe me, but I saw something you never saw—I’ve seen God!”
The man behind the counter, grumbling his disbelief, turned away. The Bahá’í leaned over to the poor man and said, “I believe you, mister. Tell me about it.” Glad of an audience, the old-timer turned and explained, “I was about ten at the time. Let’s see—must have been 1912 or so. He was tall, with a full hat on his head, and a long white beard. He wore some kind of cream-colored robes, and his face—oh! his face—it was God’s face!”
The Bahá’í sat stunned. 1912! The very year that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had visited Fanwood during his trip across the United States...
- (Editors note: Friends, what happened next? Did the Bahá’í recover in time to give the man the Message? Did the man become a Bahá’í?)
More than sixty Bahá’ís and seekers from Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and other cities in VIRGINIA attended a Bahá’í observance of American Indian Day, September 24, which was hosted by Mr. Edward Schlesinger and held at the Montecello Hotel in Charlottesville.
The purpose of the meeting was twofold: to celebrate American Indian Day and to welcome into the Bahá’í community Chief Buffalo, Sr., XIV, the hereditary chief of the Cheyenne nation, which includes 100,000 Indians in tribes in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Chief Buffalo and his wife recently embraced Bahá’u’lláh’s Cause, and it was with great joy that the Bahá’ís welcomed them.
The program for the evening included prayers in English and Persian, as well as one recited by Chief Buffalo in the Indian tongue. Dr. Abbás Bashír of Falls Church, Virginia, served as chairman and introduced the two speakers, Chief Buffalo and Mr. Archie Tichenor, a Bahá’í from Dumont, New Jersey. Chief Buffalo spoke of the ancient Indian religion and also of his travels around the world.
Mr. Tichenor spoke on “The Destiny of America,” and drew parallels between the development of America and of the Bahá’í Faith in order to demonstrate the role that America is to play in the spiritual reawakening of the world and in the unification of mankind.
Mr. Schlesinger delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the universality of the Bahá’í Faith and how only the application of its teachings would “reconcile people of different racial, ethnic, and national groups.”
The atmosphere throughout the program was a very spiritual one, engendered by the prayers, the talks, and the significance of the occasion.
The Goldsboro (NORTH CAROLINA) Mass Teaching/Deepening Project, which lasted for five weeks during the summer, yielded many victories. A total of 397 ready listeners accepted Bahá’u’lláh, which resulted in 19 new locations being opened to the Faith, 9 of which have enough adults to form Assemblies next Riḍván!
The project took place at the beautiful Cliffs of the Neuse campgrounds, where the Bahá’ís erected a “tent city” populated during the week by about 35 teachers, and soaring to over a hundred on weekends.
The teaching during this project was significant for two reasons. During the initial contact, the people were not only told about Bahá’u’lláh but they were also deepened in Bahá’u’lláh’s purpose for man in this day.
New believers were continually recontacted for meetings, and as many as possible were brought to the camp.
[Page 7]
Also, much of the teaching in this campaign was carried on by new believers from Rock Hill and Dillon, SOUTH CAROLINA, and several new believers from the Goldsboro project went teaching with the teams and on their own.
Follow-up will continue until all these new communities have functioning local Spiritual Assemblies and the native Bahá’ís are teaching His Cause.
(Excerpted from BAHÁ’Í NEWS, No. 488, November 1971, p. 11.)
“THE PROCLAMATION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH” to the kings and rulers of the world being presented to Mayor Lewis Newman of New Martinsville, WEST VIRGINIA, by Wetzel County Bahá’ís, Mrs. Dorothy E. Amos and her son, David Amos.
Bahá’ís from MISSISSIPPI were joined by believers from ARKANSAS and GEORGIA at Camp Sophia Sutton Begley in Prentiss, Mississippi, for a weekend of deepening and fellowship, July 23-25. By Saturday morning, over 100 friends were gathered, most of whom entered the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh less than three years ago.
The sessions included talks and discussions on The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, and on the Center of the Covenant, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Love and fellowship prevailed through a full weekend, which also included lots of prayers and singing, as well as time for recreation.
After an inspiring closing talk by Auxiliary Board Member, Miss Thelma Thomas, the believers dispersed toward their respective homes with hearts full and singing songs of praise to Bahá’u’lláh.
