The American Bahá’í/Volume 3/Issue 7/Text
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Louis G. Gregory Award Presentation[edit]
Mr. Roy Wilkins, executive secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), received the Louis G. Gregory Award for Service to Humanity on Saturday, June 24, at the House of Worship in Wilmette.
Presented by the National Spiritual Assembly through its North American Bahá’í Office for Human Rights (NABOHR), this award honors persons or organizations whose humanitarian services have contributed significantly to the rights and unity of man. Louis G. Gregory was a member of the first National Spiritual Assembly elected by the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada in 1922, and for over four decades worked tirelessly to advance the cause of racial unity and human rights. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said of Louis Gregory, “He is like pure gold. That is why he is acceptable in any market, and is current in every country.” This “dearly-beloved, noble-minded, golden-hearted Louis Gregory, pride and example to the Negro adherents of the Faith” was appointed posthumously to the honored rank of “first Hand of the Cause of his race” by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi.
(Left) Louis G. Gregory, 1874-1951
In presenting the award to Mr. Wilkins, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, stressed the part the Bahá’í Faith has played in race relations in America. He said that when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was in this country in 1912, He addressed the 4th annual convention of the NAACP and pointed out that racial differences were ephemeral and insignificant and that man’s essence lay in his being the reflection of divine qualities, virtues, and perfections. “The spirit and intelligence of man is the essential....Therefore...color or race are of no importance.”
Mr. Wilkins, in accepting the award, which was presented to him for his part in the observance of the United Nations International Year for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination and, in particular, for his contributions to the cause of human rights in America over many years, said, “The followers of the doctrine of peace, love, and amity between people are at times a lonely lot. Yet, they have much about which to be thankful because as great as the odds seem, they are not as great as they once were.... The history of this country in its slow combating of racism is that this hard task requires the enlistment for the duration, and is not for the faint-hearted or weak, but for those who enjoy morsels of victory, adding them to other morsels, and watching things change, watching attitudes change, not from this year to the next, but from this year to 10 years from now, to 20 years from now. It is worthwhile to be a member of that small band of believers whose faith never wavers and whose deeds never cease.”
The program was chaired by Mr. Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary of the
(continued on page 2)
The Louis G. Gregory Award for Service to Humanity being presented to Mr. Roy Wilkins (right), executive director of the NAACP, by Mr. Franklin Kahn, member of the National Spiritual Assembly. Photograph by Ken Jennrich.
Pioneers and Travelling Teachers Urgently Needed[edit]
In a letter dated May 31, 1972 to all National Spiritual Assemblies, The Universal House of Justice wrote:
“As announced in our Riḍván message we are now releasing the attached list of territories throughout the world in which the teaching goals have not yet been won and which are in need of pioneer support or visits by travelling teachers.
“We now call on believers in every land to arise and help as their circumstances permit in the winning of these goals....
“We are praying at the Holy Shrines that the bountiful blessings of Bahá’u’lláh may surround all those who will arise at this eleventh hour in the fortunes of the Plan to help in ensuring complete victory in the vital teaching field....”
Do YOUR circumstances permit? If so, please contact: International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette 60091 (Tel. No. 312/256-4400). Those territories with the greatest need are marked with an asterisk.
| Africa | |
| Afar and Isa French Territory | Travelling Teachers |
| *Cameroon Republic | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| *Chad | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| *Corisco Island | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| *Equatorial Guinea | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| *Fernando Pó Island | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| *Kenya | Travelling Teachers |
| Mali | Travelling Teachers |
| *Rwanda | Travelling Teachers |
| *São Tomé and Principe Island | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| *Somalia | Pioneers |
| *St. Helena | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| *Swaziland | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| *Tanzania | Travelling Teachers |
| *Uganda | Travelling Teachers |
| Upper Volta | Travelling Teachers |
| Asia | |
| *Macao | Pioneers |
| Taiwan | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| Australasia | |
| *Cocos Islands | Pioneers |
| *Cook Islands | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| Loyalty Islands | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| Europe | |
| *Azores | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| Balearic Islands | Pioneers |
| Belgium | Travelling Teachers |
| *Canary Islands | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| Corsica | Travelling Teachers |
| Cyprus | Travelling Teachers |
| *Denmark | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| *Finland | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| *Germany | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| Greece | Pioneers |
| *Madeira | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| *Malta | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| Netherlands | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| *Norway | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| *Portugal | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
| *Switzerland | Pioneers and Travelling Teachers |
The House of Justice stated in its Riḍván message: “It is hoped that during this last year of the Plan the principle of collaboration between National Spiritual Assemblies will be extended far beyond the special tasks set in the Nine Year Plan. Those communities which have already attained their goals or are in clear sight of them should consider the world picture as disclosed by the listing mentioned above and do everything they can, without jeopardizing their own success, to assist their fellow communities with pioneers and travelling teachers, or in any other way possible. Such a process will greatly consolidate the unity and brotherhood of the Bahá’í world community....
“Our immediate and inescapable task,...is to ensure that every attainable goal of the Nine Year Plan is achieved. This must be done at all costs. No sacrifice, no deferment of cherished plans must be refused in order to discharge this ‘most important’ of the many ‘important’ duties facing us. Who can doubt that one last supreme effort will be crowned with success?”
(continued from page 1)
The National Spiritual Assembly, who spoke on the life of Louis G. Gregory. Dr. Kazemzadeh, who gave the keynote address, spoke on “Human Rights are God-Given Rights.” Mrs. Donna Kime, recording artist, whose voice is the trademark of many singing radio and television commercials and who has recorded with the Brass Impact Orchestra since 1957, provided a musical interlude accompanied by Mr. Tom Pautz on guitar.
