The American Bahá’í/Volume 6/Issue 8/Text
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Election, Five Year Plan progress to highlight District Conventions[edit]
Election of delegates to the National Convention and consultation on progress of the Five Year Plan will be the major business at the annual District Conventions Oct. 5, 12, and 26.
The District Conventions provide each Bahá’í with an opportunity to become better acquainted with other Bahá’ís in his district, to discuss with them the needs of the Cause, to offer recommendations for attaining the goals of the Five Year Plan, and to vote, if he is 21 years or older, for those whom he considers qualified to be delegates to the National Convention and the electors of the new National Spiritual Assembly. The National Convention will be April 29-May 2, 1976.
Bahá’í elections are approached in a spirit of prayer without preliminary electioneering or nomination of candidates. Through unhurried reflection and prayer, the elector should make his selection as a result of the guidance and inspiration he receives at the District Convention.
The beloved Guardian stated that the believers must do all in their power to ascertain the qualifications of those whom they elect for any Bahá’í service, and “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, selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience.”
Delegates will be elected from 88 districts this year, an increase of two. One of the districts is Navajo-Hopi, comprising the Navajo and Hopi Indian Reservations and the Navajo-owned land area known as the Eastern Navajo Agency. All Bahá’í localities within this geographical area, including Gallup, N.M., are part of this new district. The Convention will also be the first bilingual one held in this country—it will be conducted in both Navajo and English.
A new district has also been added in Louisiana—Louisiana, North. Boundaries between the northern and southern districts in this state are identical to those of the current teaching districts.
Other changes in districts are listed below:
Idaho – Adams and Valley Counties will now be in Idaho, South.
Pennsylvania – Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, and Franklin counties are now in Eastern District.
North Carolina – Yadkin and Surry counties are now in Central District. Union and Cabarrus counties are now in Western District.
Spiritual Assembly Development Program gets under way[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly will initiate Phase I of the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Program with a week-long training session Aug. 24-31. The program, which was announced at the National Convention in April, consists of three phases of training conceived to respond “to the requirement of the Five Year Plan which calls for the strengthening of these basic units of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order.”
Phase I will bring more than 40 believers chosen from throughout the country to the National Center. Following the intensive week of study in Wilmette, which will be conducted by the National Spiritual Assembly, 20 teams of two persons each will be responsible for training others in Phase II, scheduled to be carried out from November through April. These representatives, also working in two-person teams, will train Local Spiritual Assemblies. This second phase will continue for the remainder of the Five Year Plan.
“This intensive training session,” said John Berry, coordinator of the program, “has been broken down into 10 three-hour classes. It will focus on four primary functions of Local Spiritual Assemblies: legislative, judicial, protective, and unific.”
The program is designed to assist Assemblies in translating the divine guidance found in the Writings into responses for the demands of a day-to-day working reality, said Mr. Berry. “It is essentially a ‘how-to’ program that will assist the Assemblies in learning how to better plan, delegate responsibilities, handle budgets and finance, supervise committees, and facilitate communication. It deals not only with the internal functions of the Assemblies, but with the interaction with members of the communities.”
During the week in Wilmette the 40 persons will have an opportunity to become thoroughly familiar with the program and materials, to explore any questions, and to practice training methods themselves.
Among the materials to be used for the Development Program is a new Local Spiritual Assembly manual which will replace the old secretary’s and treasurer’s manuals. Videotaped presentations will also be made.
In training people to work directly with the Local Spiritual Assemblies, rather than simply disseminating the new material, it is hoped that the program, the success of which is so vital to the success of the Five Year Plan, can be more responsive to the needs of the Community.
Teaching materials available for UN Day, Human Rights Day[edit]
A package of teaching materials for use on UN Day and Human Rights Day will be made available to Bahá’í communities through the Publishing Trust, the National Teaching Committee has announced.
The materials, which will be ordered by communities in quantities needed for their own proclamations, will focus on International Women’s Year, the theme for the two special events days. A forthcoming letter from the National Teaching Committee will elaborate on proclamation plans for the two days, which will occur Oct. 24 and Dec. 12, respectively.
