The American Bahá’í/Volume 5/Issue 8/Text
| ←Previous | The American Bahá’í August, 1974 |
Next→ |
 Proofread onceReturn to PDF view
|
New Bahá’í School Dedicated in California[edit]
Bahá’ís attending the dedication of the John and Louise Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California, July 13. right of stage: Mr. Amoz Gibson, member of The Universal House of Justice, is seated at the lower left of the stage.
A simple dedication ceremony for the new John and Louise Bosch Bahá’í School was conducted by the National Spiritual Assembly at the new 67-acre campus in Santa Cruz, California, on July 13. Approximately 400 people attended, among them the Hand of the Cause William Sears and Mr. Amoz Gibson, a member of The Universal House of Justice.
The Bosch School was purchased as a replacement for the Geyserville school, which closed nearly 50 years of service to make way for an expanded California state highway system. Many older believers, whose childhood summers were spent at Geyserville, were among those attending the dedication of the Bosch School, named for the distinguished teachers and pioneers who donated the Geyserville property to the Bahá’í Faith in the 1920s.
Negotiations to purchase the $375,000 Bosch School were begun soon after the National Spiritual Assembly knew that the Geyserville property would have to be abandoned to the state. While the negotiations were still in progress, the 1973 Geyserville summer session was held in rented facilities near Santa Cruz. The first summer session at Bosch School began on the same weekend the school was dedicated.
The Bosch School is located sixteen miles north of Santa Cruz, at the north end of Monterey Bay. On the property are large stands of redwood, fir, oak, and madrone, stretches of open, rolling land, and a small lake. From several vantage points on the grounds, set at an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet, the Pacific Ocean five miles distant is clearly visible.
The main lodge is equipped with a dining hall for seventy people, a fully appointed commercial kitchen, game room, snack bar, and a dressing and locker room for the heated 30 x 60-foot swimming pool. In addition to the lodge, the campus has ten individual cabins (nine of them with fireplaces), three duplex cabins, and three completely separate homes. There is sufficient space at the school for 125 people.
The old Geyserville property was located 90 miles north of San Francisco, on 80 hilly acres near the Russian River. Highway modifications announced by the State of California during the 1950s would have brought an amplified highway to within 100 yards of the main classroom building.
The dedication of the Bosch School on Saturday, July 13, had as much to do with Geyserville as it did with the new campus. The speakers frequently referred to the new school as a resurrection of its predecessor institution, as a transfer of an old diamond to a new setting. The ceremony seemed calculated to both reassure the believers old enough to recall and treasure the heritage of Geyserville of the intrinsic value of the new, and to introduce those recently drawn to the Cause to the value of the old in defining the direction in the expansion of the new. The nascent Bosch School was lashed tightly to the memory of Geyserville with the strong cords of Bahá’í history. Continuities were established, connections were demonstrated. In the end, the dedication of the new facility did indeed seem to represent the reestablishment of Geyserville in a more enhancing
First on Indian Reservation
Construction Teaching Institute Planned[edit]
A permanent Bahá’í teaching institute will soon be established on the vast Navajo Reservation, which spans sections of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.
The decision to build this structure, the first such structure contemplated for an Indian Reservation in the United States, was announced by the National Spiritual Assembly following its recent July 12-14 meeting at the John and Louise Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California. An architectural design for the institute, conceived by Gordon Jackson of Del Mar, California, was adopted by the National Assembly.
Construction will begin as soon as land and funds become available. The preliminary estimated cost of building the institute was $200,000. The National Assembly said Bahá’ís would be free to contribute directly to the cost of construction.
The institute will serve a function similar to that of the Louis G. Gregory Institute in South Carolina. Programs to be held at the Navajoland institute will be designed to stimulate expansion and consolidation work among the Indian believers. The institute, according to Glenford Mitchell, Secretary of the National Assembly, will also be “a concrete symbol of the intention and determination of the American Bahá’í community to carry forward a vigorous program of teaching and consolidation among Indian peoples as called for in the Five Year Plan.”
The proposed 6,000 square feet of floor space is contained within a circular foundation, representing the unbroken circle of unity, an important symbol in Indian culture. This circular interior is enclosed by nine angled exterior concrete walls, set at regular intervals. The building rises 27 feet from the desert floor and is approximately 94 feet in diameter.
To overcome the scorching summer heat, and to permit construction without costly air conditioning systems, the areas of major use—the classrooms, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, and the library—are to be sunk approximately 10 feet below ground level. The hot air will escape naturally from the lower level into the atmosphere through ducts at
Collis Featherstone to attend Conference[edit]
The Hand of the Cause of God Collis Featherstone will make his fourth visit to the United States since 1960 to attend the First National Bahá’í Conference in St. Louis, Aug. 29-Sept. 1.
Mr. Featherstone was last in this country in June 1973, when he interrupted a Canadian tour to spend four days at the National Bahá’í Center in Wilmette.
“There is a tremendous new spirit emerging everywhere,” he said on that occasion. “It augurs well for the continued growth of the Faith.”
Mr. Featherstone’s announcement raised to five the number of Hands of the Cause expected to attend the St. Louis Conference. The Hands of the Cause Rúḥíyyih Khánum, Zikrullah Khadem, John Robarts, and William Sears are also expected to participate in conference activities.
|
Opening Prayer
|
The Program for the Dedication of the John and Louise Bosch Bahá’í School
Bosch school replaces Geyserville
(Continued from page one)
context, free from the blight threatened by a distorted vision of human progress.
The continuum established between Geyserville and the Bosch School was evident in the act of dedication itself. A bronze plaque that for many years had informed visitors to Geyserville that the redwood grove in which they stood was consecrated to the memory of the late Hand of the Cause of God Leroy Ioas, was moved to a similar grove on the Santa Cruz property, which in like fashion was devoted to the memory of Mr. Ioas. “This is not a new action,” Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh said on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly. “It is the transplantation of an action, a spirit, and an attitude... We Bahá’ís draw strength from our past, but not in order to contemplate the past in perpetuity. The strength of our past, the inspiration of our history, serve as the building blocks of our future.”
In his presentation on that quiet California Saturday afternoon, Dr. Kazemzadeh outlined for his audience the origins of the Bosch School, which he found in the exemplary life of John and Louise Bosch, well-loved by the Master, and in the important associations of the Boschs’ Geyserville property with the early development of the Cause in North America.
Returning to the thought that in our past we can find the themes that will explain and help build our future, he said:
“This Bahá’í sense of history is an important element in the way Bahá’ís see the world. We talk about progressive revelation, which is actually a historic view of revelation. We believe in newness, in progress; but we also believe in continuity. We do not believe that the new Faith abolishes the Faith of the past; we believe that it fulfills the Faith of the past. We believe that in order to succeed today, one must have laid a firm foundation yesterday. We know that all time is a chain stretching from yesterday until tomorrow. And so today it is appropriate for us to take a look back to the origins of the John and Louise Bosch School.”