The Louis G. Gregory Award was designed by Mr. Vernon Voelz, noted American sculptor from Sarasota, Florida, and conveys the concept that human rights are God-given rights. Previous recipients of the award are Xerox Corporation for its sponsorship of the television series Of Black America; Clark Eichelberg, chairman of the Commission to Study the Organization of Peace; the television series Sesame Street; and Dr. James L. Olivero, executive director of the Southwestern Cooperative Educational Laboratory.
Mr. Roy Wilkins has been executive director of the NAACP since 1955. He joined its staff in 1931. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he graduated from the University of Minnesota and for eight years worked on the staff of The Kansas City Call, a weekly newspaper. He is chairman of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and served on the President’s National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (1967-68). He is chairman of the Call Committee of the American Negro Leadership Conference on Africa and is a member of a number of boards and governing bodies of agencies serving the field of human rights.
Suggested Reading
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ABOVE ALL BARRIERS |
| The Story of Louis Gregory |
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Qualities to Live By
“A twofold obligation resteth upon him who hath recognized the Day Spring of the Unity of God, and acknowledged the truth of Him Who is the Manifestation of His oneness. The first is steadfastness in His love, such steadfastness that neither the clamor of the enemy nor the claims of the idle pretender can deter him from cleaving unto Him Who is the Eternal Truth, a steadfastness that taketh no account of them whatever. The second is strict observance of the laws He hath prescribed—laws which He hath always ordained, and will continue to ordain, unto men, and through which the truth may be distinguished and separated from falsehood.” “...The virtues and attributes pertaining unto God are all evident and manifest, and have been mentioned and described in all the heavenly Books. Among them are trustworthiness, truthfulness, purity of heart while communing with God, forbearance, resignation to whatever the Almighty hath decreed, contentment with the things His will hath provided, patience, nay, thankfulness in the midst of tribulation, and complete reliance, in all circumstances, upon Him. These rank, according to the estimate of God, among the highest and most laudable of all acts. All other acts are, and will ever remain, secondary and subordinate unto them.... “The spirit that animateth the human heart is the knowledge of God, and its truest adorning is the recognition of the truth that “He doeth whatsoever He willeth, and ordaineth that which He pleaseth.” Its raiment is the fear of God, and its perfection steadfastness in His Faith. Thus God instructeth whosoever seeketh Him. He, verily, loveth the one that turneth towards Him. There is none other God but Him, the Forgiving, the Most Bountiful. All praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds.” GLEANINGS FROM THE WRITINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, pp. 289-91 |
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Dearest friends, We have learned that by the Grace of God all of the believers in this disaster-stricken area are safe. It will warm your hearts to know also that the local Assembly, undeterred by the bewildering problems created by the devastating flood, and on the day after this shocking news headline appeared in the Chicago Tribune, mailed its contribution to the National Bahá’í Fund. The secretary wrote: Please excuse the informality of this letter but we have undergone a major disaster here in Rapid City, S.D., and time is so essential. I am sending our gift.... Later we will do better. This wonderful example of commitment, responsibility, and steadfastness in His Cause is one which we felt should be shared. Loving Bahá’í greetings, OFFICE OF THE TREASURER |
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The first and foremost duty prescribed unto men, next to the recognition of Him Who is the Eternal Truth, is the duty of steadfastness in His Cause. Cleave thou unto it, and be of them whose minds are firmly fixed and grounded in God. No act, however meritorious, did or can ever compare unto it. It is the king of all acts, and to this thy Lord, the All-Highest, the Most Powerful, will testify.... GLEANINGS FROM THE WRITINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, p. 290
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Bahá’í Child Education and Family Life[edit]
Education must always have priority over mere accumulation of knowledge.
There is a vast difference between education (character training) and instruction, between being able to memorize or know many facts, and learning to reflect spiritual qualities and apply daily the principles of the Bahá’í way of life.
It is clearly understood from the Holy Writings that, under no circumstances, are parents to force their children to become Bahá’ís, but they are responsible for the spiritual birth and growth of their children.
Let us take a lesson from nature. When a mother conceives, nature creates a certain condition in her physical temple (her body) which forms the home of the growing baby. In that proper atmosphere, the physical growth of the child starts. The parents, eager as they are to see the child, never force its birth. They patiently wait and keep everything in harmony with the natural process.
The same rule applies to the second home of the child: this world into which it is born. By divine education at home is meant the creation of an atmosphere in which the child can breathe the spiritual powers of the Age and may be nurtured and develop under the care and protection of the Divine Gardener.
If we deprive our child of this atmosphere, how will he develop? If we leave our child to “find it for himself,” how will he find it in a society whose material pursuits have caused it to turn away from God?
At what age do Bahá’u’lláh’s spiritual principles apply? Does a person have to be 15 years old before he can benefit from the guiding power of these principles? These principles being the spiritual food without which no soul can survive, can we dare wait until our child is a certain age before providing him with this spiritual food?
As true parents, we must guide our children, help them, and assist them to raise their eyes that they may behold the rising sun of Glory. For example:
- The Writings teach us to pray. We should then teach our children to pray.
- The Writings teach us to show love and respect for all people. We should then teach our children these principles.
- We are enjoined to observe the Nineteen Day Feast, the Fast, the Holy Days, to contribute to the Fund, to be obedient to and show respect for the divine institutions of our Faith. We should then teach our children these privileges, obligations, and responsibilities.
- Backbiting, gossip, and faultfinding are forbidden by Bahá’u’lláh. We should, therefore, teach our children to avoid these most sinister and destructive evils.
How do we educate our children? BY EXAMPLE. We start by educating ourselves according to the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, and by striving to live the Bahá’í way of life, thereby creating the proper atmosphere in our homes.
Here is the second page for your book of qualities:
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TRUTHFULNESS My example of being truthful |
Add this page to your book of Bahá’í principles. Don’t forget to color a leaf on your tree when you finish the activity!