Three non-Bahá’ís (or so it appeared) from MISSISSIPPI sent contributions to the Fund. As it turned out, however, they were such new believers their declaration cards had not yet been sent to the National Bahá’í Office for processing!
Bahá’ís from Nashville, Oak Ridge, and Knoxville, TENNESSEE, participated in a mass teaching conference in Middlesboro, KENTUCKY, September 25. Going out to teach in a unique, integrated neighborhood where black and white live side by side, the friends were delighted to find three “waiting souls” who soon made their declarations of belief in Bahá’u’lláh.
In Flint, MICHIGAN, a Bahá’í class (ages 3 to 18) has undertaken a project to make life brighter at a local convalescent home. These thoughtful children and youth have made many items for the patients, have adopted “grandparents” and visit the home once a month.
A car with a loudspeaker was used on two occasions in the Reno-Sparks, NEVADA, area to invite people to a free film and Bahá’í talk. Over 250 guests attended the meeting!
About 45 recently enrolled and some not-so-new Bahá’ís gathered in Minot, NORTH DAKOTA, for a two-day New Believers/Teachers Institute, which was most inspiring—and exciting too! Somehow nine people came who were not enrolled Bahá’ís (one of them had heard of the Faith the previous day and took part in the Teachers Institute. Everyone assumed he was a Bahá’í.) He and seven others declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh by the second day, and the ninth person was still asking questions with the last goodbye... Topics presented at the Institute were the qualities of courtesy, cleanliness, reverence, and sacrifice;
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH and Dr. Daniel C. Jordan’s pamphlet, BECOMING YOUR TRUE SELF... The Teachers Institute included sections of the TABLETS OF THE DIVINE PLAN, and Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s pamphlet, SUCCESS IN TEACHING. Personal interviews were conducted, and the District Teaching Committee now has a file on the teaching desires and capacities of several North Dakota believers. The coordination of this information and specific task assignments have already begun.
The above painting by Mr. Walter Hathe is now on permanent display in the DePauw University (Greencastle, INDIANA) Art Center, where it represents first prize in the Fritz Smith Memorial Art Award.
The painting is entitled “The Year Nine.” Within the bold proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh’s Name are quotes from His Writings. Some 3,500 students are expected to pass by this painting during class registration alone. The painting will hang in the main entrance of the DePauw Art Center for the entire year and then become part of the University’s permanent art collection.
In a letter to the Indiana District Teaching Committee, Mr. Hathe wrote: “The money and the honor really did not mean that much to me, but proclaiming the Word of Bahá’u’lláh so openly for all to see meant a very great deal to me.”
When the Spiritual Assembly of Davenport, IOWA, launched its first mass teaching campaign a year ago, there were 20 Bahá’ís in the community with practically no diversity. By Riḍván 1971, the community had more than doubled in number and showed a much greater diversity. And NOW, one year later, there are over 70 believers of many hues, some of whom are shown in the above picture. Yes, it’s happening in Iowa and other parts of the Midwest, and the Assembly is happy to report that the new believers are teaching and being deepened as they teach.
[Page 8]
Periscope (continued from page 7)
A highly successful proclamation, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Auburn Judicial District, but assisted in the planning and operation by the Auburn City Group, was held in Auburn, CALIFORNIA, the weekend of July 23-25. Planning was begun months ahead, and much of the success of the proclamation was credited to the careful working out of details. A week before the proclamation was held, a free lemonade stand was set up in downtown Auburn, and literature was distributed along with personal invitations to the following weekend’s events. Friday, July 23, saw the operation in full swing. Posters, newspaper articles, personal contacts, and radio advertisements had brought the event before the public’s eye, and on Friday, the Bahá’ís of Auburn went door-to-door to personally deliver invitations to attend any part of the three-day event.
That evening, visitors to the Auburn Fairgrounds drove under a huge banner which read, “See The New Day.” After walking under another banner which read, “Bahá’u’lláh, The Glory of God,” about 250 people came to listen for over four hours to a program of music and song. About the middle of the program, prayers were read in a number of different languages, and a short talk on the Faith was given. Refreshments were served, and individual teaching figured significantly. But most important was the evident feeling of love, joy, and unity present in the crowd. People eagerly talked to one another, and voices were raised in praise of God. Courtesy and consideration were paramount, and when the music was in progress, everyone was attentively enthusiastic. The tone and texture of the evening were different from anything that Auburn had witnessed previously. People smiled and laughed and felt good. The evening ended with a highly moving rendition of “Amazing Grace,” sung by a combined chorus of fifteen Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís.