The package will include a special International Women’s Year issue of World Order magazine, which carried, in addition to articles on women’s issues, statements on the education of women submitted to the United Nations by the Bahá’í International Community. More than 2,000 copies of the magazine were distributed to delegates at the International Women’s Year World Conference in Mexico City in June.
It will include the new pamphlets Women: Attaining Their Birthright, by Constance Conrader, and Equality of Men and Women: A New Reality, by the Bahá’í International Community.
Press releases for the two observances will accompany each order. The National Bahá’í Information Office will make available 30-second and 60-second radio spots on the equality of men and women to communities that have scheduled their use. A 30-second television spot announcement on the Bahá’í Faith is also available for communities with time committed for its use.
A limited quantity of displays on the role of women in a changing world will be part of the package, the National Teaching Committee said. The three-panel hanging display is similar to one prepared for use at the Women’s Year Conference at the request of the Bahá’í International Community.
International Women’s Year is also the theme United Nations Association chapters around the country will use for UN Day, said Wilma Brady, the National Assembly’s UN representative.
International projects in the Americas excite traveling teachers[edit]
In recent months, the International Goals Committee has had several special international teaching projects in Central and South America in conjunction with the National Spiritual Assemblies of the host countries. The following are excerpts from some of the reports that have come back from these projects, written by the National Spiritual Assemblies and by the projecteers themselves.
From two traveling teachers in Nicaragua:
Upon arriving in Nicaragua we were met and taken to the newly acquired Bahá’í Center in Managua. We were greeted by members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Nicaragua and then feasted on a delightful meal. Following the dinner, Spanish songs were sung and then a presentation was given by a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.
For the next two days an institute was held with members of the NSA’s of Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and representatives from El Salvador. They familiarized us with the present condition of the Faith in their own countries and presented a historical perspective of the Faith since its beginning in Central America.
There is definitely something new happening in Latin America. It is as if the mountains of that area have at last begun to spew forth their jewels.
The representatives from each country who attended that conference were unbelievably lustrous—gems of inestimable value. I left that conference with a feeling of truly having been taught something, and most eager to go forth and meet those other magnificent rocks waiting to be polished by Bahá’u’lláh and His mighty Revelation.
From a traveling teacher in Guatemala:
After arriving in Managua, Nicaragua, I spent two days at a training and orientation conference sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of Nicaragua for the projecteers. At this time I was introduced to the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Guatemala, who was to outline my project tasks.
My tasks were to aid in the formation of four Local Spiritual Assemblies in the towns of Livingston, Puerto Barrios, Quehueche and Doña Maria, all of which are located on the Gulf section of the Guatemalan coast.
From the representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly of Costa Rica, attending the training institute for the Central America Pilot Project:
The first good impression was the organization by the host National Spiritual Assembly of Nicaragua in the development of the agenda. In addition, there was the great affection and unity among all the believers from different countries.
We were able to share information on the actual situation of the Faith in our country and customs, as well as favorable
‘Commitment’ is Green Lake theme[edit]
“A Distinctive Bahá’í Society: Your Total Commitment” will be the theme of the fifteenth annual Green Lake Bahá’í Conference Oct. 3-5.
The conference, which attracted more than 800 persons last year, will be held at the American Baptist Assembly in Green Lake, Wisc. Bahá’ís from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Michigan are expected.
Members of the Green Lake Conference Planning Committee said that an outstanding program of Bahá’í speakers from the United States is being prepared. In addition, video and film presentations, exhibits, entertainment, music, dancing and recreation are being planned.
A children’s program will include educational sessions, music, swimming, outdoor sports and nature studies.
Emphasis at the 1975 Conference will be on developing commitments to carry out the goals of the Five Year Plan.
Costs range from $12.93 to $18.11 per day for adults 18 and up, $12.36 to $16.96 per day for youth 12-17, and $7.92 to $11.95 per day for children. In addition, there will be a $2.50 registration fee per person over five years of age to cover costs of speakers, rentals, children’s classes and other expenses. Advance registration is $10 per person. Saturday day guests will pay a $3 fee.
Canada to mark the Master’s visit[edit]
American Bahá’ís have been invited to participate in the first in a series of annual proclamation-deepening events commemorating the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Canada in 1912.