Many of the outstanding Bahá’ís from an earlier period in America came to Geyserville—famous among them for its spirit—and on its hillsides, and among its plum orchards, they discussed the Faith and taught “homemade” courses, he recalled. This distinguished company included such names as Ella Cooper, Leroy Ioas, Amelia Collins, George Latimer, William Sears, and Charlotte Linfoot, he said. Miss Linfoot, the member of the National Assembly with the longest tenure, followed him to the rostrum.
|
the American Bahá’í 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. Copyright © 1974, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World Rights Reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. |
No one had any idea, she said, that Geyserville would ever become what it did. “We knew that we were going to have wonderful opportunities to hear more about the Faith, but we had no idea as we went to this school year after year, that it would become a truly international institution, and that so many people would leave from there to pioneer and open so many parts of the world to the Faith.” Though Geyserville had been dear to the hearts of all who came within the orbit of its influence and rhythm, the hearts of the Bahá’ís would have to grow to also encompass the new school they dedicated to service that day, Miss Linfoot said. “This school will be a living tribute to the memories that were so strong and lasting at Geyserville,” she said.
The Hand of the Cause William Sears, speaking at the dedication, said it was a special day for the Bahá’ís, to dedicate a new school in the presence of a member of The Universal House of Justice. He said we could not enjoy the pleasures of such momentous gatherings without responding with some fitting action. John and Louise Bosch were examples to us in everything, he said. The new Five Year Plan was our opportunity to follow in their footsteps and emulate their great deeds.
Hand of Cause Faizí Visits California[edit]
The Hand of the Cause of God A. Q. Faizí spent 18 days in California beginning July 16, before proceeding to the International Youth Conference in Hilo, Hawaii, on August 3.
Mr. Faizí was greeted on his arrival by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and Auxiliary Board member Anthony Lease. Mr. Sears and Mr. Faizí met privately for some time.
The National Spiritual Assembly sent greetings to the distinguished visitor, along with a welcoming bouquet of flowers. The California Regional Teaching Committee also sent greetings and flowers.
Mr. Faizí spent his first two days in this country with the friends of San Diego. During the next six days, he conducted numerous meetings with the believers in the Los Angeles area. More than 600 Bahá’ís converged on the Los Angeles Convention Center July 20 for a meeting which featured both Mr. Faizí and Mr. Sears. Almost 300 people attended two subsequent study classes conducted by Mr. Faizí at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center.
The Hand of the Cause spent one day of his stay in California at the new John and Louise Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, south of San Francisco. The school was dedicated by the National Spiritual Assembly on July 13.
On Sunday, July 28, he initiated a series of meetings with the Bahá’ís of San Francisco. The meetings were held in the ballroom of the downtown Miyako Hotel. Mr. Faizí left for Hawaii on August 3.
His talks in California covered such topics as prayer, sin, the education of children, and living the Bahá’í life. He continually stressed the importance of integrating the Bahá’í teachings into our everyday lives.
Plan Construction Navajoland institute
(Continued from page one)
opposite ends of the building, while cool air will sink down and permeate the subterranean space.
The building is to blend in with the natural surroundings, both in color and texture. It will be constructed of concrete, inlaid with rufous or terra cotta stones. The pavements and walkways around the grounds will also be of stone.
The ground floor level of the building will contain an auditorium large enough to seat 180 people, encompassing roughly 1,590 square feet of space. There will be two entrances to the building, and stairways leading from each of these to the basement level. A skylight will be placed in the roof above the auditorium, flooding the assembly area with natural sunlight.
Basement plan of institute shows location of classrooms, meeting rooms, and the library.
[Page 3]
Harold Jackson, a member of the Regional Teaching Committee, welcomes friends to the launching of the California Plan.
Hand of the Cause of God William Sears with members of the National Spiritual Assembly and the California Regional Teaching Committee.
Five-year plan for California launched by the National Assembly[edit]
During its stay in Santa Cruz, the National Spiritual Assembly participated in the launching of a five-year plan for California, developed in recent months by the California Regional Teaching Committee.
The California Plan was launched on the evening of Saturday, July 13, in the auditorium of the Santa Cruz High School. On the afternoon of the same day, the National Assembly had dedicated the new John and Louise Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz and, during the entire weekend, had conducted its first formal meeting in California in more than 9 years.
Some 600 Bahá’ís crowded into the high school to witness the event. The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears was in town to take part in the program and deliver the keynote address.
He began his remarks by reciting the familiar quotation from Shoghi Effendi: “One thing and only one thing will unfailingly and alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred Cause, namely, the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.”
If Bahá’ís fail in this endeavor, the California Plan will not be won, Mr. Sears remarked. It will really begin to have an impact when the Bahá’ís themselves undertake to transform their characters to comply with the admonition of the Guardian, he said.
Mrs. Joan Bulkin, secretary of the Regional Teaching Committee, announced the specific goals of the California Plan for the next five years. The state’s watchword will be, “each one teach one and double in size,” she said.
Within three years, Bahá’í communities will be established in the six counties where no Bahá’ís live at the present time, she said. An additional 274 localities will be opened to the Faith in the next five years, bringing the total number of localities in the state where Bahá’ís reside to 999. Ninety-five new local spiritual assemblies are to be formed, and 50 additional assemblies are to be incorporated at the rate of ten per year. An effort will be made to elect three Assemblies on Indian reservations: one Assembly each on the tribal lands of the Miwok, Rincon, and Pala Indians. Each Local Assembly will be asked to undertake concentrated teaching programs among one minority group at least.
World Order
WORLD ORDER, a Bahá’í magazine, stimulates, inspires, and serves thinking people in their search to find relationships between contemporary life and contemporary religious teachings and philosophy.
An ambitious effort to employ the mass media of radio and television will also be set in motion by the California Plan, Mrs. Bulkin said. The goal to air at least 21 shows on television during the five years has been adopted. At least one half-hour program will be broadcast in each of the seven Bahá’í districts of California. In radio, the goal calls for the broadcast of seven regular half-hour programs by the end of the Plan.
Every community where Bahá’ís reside will be expected to have regular classes for the education of children, Mrs. Bulkin explained. At least 175 youth circuit teachers will also have been trained and set into motion.
The friends arrive at Santa Cruz High School for a meeting that will launch a five-year plan for California.
Bahá’ís in the audience listen as goals for California are enumerated.
1. Kazem Kazemzadeh, one of the teachers at the first session of the Bosch Bahá’í School; 2. Walkway leading to residential cottages on the property; 3. The main lodge and swimming pool of the Bosch School
4. One of the playground areas in front of the main lodge; 5. A baseball game in progress; 6. An uneven match for chess; 7. Bahá’ís attending one of the first class sessions of the John and Louise Bosch School.