Saturday was devoted to mass teaching and proclamation. More invitations were given out, and about 60 guests, many of whom were new to the Faith, attended a potluck dinner that evening which was followed by a slide show of the 1963 World Conference in London. The people seemed reluctant to leave, and the spirit of God was invoked with a highly inspirational circle of song and prayer.
Sunday was spent in mass teaching, consolidation, and consultation during which the Auburn community discussed the successes and mistakes of the previous days. The harvest of the weekend was realized in an extremely successful fireside held in a private home. An overflow crowd of 50 guests forced most of the Bahá’ís out of the house—a new experience for most of them! Four new believers were welcomed into the community, and excited talk in small groups and on a more individual basis went on for hours. Exhausted, but happy, the Bahá’ís closed the proclamation with prayer, meditation, song, and a circle of unity.
A new sense of togetherness and dedication has been achieved in the Auburn Bahá’í Community, and more important, the Message of Bahá’u’lláh and the realization of the essential uniqueness of the Bahá’í community has been spread to hundreds of people. (Auburn is a small town of about 7,000 people in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas.)
The follow-up to the proclamation took the form of open-air evening firesides. The seeds of the proclamation have begun to take root and spread with amazing speed. The Bahá’í Faith has become a source of almost constant discussion among the people of Auburn. Many are eagerly reading and investigating the Faith for themselves. All indications point to rapid and exciting growth within the Auburn Bahá’í Community during the coming months.
Youth Conference Southern Nevada November 25-28[edit]
A Southern Nevada Bahá’í Youth Conference will be held November 25-28, 1971. The theme of the conference will be “Mass Teaching in the Southwest.” Speakers will include Joan Bulkin, Ray and Mabel Helmick, Karen Gibbs, Bob Phillips, Marc Towers, and Marion West. A special program for the commemoration of the anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and prayers will also be held.
The conference will be held at the National Guard Armory at Stewart and 25th Street in Las Vegas, Nevada. The cost for meals and housing will be $5. Bring your sleeping bags and your guitars!
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Read BAHÁ’Í NEWS |
For more information write:
- Miss Nancy Bagstad
- 845 N. Bruce, No. 4
- Las Vegas, NV 89101
There is the possibility that Victory Conferences might be planned for Mississippi and South Carolina during the month of December.
For more information write:
- DEEP SOUTH COMMITTEE
- Duane D. Dumbleton, Secretary
- 100 Wright Circle
- Athens, GA 30601
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The entire Fall issue of WORLD ORDER is devoted to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. |
UNICEF Calendar[edit]
The 1972 UNICEF Wall Calendar, featuring children’s art from around the world, is now available and calls attention to four Bahá’í Holy Days.
Order yours now from:
- United States Committee for UNICEF
- Information Center on Children’s Cultures
- 331 East 38 Street
- New York, NY 10016
Letters to the Editor[edit]
In the next issue of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í, the Editorial Committee will begin a “Letter to the Editor” column. We welcome and encourage your letters. An attempt will be made to answer questions raised in them.
Simply write:
- Letters to the Editor
- THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, IL 60091
Help![edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Bristol is planning a proclamation at Plymouth State College November 19-21, 1971. Your help is needed to teach and proclaim the Name of Bahá’u’lláh. Hospitality will be provided. Bring sleeping bags. Most meals will be provided free, but come prepared to buy a few.
For more information call or write:
- Mrs. Jean Platts
- 34 Pleasant Street
- Bristol, NH 03222
- Phone: (603) 744-3053
To The Bahá’í Youth of America[edit]
Youth Contributions Soar From Asmá (Might) to Mashíyyat (Will)[edit]
Where Do We Stand?[edit]
Our goal this year is | $200,000 |
Our contributions as of October 15, 1971 were | $ 47,291 |
NINE Bahá’í months have already elapsed! We have only TEN Bahá’í months left to raise the balance of | $152,709 |
This means that our monthly contributions toward the Youth Goal will have to exceed $15,270 each Bahá’í month to reach our goal. Please God, help us achieve it!