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EDUCATION FOR ALL “To acquire knowledge is incumbent on all,...” ACTIVITY: Memorize the following prayer: “O God! Educate these children. These children are the plants of Thine orchard, the flowers of Thy meadow, the roses of Thy garden. Let Thy rain fall upon them; let the Sun of Reality shine upon them with Thy love. Let Thy breeze refresh them in order that they may be trained, grow and develop and appear in the utmost beauty. Thou art the Giver! Thou art the Compassionate!” Note: Younger children can learn the first two or three lines as a start. |
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Our Summer Schools[edit]
Improving The Quality Of Bahá’í Life[edit]
When we decide to become Bahá’ís, we commit ourselves to certain goals, both individual and collective. On the collective or social level, the goal is the establishment of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. On the individual level, it is the transformation of our character to reflect the names and attributes of God, to become “in His image”.
Thus, the emphasis of Bahá’í life shifts very quickly from finding and accepting an accurate and inspiring life’s goal and purpose to the translation of this knowledge into the reality of our lives. This is the difference between religion and philosophy, between faith and knowledge, for ultimately it is not knowledge that counts, but only “...the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth... the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.”
It has been said that faith comes before action; understanding comes later. Thus, the atmosphere at Bahá’í schools should be conducive to “right action” while classes should provide knowledge of the Teachings. Both are indispensable if we are to tread the path to God. Schools must provide not only an opportunity for us to deepen in our understanding of the Writings, but also to acquire and practice behavior patterns that reflect Bahá’í precepts. This is the very purpose of education, the drawing out of human potential, the polishing of the mirror of our soul.
What are some of the specific characteristics that we should acquire? The Universal House of Justice in its Riḍván 1972 message stated: “The extraordinary advances made... force upon our attention new requirements of this ever-growing world order both for its own organic life and in relation to the disintegrating world society in which it is set.... The Bahá’í community must demonstrate in ever-increasing measure its ability to redeem the disorderliness, the lack of cohesion, the permissiveness, the godlessness of modern society; the laws, the religious obligations, the observances of Bahá’í life, Bahá’í moral principles and standards of dignity, decency and reverence, must become deeply implanted in Bahá’í consciousness and increasingly inform and characterize this community.” At Bahá’í schools, we have a unique opportunity to hasten this process of transformation, since it is a situation wholly under Bahá’í control, unimpeded by the pull and push of the outside world. It is, therefore, incumbent on the school administrators to provide the proper background and guidance to help us practice those principles.
In recognition of this fact, the National Spiritual Assembly has charged the National Bahá’í Schools Committee with the responsibility to help the individual schools attain a high level of excellence in exhibiting the qualities of Bahá’í life. For this reason, certain ground rules have been universally adopted by all schools to provide a proper framework for their operation. These rules, as stipulated by the National Spiritual Assembly, include:
- Required class attendance
- Closed campus
- Curfew
Classes will include both lectures and seminars on basic Bahá’í subjects. There will be planned recreation and ample opportunity for fellowship, as well as evening programs. Every effort will be made to make classes as interesting and informative as possible, and great emphasis will be placed on providing good children’s classes.
Summer schools have a special place in the life of the Bahá’í community; with the help and active support of the friends, they can provide an opportunity for learning, for growth, for service, and for fun.
NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í SCHOOLS COMMITTEE
Letter For Sharing[edit]
The following letter to the National Bahá’í Schools Committee was written by Mrs. Sara Ray of Mobile, Alabama, on the twelfth day of Riḍván, and it gives us great pleasure to share it.
“What a wonderful gift of joy you have given me on this Holy Day! You just don’t know how excited I became upon reading in the National Bahá’í Review that the Georgia/Alabama Bahá’í Summer School... will be held at Camp Sumatanga in North Alabama. Please let me share with you why this particular site had such an effect on me.
“When I was in my teens my family belonged to the East Lake Methodist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. When Camp Sumatanga was first being developed, the youth group from East Lake Methodist Church helped clear part of the grounds at Sumatanga by picking up rocks and sticks with their hands. Many times I attended youth retreats, seminars, and institutes at Camp Sumatanga. It became a very revered place to me and I cherish this lovely place even now.
“At the top of the mountain there is a beautiful spot called Inspiration Point where worship services are held. Many times I have hiked to the top to Inspiration Point with youth groups and alone to enjoy the beauty of the valley below and to lift my heart in prayers of praise and thanksgiving. It was also on top of this mountain after a lovely day of enjoying the overflowing bounties of God that my husband and I became engaged to be married nearly eleven years ago. Again, it was to Camp Sumatanga and its serene beauty that my husband and I fled for the last few hours together before he had to leave for nine months of active military duty during the Berlin crisis in 1961. There, in the quiet beauty of a natural cathedral created by the hands of God, we gained strength to face that separation. Many times since then we have been back to enjoy the quiet and beauty of Camp Sumatanga.
“How could I, in my wildest dreams, have known in 1961 that eleven years later we would be returning to this beautiful Camp Sumatanga as a Bahá’í family? How my heart overflows with joy to know that the very first Bahá’í Summer School to be held in Alabama will be in such lovely surroundings, with the chanting of prayers at dawn and in the evening, and with the joyful fellowship of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh!”
Summer Schedules[edit]
Please refer to the May issue of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í for summer school information.
Fall Schedule/Oregon[edit]
The Oregon Bahá’í School Committee announces its fall session.
Location: Dorchester House, Lincoln City
Session: Thursday, November 23 (lunch) to Sunday, November 26 (after lunch)
Registrar: Mrs. Ethlyn Lindstrom, 4874 Cedar Street, Astoria, Oregon 97103
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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. |
Periscope[edit]
“Universal Participation—Wheel of Bahá’í Life” was the theme of a regionwide, action-oriented conference sponsored by the Brattleboro Assembly in VERMONT. This was a historic first of its kind for that community. The Brattleboro area is one in which much groundwork has been laid over the past thirty years by pioneers, traveling teachers, and more recently by Auxiliary Board members and other teachers who have helped in deepening new believers.