Asamblea Espiritual[edit]
(Recopilado por la Casa Universal de Justicia)
“Estas Asambleas Espirituales son asistidas por el espíritu de Dios. Su defensor es ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Sobre ellas, él extiende sus alas. ¿Qué generosidad mayor que esta? ... Estas Asambleas Espirituales son lámparas brillantes y jardines celestiales, de los cuales las fragancias de santidad son difundidas a todas las regiones y las luces de conocimiento son arrojadas sobre todo lo creado. De ellas fluye en todas direcciones el espíritu de vida. Ellas, ciertamente, son las poderosas fuentes del progreso de la humanidad en todo momento y bajo todas condiciones.”
“Es de la mayor importancia, de acuerdo con el texto explícito del Kitáb-i-Aqdas, el Libro Más Sagrado, que en toda localidad, ya sea ciudad o aldea, donde el número de creyentes declarados adultos (21 años de edad o más) exceda el número de nueve, se establezca de inmediato una Asamblea Espiritual Local. A ella deben ser sometidas inmediatamente y en forma directa todas las cuestiones locales que tengan que ver con la Causa para su amplia consulta y decisión. La importancia, aún más, la necesidad absoluta, de estas Asambleas Locales es evidente cuando comprendemos que en los días por venir se desarrollarán para formar la Casa Local de Justicia...”
(Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’í Administration, pág. 37)
“Cuando el número de creyentes es exactamente nueve, se constituye la Asamblea Espiritual Local por declaración conjunta.”
México lleva a cabo escuela de invierno[edit]
Se llevó a cabo la primera Escuela Nacional de Invierno de México en el Instituto Martha Root en Muna, Yucatán, desde el 23 de diciembre hasta el 29 de 1973.
De los asistentes (aproximadamente 150), casi la mitad eran mayas; los demás eran de varios estados de México, de los Estados Unidos y de Guatemala. El Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros de México fue representado por la Consejera Carmen de Burafato. Asimismo, asistieron los Miembros del Cuerpo Auxiliar: María Novak y Antonio Salazar.
El tema central fue la “Fe Bahá’í en Acción,” que cubrió una amplia variedad de charlas.
Las oraciones de madrugada, así como las sesiones y otras actividades, fueron hechas principalmente al aire libre en el bello fondo de un paraíso tropical del Instituto Martha Root. El programa incluyó el uso de materiales audiovisuales, grabaciones de la Mano de la Causa William Sears, noches de canciones y camaradería, una fogata y una noche de música con baile regional con asistentes en traje tradicional.
La Consejera Carmen de Burafato dio una entrevista breve en la televisión y se le pidió que regresara con una explicación más amplia. El segundo programa duró unos 20 minutos en forma de mesa redonda. Ambos programas lograron publicidad para la Fe. El director de programas ofreció tiempo para presentaciones de cine, discusiones y programas musicales bahá’ís.
El programa de la escuela incluyó dos viajes de proclamación con clases de profundización después. Hubo 34 declaraciones.
Existió una participación magnífica en la consulta general en lo que se refiere a métodos, problemas y resultados en relación con las actividades de enseñanza, consolidación y activación de los creyentes.
La escuela fue muy productiva para todos los asistentes. Prevaleció el espíritu de servicio, dedicación, unidad y cariñosa cooperación que fue notable todo el tiempo que duró la escuela.
Proclamación grande en Villarrica, Paraguay[edit]
En el pueblo de Villarrica, Paraguay, se llevó a cabo una gran proclamación para este pueblo de 25,000 habitantes. Se proyectaron películas de las Naciones Unidas y la película bahá’í “El Alba.”
El programa comenzó a las 8 de la noche. Puesto que es un pueblo bastante difícil para la Fe, algunos bahá’ís estaban muy contentos al ver 20 personas en el público al comienzo. A las 8:30, mucha gente empezó a entrar en la reunión, hasta que estuvieron presentes más de 4,500 personas a las 9:30, escuchando atentamente el mensaje de Bahá’u’lláh presentado por el Consejero Sr. Alhos Costas.
¡Una quinta parte del pueblo había escuchado el mensaje! Y los bahá’ís habían aprendido mucho. Llevarán a cabo reuniones para aprovechar esta proclamación en el teatro local y en el centro cultural.
Bahá’í de doce años escribe sobre el sacrificio[edit]
Estados Unidos. Un bahá’í de doce años escribió sobre su encuentro con “la llave para entender una palabra que ha sido un rompecabezas para mí. Hablo sobre el sacrificio, refiriéndome al fondo. Sin consultar el diccionario, el único significado que conocía de ella era dar mi vida o dar mi todo... Bahá’u’lláh nos dice que trabajemos, saldemos nuestras deudas, proveamos a nuestras familias y nos distingamos en nuestros modales y apariencia; todo lo cual requiere dinero, por lo que yo me comprometí a dar un pequeño porcentaje de mis ingresos. ¡Qué alivio descubrir que... otro significado de sacrificio es “santificar!” Aportar al fondo es un acto sagrado porque estamos dando a una institución divina y porque solo los bahá’ís tenemos este privilegio. Es también sagrado porque su efecto repercute en nuestro desarrollo espiritual... Ahora puedo ver que podemos hacer venerable un regalo de un centavo cuando aportamos regularmente... Está claro que, los creyentes en la Edad Heroica ofrecieron sus vidas físicamente y nosotros en la Edad Formativa, podemos sacrificar nuestras vidas al vivir una vida bahá’í sirviendo a la humanidad...”
Aquellos que creen pueden enseñar la Causa[edit]
“Quiénes pueden enseñar la Causa? ¡Aquellos que creen!”
Así empezó el Consejero Continental Raúl Pavón al dar la clase de apertura en el Congreso Nacional de Juventud del Perú en octubre pasado. Planificado por la juventud y concurrido por la juventud de todas partes del Perú y representantes de Ecuador y Bolivia, el congreso se realizó en Cuzco, el centro espiritual del Imperio de los Incas.
Luego de largos viajes, horas difíciles en tren y ómnibus, algunos por aire, la juventud se reunió para aprender, proclamar la Causa y profundizar su unidad.
Clases, tales como la alegría de enseñar, enseñanza a las masas, matrimonio y moralidad, vida después de la muerte, el papel de la juventud bahá’í en la sociedad actual, programas de diapositivas acerca de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, etc., todas enfatizaron una y otra vez la necesidad de profundizarse, enseñar y vivir la vida bahá’í.
Las actividades fueron planeadas para cada noche: proclamaciones, una fiesta, reuniones públicas, composición de canciones, poesía y concursos artísticos. Todas las tardes, el tiempo se dividía entre atender clases y torneos de vóleibol. El ritmo cambiaba fácilmente de actividad en actividad, nunca apresurado, nunca perezoso. Todos se sintieron movidos por el sentimiento de la amistad.