Give to the National Bahá’í Fund EACH BAHÁ’Í MONTH and mark your contributions YOUTH. Pray daily for the Fund.
Faith Makes Major Breakthrough on High School Campus![edit]
Rising to the challenge to teach the Cause of God boldly and courageously, and putting their trust completely in Bahá’u’lláh, the Promised One of All Ages, the soldiers of the Faith on the high school campus of New Trier East, Winnetka, Illinois, have begun the kind of trail-blazing that all of us should unceasingly and tirelessly hasten to achieve. Ignoring fear, scorn, and ridicule, the members of the campus club are proclaiming the Message to everyone at their school.
What exactly are they saying to catch the attention of their doubting and sometimes cynical peers? Very simply—that BAHÁ’U’LLÁH HAS COME; that He has brought solutions to the serious life problems faced by youth; that He must be listened to for He also has the power to change men’s hearts, and therefore their lives. There it is—bold and direct! What has been the response? 13 NEW BELIEVERS IN A LITTLE OVER ONE WEEK! AN ALL-DAY PROCLAMATION ON THE HIGHLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS WHERE THERE IS ONLY 1 BAHÁ’Í! TWO NEW HIGH SCHOOL CLUBS—IN SKOKIE AND EVANSTON! “Are these new believers for real?” you might ask. “Do they know what they’ve done?” We believe so. They are attending Feasts, worshipping at the House of Worship (some are even guiding), and bringing their non-Bahá’í friends to local firesides. Do they have to change some of their attitudes? Of course! Are they prepared to change their mode of dress, their language and behavior? Of course! In the words of one excited girl, “The only way we’re going to show we’re different is to BE different!”
What more do we need to know? New Trier is really no different from most high school campuses. A large percentage of its students have a drug problem, too many do not get along with their parents and families, too few have the proper attitude toward sex and its relation to marriage, and practically none of them realize that until men begin to develop their spiritual nature they will continue to have serious social problems. New Trier Bahá’í students have proved that the souls are waiting—and that these souls will respond to the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh. Shall they continue to wait because we lack the courage to teach them? Let each one of us follow the example of our courageous brothers and sisters at New Trier and TEACH, TEACH, TEACH! Please God, ye may achieve it!
BAHÁ’Í TEACHINGS ON SEX AND ITS RELATION TO MARRIAGE[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has provided an article on the above subject in the enclosed issue of NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW. Please read it.
International Travel-Teaching Opportunities[edit]
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS AND STUDY ABROAD[edit]
The Universal House of Justice, in its 1971 Riḍván Message, called for reinforcement of the army of traveling teachers and asked the youth particularly to consider how much time they can offer to the Faith during the remaining two years of the Nine Year Plan. As ever, the question plaguing most Bahá’í youth is whether they will be of more service to the Faith pioneering now or acquiring an education first.
One solution to that question is to combine the two by studying abroad or taking part in some international exchange program.
STUDY ABROAD[edit]
For graduate students, undergraduates and high school students. Contact your own school for information or a library or the Institute of International Education, 65 S. Water Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601. The IIE has information on many opportunities for those who wish to participate in study and cultural programs abroad. Write also to the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091, which has lists of colleges and universities in our goal countries as well as information on exchange programs.
AMERICAN FIELD SERVICE[edit]
This is probably the most widely known international exchange program for high school students and is conducted for youth ages 16-18. Contact your school counselor or write to the American Field Service, 313 E. 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017.
CADETTE TEACHING PROGRAM[edit]
One college we know of has a program for education students to teach in a school in Mexico for a semester. Your own college might have a similar program and we suggest that you inquire immediately.
WATCH THE BULLETIN BOARDS[edit]
Keep an eye out for ads concerning cultural exchange programs and similar opportunities sponsored through your school. And by all means, consult your school counselor.
CONTACT INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE[edit]
It is necessary to contact the International Goals Committee before departing in order to receive international Bahá’í credentials and to be put in contact with the Bahá’ís in the country to which you will be going. The International Goals Committee is eager to assist you in any way it can to fulfill your international pioneering and travel-teaching ambitions.
- International Goals Committee
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, IL 60091
- National Teaching Committee
- Office of Youth and Student Activities
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, Illinois,
- 60091
International Travel-Teaching Opportunities[edit]
Africa[edit]
WANTED:
Travelling teachers for these African countries, which are in need of immediate assistance and reinforcement.