Prayers were read around the clock during the entire weekend of the conference; the music, singing, and loving fellowship; the presence of Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin and National Spiritual Assembly member Dr. Dwight Allen; the inspiring talks; the productive workshops; the well-organized teaching in the streets of downtown Brattleboro; the public meeting which followed in nearby Putney—all helped to make the conference an outstanding success.
The friends contributed $336 to be sent to the National Bahá’í Fund; and since the conference, four high school youth and one adult from the Brattleboro area have embraced the Faith!
A proclamation meeting commemorating the 60th Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to the city of Pittsburgh, PENNSYLVANIA, was held at the Hotel Schenley, May 7, in the same room in which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke on that same date in 1912.
Guest speaker at the commemoration was Rabbi Walter Jacob of the Rodef Shalom Congregation, whose 1912 predecessor had invited ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to speak from his pulpit. The Bahá’í speaker was Mr. Benjamin Kaufman, lecturer and teacher, who spoke on the life and teachings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Other participants were Mr. Freeman Porter who read a prayer for unity to open the program; Mrs. Thelma Bradenbaugh, secretary of the Pittsburgh Assembly, who gave the welcoming address; Mr. Charles Bennett who read excerpts from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Pittsburgh talk; Mrs. Marjorie Nixon who, accompanied on the piano by her daughter Gail, sang one of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s favorite hymns; and Mrs. Beverley Schroder who read the Prayer for America to close the program.
Guests were then invited to browse through artistic arrangements of pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; the Shrines of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh; the Bahá’í Houses of Worship; copies of local 1912 newspaper headlines and articles on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit; and an extensive display of English and foreign language Bahá’í literature. Lots of Bahá’ís were on hand to answer many questions.
The program was arranged by a committee of Bahá’ís from the greater Pittsburgh area, and was sponsored jointly by the Pittsburgh Assembly and the Bahá’í Club of the University of Pittsburgh. Excellent publicity was given in The Pittsburgh Press.
The Bahá’í group of Middlesboro, KENTUCKY, consisting of two pioneers, recently presented a showing of the film “It’s Just the Beginning” at the local public library. Pictured (left center) are some of the Bahá’ís and their guests who attended. The pioneers are Dr. and Mrs. H. K. Khorram who are standing in the first row, left and right.
Things are beginning to open up for the friends there. The group, with the help of three Bahá’ís from Nashville, TENNESSEE, carried the Message to some promising parts of Middlesboro during a two-day teaching effort. This was followed up with another meeting in the library where a high school student asked if he could make arrangements for some of his friends to hear about the Faith. The following day, permission was received from the owner of a vacant store on the main street to have a Bahá’í window display for a nominal fee; and later, the Bahá’ís visited the Lincoln Memorial University where a copy of BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND THE NEW ERA was presented to the school librarian.
Further teaching in Middlesboro was followed by another visit to the University, after which a meeting was held with the manager of a local radio station where arrangements were made to run 10-, 20-, and 30-second spot announcements about the Faith. These can be run for months—free of charge!
Over 30 Bahá’ís attended a mass teaching conference in Hays, KANSAS, March 25-27. From all over Kansas they came to help in whatever way they could. (Picture, bottom right.)
The prayers, singing, skits, good consultation and excellent spirits, the teaching experiences and the public meeting, all added up to make this enthusiastic endeavor a great success. Nine non-Bahá’ís attended the public meeting.
Follow-up has not been so easy. In the words of the reporter, however, “...the first time you plow hard-packed, rocky ground, not a lot is going to happen. Constant work in tilling the soil is needed until it becomes able to produce fruit. If there is enough patience and love on the part of the farmer, there will be a bumper crop to harvest.”
(continued on page 8)
In observance of International Book Year, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the City of NEW YORK presented the Staten Island, New York Community College Library with a selection of Bahá’í books. A Bahá’í exhibit was also displayed in the main reading room of the library. Shown in the above photo are (left to right) Christine Krause, Reader Services Librarian; Frank Sawyer, vice-chairman of the New York Assembly; Professor Bunch Washington, Black Studies instructor at the College, and coordinator of Bahá’í activities; M. Hussein Ahdieh, treasurer of the New York Assembly; James Matheny, Reader Services Librarian; and Professor J. Daniel Vann, III, Chief Librarian. (Photograph by Frank Sawyer.)
Some of the friends who attended a successful picnic given by the Bahá’ís of East Baton Rouge Parish No. 1, LOUISIANA. Of the almost 100 people who attended, about 75% were non-Bahá’ís.
Bahá’í youth who attended a teaching conference in Akron, OHIO, March 26-28. Mr. Edward Schlesinger from Charlottesville, Virginia, was the guest speaker. After an inspiring talk and discussion Saturday morning, about 30 youth went out to proclaim the Faith to Akron citizens in the surrounding neighborhood. This was followed by a well-attended public meeting in the evening. One of the guests remarked that she had never felt so relaxed, and was amazed at everyone’s happiness. The group picture was taken the last morning of the conference by Mr. Duane Kessler whose class of Bahá’í youth planned the weekend event.
The Jefferson City Assembly in MISSOURI presented a copy of THE PROCLAMATION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH to Mayor John Christy who asked several questions about the Faith and the significance of this particular book.
He also wanted to know how the Bahá’í community was progressing.
Mayor Christy promised to read the book and thanked the representatives of the Assembly for the honor. Pictured from left to right are:
Mr. Ronald G. Barding, chairman of the Assembly; Mr. Roy Page, Assembly member; Mayor Christy; and Vonnieta Trickey, Assembly member.