This year’s program will involve national conferences the weekend of Aug. 30 in Montreal and Vancouver, the first two centers opened to the Cause in Canada and the first two to establish Spiritual Assemblies.
Each conference will include participation by Hands of the Cause of God and by several members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; reminiscences of the Master, the Guardian and earlier days of the Faith in North America by a number of distinguished older believers; audio-visual presentations; proclamation of the event through the media; preparatory consolidation projects; and follow-up teaching projects.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá spent eight days in Canada in 1912, from Aug. 30 to Sept. 6. The current proclamation project, conceived by the Hand of the Cause William Sears and adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, calls for the celebration of the event during September each year of the Five Year Plan. After this year, the program will gradually be extended to all of Canada.
Teachers sought for India[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of India has requested American participation in a special project of travel teaching scheduled in December.
Persons interested should contact the International Goals Committee as soon as possible.
The project in India will last from 21 to 45 days. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Total cost will range from $1,050 to $1,350, including transportation and living expenses in India.
United States believers will participate in a special training institute Dec. 19-21 prior to leaving for India. Site of the institute will be announced.
If you are interested, begin now to obtain a passport, inoculations against smallpox, cholera, tetanus, diphtheria and polio (be sure to have these certified by your local health department or its designated agency), and the necessary funds. Fill out the form below and mail to:
- International Goals Committee
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, IL 60091
National Assembly places proclamation ad in Life magazine Bicentennial issue[edit]
At the beginning of September, Life magazine will begin to distribute its special Bicentennial edition, which carries an advertisement placed by the National Spiritual Assembly.
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Correct prices for World Order Subscription prices for World Order Magazine which were published in the June American Bahá’í were partially in error. The correct prices for World Order are as follows: within the United States—1 year, $6; 2 years, $11; all other countries—1 year, $7; 2 years, $13. You may subscribe to World Order by sending the proper payment to World Order, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. The magazine, published quarterly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, is intended to stimulate, inspire, and serve thinking people in their search to find relationships between contemporary life and contemporary religious teachings and philosophy. |
Newsstand sales are expected to exceed one million, and readership to exceed three million. The magazine will remain on newsstands approximately three months.
The Bahá’í ad, which uses a photograph of the House of Worship, tells of the Temple’s significance to Bahá’ís and invites Americans to visit during the Bicentennial year.
The ad was placed by the National Assembly as a salute to the Bicentennial and as a statement of what Bahá’ís believe America must achieve and become.
A black-and-white version of the ad has been prepared and made available to Local Spiritual Assemblies for use in their area newspapers. The National Information Office has suggested that the ad be made the focal point of a proclamation campaign for World Peace Day, Sept. 21.
The Life ad marks the beginning of a larger effort to participate in this American observance and to proclaim the Faith to a wide audience.
As suggested in a June 25 letter from the National Assembly to Local Spiritual Assemblies, Bahá’ís will participate at both the national and local levels.
Still to come from the National Center:
- Substantial displays to be exhibited in New York and Washington, D.C.
- A series of Bicentennial radio programs and spots.
- Publicity and press materials.
- A special issue of World Order to be presented to community leaders and the public.
Local communities have been invited to become involved with local observances and to write to the National Assembly to state what form their involvement will take.
An ad hoc Bicentennial Committee has been appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly to oversee Bahá’í efforts in this celebration.
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A Token of our Highest Hope When the French-Canadian architect Louis Bourgeois conceived the nine-sided Bahá’í House of Worship, he dreamed of a new world order in which America would play a significant part. His dream was inspired by Bahá’u’lláh, founder of the Bahá’í Faith, who proclaimed over a century ago the advent of the unity of mankind. Rising on the shores of Lake Michigan, in Wilmette, Illinois, amid exquisite formal gardens, the Bahá’í House of Worship welcomes all people to a haven of unifying thought and experience within its nine doors. This unusual edifice, recognized worldwide as structurally unique, represents a major architectural achievement of America’s two hundred years. Yet the ideal it expresses—the oneness of mankind—remains among the unfinished business of the democratic experiment which began in 1776. It stands, then, as a token of the highest hope of the peoples of the United States and the entire world—the hope for universal peace and unity. The members of the Bahá’í Faith in over 5,000 localities throughout the Republic salute the nation on its Bicentennial and are proud and happy in sharing this worthy token of unity with all Americans. All are especially invited during this Bicentennial year to visit the Bahá’í House of Worship, just north of Chicago, in the heart of America.