- RWANDA - French
- CAMEROON REPUBLIC - French/English
- CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - French
- CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE) - French
- GABON - French
- IVORY COAST - French
- NIGERIA - English
- SWAZILAND - English
- MALAGASY REPUBLIC - French
- REUNION ISLAND - French
Especially (but not exclusively) needed are:
- French-speaking Bahá’ís
- Preferably self-financed teachers
- Deepened Bahá’ís for teaching and consolidation
- Individuals or teams
- Teachers able to travel under somewhat rugged conditions
Contact:
- International Goals Committee
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, IL 60091
Pioneers Needed[edit]
Uruguay: The “Purple Land”[edit]
Riḍván 1973 is fast approaching and our Nine Year Plan goals for many countries are still unfilled. At present, Uruguay has 4 remaining goals and we are seeking pioneers to fill them.
Although Uruguay is primarily an agricultural country, doctors, registered nurses, and teachers (with degrees) can find work in the capital city of Montevideo.
Spanish is the official language of the country, and it has been found that being able to communicate eases the transition period from one culture to another.
One of the bounties of pioneering to Uruguay is its temperate climate — 50° in June, its coldest month, and 75° in January, its warmest month.
The annual rainfall compares to that of the central and eastern parts of the United States.
If you would like to serve the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh as a pioneer to Uruguay, please contact:
- International Goals Committee
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, IL 60091
BAHÁ’Í BOOKS AND MATERIALS[edit]
BAHÁ’Í LITERATURE[edit]
‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ: THE CENTRE OF THE COVENANT OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
- —by H. M. Balyuzi
The first comprehensive biography of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, drawing particularly on Persian sources and out-of-print English works. It was written for all those who seek to know more about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His long and fruitful life of service as the Center of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.
The book covers ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s life from His eighth year—the year of Bahá’u’lláh’s imprisonment in Ṭihrán; the years of exile with His Father; Bahá’u’lláh’s death and the Master’s appointment as the Center of His Covenant; the intrigues of the Covenant-Breakers; the rise of the Faith in the West; the years of peril prior to the completion of the Shrine of the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s release; His travels first to London and Paris, then to America, and once again to Europe; the war years and the final years of His life; His passing; and His Will and Testament.
Illustrated with 14 photographs. Contains extensive notes, appendices, bibliography, and index. A volume written by a Hand of the Cause and essential for the reader wishing a deeper understanding of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Mystery of God. 560 pp.
- (Printed in England by George Ronald, Publishers) :Cloth.................................$5.00 NET
A new pamphlet designed for mass teaching
THE MESSAGE OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
A new fold-out pamphlet designed primarily for mass teaching in the South and elsewhere, but which will be useful in any area when used with discretion. It explains, in simple language, drawings, and pictures, the stations of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as well as progressive revelation and Bahá’í laws. Space is provided for local Bahá’í addresses and phone numbers. First distributed under the title “Have You Heard of Bahá’u’lláh?” The pamphlet folds to pocket size, 6 1/8" by 3 3/8".
- Not sold in quantities of less than 100
- 100/$3.00 NET 1,000/$22.50 NET
- 2,200/$40.00 NET CARTON PRICE
TO BE A BAHÁ’Í
New deepening packet designed for use in mass teaching areas. The small, pocketed folder, 3 3/4" x 7 1/4", contains eight colored cards on the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í prayers (including the short obligatory prayer and a prayer for unity), Bahá’í laws, Bahá’í administration, the Bahá’í world family, and participation in Bahá’í community life. Developed under the auspices of the National Teaching Committee.
Shipped unassembled: 100 each of the folder and eight loose cards. The folder and cards are machine-counted, and the actual count may vary from 90 to 100 “complete” sets. Numbers within this range should be considered normal, and adjustments will not be made.
- Sold only in quantities of 100, unassembled
- 100/$9.00 NET 500/$42.50 NET
- 900/$63.00 NET CARTON PRICE
LITERATURE IN SPANISH[edit]
PASAJES INMORTALES
This new pamphlet in Spanish contains excerpts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh quoted by Shoghi Effendi in The Advent of Divine Justice.