If we all choose to tread faithfully His path, surely the day is not far distant when our beloved Cause will have emerged from the inevitable obscurity of a young and struggling Faith into the broad daylight of universal recognition. This is our duty, our first obligation. Therein lies the secret of the success of the Cause we love so well. Therein lies the hope, the salvation of mankind. Are we fully conscious of our responsibilities? Do we realize the urgency, the sacredness, the immensity, the glory of our task? — Shoghi Effendi, BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATION, p. 70.
[Page 8]
PERISCOPE (continued from page 7)
Two thousand miles of laughter, song, prayer, and tears in a SAAB 99. That was the story of the round trip to the 63rd National Bahá’í Convention for four Bahá’ís from COLORADO and WYOMING, three of whom are delegates. All experienced unprecedented confirmations that changed the course of their lives!
But this is really the story of what happened after the delegates returned home to give their post-Convention reports. Traditionally, the reports last most of a day and dwell on statistical information available later in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW, and THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í.
The delegates each felt a strong need to come up with a different approach, one which would convey to the friends, as much as possible, the love, joy, radiance, confirmation, and urgency generated at this year’s National Convention, and they wanted to reach as many Bahá’ís in their districts as possible. The thought of having a “road show” occurred to them, and they mapped out an itinerary that was to take them almost another 2,000 miles to about 225 believers in 11 cities!
This idea was reinforced when friends returning “on fire” from the Panama Temple Dedication-Conference contributed a 50-slide presentation of that historic occasion.
The “show” opened in Boulder, Colorado, May 7. The following weekend it went to Laramie and Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Loveland and Denver, Colorado. On May 20 and 21, some of the participants traveled almost 1,100 miles in a Volkswagen bus to visit the southern Colorado communities of Montrose, Ignacio, Alamosa, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs. The final trip was to Casper, Wyoming, the last weekend in May.
The program opened with an hour’s slide presentation narrated by Carol Greene and Ken Willey who described some of their experiences in Panama where they were actually accosted on the streets by waiting souls who wanted to learn about Bahá’u’lláh. Many couldn’t speak English, and neither Carol nor Ken could speak Spanish, but there was a communication of the hearts.
A portion of the program was centered around a 45-minute excerpt from the cassette tape entitled “1972 National Bahá’í Convention Highlights” which focuses on mass teaching and includes a message from Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. The recording was stopped periodically as the delegates relived parts of the convention, and to provide the audience with an opportunity to express their thoughts and views.
The message given by the delegates to each community visited was: “We are here because we love you, and because we want to share with you some of the things that are happening in this wonderful Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.”
The response to the message was gratifying. The delegates felt that many hearts were touched. They, in turn, experienced the joy of visiting different Bahá’í communities and feeling the diversity among them become unified in one common purpose of teaching the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
As mentioned earlier, the four friends who attended the National Convention experienced confirmations that changed the course of their lives. The Henry Fitzpatricks are making arrangements to pioneer in Jamaica; the Peter Haugs are going to Princeton, Virginia; and the Allen Murrays are planning to pioneer in either Jamaica or Southern Asia!
The Southern COLORADO District Teaching Committee has reported a number of enrollments on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation during a five-day teaching effort. The new believers are from Navajo, Southern Ute, and Mountain Ute backgrounds, and attend the Bureau of Indian Affairs School in Ignacio. The school officials had invited the Bahá’ís to present a program which included music, talks, and a showing of the film “It’s Just the Beginning.”
As part of the teaching effort, the Durango Assembly presented a copy of THE PROCLAMATION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH to the Southern Ute Tribal Council which responded favorably and gave the Bahá’ís permission to use the recreation hall on the reservation for their week-long activities.
The post-Convention reports were held for the first time on the Southern Ute Reservation. Over 30 Bahá’ís from the southwestern corner of Colorado and from the Farmington, NEW MEXICO, area were present, including nine new Navajo and Ute believers. After the reports, which generated a tremendous spirit, a friend of one of the new believers came into the meeting hall and asked to become a Bahá’í.
The impact of the reports has sparked off intensified efforts in the teaching field, and teams have been formed to participate in several summer projects.
Traveling teachers, Mr. Vinson Brown and Mr. Barney Baiz, along with some of the Durango believers, attended the annual Southern Ute Bear Dance in Ignacio and talked with a number of people about the Faith.
Teach ye the Cause of God, O people of Bahá, for God hath prescribed unto every one the duty of proclaiming His Message, and regardeth it as the most meritorious of all deeds. (GLEANINGS FROM THE WRITINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, p. 278)
Help Needed[edit]
Teach the masses at the House of Worship? Yes! Each year the number of visitors who come to this mighty edifice increases, and over 100,000 are anticipated this summer. These include people from all over the world. In particular, we would like to win as many Chinese, Japanese, Spanish-speaking, Indian and Negro adherents to the Cause as possible during this last year of the Nine Year Plan. Bahá’ís who speak Chinese, Japanese or Spanish would be an enormous help.
The most effective way to reach these thousands of visitors with the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh is on a one-to-one basis. It is not possible, however, for the House of Worship Activities Office staff to accomplish this gigantic task by itself. We need the assistance of volunteers who form the backbone of the teaching efforts at the House of Worship and who serve as guides, tour leaders, greeters, and literature sales personnel, etc. Most of the volunteers, at present, live within the surrounding areas, but they are not sufficient in number. We need more help!
Can YOU give part or all of your vacation to teach at this most Holy Spot? ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said that “Whosoever arises for the service of this building shall be assisted with great power from His Supreme Kingdom, and upon him spiritual and heavenly blessings shall descend which shall fill his heart with wonderful consolation and enlighten his eyes by beholding the Glorious and Eternal God.”
Plan to spend at least one week, as this will allow you to reap the most benefit from such an endeavor.
It is necessary that volunteers be self-sufficient. The Activities Office staff is not in a position to arrange for housing either in the homes of local Bahá’ís or at nearby hotels, nor can it provide transportation.