Todos salieron del congreso espiritualmente entusiasmados, alegres y ansiosos de contribuir para las victorias de la Fe de Bahá’u’lláh.
Entrevista con Bahá’í vista en televisión[edit]
Argentina. Toda la República Argentina ha emprendido de nuevo una gran proclamación. Gracias a Bahá’u’lláh, se ha abierto un programa nacional de televisión que tiene 20 millones de televidentes y es visto en todos los canales principales del país. A pesar de haberse recibido solamente 600 peticiones de distintas personas y grupos y de que la fe bahá’í era completamente desconocida para la organización del canal 13 de Buenos Aires, el representante del Comité de Proclamación Bahá’í fue invitado para participar en este programa, el cual invita a cinco personajes importantes cada semana a una entrevista de mesa redonda. Este popular programa de hora y media se filma en elegantes alrededores y está preparado con un gusto excelente.
La entrevistadora fue obsequiada con una copia de Contestación a unas preguntas y la Asamblea Nacional envió un ramo de flores en nombre de la comunidad bahá’í de Argentina. La entrevistadora repitió el título del libro y leyó dos veces la tarjeta que acompañaba las flores, la que llevaba la cita: “La tierra es un sólo país y la humanidad sus ciudadanos.”
Visita a Kenia por musico Gillespie[edit]
Kenia. Uno de los principales músicos de jazz, el Sr. John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie, visitó recientemente Kenia, a invitación del Departamento de Estado del Gobierno de las Naciones Unidas, para participar en la celebración del décimo aniversario de la independencia del país.
El periódico de Nairobi del 19 de diciembre pasado insertaba un artículo sobre él, que, además de contener una apreciación sobre la calidad de él como músico, contenía varias referencias a su asociación con la Fe.
En otro lugar, el artículo dice: “Un firme bahá’í (el Sr. Gillespie) proclama que las enseñanzas de su Fe son relevantes en este día.”
Bahá’ís presentan audiciones de radio[edit]
JAMAICA. Los bahá’ís de Jamaica presentaron una serie de 20 audiciones de radio sobre temas bahá’ís, lo cual constituyó una extraordinaria oportunidad para la proclamación de la Fe. Estos programas fueron transmitidos desde el 12 de febrero y su resultado fue muy alentador. La respuesta a estas audiciones fue mayor en las áreas rurales donde la radio tiene mayor audiencia debido al menor número de televisores. Se recibieron pocas cartas pero al visitar las áreas rurales, se encontró que mucha gente había escuchado el programa y solicitaban su continuación.
Minorities conference held in Louisiana[edit]
A Minorities Teaching Conference was held in the French-speaking town of Marksville, Louisiana, last April, to prepare for greater teaching activity during the Five Year Plan. Bahá’ís attended from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Iowa. The event was organized by the Northern Louisiana District Teaching Committee.
The principal speakers at the conference were Auxiliary Board member Eunice Braun, and Robert Henderson, chairman of the National Teaching Committee. Workshops were led by Yvonne Justice, Thomas Buckingham, Ed Bartlett, and Theodies Washington.
Much was shared and learned about teaching minorities. The Bahá’ís who attended gained firsthand experience on both days of the conference; all were divided into teams and assigned to a portion of Marksville to teach the Faith.
At the start of the conference, a letter was read from the Black Minority Teaching Committee, established by the National Teaching Committee to consult on ways to teach among Black people in the United States. The letter, in part, said: “In its charge to this committee the National Teaching Committee has made very clear the importance of fostering ‘the proclamation, expansion, and consolidation of the Bahá’í Faith among minority people in the continental United States,’ and we would like to convey to you our sense of the urgency of this task. All, black or white, newly declared or not, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, ... ‘must participate in and lend their assistance, each according to his or her capacity, experience and opportunities to the common task of fulfilling the instructions, realizing the hopes and following the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.’ If one is to do justice to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s example, and accomplish the task of teaching and consolidating minority believers, we must arise and struggle.”
A Unity Feast was planned for the last afternoon of the conference. It was held in the Marksville Historical Indian Park and was attended by two hundred persons. The Mayor of Marksville and the Chief of the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe were among the two hundred. Mrs. Braun and Mr. Washington presented the special guests with Some Answered Questions by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and bouquets of spring flowers. All enjoyed a hearty meal of “red beans and rice” cooked by Mike Sauce of New Orleans and Charles Ward of Alexandria, served up in a joyous soup-line fashion.
The conference and the Unity Feast were successful. The message of Bahá’u’lláh was brought to Marksville, Louisiana, a rose garden of Indian, Black, and French-speaking people. Already in the early days of the Five Year Plan, the contacts there have been visited by youth projecteers. Surely a strong foundation has been laid for a Bahá’í locality.
Mr. Theodies Washington speaking to conference participants.
Mr. Washington and Auxiliary Board member Eunice Braun, two of the principal speakers at the conference.
A young Bahá’í serving one of the 200 people attending the unity feast on the last afternoon of the conference.
South Carolina report[edit]
The South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee reports that 77 Local Spiritual Assemblies were elected in the state at Riḍván, an increase of 22 Assemblies over the previous year’s 55. Twelve of the Assemblies were elected for the first time. In 1969, just five years before, there were three Local Assemblies in South Carolina.
The number of Assemblies contributing regularly to the Bahá’í Fund increased noticeably in the concluding months of 1973, the Regional Teaching Committee reported. In addition, many of the Assemblies held regular deepening classes, scheduled proclamations, hosted conferences, witnessed marriages, and conducted Bahá’í funerals. Some are investigating the purchase of land for Bahá’í cemeteries.
These facts, said Mrs. Alberta Lansdowne, secretary of the Regional Teaching Committee, indicate that growth and development are proceeding at an orderly pace in South Carolina and that there need be no fear of teaching and enrolling large numbers of humanity.
Some further statistics for South Carolina are as follows:
- 24 Assemblies hold regular deepening classes.
- 35 hold Feasts regularly.
BAHÁ’Í BOOKS AND MATERIALS[edit]
BAHÁ’Í LITERATURE[edit]
The Bahá’í Life
The Bahá’í Life: Excerpts from the Writings of the Guardian, a new compilation by The Universal House of Justice, is now available. Arranged chronologically, these selections from the Guardian’s letters discuss the need for Bahá’ís to reflect their religion in their daily lives, to manifest their love for Bahá’u’lláh through obedience to His Teachings, to promote love and unity in their communities, and to view tests and difficulties as a means of spiritual development. The Bahá’í Life will be helpful in stimulating discussion and action on the Five Year Plan goal of developing “the distinctive character of Bahá’í life.” Published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada. 5½ x 8½ inches. 22 pp.