- Per copy........................$.20 NET
EL NUEVO JARDÍN
- —by Hushmand Fatheazam
This introduction to the Faith is based on notes prepared for a Teaching Institute held at Indore, in Central India. It covers God and His Religion, Manifestations of God, the Covenant, Teachings and Principles, Administration, and Laws and Obligations. It is an introduction to that “new garden” which Bahá’u’lláh says “hath appeared, round which circle the denizens of the realm on high and the immortal dwellers of the exalted paradise.” Contains many references from the Writings and many analogies to nature. 171 pp.
- Paper...........................$1.00 NET
DIVINA SINFONÍA
- —by Gayle Woolson
Contains chapters on the Founders of the principal religions of the world: Krishna, Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Christ, Muḥammad, the Báb, and Bahá’u’lláh. 2nd rev. ed. 85 pp.
- Paper.............................$.75 NET
SPECIAL MATERIALS[edit]
- 80-D-188902
- BAHÁ’Í VICTORY CALENDAR DIARY
Attractive desk calendar covering the Bahá’í year 129 beginning with Naw-Rúz (March 21) 1972. It illustrates many of the victories of the Nine Year Plan and contains quotations from the Writings.
The calendar shows both Bahá’í and Gregorian months and serves as a convenient reminder of Bahá’í holy days and feast days. Suitable for teaching and deepening and makes a meaningful gift for both Bahá’ís and pre-Bahá’ís. 8" by 6 7/8".
- Per copy......................$1.25
- 68-S-05
- “MANKIND IS ONE” BUMPER STICKER
Black on an orange background, with hands of four races superimposed on a white globe. Design is similar to the popular “Mankind Is One” buttons. 10 1/2" by 3", pressure-sensitive stock.
- 1/$.30 5/$1.00 20/$2.50 50/$5.00
- 68-S-10
- “MANKIND IS ONE” ROUND STICKER
Hands of four races superimposed on a white globe. Orange border with “Mankind Is One” in black letters, identical to the buttons. 5" diameter, pressure-sensitive stock. Especially good for notebooks, posters, etc.
- 1/$.20 5/$.75 20/$2.00 50/$4.00
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HOW TO ORDER:
SPECIAL MATERIALS: Order through your Bahá’í Community Librarian for postpaid handling on orders of $10 and over. Personal orders must include payment plus 10 percent (minimum $.30) postage and handling fee. |
BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST 415 LINDEN AVENUE • WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091
Dedication of Panama House of Worship Scheduled for April 29-30, 1972[edit]
The official ceremonies commemorating the completion of the House of Worship in Panama are scheduled for April 29 and 30, 1972, to be followed by a two-day conference on May 1 and 2 in Panama City. We are sure that all of you are excited about this dedication and that many are making plans to attend.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
| Friday, April 28 | ||
| 8 p.m. | Unity Feast at House of Worship | |
| Saturday, April 29 | ||
| 8 a.m. to noon | Dedication ceremonies | |
| 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. | ||
| 8 p.m. | Public Meeting, Olympic Gymnasium | |
| Sunday, April 30 | ||
| 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Dedication for general public and dignitaries | |
| 7 p.m. | Banquet for dignitaries, El Panama Hotel | |
| Monday, May 1 | ||
| 9:30 a.m. to noon | ||
| 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. | ||
| 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. | ||
| Conference | ||
| Tuesday, May 2 | ||
| 9:30 a.m. to noon | ||
| 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. | ||
| 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. | ||
Hand of the Cause of God Rúḥíyyih Khánum will attend as official representative of The Universal House of Justice.
In order to assist as many Bahá’ís as possible to participate in this historic event, we are planning to charter planes which will leave from strategic points around the country to take the friends to Panama. We are also arranging for hotel accommodations in Panama City.
We need to know how many of the friends would be interested in such a package in order to set fares and reserve hotel space. This package would include a plane trip, hotel accommodations, transfer by bus from the airport to hotel and back, and from hotel to sites of events, plus all airport taxes. Departure would be set for Friday, April 28, with return to the United States on Wednesday, May 3. We regret that on such a charter no special prices will be available for children over two years old.
The American Bahá’í
112 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091
NOVEMBER 1971
In This Issue
The Formative Age
Special Seminars for LSA’s
Special Deepening Conferences in Little Rock, Arkansas
Dedication of Panama House of Worship
The Bahá’í Family and Child Education