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54.7 million see Bahá’í TV spot[edit]
More than 54,750,000 persons saw “Light of Unity”, a 30-second television spot announcement about the Bahá’í Faith, in June and July, according to Modern Talking Picture Service, Inc.
The spot was distributed in late May on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States to 301 television stations in the U.S. Modern Talking Picture Service reported that the announcement was broadcast 911 times. It was seen in at least 37 states.
The TV spot has been seen in the following states and cities:
- ALABAMA: Dothan, Mobile, Tuscaloosa.
- ARKANSAS: Fort Smith.
- CALIFORNIA: Eureka, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Santa Barbara.
- COLORADO: Colorado Springs, Sterling.
- FLORIDA: Panama City, Pensacola, St. Petersburg, Tampa, West Palm Beach.
- GEORGIA: Albany, Atlanta, Savannah.
- IDAHO: Boise.
- ILLINOIS: Quincy.
- INDIANA: Evansville, Lafayette.
- IOWA: Cedar Rapids, Fort Dodge, Sioux City.
- KENTUCKY: Paducah.
- LOUISIANA: Baton Rouge, Monroe, New Orleans, Shreveport.
- MAINE: Bangor, Presque Isle.
- MARYLAND: Baltimore.
- MASSACHUSETTS: Boston.
- MICHIGAN: Cadillac, Flint, Grand Rapids.
- MINNESOTA: Duluth, Mankato.
- MISSISSIPPI: Biloxi, Columbus, Greenwood, Hattiesburg, Jackson.
- MISSOURI: Hannibal, Joplin, St. Louis.
- MONTANA: Glendive, Helena, Kalispell.
- NEBRASKA: Lincoln, Omaha.
- NEVADA: Las Vegas.
- NEW MEXICO: Roswell.
- NEW YORK: Buffalo, Elmira.
- NORTH CAROLINA: Greensboro.
- NORTH DAKOTA: Bismarck, Fargo.
- OHIO: Athens, Canton, Dayton, Lima, Toledo.
- OREGON: Klamath Falls, Medford.
- PENNSYLVANIA: Altoona, Erie, Pittsburgh.
- RHODE ISLAND: Providence.
- SOUTH CAROLINA: Anderson.
- TENNESSEE: Chattanooga, Jackson, Knoxville.
- TEXAS: Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, San Antonio, Tyler.
- VIRGINIA: Roanoke.
- WEST VIRGINIA: Charleston.
- WISCONSIN:: Green Bay, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Wausau.
- WYOMING: Casper, Cheyenne.
Indian teaching[edit]
Progress reported in spreading the Faith to Indians of the West[edit]
One of the goals of the Five Year Plan is the establishment of 25 Local Spiritual Assemblies on Indian Reservations. At present, there are 12 assemblies on reservations in Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Following are two reports on the continuing Indian teaching efforts.
Council Fire held at Chinle, Arizona[edit]
The Indians in the southwest live in the sun. They work, plant or herd their sheep on plains and mesas. They are covered by an endless sky of flat-bottomed clouds and blue so deep it hurts the eye to look into it. There is no need to convince the Indian of the existence of God.
An Indian shepherd looks at a flock of healthy fat sheep. A master silversmith creates a work which is balanced and beautiful. The very earth in all its beauty and balance is proof enough of the power and wisdom of God to the Indians.
The west is huge, distances vast, travel often difficult. Yet the magnetic quality of the Indian Council Fire at Chinle, Ariz., July 11-13 drew Indians and non-Indians from the Dakotas, the Mexican border, Arizona, New Mexico, the Pacific Northwest, and California.
