The American Bahá’í/Volume 2/Issue 12/Text
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[Page 1]
Bahá’ís are shown entering the Church of the Ascension, New York, site of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s first public address in America.
Special Commemorative Proclamation In ‘City of the Covenant’[edit]
The Reverend Douglas Norwood being presented with a Bahá’í Prayer Book by Mr. Hooshmand Taraz, Chairman of the New York Assembly. The framed picture in the background is that of the Reverend Percy Stickney Grant who invited ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the Church in 1912. To the left of Reverend Norwood is Mrs. Jacqueline Goldberg who read from the pulpit, the address presented by the Master at that time. (Photographs in this article by Mr. Al Burley.)
[Page 2]
City of the Covenant’ Activities (continued from page 1)
On the weekend of November 26-28, a historic and spectacular observance and proclamation commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá took place in New York, named by the Master, the City of the Covenant.
The proclamation began with a public meeting on the Friday evening at Earl Hall, Columbia University, which was sponsored by the University’s Bahá’í Club. The principal speaker was Mr. Donald Vahid Kinney, a descendant of one of the most prominent early American Bahá’í families, who was blessed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as a child. Mr. Kinney spoke regarding ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to New York. Following the talk, there was a special viewing of a robe, slippers, and a glass used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, after which some film slides of His visit were shown.
On Saturday, more than 200 Bahá’ís participated in a bus and motorcade tour of some of the major sites visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912. Four buses with signs reading “BAHÁ’Í FAITH – ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE – NEW YORK BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY” carried the friends to the Church of the Ascension, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá made His first public address in America; the Bowery Mission, where He addressed about 400 of society’s outcasts, later shaking hands with each one and placing a coin or two in each palm; the J. P. Morgan Library, where the Master revealed a prayer which He personally autographed in the Library’s album, blessing Mr. Morgan for having done “considerable philanthropy”; the Hotel Great Northern; the Church of the Divine Paternity; the Hotel Ansonia; and other sites.
The tour then proceeded to Mt. Moriah Baptist Church (known in 1912 as Mt. Morris Baptist Church) in Harlem, where a proclamation service and dinner was held to commemorate the address delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on May 26, 1912. As the Bahá’ís entered the Church, the organist played “Nearer My God To Thee,” which is the same hymn that was played as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá entered the Church in 1912. Following an introduction by the pastor, the service consisted of a reading of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s address, musical selections by “The Daysprings” (a group of Westchester Bahá’í youth), and other addresses which gave the Bahá’í message. More than 40 members of the Church congregation were present.
The tour ended at the Hotel Ansonia, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s headquarters during the 79 days He spent in New York. Here, a special exhibit of materials related to His visit was shown, after which the films, “A New Wind,” “It’s Just the Beginning,” and “Glimpses of Perfection” were viewed.
At 1 a.m., friends gathered at the New York Bahá’í Center to commemorate the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
On Sunday morning, Bahá’ís visited the Church of the Ascension (Protestant-Episcopal) at the invitation of the Reverend Douglas M. Norwood. During this moving occasion, the address delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on April 14, 1912 was read from the pulpit by Mrs. Jacqueline Goldberg, a Bahá’í of Jewish background, reportedly marking the first time a woman had ever read from the pulpit of that Church. Following remarks of appreciation by the Chairman of the New York Assembly, Mr. Hooshmand Taraz, he and Reverend Norwood embraced each other on the platform. After the service, a coffee hour was held in the rectory, during which the Reverend Norwood was presented with copies of Bahá’í prayers and Bahá’í World Faith, having expressed an interest in receiving Bahá’í literature. A special Bahá’í exhibit was displayed in the rectory, and the Church officials had placed a notice on the outside of the building directing people to a three o’clock meeting at the New York Bahá’í Center that afternoon. More than 100 members of the Church were present at the morning services. Many took literature and made inquiries.
This special weekend observance also marked the beginning of a new era in publicity for the New York Bahá’í Community. The daily NEW YORK POST, which had never printed an article on the Bahá’í Faith, ran a nine column-inch story entitled “Pilgrimage in Bahá’s Footsteps.” A large column also appeared in the NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS, America’s largest “black” newspaper, and a call was received from the United Press International wire service. Numerous calls have also been received from inquirers who had seen the press coverage of this memorable event.