If you can help please contact:
- Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, Illinois 60091
- (Tel. No. 312/256-4400)
One Thousand Bahá’í Children Gather In Ecuador[edit]
Encouraged by advances in consolidation obtained through a series of regional teaching conferences and eleven regional conventions, which large numbers of believers attended, the National Teaching Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of Ecuador conceived the ambitious plan of holding a national school for children with the goal of gathering together 1,000 children. The term ambitious was no exaggeration when we think of what it means to mobilize that many children between the ages of eight and twelve years of age, in a country with primitive transportation facilities and extremes of climate and altitude change, at a time when budgets are low, and the few dedicated teachers are already exhausted and having to consider assisting in the election of 220 Local Assemblies within another month!
The Regional Teaching Committee of Esmeraldas shouldered the responsibility of making arrangements for the conference... Invitations to send representatives were sent to all Bahá’í communities in the country and to the different neighborhoods of the city of Esmeraldas. With the cooperation of Local Assemblies and other Regional Teaching Committees, children from Chota, Ibarra, Otavalo, Quito, Salasaca, Chibuleo, Carchi, and Riobamba braved the cold, rainy season, unpaved roads, and poor buses to challenge the majestic snow-covered Andes mountain range to join their Bahá’í brothers and sisters on March 19, 1972, in the hot, humid, jungle-surrounded Pacific coast port city of Esmeraldas. Sixty neighborhoods of the city of Esmeraldas were represented: the coastal villages of Tachina, Rio Verde, San Vicente, Las Piedras, and Palestina moved their children en masse to Esmeraldas.
The site of the conference was a government school which received in its large interior patio the multitude of just less than 1,000 children, each colorful in the native dress typical of his ancestral region. Faces were toasted by sun or dried by wind, but still reflected the innocence of tender years. The spectator received an unforgettable impression of springtime, the significance of which only a Bahá’í heart could comprehend. Each child wore on his chest with undisguised pride, as if he had just received the highest honor as the most distinguished citizen of the world, a large circular pin depicting the Unity of the Human Race.
Prayers of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sung in choir by those 1,000 children filled the atmosphere and joyously swelled the heart. The visiting children presented the programs they had prepared especially for the occasion. The principles of the Faith were reviewed. New songs were learned. By their presence and contributions, Auxiliary Board members Rufino Gualavici and Charles Hornby added grace and dignity to the occasion. Then came the social part and the closing of this historic occasion.
A rich mixture of ethnic and cultural origins is represented in the above picture of some of the nearly 1,000 participants in the first National Children’s Conference in Ecuador.
No detail was overlooked by the committees who, on March 20, treated the children to a visit to the shores of the Pacific Ocean at Sua and Atacames. The mountain children, with eyes accustomed to only the green pastures of narrow valleys and golden tablelands, could not disguise their surprise and wonder at finding themselves surrounded by the songs and flutter of tropical birds, the forms of unknown animals, the succulent vegetation, and the Pacific Ocean—a strange world which their young minds could neither have imagined nor dreamed.
Filled with a sense of having accomplished their mission and with the sure knowledge that the world does not end at the point where mere sight diminishes, these new citizens of the world returned, for the most part, to their adobe or cane homes to share their adventures with their companions and seniors, leaving the teaching committees with yet another preoccupation—teaching the young!
(From BAHÁ’Í NEWS, No. 496, July 1972, pp. 18-19)
Editor’s note: This is just one of the many exciting and inspiring stories which appear in the BAHÁ’Í NEWS each month. The JULY issue also contains the first part of an article about Miss Martha Root, the first American Bahá’í to arise in response to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s call for pioneers in the TABLETS OF THE DIVINE PLAN.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published for circulation among Bahá’ís only and, as a news organ, reports current activities of the Bahá’í world community. SUBSCRIPTIONS cost $6.00 per year, postpaid in the United States and Canada, and can be obtained by writing:
- Bahá’í Subscription Service
- 415 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, Illinois 60091
Every Bahá’í should keep himself informed of Bahá’í world news.
Rufino Gualavici, Auxiliary Board member, who has brought literally thousands of indigenous people into the Faith, is shown here with a group of children attending the conference. At the lower left is a Chibuleo Indian woman who accompanied the children from her area.
At right, is Bahman Eshraghi who brought sixteen children to the conference. He is the Persian pioneer who opened the Salasaca and Chibuleo Indian areas where there are now hundreds of believers in both groups.
BAHÁ’Í BOOKS AND MATERIALS[edit]
BAHÁ’Í LITERATURE[edit]
Copies of Volume II and III of The Bahá’í World were stored for many years in unbound signatures. These have now been bound in cloth to resemble closely the originals. A small quantity is now available and sales are limited to one per person.
The Bahá’í World: 1926-1928 (Vol. II)
Contains a survey of Bahá’í activities between 1926 and 1928; an article on the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, excerpted from a compilation by Lady Blomfield and the Guardian; addresses delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at the National Bahá’í Convention and at the Dedication of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár grounds in 1912; articles on Green Acre and on Qurratu’l-‘Ayn; selections from Star of the West; an appeal to the Sháh of Persia to end the persecution of the Bahá’ís; and various other articles by such noted Bahá’ís as Horace Holley, Stanwood Cobb, Martha Root, Keith Ransom-Kehler, and Louis Gregory. Includes many photographs.
Cloth/$6.00
The Bahá’í World: 1928-1930 (Vol. III)
Volume III contains a survey of Bahá’í activities between 1928 and 1930; articles on the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, with pictures of the Temple in ‘Ishqábád; the petition to the League of Nations from the Bahá’ís of ‘Iráq concerning the seizure of the house in Baghdád occupied by Bahá’u’lláh and His family after they were driven into exile from Persia in 1852; pictures of the interiors of the Shrines of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; pictures of nineteen of the Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh and nineteen Disciples of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; a reproduction of an illuminated Tablet of Bahá’u’lláh, in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s handwriting; and articles by such noted Bahá’ís as Martha Root, George Townshend, Dr. Auguste Forel, Thornton Chase, and Louis Gregory.