Pick-up trucks, campers, huge four-wheel-drive trucks, old limousines, tiny imported cars, and big American station wagons all drove up the dirt road to encircle the banner of eagle feathers, corn stalks and mountains which surrounded the Greatest Name. Here they camped, ate together, prayed in many languages, danced Indian dances and spoke the Words of Bahá’u’lláh. The call to teach was raised. There was the illumination of a soul who embraced the Faith of God for this Day. The bond of love and unity was wound around the hearts tighter and stronger.
There were talks by Indians and whites; a fireside by Auxiliary Board member Nancy Phillips; beautiful greetings and love expressed by a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, Franklin Kahn, himself a member of the Navajo Tribe.
Bahá’í meetings such as this, organized by Native American believers, and carried out on a regular basis are a powerful tool by which the unity and solidarity of the Faith in these regions is strengthened.
An example of the power of the Faith of God lies in Elizabeth Dahe. A Bahá’í since 1970, she is a member of the Hopi Indian Tribe. The Hopis live on and around three mesas in a reservation within the Navajo Reservation. They have a highly complex culture and social order and have kept it intact for thousands of years.
In her house in the town of Polacca, under the adobe and stone cliff dwellings of her ancestors and current family, there is a picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Greatest Name. Here she holds Bahá’í meetings and makes the dwelling available for Bahá’í committees. In the winter, when the temperature falls rapidly, she lives in Phoenix and teaches younger children at weekly Bahá’í classes.
To the Navajo there is great significance in a circle. It is a sign of unity and completeness. They live in circular hogans, and they incorporate the circle in their sand paintings and wedding baskets. They call the manner of their living “the Beauty Way” and relate intimately to Bahá’u’lláh as “the Blessed Beauty.”
The Bahá’í teachings concerning kindness to people and animals, respect for elders and the beliefs of others are already part of their life.
Teaching institute success in Oregon[edit]
More than 100 Bahá’ís participated in the first Oregon Indian Teaching Institute at Tygh Valley, Ore., June 20-22, sponsored by the Auxiliary Board and cohosted by the Oregon District Teaching Committee and the Bahá’í Groups of Wasco County and The Dalles.
Along with 14 Bahá’ís of Indian heritage representing nine Indian tribes, were over 20 Sioux Indian members of the Portland Bow and Arrow Club who provided drumming and dancing for a public program. A Sioux Indian known as “The Man from the East” spoke on the “Old Indian Culture.”
One goal of the Oregon District Teaching Committee is to raise a Spiritual Assembly on each of the three Indian Reservations in Oregon during the Five Year Plan—the Warm Springs Reservation, the Umatilla Reservation, and the Paiute Reservation at Burns, Ore.
One of the highlights of the institute was the declaration of two Sioux Indians, Mrs. Patricia Phillips and her daughter, Juanita. These declarations made it possible for the Wasco County Group to form its first Spiritual Assembly.
Participating in the program were Auxiliary Board members Nancy Phillips and Paul Pettit, and assistants to the Auxiliary Board Ethlyn Lindstrom and Willard Kimerling.
The Western Washington DTC Indian Approach Team, which includes a Chetco Indian, Kathleen Forester, related experiences on Indian teaching. Deloria Lane (Sioux Indian) of the Portland Bahá’í community spoke on “Teaching Among the Urban Indians,” and Ross Klutke shared information on “The History of the Oregon Indians.” Six Bahá’ís from the Umatilla Reservation talked on “Pioneering on the Indian Reservation.”
The Wasco County Group set up an authentic Sioux Indian tepee for the institute, which was used as a place of prayer and meditation. This same tepee has been offered to the Oregon District Teaching Committee and the Oregon Assemblies for use in their proclamations as a booth for the display of Bahá’í literature and for discussions on the Faith.
Approximately 50 Bahá’ís traveled over 50 miles to the Warm Springs Reservation, stopping on the reservation for prayers along the way. The Pi-Ume-Sh Pow Wow was in progress at Warm Springs and the visiting Bahá’ís were able to view a very important Indian event with high ceremonial dress and dancing. There are three Bahá’ís on the Warm Springs Reservation.
The beauty and peacefulness of this first Oregon institute was such a source of inspiration and spirit that the Bahá’ís requested that Tygh Valley be the location of an annual Indian-oriented Bahá’í activity.