Bahá’ís being introduced to the congregation of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Harlem by the Reverend Roney L. Tinnin, pastor. Shown from left to right are the Reverend Ralph Coleman, Assistant Pastor; Mr. M. Hussein Ahdieh, Treasurer of the New York Assembly; Reverend Tinnin; Mr. Frank Sawyer, Vice-Chairman of the New York Assembly; and his wife, Hortense, who read the address which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá delivered to the congregation in 1912.
Wyatt Cooper Retires[edit]
After 19 years of dedicated service, Mr. Wyatt Cooper, well-known and loved by friends from all over the world, is retiring from his position as Grounds Manager at the National Bahá’í Center.
There is an immediate need to fill this position. It is a full-time job, requiring both a knowledge of and a love for horticulture and landscaping.
Anyone interested, please phone or write Mr. Arthur Hampson, Manager, National Bahá’í Properties, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 (Telephone No. 312-256-4400).
(Editor’s note: The friends will be interested in reading about Mr. Cooper and his years of devoted service at the House of Worship in the December 1971 issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.)
National Data Processing Office Needs Programmer[edit]
The National Data Processing Office needs a full-time programmer beginning in January or February 1972.
The programmer will maintain the current membership and records system on the B-5500 and develop new application systems. Job requires programming in FORTRAN and ALGOL. Applicants must be willing to learn languages in which he currently is not proficient, and should have experience in random access file maintenance using a high-level language. Please send resumes to the National Data Processing Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.
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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. |
Malaysian Friends Visit House of Worship[edit]
Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Malaysia, Mr. Appu Raman, and his charming wife, during a recent visit to the House of Worship in Wilmette. Returning home from a special proclamation mission in the eastern hemisphere on behalf of the Malaysian Assembly, and having traveled halfway around the world, Mr. Raman remarked that the teaching work seemed to be going at a much faster rate all over the planet. He also extended to all the American friends, the love of the believers in Malaysia.
Treasurer’s Corner[edit]
In the November issue of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í, a strong article on the Bahá’í budget was carried in “Treasurer’s Corner.” That article stressed the vital importance of meeting the financial obligations of our Faith in order to carry out the Divine Plan created by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to save humanity from self-destruction.
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Qualities to Live By
The most vital duty, in this day, is to purify your characters, to correct your manners, and improve your conduct. The beloved of the Merciful must show forth such character and conduct among His creatures, that the fragrance of their holiness may be shed upon the whole world, and may quicken the dead, inasmuch as the purpose of the Manifestation of God and the dawning of the limitless lights of the Invisible is to educate the souls of men, and refine the character of every living man. Good character is, verily, the best mantle for men on the part of God; by this, God adorns the temples of His friends. By My life, the light of good character surpasses the light of the sun and its effulgence. He who attains thereto is accounted as the essence of men. Upon this the honour and glory of the world are based and are dependent. Good character is the means of guiding men to the right path and the great message. —Bahá’u’lláh
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It seems necessary to consider this subject further when we notice and reflect on the fact that, since the beginning of this Bahá’í year, our contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund have equaled only 68% of our budgeted goal. Our budget is adopted at the National Convention on behalf of all of the believers in the United States Bahá’í Community. Having been considered at length by the National Spiritual Assembly, it is never the product of wishful thinking, excessive ambition, or optimism on the part of the assembled delegates. It is a down-to-earth, realistic estimate by the National Spiritual Assembly of what will be needed to achieve the goals of the Nine Year Plan specifically given to the American Bahá’ís by The Universal House of Justice. If the funds called for in the budget are not forthcoming, critical functions must inevitably be curtailed, and the chances of realizing our dearest objectives will be seriously compromised. Yet we stand at only 68% of our goal.
The beloved Guardian repeatedly pointed out that giving to the Fund is a responsibility as sacred and obligatory as daily prayer.
It is left to the individual conscience to determine the degree to which those acts become a part of one’s daily life and the expression of his love for the Faith.
“Every Bahá’í, no matter how poor, must realize what a great responsibility he has to shoulder in this connection [support of the Fund], and should have confidence that his spiritual progress as a believer in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh will largely depend upon the measure in which he proves, in deeds, his readiness to support materially the divine institutions of the Faith.” (Shoghi Effendi, July 17, 1917.)
The American Bahá’ís are known for their ability to face up to an emergency—this is understood. Only sixteen months remain in the Nine Year Plan. A number of major goals are still to be achieved. They wait only for the availability of material resources. The National Spiritual Assembly is confident that the American Bahá’ís will universally arise to solve this critical condition.