7-08-36 ......p .35; 10/$3.00
The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh:
A Study Guide
By Horace Holley
A study guide by Horace Holley for The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh is now available with an attractive new cover. Designed for the use of those already familiar with the contents of the book, the study outline is divided into six lessons: “The Basic Bahá’í Teachings”; “Condition of the World”; “The Working of Divine Destiny”; “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh” (two lessons); and “The Maturity of Man.” Printed on lime green stock. 8 pp.
7-63-22 ......p .45; 10/$4.00
SPECIAL MATERIALS[edit]
Panama House of Worship Postcard
A new full-color photograph of the Panama House of Worship is now available. The description of the aerial photograph is printed in both Spanish and English. Produced by the International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Center.
2-04-43 ......5/$ .50
[Page 7]
Mr. Kházeh addresses the friends gathered in Arlington, Texas, where he visited briefly before proceeding to France, and Iran.
Mr. Kházeh in Texas[edit]
The Hand of the Cause of God Jalál Kházeh paused for a brief visit to Arlington, Texas, on his return to Iran from the National Convention in Brazil, where he represented The Universal House of Justice. He attended Feast in Arlington on June 5, and met with more than 250 friends from Texas and Louisiana.
At his meeting with the friends, Mr. Kházeh shared stories of his travels in Latin America and Alaska and encouraged them to devote their time to teaching. “In teaching the Cause,” he said, “you should love your contact, then attract his trust and help him to love you. When you feel he loves you, prepare the ground for him to ask you about Bahá’u’lláh.”
He was interested to know what teaching plans the Arlington Assembly had developed in its community, and what had already been done to implement the goals of the Five Year Plan.
Race Unity Day in Austin[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Austin, Texas, celebrated Race Unity Day by giving away hundreds of flowers at a large downtown shopping center. To each flower was attached a quotation from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá comparing the various races to flowers in the garden of humanity.
Mr. Faizí in California[edit]
Mr. A. Q. Faizí at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles
Mr. Faizí greets friends in Los Angeles.
A large crowd turned out to hear Mr. Faizí’s talks in Los Angeles.
62nd Chase Memorial[edit]
The 62nd observance for the Thornton Chase Memorial, sponsored annually by the Bahá’í Community of Inglewood, California, will be held in the Inglewood Park Cemetery, 720 E. Florence Ave., Inglewood, California, at 2 P.M. on Sunday, September 29.
Thornton Chase was the first believer in the United States, and it was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s wish that a memorial be held each year to commemorate his passing.
The quotation on his gravestone is from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “This is the illumined resting place of the holy soul, Thornton Chase, who is shining in the horizon of eternal life ever like a star.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, “He served the Cause faithfully and his services will ever be remembered throughout ages and cycles.”
Occasionally, Local Spiritual Assemblies express interest in accommodating and using in their communities the services of traveling teachers who come from other countries. Any Assembly interested in such a project may so state to the Continental Pioneer Committee for the Americas: Mrs. Patricia Daniels, Secretary; 1029 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091
[Page 8]
The Continental Board of Counsellors for North America. From left to right: Sarah Pereira, Velma Sherrill, Lloyd G. Gardner, and Edna True.
The Continental Board of Counsellors for North America and its Auxiliary Boards. With the Counsellors and Board members are the Hands of the Cause of God William Sears, John Robarts, and Zikru’lláh Khadem.
Counsellors hold talks to discuss victory in Plan[edit]
Three Hands of the Cause of God, the four Counsellors of North America, and twenty-four Auxiliary Board members were present at a meeting convened by the Counsellors in Lincolnwood, Illinois, on May 25-27, 1974. The central purpose of this conference was to consult on the best ways and means by which this Institution can concentrate its resources and lend its abilities to the winning of the goals of the Five Year Plan.
Opening remarks by the Hands of the Cause of God elevated the spirit of the assembled friends to a level that was not diminished through the hours of deliberation that followed. Mr. Khadem expressed his joy at the zealous response of the friends of North America to the Plan, as well as the spirit manifested at the Iranian Convention which he had just attended. Mr. Robarts emphasized the qualitative aspect of the new goals which would move the Bahá’í community nearer to the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth. Mr. Sears called attention to the strong emphasis placed upon the development of the Local Spiritual Assembly in this new Plan and the need for members of this Institution to meet this great challenge in their work.
Counsellor Lloyd Gardner opened the conference for consultation among all present by referring to the Naw-Rúz Message from The Universal House of Justice, which iterated to the Bahá’í world community the encouragement, advice, and assistance of the divinely ordained institution of the Hands of the Cause of God, “an institution powerfully reinforced by the successful establishment of the International Teaching Center.” He continued, from the Message: “Through the work of the International Teaching Center, which supervises and coordinates the work of the Boards of Counsellors around the world, the love, the guidance, the assistance of the Hands, through the Boards of Counsellors, their Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, permeates the entire structure of Bahá’í society.”
Individual and Collective Needs[edit]
The strengthening of the Local Spiritual Assemblies, the development of distinctive Bahá’í characteristics, and the enhancement of Bahá’í community life, were seen as interrelated and fundamental to the effect of the Faith on society in general. There is need, it was expressed, to create awareness among Bahá’ís of the catalytic forces released into the world through the growth and development of the Faith, not only in its numerical strength but in the spiritual principles given by Bahá’u’lláh as they are increasingly exemplified by each Bahá’í.
A need for developing the art of Bahá’í consultation as a prime and powerful tool for strengthening the Local Assembly was discussed, and along with this the need for resolving problems as they arise in the community, so that the spiritual health is maintained and the teaching work can go forward energetically. An example was cited of the need for better education on observance of laws on marriage and of Bahá’í principles that foster good marriages and family relations as a key factor to greater unity on Assemblies and in communities.
A number of suggestions poured forth as to how the Board members can stimulate a response in the hearts of the believers and in turn generate their fullest participation in the new Plan. Some of the methods used have included seminars on the art of consultation, new believers conferences, individual and Assembly consultations, collaboration with the efforts of the District Teaching Committees, participating in conferences, and assisting with the work of the schools. The success of the Canadian mini-conferences, conceived in the spirit of collaboration through the visit from the National Spiritual Assembly representative of Canada at the September 1972 meeting of this Institution called by the Counsellors, was cited. In these conferences, the Local Assembly was the center of the endeavor, sustained and encouraged by both the National Assembly and the Counsellors, and with full participation by Auxiliary Board members. Canadian Board members, reporting on these conferences, expressed the hope they would continue.
Meeting with National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S.[edit]
All of the members assembled at this conference went to Wilmette on Sunday, May 26, at the invitation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, to hear an outline of their program and structure for implementation of the Five Year Plan. Representatives of various national committees were also present and were introduced. A portfolio of useful materials was presented by the National Assembly to each of the participants present. This joyful meeting, which opened with prayers in the House of Worship, also included a luncheon at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and a fellowship period. The meeting concluded with comments by the Hands of the Cause and by the Counsellors.