Cloth/$6.00
Analysis of the Nine Year International Teaching Plan of the Bahá’í Faith—1964-1973
Detailed summary of the goals of the Nine Year Plan, including lists of National Spiritual Assemblies to be established and incorporated, national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, temple sites, and endowments to be acquired, languages into which Bahá’í literature is to be translated or enriched, territories to be opened to the Faith, minority groups which are increasingly to be taught and enrolled, locations where summer/winter schools and teaching institutes are to be established, and countries in which Bahá’í Holy Days and marriage certificates are to be recognized. Also includes a list of inter-Assembly collaboration projects, a table of various national goals to be achieved by 1973, with statistics showing conditions in 1964, and a list of the goals of the World Centre. Accompanying this booklet is an addendum to the statistical information published by the Hands of the Cause, updating their summary of the accomplishments of the Bahá’ís through 1964. Of great historical interest and of value as a collector’s item. Limited quantity available.
Paper/$1.50 NET
The Bahá’í Faith: Statistical Information, 1844-1968
A limited quantity of the booklet showing the status of the goals of the Bahá’í World Community through the middle of the Nine Year Plan is now available. Contains lists of countries, significant territories, and islands opened to the Faith; statistics on the number of languages into which Bahá’í Writings have been translated; and statistics on the number of tribes and minorities represented in the Faith. Also includes explanations of the status of the goals of the World Centre, lists of inter-Assembly collaboration projects, and tables on the achievement of national goals in countries throughout the world, such as the incorporation of National Spiritual Assemblies, acquisitions of a national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and temple sites, establishment of summer/winter schools, and recognition of Bahá’í Holy Days and marriage certificates. Of great historical interest and of value as a collector’s item. Limited quantity available.
Paper/$1.50 NET
SPECIAL MATERIALS[edit]
| 6-10-15 | Wilmette House of Worship Exterior Detail, 6-slide group |
|---|
Six different views of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. Includes an aerial view, a night view, and two views of the details of the pylons and doorways.
6-slide group/$1.25
| 6-10-16 | Wilmette House of Worship Gardens, 6-slide group |
|---|
Six different views of the gardens and fountains of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. Includes one view of the gardens at night.
6-slide group/$1.25
A scene from “A new wind”
| 6-28-05 | A New Wind, Used |
|---|
Used copies of this popular film are now on sale at half price. The half-hour color film focuses on the World Centre in Haifa, Israel, and on widely separated Bahá’í communities, including the city of Sapporo and an Ainu fishing village in Japan, remote villages in central India, and Gallup and the Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico. These used copies have been cleaned and checked for major damage, and any poor splicings have been replaced.
$50/Cash with Order Basis only
HOW TO ORDER
Literature and Special Materials items must be handled separately. Using the order blank below, total each category in the space provided, and add the appropriate postage and handling charges before figuring the amount of your remittance. Personal orders must include full payment.
If possible, always order through a Bahá’í Community Librarian for postpaid handling on Literature orders of $5 or more and Special Materials orders of $10 or more.
Summer Projects/Homefront[edit]
Rochester, New York[edit]
Six youth needed, August 5-26, to work in inner city area on community service activities, Bahá’í public information meetings, a general public meeting, and various other proclamation activities. Projecteers must be 18 years and over, and must provide their own transportation to and from Rochester. Spanish language ability helpful. Car helpful but not necessary. Up to $15 per week needed per person for food and local transportation fares. For further information, please contact: Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Rochester, Mrs. Gary C. Hankins, 931 S. Goodman Street, Apt. 2, Rochester, New York 14620 (Tel. No. 716/271-1970).
South Florida[edit]
Help needed, July 15-August 15, to reach Seminole Indians and migrant workers in the Lake Okeechobee area. Spanish language ability helpful.
For further information, please contact: South Florida District Teaching Committee, Nancy Hart, Secretary, 1188 Westwood Drive, North Fort Myers, Florida 33903.
New Orleans, Louisiana[edit]
Twenty young Bahá’ís desperately needed to ensure success of Project RESURRECTION, July 22-August 20, in metropolitan New Orleans area. Projecteers will need around $50 for food, lodging and local transportation for the four-week period. Bring sleeping bags. For further information, please contact: Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New Orleans, Mrs. Lee Blackwell, Secretary, 2522 Prentiss Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70122 (Tel. No. 504/283-1576).
Springfield, Illinois[edit]
Four youth (two males and two females), 18 to 25 years of age, needed to teach in black community of Springfield during the first two weeks in August. An integrated group would be preferred. Must provide own transportation to and from Springfield. Preferable if at least one of the four has a car. Housing and meals will be provided so expenses will be minimal. Please send inquiries to: Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Springfield, Nancy Flood, Secretary, 2435 South 15th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703.
Colp, Illinois[edit]
The Southern Illinois District Teaching Committee is sponsoring a nine-week summer project in Colp, located 10 miles from Carbondale. This is an ex-mining town near Herrin and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and is a small Black community of about 100. Eight fairly new believers live there.
Several projecteers are presently in Colp “ploughing the ground” and “scattering seeds”. This work will continue until August 6 when Operation HARVEST goes into effect. It is hoped that more helpers will arrive at that time to assist in “harvesting a good crop” of new believers. The last weekend of the project, August 13-19, will be devoted to consolidation work. Come to Colp for a day, a weekend, or a week and help us make Operation HARVEST the success we are all praying for!
There are camping facilities about five miles away at Crab Orchard Lake just outside of Carterville.
For further information, please write or call: Mr. James Jamison, 1113 South Second Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820 (Tel. No. 217/344-7030).