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.
Bahá’í Child Education and Family Life[edit]
National Spiritual Assembly
Dear Friends
I am nine years old, I have just signed the card, and I like being a Bahá’í
My mother and father are happy, I am happy too.
I like to read a lot. I read pamphlets.
My mother and father are Bahais too. They have been for five months.
My grandma and grandpa are Bahais too.
Bahaullah means glory of God. Bahaullah was the Promised one of all Religions.
Christ promised he would come again and he did.
Bahaullah stayed in prison 40 years.
Abdul Baha was his eldest son. Abdul Baha was eight years old when his father went to prison in the Holy Land.
Abdul Baha believed in his father.
Abdul Baha went to Africa then he came to America and stayed 9 months.
Shoghi Effendi was Abdul Baha’s grandson.
I want to learn more of the Bahai faith.
Dear Tabby,[edit]
With the “Holiday Season” fast approaching, Bahá’í children at school are faced with the problem of Christmas parties, plays, exchanging of gifts, etc. and must surely wonder to what extent they may participate in these activities. Are there any guidelines on this subject?
Dear friend,
Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, has offered the following guidelines:
“...As regards the celebration of the Christian holidays by the believers, it is surely preferable and even highly advisable that the friends should IN THEIR RELATION TO EACH OTHER discontinue observing such holidays as Christmas and New Year, and to have their festival gatherings of this nature instead during the intercalary days and Naw-Rúz....” (BAHÁ’Í NEWS, No. 134, 1940.) (Emphasis added.)
In their relation to others, Bahá’ís should “Consort with all the people of religions with joy and fragrance.” Bahá’u’lláh has said, “Through this utterance, whatever was the cause of foreignness, discord and disunion has been removed.” (BAHÁ’Í WORLD FAITH, p. 175.)
It is important that Bahá’í parents educate their children from the earliest age to a fuller understanding of their relationship to other religions, so that their actions and attitudes will always be respectful and conducive to a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.
The parents must also begin to emphasize more dramatically the celebration of Bahá’í Holy Days. Since a child relates first to his family, we suggest you begin with family activities for these days. Start planning for them in advance, letting the children participate in the planning and in carrying out the activities, thereby building a set of happy expectations about the approaching Bahá’í Holy Day celebrations.
With loving best wishes for happy and joyful intercalary days and Naw-Rúz preparations,
Tabby
Yugoslavia[edit]
A Goal of the Nine Year Plan[edit]
The attainment of one of the important goals of the Nine Year Plan—the establishment of the Faith in Yugoslavia—is undergoing extreme difficulties because of the lack of translators. If there are any believers in the United States who can translate some of the Bahá’í literature into any of the following languages:
- Serbian
- Serbo-Croatian
- Slovenian
- Macedonian
- Albanian
would they please contact the National Spiritual Assembly, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091?
If there are any Bahá’ís who speak any of these languages who could take a teaching trip through Yugoslavia—perhaps in conjunction with an already scheduled pilgrimage—they should also contact the National Spiritual Assembly at the above address.
Business Teachers Needed[edit]
Do you have a degree in Business or
Do you have extensive experience as a secretary?
Would you be interested in pioneering to Jamaica and teaching secretarial skills, business English, and business Math?
A Bahá’í-owned company in Jamaica is looking for just such a person.
If you qualify and are interested, please contact:
- INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, Illinois 60091
Summer Projects[edit]
Europe & Latin America[edit]
Youth and young adults should begin now to save money for participation in an International Project this coming summer.
Be prepared—learn a language now: French, Spanish, German, or Italian.
Watch next issue of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í for an important announcement!
(Photograph by Studio 1844, Fleetwood, NJ.)
57 Bahá’ís and their guests attended a weekend deepening conference at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William R. Williams in Tunkhannock, PENNSYLVANIA, this fall. Sponsored by the Tunkhannock Bahá’í Group, the conference included a discussion of prayers and meditations led by the Hopewell, NEW JERSEY, Bahá’í Group; a talk entitled “Freedom and the Bahá’í Faith” presented by Mr. Charles Smith of Binghamton, NEW YORK; and a slide presentation of the Icelandic Oceanic Conference.
This weekend activity was so successful that the Tunkhannock Group plans to sponsor more such events as an aid to their proclamation, expansion, and consolidation work. Three new believers were the result of this effort.