Other National Plans Presented[edit]
Returning to their own conference room in Lincolnwood, the assembled friends listened to a presentation of the Five Year Plans for Alaska and for Canada by Auxiliary Board members from these communities. The Alaskan National Assembly sent a special letter asking the continued assistance of this Institution in their work, and expressing appreciation for the spirit of collaboration that exists in the work of the two Institutions. Counsellor Velma Sherrill, who attended the Alaskan convention this year, shared her exhilaration over firsthand participation in this wonderful spirit of the Alaskan friends.
The Canadian Message was highlighted by a Board member who pointed out the great acceleration of overseas goals given to Canada in this current Plan. Counsellor Sarah Pereira, who attended the Canadian convention, gave her own observations of the strong dedication evinced by the Canadian friends and of the “beautiful and delicate balance” that exists between the highly diverse elements of that community.
Indian teaching was given special emphasis in both of these Plans, and also consulted upon at various times during the conference. A packet of materials especially compiled for this conference, including literature, maps, statistics, and other vital and helpful information for teaching Indians in North America, was presented to each member.
Protection of the Cause of God[edit]
Both preventive and remedial aspects of the protection of the Faith, and the preservation of unity, were discussed. Mr. Khadem, called the “lion of the Covenant” by one of his fellow Hands of the Cause of God, explained the unique aspects of the Bahá’í Covenant and how it has been made impossible for any ultimate success in attempts to pervert or destroy it. Discussion evoked several useful methods of educating the believers in respect to the Covenant, including the need for Bahá’ís to rely on the sacred texts of the Faith in respect to the Teachings, rather than upon individuals and/or strong, charismatic personalities; to discuss Covenant-breaking freely with the believers so that they may know how strong and how beautifully Bahá’u’lláh has established His Covenant and protected and preserved the unity of the Faith for each true believer within its fold; and to discuss the historical aspects of the Covenant, stressing the period after the passing of the beloved Guardian, especially with new believers who may have received little or no deepening in this important aspect. Another preventive measure mentioned was the need to help believers resolve what at times may seem to them to be a contradiction between the
National Assembly invited discussions on population problems[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly was one of a broad spectrum of national organizations represented at a recent discussion of population problems at the Department of State in Washington, D.C.
The June 27 convocation was organized by the Department of State, the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Agency for International Development, to discover ways in which U.S. observance of the United Nations-initiated World Population Year 1974 could create better American understanding of the causes, dimensions, and consequences of population growth and change.
The National Assembly’s representative at these discussions was its Secretary, Glenford E. Mitchell. A prepared statement touching upon some of the issues under discussion was distributed to the participating organizations on behalf of the National Assembly.
In that statement, the National Assembly said it saw the problems of population “in their widest global context as part of a host of related problems whose solutions require a spiritual as well as material approach.” These problems, it said, “are largely the ills of a society which places inordinate emphasis on material rather than spiritual qualities of life. Bahá’ís see their role as adding the spiritual dimensions derived from the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith.”
These teachings indicate that in the future there will no doubt be a general improvement in the standards of life, the National Assembly said. In suggesting means to be employed in solving the world’s problems, the Bahá’í teachings “assert the necessity and indicate the prospects for a cessation of national rivalries, hatreds, and intrigues, and an abolition of economic barriers and restrictions, all to be replaced by international amity, understanding, and cooperation,” the statement continued.
“These teachings further anticipate that the ‘enormous energy dissipated and wasted on war, whether economic or political, will be consecrated to such ends as will extend the range of human inventions and technical development, to the increase of the productivity of mankind, to the extermination of disease, to the extension of scientific research, to the raising of the standard of physical health, to the sharpening and refinement of the human brain, to the exploitation of the unused and unsuspected resources of the planet, to the prolongation of human life, and to the furtherance of any other agency that can stimulate the intellectual, the moral, and spiritual life of the entire human race.’ ”
The statement concluded that “It is in such a context that the National Spiritual Assembly disseminates information, publishes articles, holds meetings, supports activities of other organizations and cultivates cooperation with the United Nations through its own representative at the United Nations.”
An official government progress report was made to the assemblage on plans for participation by the U.S. at the World Population Conference in Bucharest, and at the Population Tribune to be held simultaneously at the end of August. The Population Conference, like World Population Year, is a U.N.-initiated event. The Bahá’í International Community will be represented at the Population Tribune, which was organized by non-governmental organizations of the U.N.
The Davison Bahá’í School
Davison School closed[edit]
The independent report of a building safety codes expert, citing serious fire hazards at the Davison Bahá’í School and an immediate danger in permitting people to sleep in accommodations above the first floors of the dormitory facilities, recently convinced the National Spiritual Assembly to order the temporary closing of the facilities.
The National Assembly’s decision was disclosed in a June 24 letter to the Davison Bahá’í School Council.
“It is painful that we have no choice at this time but to instruct the National Properties Committee to close down the Davison facilities until adequate solutions can be found,” the Assembly’s letter said. “The committee will act immediately to take charge of the entire property.”
The National Assembly noted that its concern over the worsening physical conditions of the Davison School had been mounting for several years, particularly its concern about safety hazards implied by these conditions.
“Recently we received a number of reports which led us to order an inspection of the buildings by an expert in building safety codes,” the National Assembly explained. “His findings agreed with the reports and impressions we have received from various individuals and from representatives of our National Properties Committee.”
“We share the deep disappointment which the believers will feel over the postponement of activities at Davison,” the National Assembly reassured the council, “but know you will appreciate the necessity of our action to protect the friends against physical dangers on Bahá’í property and to prevent the embarrassment to the Faith of having any of our properties condemned or closed down by civil authorities.”
After a brief search for an alternate site for the Davison program, the Council announced that a location had been found in Midland, Michigan. The complete, uninterrupted summer session would be transferred to the 267-acre campus of the Northwood Institute, a private college set in an enchanting pine forest, equipped with modern buildings, air-conditioned classrooms, and extensive recreational facilities. Registration would begin as usual at 2 P.M. on Sundays. Classes would start each Monday morning and be concluded on Friday afternoon.
Two sketches of John Bosch by Mark Tobey. The sketch on the left, done in 1938, is now at the Bosch School in Santa Cruz. The sketch on the right, also from 1938, is part of the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Dahl.
Bahá’ís may register at time of Conference[edit]
As the period for early registration came to a close July 31, the committee making preparations for the St. Louis Conference reported that almost 6,000 Bahá’ís had pre-registered. Based on these figures, it was anticipated that this gathering would be the largest in the history of the Faith.