Michigan[edit]
There’s still time to lend support to Operation PHOENIX now in progress in Michigan. This is a mass teaching effort to reach thousands of rural people plus a huge concentration of summer migrant workers. The project, sponsored by the Michigan District Teaching Committee, is a real challenge for the comparatively small, but valiant, band of followers of Bahá’u’lláh in Michigan. For further information, please contact: Mr. Jim Springston, 10151 Oak Park Boulevard, Oak Park, Michigan 48237 (Tel. No. 313/541-1285).
Wyoming[edit]
Project FRONTIER is an overall teaching program, sponsored by the District Teaching Committee, and designed to effectively utilize Bahá’í traveling teachers. To facilitate the challenging task of reaching the large population of rural people in Wyoming, the following coordinators have been appointed to the areas indicated in italics.
- Powell (Yellowstone and Teton) - Northwest
- Mr. Paul Schwartz, Box 458, Powell 82435 (Tel. No. 307/754-2006)
- Sundance (Black Hills, Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore) - Northeast
- Mrs. Patricia Frolander, c/o Ruth Frolander Ranch, Sundance 82729 (Tel. No. 307/283-2813)
- Rawlins - Southwest
- Mrs. Virginia Stevens, Box 460, Rawlins Memorial Hospital, Rawlins 82301 (Tel. No. 307/324-2026)
- Laramie - Southeast, Central
- Miss Ruby Beasley, 712 Harney Street, Laramie 82070 (Tel. No. 307/745-9096)
- Cheyenne - Southeast, Central
- Mr. John Dumbrill, 112 West 31st Street, Cheyenne 82001 (Tel. No. 307/635-5276)
Traveling teachers are requested to give at least one to two weeks notice of arrival, since it is very difficult, particularly in the rural areas of Wyoming, to set up a meeting at short notice. They should also be self-supporting. In addition, the following information is required so that proper use of their services can be made:
- Name and address
- Name of Bahá’í Community or Group
- Means of travel
- Accommodations required (e.g., hotel, motel, campgrounds, hospitality)
It would also be helpful to know if a teacher has any musical talents, gives slide presentations, or has a special rapport with youth or older people.
Part of Project FRONTIER will consist of a mass teaching effort on the Wind River Indian Reservation (Shoshone and Arapaho) during July and August, which will culminate in a Council Fire over the Labor Day weekend. Indian believers are especially encouraged to assist with this very important teaching work. Follow-up teaching and deepening will be sustained during the fall and winter months!
Corvallis, Oregon[edit]
Help needed for week-long proclamation, August 7-13. The program will include teaching the masses at Benton County Fair where the Bahá’ís will have a booth. Spanish language ability helpful. Must provide own transportation to and from Corvallis. Food can be obtained for $1 per day. Bring sleeping bags. Please contact: Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Corvallis, Mrs. Sue E. Badiei, Secretary pro tem, 1850 Arthur Circle, Corvallis 97330 (Tel. No. 503/753-3943).
Cottage Grove, Oregon[edit]
Opportunity to spend the summer in scenic Oregon and teach the Faith. Large Bahá’í home available to three believers in exchange for taking care of house and yard. Help with cost of utilities would be appreciated. Cottage Grove offers a real challenge for teaching—we need seven more believers in order to form an Assembly. If interested, please contact: Mrs. Joan Hanlon, 628 Birch Avenue, Cottage Grove, Oregon 97424 (Tel. No. 503/942-8492).
Nevada[edit]
The North Nevada District Teaching Committee is holding a mass teaching campaign on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation (border of Nevada and
[Page 12]
Idaho), August 25-27. Help is needed to reach these waiting souls. Cost, approximately $2 per day. Bring sleeping bags. Some space available for tents. Please understand that the Indians are conservative and don’t understand or appreciate long-haired men. (Cowboy boots are great, however; Nevadans love them!) For further information, please contact the coordinators, Harry and Gainelle Massoth, 2338 Wedekind Road, Reno, Nevada 89502 (Tel. No. 702/358-2111).
OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AT THE NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í CENTER[edit]
The National Bahá’í Properties Committee is currently interviewing applicants for the position of Buildings Manager at the National Bahá’í Center. For details regarding this position, or to submit a resume of your qualifications, please contact:
- National Bahá’í Properties
- Mr. Arthur Hampson, Manager
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, Illinois 60091
- Tel. No. 312/256-4400, Ext. 54
|
NORTHEASTERN REGIONAL GATEWAY TEACHING CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 8-10 WAR MEMORIAL BUILDING SPEAKERS will include National Spiritual Assembly secretary, MR. GLENFORD E. MITCHELL. There will be a presentation by the DEEP SOUTH COMMITTEE. There will be MUSIC, FILMS and some SURPRISES! There will be a CHILDREN’S CONFERENCE running simultaneously, at which the children will learn about the Central Figures of the Faith and will learn how to teach the Cause. There will be special TEACHING EXHIBITS and a SHARING OF IDEAS! LEARN HOW TO REACH THE MASSES, REACH EVERY STRATUM OF SOCIETY!
SLEEPING BAG SPACE can be reserved by calling (609) 872-9615 or 871-5738, or by writing Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Willingboro, c/o Lois Hurdloe, 99 Manor Lane, Willingboro, New Jersey 08046. “Of all the gifts of God, the greatest is the gift of teaching. It draweth unto us the Grace of God and is our first obligation.” (WILL AND TESTAMENT OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ) |
The American Bahá’í
112 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091
JULY 1972
In This Issue -
LOUIS G. GREGORY AWARD FOR SERVICE TO HUMANITY
PIONEERS AND TRAVELLING TEACHERS URGENTLY NEEDED
PERISCOPE
SUMMER PROJECTS/HOMEFRONT
1,000 CHILDREN GATHER AT CONFERENCE IN ECUADOR
BAHÁ’Í CHILD EDUCATION AND FAMILY LIFE