(Photograph by Roger Cornell.)
Close to 300 people came to a Saturday night Square Dance, October 16, which preceded an all-day seminar on “New Standards for Living,” designed to give new believers, particularly youth, an opportunity to learn about the Bahá’í laws as they apply to daily living and problems of current concern. This twin event, planned by five adults and three youths in Rockland County, NEW YORK, attracted close to 500 participants over the weekend, many coming from various parts of NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, NEW JERSEY, and CONNECTICUT.
[Page 6]
Periscope (continued from page 5)
The Bahá’í Group of Salem, MASSACHUSETTS, recently initiated a three-week campaign to aid in reaching its masses. First, the Honorable Mayor Samuel E. Zoll of Salem was presented with the book, THE PROCLAMATION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH. The Mayor expressed an interest in the Group’s activities and said he would give his full cooperation in helping the Bahá’ís implement their plans.
The Bahá’ís in nearby Beverly and Topsfield combined forces with the friends in Salem to expand the teaching effort, and teams of teachers spent the following weekends traveling throughout the area in a decorated van, locating good spots in which to park, and literally “throwing open the doors” to all passers-by to tell them about Bahá’u’lláh. The people were invited to weekly Sunday-night meetings at Salem State College where the film “It’s Just the Beginning” was shown, and some excellent talks were given. These meetings usually ended with some lively discussions and, of course, an invitation to seekers to enter the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
The friends learned a lot from this first attempt at “mass teaching” in that area. They learned that there ARE receptive souls RIGHT THERE just WAITING to hear the Message. They learned that once a beginning has been made, there should be no stopping. In Salem, the first weekend meetings attracted two seekers; the second, four; and the third, TEN! Two seekers were moved to embrace the Cause.
The Salem Group wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to all of those dedicated believers who helped to make this teaching effort such a success.
Television and newspaper reports of its World Peace Day observance helped the Bahá’í Group of Augusta, MAINE, in spreading the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. A special banquet, held September 18, began a week-long proclamation of the Faith. Among the guests were Major General Edwin W. Heywood, from the Adjutant General’s Office, representing Governor Kenneth M. Curtis; Mayor Stanley Sproul of Augusta and his wife; and Mr. William Burney, representative from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and his wife. Mayor Sproul received a copy of THE PROCLAMATION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, and Mr. Burney and Major General Heywood each received a copy of BAHÁ’Í WORLD FAITH. Mr. Ed Carpenter, Headmaster of Harlem Prep School in New York, was a delightful Master of Ceremonies, and Mr. Lary Duffy of Kennebunk, Maine, entertained the gathering with a moving piano recital.
Clewiston Inn, situated very close to Lake Okeechobee, was the site chosen for this year’s District Convention in Southern FLORIDA. Prior to the Convention, the Southern Florida District Teaching Committee had sent out a call for teachers to take the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the untouched areas around the Lake. Clewiston, known as the Sugartown of Florida because of its cane-growing and sugar-processing industry, was the focal point.
A week before the Convention, the first three teachers arrived; by Wednesday, two more had arrived; and by Saturday morning there were 96 declarations. Bahá’í youth began to pour in early Saturday morning and, after prayers and consultation, spread out to teach. Over 160 permanent residents of the Black communities, and many Jamaican migrant cane-cutters, embraced the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh during these six days of teaching. The presence of the Bahá’ís in Clewiston itself was felt by many of the townspeople who stopped and enquired about the Faith.
Bahá’ís and friends at a World Peace Day Picnic in Keysville, GEORGIA, the first event of this nature sponsored by the newly-formed Local Spiritual Assembly of Burke County.
Some of the new believers from the small towns and cane quarters were brought to Clewiston to meet their Bahá’í brothers and sisters, and to experience the warmth and fellowship of the Convention.
The friends at the Convention were so moved by the reports of so many declarations and the appearance of some of the new believers from the 15 areas opened to the Faith, that enough money was contributed to supply each one with a Prayer Book.
Consolidation and expansion are now under way, with slide programs, prayer sessions, institutes, etc.
A gathering of Bahá’ís and their guests at a World Peace Day Picnic in Largo, FLORIDA. The highlight of the program was a presentation of the book, THE PROCLAMATION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, to Mayor T. S. Madson who was accompanied by his wife. The event was publicized in several local newspapers.