Bahá’ís who have not pre-registered can still register for the conference in St. Louis. Registration tables will be open at the Kiel Auditorium from 9 A.M. until 11 P.M. Thursday, August 29. The conference will open at 7:45 P.M. Thursday evening. The registration area at Kiel will be open again from 8 A.M. to 1 P.M., and from 6 P.M. until 10 P.M. Friday through Sunday. Satellite registration sites will operate in some of the hotels. At the Jefferson, Bahá’ís will be able to register from 1-6 P.M. Thursday.
The conference committee will attempt to arrange for emergency housing and sleeping bag space in the city. These facilities may be available for approximately $1 per night.
St. Louis Conference Schedule[edit]
First Session
Chairman: Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh
| 7:45 PM | Music: Minnesota Bahá’í Chorus |
| 8:00 PM | Opening prayers, greetings, and introductions |
| 8:30 PM | “Our Bahá’í Family,” an audiovisual presentation prepared by Mr. Greg Dahl |
| 9:00 PM | “The Five Year Plan: An International Perspective”—the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum |
| Closing prayer | |
| Friday, August 30, 1974 Second Session Chairman: Mr. Richard D. Betts | |
| 9:30 AM | Music: Mrs. Erma Hayden, pianist, and Mrs. Barbara Jones, vocalist |
| 9:45 AM | Devotions |
| 10:00 AM | Introduction of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of St. Louis |
| 10:15 AM | “From Strength to Strength”—a presentation by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States: Mr. Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary |
| 11:15 AM | A presentation by the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America: Mr. Lloyd Gardner, Dr. Sarah Pereira, Mrs. Velma Sherrill, Miss Edna True. |
| Closing prayer | |
| 12:00–2:00 PM | Lunch |
| 2:00 PM | Career and Pioneer Opportunities Fair opens, Jefferson Hotel |
| 3:30 PM | Local Spiritual Assembly Seminar, Opera House, Kiel Auditorium |
| 5:30–7:45 PM | Dinner |
| Third Session Chairman: Dr. Dwight Allen | |
| 7:45 PM | Music: South Carolina Chorus |
| 8:00 PM | Opening prayer |
| 8:15 PM | An audiovisual presentation by the National Information Committee, Mr. William Geissler, Chairman |
| 8:45 PM | An audiovisual presentation by the International Goals Committee, Mrs. Janet Rubenstein, Secretary |
| 9:30 PM | “Yeast,” an original musical play by Mrs. Mimi McClellan performed by the New England Bahá’í Players |
| Closing prayer | |
| Saturday, August 31, 1974 Fourth Session Chairman: Mr. Glenford E. Mitchell | |
| 9:30 | AM Music: Mrs. Donna Kime, vocalist |
| 9:45 AM | Devotions |
| 10:00 AM | Introduction of National Spiritual Assembly members from visiting countries |
| 10:15 AM | National Youth Program: An audiovisual presentation by the National Youth Committee, Dr. Philip Christensen, Secretary |
| 10:30 AM | Treasurer’s Report: Dr. Dorothy W. Nelson, Treasurer |
| Chairman: Mr. Franklin Kahn | |
| 11:00 AM | “Strengthening the Foundation of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Commonwealth”—the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum. |
| Closing Prayer | |
| 12:00 to 2:00 | PM Lunch |
| 2:00 PM | Opportunities Fair |
| 3:30 PM | “An Afternoon with the Hands of the Cause,” Opera House, Kiel Auditorium |
| 5:30 to 7:30 PM | Dinner |
| Fifth Session—Public Invited | |
| Chairman: Dr. Daniel C. Jordan | |
| 8:00 PM | “A New World Symphony” a program selected and conducted by Russ Garcia |
| “God’s New Age”—Hand of the Cause of God William Sears | |
| Intermission | |
| “Seals & Crofts: Their Music and Their Faith”—Mr. Jim Seals and Mr. Dash Crofts | |
|   | |
| Sunday, September 1, 1974 | |
| Sixth Session Chairwoman: Miss Charlotte M. Linfoot | |
| 9:30 AM | Music: Mrs. Niuta Isserlin, pianist |
| 9:45 AM | Devotions |
| 10:00 AM | “Building a New Civilization”—Auxiliary Board Member Peter Khan |
| 10:45 AM | “The Star Study Program”—Dr. Dwight W. Allen. |
| 11:00 AM | “The Dynamic Force of Example”—Dr. Daniel C. Jordan |
| 12:00 to 2:00 PM | Lunch |
| 2:00 PM | Opportunities Fair |
| 3:30 PM | Youth Afternoon, Opera House, Kiel Auditorium |
| 5:30 to 7:30 PM | Dinner |
| Seventh Session Chairman: Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh | |
| 7:45 PM | Music: Southern California Chorus |
| 8:00 PM | Comments and acknowledgements |
| 8:15 PM | Devotions |
| 8:45 PM | “The Well-Balanced Bahá’í”—Miss Magdalene Carney |
| 9:00 PM | “A Call to Action”—the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears |
| Conference closes with a prayer | |
Counsellors meet
(Continued from page eight)
principle of independent investigation of truth and complete acceptance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.
Consonant with deepening in the Covenant goes a need for better understanding of the dignity and prestige of all Institutions of the Faith, especially not to use initials, for example, in referring to The Universal House of Justice; to appreciate the station of the Hands of the Cause of God; and to avoid a casual attitude in respect to National and Local Spiritual Assemblies in making reference to them.
Special Recommendations to Counsellors[edit]
Counsellor Velma Sherrill led discussion on recommendations made to the Counsellors by the Board members, although many had to be held over for a later meeting of the Counsellors themselves. The special challenge that exists today in the large Bahá’í communities was cited. Throughout the conference, a great many experiences were shared and suggestions given for the ever-increasing effectiveness of the Auxiliary Board members, and of the Institution in general, in its accelerating responsibilities within the Bahá’í community to generate love, knowledge, and devotion among all believers as the fundamental source of success in this new Plan, so lovingly presented to the Bahá’í world by The Universal House of Justice.
Conference Ends in Spirit of Dedication and Love[edit]
The Conference drew to a close as it had begun, on a high level of spiritual vitality, generated by remarks from the Hands of the Cause. Mr. Robarts visualized the reality of the Kingdom of God drawing nearer as the Five Year Plan progresses and Assemblies and individuals mature in the Faith. Mr. Sears gave each friend a special memento and shared significant passages from the Writings, and some of his own teaching experiences, especially among the Indians of Canada. Mr. Khadem spoke of the great freedom existing in North America, as in no other place in the world, to teach the Cause and live the life. His words evoked an especially poignant response as he spoke of the atmosphere of love and unity that pervades the meetings of this Institution which has been raised up by the hand of the beloved Guardian. He likened this spiritual bond to a Persian poem which speaks of the fragrance of the rose that is preserved in the rose water after the flower is gone and the garden itself abandoned. This love must be demonstrated, he said, by all members of this Institution, in complete dedication to The Universal House of Justice and in service to the new Plan.