[Page 7]
Over one million people visited the State Fair in Tulsa, OKLAHOMA, October 1 through 10, the majority passing by this attractive booth. Many who asked for literature stopped to ask questions about the Faith.
The Tulsa Bahá’í Community had been saving money in a special fund for about four years for this event, and there was 100% participation in building and manning the booth. The main feature was a revolving stand on which were placed five doll children representing different races, each holding a different colored rose. The booth’s theme was “The New Garden.”
Bahá’í youth (mostly new believers) entertaining their friends at the State Convention in Charleston, WEST VIRGINIA, October 24.
About 45 Bahá’ís and their friends attended an observance of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh sponsored by the Bahá’í Group of Highland Park, ILLINOIS. The program included a showing of the film, “And His Name Shall Be One”, a brief talk, and a party.
The Duluth Spiritual Assembly has informed the National Spiritual Assembly that the Attorney General in MINNESOTA has recently handed down a ruling which enables any Bahá’í in public employ to take off from work on the Bahá’í Holy Days. A recent publication going to public school teachers reads:
“Rights and Benefits of Teachers and Public Employees Religious Holidays. Any employee of a school district or other governmental unit who observes a holiday which falls on a workday is entitled to such day off from his employment without pay or on annual leave or on a compensatory time basis. (Chapter 583).”
The Bahá’í Communities of Olmstead County and Rochester (MINNESOTA) co-sponsored a youth deepening conference, November 5-7. This was the first Bahá’í gathering in southeastern Minnesota. About 20 young people from nine groups and communities attended. The seven topics covered in open discussions were: Politics; Youth in Bahá’í History; Drugs; Heterosexual Relationships; Bahá’í to Bahá’í Relations; Bahá’í to non-Bahá’í Relations; and The Role of Youth in the Nine Year Plan. Any group can hold a conference like this.
[Page 8]
Periscope (continued from page 7)
Annually, over a half million people visit the city of Puyallup, Washington (population 15,000), to enjoy the nine-day Western Washington Fair. For several years, the Bahá’í communities nearby have tried to obtain a booth at the Fair, but have not been able to do so. This year, the first Spiritual Assembly of Puyallup was formed, and things began to happen.
To assure the formation of the Assembly, the essential ninth Bahá’í had moved to Puyallup and rented an apartment directly across from a corner of the fairgrounds and facing one of the main parking lots.
The Puyallup Assembly tried again to rent a booth on the fairgrounds but was not successful. The Bahá’í newcomer offered his apartment, and the building owner, as well as the city officials, granted permission to use it as a Bahá’í “Get-Acquainted” Center. The Center opened September 18, completing a very successful and rewarding nine-day teaching effort.
Thanks to the financial support of nearby Bahá’í communities, who also provided Bahá’í volunteers to assist physically in staffing the Center, the friends in Puyallup were able to offer free coffee and lemonade, and a place to rest. The local newspaper printed news about the Center in two issues.
More than 200 people visited the Center, viewing the Temple Model and book display, asking questions, receiving pamphlets, and signing guest books. Over 30 of them indicated a wish to be informed of future Bahá’í meetings.
It is impossible to ascertain the tens of thousands who walked past the Center, but many must have noticed the sign which proclaimed BAHÁ’Í FAITH - ONE GOD - ONE MANKIND - ONE RELIGION. Many thousands also saw Bahá’í movies and slides which were projected on a “frosted” window after dark.
Most of the visitors were from other cities in Washington, and many of them were from other states as far away as Alaska, Kansas, California, and Massachusetts. All were given informative brochures and were told where they could obtain additional information. A separate small room was available for those who wanted to sit down and hear more about the Faith or to read the Bahá’í books which were available.
To say it was educational for the adults and youth who served in every way, teaching, answering questions, handing out pamphlets, etc., would be an understatement. Time alone may show the fruits of this labor, but the spirit of unity engendered by the showers of blessings from the Ancient Beauty was indeed a joy to all.
Over 200 Bahá’ís and their guests attended the annual memorial service in honor of Mr. Thornton Chase, the first American to embrace the Faith. The service was held on Sunday, October 3, at the gravesite in Inglewood Park Cemetery, southern CALIFORNIA, where the friends gather annually to pray and reflect on Mr. Chase’s endeavors of service and love for the Faith, as requested by the Master.
The Bahá’í Group of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, with the cooperation of the Northern Arizona District Teaching Committee and the Southwest Indian Teaching Committee, held an outdoor Bahá’í Camp Meeting during the weekend of October 23-24 to mark the first official introduction of the Faith on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. More than 125 Bahá’ís and their friends participated in this glorious affair, including 35 members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
The principal speakers were Mr. Franklin Kahn, member of the National Spiritual Assembly, Mr. Bransford Watson, member of the National Teaching Committee, and Mr. Philip Cassadore, member of the San Carlos Bahá’í Group. The program included Apache singers and dancers, and a showing of movies and slides of various Bahá’í activities by Mr. Ray Helmick, member of the Southwest Indian Teaching Committee.
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Everyone had a very enjoyable time, and the spirit generated during this meeting resulted in the declaration of Mr. Benjamin Patten of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
Letters to the Editor[edit]
With reference to page 8 of the October issue - The Treasurer’s Corner:
One of the attractions of giving to the Funds is that our contributions are tax deductible. But checks to be donated to the Continental Funds, Panama Temple Fund, International Fund, etc., should be made out to “National Bahá’í Fund.” Reason—the U.S. Internal Revenue Service has approved the National Bahá’í Fund for “tax-deductible” purposes.
If your contribution is to be earmarked, write in a corner of the check which Fund is to benefit.
Keep up the beautiful publication.
Robert Springer, CPA
Editor’s Note:
The Office of the Treasurer has confirmed the accuracy of Mr. Springer’s statement.
To The Bahá’í Youth[edit]
Concerning Hallucinogenic Drugs[edit]
Long years ago ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke sharply against the Eastern variety of marijuana (cannabis species).
“Regarding hashish, you had pointed out that some Persians have become habituated to its use. Gracious God! This is the worst of all intoxicants, and its prohibition is explicitly revealed. Its use causeth the disintegration of thought and the complete torpor of the soul. How could anyone seek this fruit of the infernal tree, and by partaking of it, be led to exemplify the qualities of a monster? How could one use this forbidden drug, and thus deprive himself of the blessings of the All-Merciful?
“Alcohol consumeth the mind and causeth man to commit acts of absurdity, but... this wicked hashish extinguisheth the mind, freezeth the spirit, petrifieth the soul, wasteth the body and leaveth man frustrated and lost.”
The peyote cactus of the Southwest is the source of a hallucinogen named mescaline. The issue has been made clear in connection with Indian teaching.
“Anyone involved in the use of peyote should be told that in the Bahá’í Faith spiritual stimulation comes from turning one’s heart to Bahá’u’lláh and not through any physical means. They should therefore be encouraged to give up the use of peyote.” (Universal House of Justice, Nov. 9, 1963.) It is further stated: “...that Bahá’ís should not use hallucinogenic agents, including LSD, peyote, and similar substances, except when prescribed for medical treatment. Neither should they become involved in experiments with such substances.” (Universal House of Justice, May 19, 1966.) Further emphasis has been given for: “...the need for Bahá’í youth to become more deeply imbued with the Teachings of their Faith in order to combat the corrosive influences which surround them in their daily contacts.
“Concerning the so-called ‘spiritual’ virtues of the hallucinogens... spiritual stimulation should come from turning one’s heart to Bahá’u’lláh, and not through physical means such as drugs and agents.
“...hallucinogenic agents are a form of intoxicant. As the friends, including the youth, are required strictly to abstain from all forms of intoxicants, and are further expected conscientiously to obey the civil law of their country, it is obvious that they should refrain from using these drugs.
“A very great responsibility for the future peace and well-being of the world is borne by the youth of today. Let the Bahá’í youth, by the power of the Cause they espouse, be the shining example for their companions.” (Universal House of Justice, April 15, 1965.) (NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW, No. 3, March 1968.)
Try These Ideas On Campus[edit]
The Smith College Bahá’í Club in Northampton, Massachusetts, sent in these ideas for proclaiming the Faith on college campuses, and the Office of Youth and Student Activities is happy to share them with you.
These are simple, but sturdy structures which can be placed out-of-doors on the campus (permission being first obtained from the school authorities, of course). Each one measures about 4 feet by 6 feet and is brightly painted in different colors. Perhaps the colors could be changed every few weeks, thus creating even more interest.
These eye-catching units can be used for a “Thought for the Day” or “... Week” presenting a quotation from the Bahá’í Writings; and can include such items as invitations to Bahá’í activities and proclamation-event posters, all of which can be either taped, tacked, or glued on.