Cablegrams and letters expressing the happiness and dedication to the new goals of all present were sent to The Universal House of Justice, to the International Teaching Center in Haifa, and to the three National Assemblies of North America, including a special thanks for the invitation from the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States to meet with them on Sunday.
Counsellor Edna Tree closed the Conference with the hope that the inspiration and spiritual stimulation received would generate in each one a firm resolve to take the first step in the implementation of the Five Year Plan by concentrating attention on the task of changing our own inner selves toward acquiring and demonstrating to an ever greater degree the distinctive qualities of Bahá’í life.
Chiropractors to meet[edit]
A gathering of Bahá’í chiropractors and chiropractic students will be held in St. Louis on the afternoon of August 29, prior to the start of the First National Bahá’í Conference, to discuss the profession and its relation to the Bahá’í teachings. This gathering will be completed before the scheduled opening of the St. Louis Conference. For reservations and further details, write to Dr. Al Beibert, c/o Logan College, P.O. Box 100, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017.
Dates Approaching for District Conventions[edit]
Preparations are well under way for the 86 District Conventions to be held throughout the United States October 6, 13, and 27.
To avoid the possibility of delays, preparations for this year’s District Conventions began shortly after the close of the National Convention last April. The sites for the conventions have already been chosen, the host Assemblies have been notified of their responsibility for hosting these events, and necessary materials have been collected and printed.
The Convention calls to the believers are scheduled to be mailed from the National Bahá’í Center during the first week of September.
The 171 delegates to the 1975 National Convention (April 25–27) will participate in an important milestone in the history of the Cause in America: the fiftieth anniversary of the formation of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States in 1927. Details on 1974 District Conventions appear in the current issue of the National Bahá’í Review.
State and District Conventions[edit]
The following information on State and District Conventions is extracted from letters of Shoghi Effendi and statements of the National Spiritual Assembly. It has been arranged in a questions-and-answers format to facilitate reading.
What is the Purpose of the State Convention?
The State Convention is a Bahá’í institution of fundamental importance to every believer. Not only is it an electoral body called upon to elect a determined number of delegates to the National Convention, but it is also a consultative body dealing with important considerations of teaching and other Bahá’í services.
“It is expressly recorded in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Writings that these National Assemblies must be indirectly elected by the friends; that is, the friends in every country must elect a certain number of delegates, who in turn will elect from among all of the friends in that country the members of the National Spiritual Assembly.” (Shoghi Effendi)
What is the Responsibility of the Believers to the State Convention?
“He... wishes to stress the importance of reminding the believers that they should make every possible effort to attend the meeting for its election of the State or Provincial delegates in order to stimulate a larger group consciousness which will greatly facilitate the process of the believers becoming acquainted with each other, and provide an intermediary state—which will become increasingly valuable and necessary—between the local organization, represented by the group or assembly, and national collective action, represented by the activities of the Convention and the institution of the National Assembly.” (From a letter written on Shoghi Effendi’s behalf)
In the following statement concerning the election of the Local Spiritual Assembly, Shoghi Effendi enunciates a principle which applies to all Bahá’í elections:
“...every declared believer of 21 years and above, far from standing aloof and assuming an indifferent or independent attitude, should regard it his sacred duty to take part conscientiously and diligently in the election...”
What should be the Character of the State/District Elections?
“On the election day, the friends must wholeheartedly participate in the elections, in unity and amity, turning their hearts to God, detached from all things but Him, seeking His guidance and supplicating His aid and bounty.” (Shoghi Effendi)
“Let them exercise the utmost vigilance so that the elections are carried out freely, universally and by secret ballot. Any form of intrigue, deception, collusion and compulsion must be stopped and is forbidden.” (Shoghi Effendi)
“One’s vote should be kept confidential. It is not permissible to make any reference whatsoever to individual names. The friends must avoid the evil methods and detestable practices of the politicians. They must turn completely to God, and with a purity of motive, a freedom of spirit and sanctity of heart, participate in the elections; otherwise the outcome will be chaos and confusion, serious difficulties will ensue, mischief will abound and the confirmation of God will be cut off.” (Shoghi Effendi)
What are the Qualifications of a Delegate?
“...it is incumbent upon the chosen delegates to consider without the least trace of passion and prejudice, and irrespective of any material consideration, the names of only those who can best combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience.” (Shoghi Effendi)
“In regard to your question about qualifications of delegates and Assembly members, the qualifications which he outlined are really applicable to anyone we elect to a Bahá’í office, whatever its nature. But those are only an indication; they do not mean people who don’t fulfil them cannot be elected to office. We must aim as high as we can. He does not feel that the friends should attach so much importance to limitations—such as people perhaps not being able to attend Assembly or Convention meetings, because if they do, then the fundamental concept of everyone being willing to do Bahá’í service on administrative bodies will be weakened, and the friends may be tempted to vote for those who, because of independent means or circumstances in their lives, are freer to come and go but less qualified to serve.” (From a letter written on Shoghi Effendi’s behalf)
Any adult resident in your electoral district is eligible to serve as a delegate to the National Convention. Members of the Auxiliary Board are eligible for election, but if elected they must decide whether to serve as delegates or resign from the Auxiliary Board, since members of the Auxiliary Board cannot serve in administrative capacities.
What about Youth and the State Convention?
Bahá’ís between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one have all the rights and privileges of a community member except voting and being voted for in Bahá’í elections and serving as members of Assemblies and as Convention delegates. Bahá’í youth may participate in all the consultations at the Convention; they may also serve as registrars and readers, and they may be assigned a variety of other tasks which do not require them to function as officers of the Convention. Participation in the Convention in these ways will not only contribute to the success of the occasion but will also aid in preparing the youth for future services as administrators of the Faith.
|
Assignment of delegates by district
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| INSIDE | A five year plan for California was launched by National Spiritual Assembly in Sant Cruz, on July 13. Roughly six hundred Bahá’ís crowed into the local high school auditorium to hear that their California community was to double in five years. See story page 3. | The Hand of the Cause A. Q. Faizí visited California recently and met with the friends in communities throughout the state. Mr. Faizí departed on August 3 to attend the International Youth Conference in Hawaii. For details see page 2. Photographs appear on page 7. | Unsafe condition at the Davison Bahá’í School recently prompted the National Assembly to close the facility until solutions can be found. The Davison summer session has been conducted in rented quarters since the campus was closed. For story, see page 9. |
|
Design accepted by the National Spiritual Assembly for the first permanent teaching Institute on an Indian Reservation. This structure will be built on the Navajo Reservation as soon as land and funds become available. For details, see story page one. |
Navajoland Teaching Institute planned, page 1
District Conventions approaching, page 11
Five year plan for California launched, page 3