A five- or six-sided structure with supporting legs.
Simplest design for a display.
A barrel with bells inside that jingle when it is turned.
A large wooden box brightly painted in different colors.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS[edit]
And What They Say About It[edit]
“We cannot tell you how happy we are to see a large number of photographs of the rainbow of the races of our beloved human family. Through the BAHÁ’Í NEWS the Bahá’ís of Chaco are becoming aware of the truth that the earth is one country and mankind its citizens.” (From Argentina.)
“We are so happy (upon receiving BAHÁ’Í NEWS) to be back in contact with our world family. All the victories in the Faith really cheer us up when things are difficult here.” (From Madagascar.)
“Without BAHÁ’Í NEWS... it’s like being stranded in the desert.” (From Needham, Massachusetts.)
“I would consider it a real calamity if this communication (BAHÁ’Í NEWS) was suddenly cut off. The news of such tremendous growth... and such thrilling accounts of the victories for the Faith are a very necessary spur to the spirit.” (From Seattle, Washington.)
Please send address changes promptly to the National Bahá’í Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, and indicate if you are a subscriber to BAHÁ’Í NEWS or WORLD ORDER (or both).
India Announces Bahá’í Book Subscription[edit]
The Bahá’í Publishing Trust of India has announced a Bahá’í Book Subscription Plan whereby any Bahá’í institution or individual can become a member of the plan by paying $10 annually. Each member of the plan receives one copy of each publication brought out by that Trust, in English, during the year in which the subscription is purchased. The form for participation in this plan should be completed, cut out, and mailed to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Post Box 19, New Delhi-1, India, along with a certified check or money order payable to the “Bahá’í Publishing Trust of India” in the amount of ten United States dollars ($10.00).
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BAHÁ’Í MATERIALS
Feast and Holy Days are indicated on this convenient billfold or purse calendar, with detailed information on special observances on the back.
ALL ORDERS WITHIN THE UNITED STATES SHOULD BE SENT IN SOON TO AVOID LAST-MINUTE RUSH MAILINGS. NO STANDING ORDERS EXCEPT OVERSEAS. NOTE: Minimum orders are $5.00. It is very costly to process orders for less than this amount, or for a single calendar. Community members should combine their calendar orders and order only through local librarians. Isolated individuals who order the calendars should try to make up an order of at least $5.00 of various items. Either calendar may be ordered with literature or special materials items.
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Planes Chartered for Panama Dedication[edit]
We are happy to announce...[edit]
that planes are being chartered to take the Bahá’ís to Panama to attend the dedication of the House of Worship for Latin America.
Planes will leave from Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Atlanta on April 28. They will arrive in Panama early enough for the friends to check into their hotels and be present at the Unity Feast to be held that evening.
Return to the United States will be on May 3, with an anticipated arrival by early afternoon.
Basic prices are:
- Los Angeles: $220
- Chicago: $200
- New York: $195
- Atlanta: $175
All prices quoted are based upon the chartering of four full planes of 137 passengers each. If all four planes cannot be filled to capacity, the basic price may increase, but it is not expected that this would exceed $10-$15 per person.
The basic price quoted includes:
- Round-trip airfare to Panama (on jet aircraft, food served on board, unlimited luggage weight in two bags)
- Bus transfers from airport to hotel and return, hotel to House of Worship and Conference site and return (as required)
- Airport departure taxes in U.S. and Panama
The basic price does NOT include:
- Hotel room
- Food
- Tips
- Sightseeing or excursion trips
- Fare from your home to departure city
Hotel prices will be added to the basic price, and a bill will be mailed for the complete amount upon confirmation of a hotel room from Panama.
Rates for children:
Children under two years of age can fly free of charge. The same basic price as adults must be paid for all other children. Hotel prices would vary as per schedule.
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| Dear Bahá’í friends,
The purpose of this questionnaire is to find out your feelings about THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í. Please answer the questions below, clip out the form, and mail it to THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091. Thank you.
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PREPARE NOW FOR
AYYÁM-I-HÁ
FEB. 26 - MAR. 1
Inclusive
And NAW-RÚZ
MAR. 21
The American Bahá’í
112 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091
DECEMBER 1971
In This Issue
Special Commemorative Proclamation in ‘City of the Covenant’
Mr. Wyatt Cooper Retires
Planes Chartered for Panama Temple Dedication