Teaching the Indians of America can be a rewarding experience. Success stories were told at two important events recently. 1. Some of the participants at Tygh Valley, Ore., at the Oregon Indian Teaching Institute. At left and below are scenes from the Indian Council Fire at Chinle, Ariz., including a display (2), and a puppet show (6).
Reaching the Spanish seekers[edit]
The National Spanish Speaking Teaching Committee held a teaching seminar at the Bosch Bahá’í School June 6-8.
After introductory talks by Delia Lopez and Burl Bullock, the friends broke up into small groups to discuss various aspects of reaching and teaching Spanish-speaking peoples. One of the goals of the Five Year Plan is to expand teaching to more Spanish-speaking persons.
One major idea discussed in detail at the seminar was more effective use of radio and television stations which broadcast in Spanish.
Near the end of the seminar, many Spanish-speaking non-Bahá’ís arrived. The Bahá’ís at the seminar immediately began to put into practice some of the teaching ideas discussed.
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conditions for future pioneers and traveling teachers.
From the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Brazil, regarding the pilot project in that country:
Our dear new friends, your “Projecteers,” have come to São Paulo, have been oriented, gained all our hearts and have gone on. They were kept very busy, had many interviews—newspapers, radio and television—visited a neighboring community where they taught the Faith and had a fireside—and left us all delighted with their work.
From the projecteers in Brazil:
Everything has gone fantastically well. We have been met by Bahá’ís in every city so far: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, and have been put to good use by the Bahá’ís of these communities. We have been on TV, radio, and in the newspapers in these cities; have attended meetings of the Bahá’ís where we have gotten to know each other; conducted firesides; and gone with the local Bahá’ís to teach and consolidate the Faith in goal cities.
From the National Teaching Committee of Bolivia:
Just a brief note to tell you that your volunteers for the International Teaching Project here in Bolivia are a wonderful group of youth, and we continue to be delighted by their efforts to make this project a successful one. The exposition they are making is nearing completion. Two radio programs in the area they are working have offered free time for Bahá’í broadcasts, two mayors have promised their cooperation, and many, many people are hearing about and becoming interested in the Faith. Several high schools have also allowed the Bahá’í friends to give talks to the students, so things are really looking up.
Projecteers learn about their exciting assignments.
News briefs[edit]
Santa Monica proclamation features Hand of the Cause[edit]
A standing-room only crowd of several hundred persons heard the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears speak at the opening of Bahá’í Week in Santa Monica, Calif., on March 22.
The proclamation events were sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Santa Monica.
At least one Bahá’í home was open every day for teaching, information tables were manned daily in the city’s major mall, and many persons stopped to ask for information about the Faith. Picnics were held daily and there was a mid-week potluck dinner followed by a fireside.
The Bahá’í Week concluded with an all-day International Fiesta which featured arts and crafts displays. Friends and visitors shared a banquet of international foods that evening. The film Step by Step was shown, followed by a musical program.
Mayor Clo Hoover proclaimed Bahá’í Week in Santa Monica.
Several thousand persons learned about the Faith as a result of an unusual four-page article in the Santa Monica Outlook on local Bahá’ís preparing international recipes for the banquet.
Second visitation at National Center[edit]
Thirty American believers will journey to Wilmette the last weekend in August to participate in the second organized visit to the House of Worship this year.
The August program will be similar to the one in May. Visitors will participate in classes taught by Continental Counsellor Edna True, the National Assembly Secretary and the Assistant Secretary, and National Center staff; will tour the House of Worship, the Bahá’í Home for the Aged, and the committee offices; and will have time for individual activities such as guiding, meditating, and shopping in the bookstore.
The May visitation was reported to be a great success, and the House of Worship Activities Committee has received applications from nearly 100 people to take part in future visits.
Former visitors said the experience increased their understanding of the importance of the House of Worship and the operations of the National Center significantly. The trip also provided excellent teaching opportunities.
Bahá’í featured at baccalaureate[edit]
Bettijane H. Walker, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Youngstown, Ohio, was the featured speaker at the recent Yellow Springs (Ohio) High School baccalaureate services.
Miss Walker’s talk was based on the pamphlet, “On Becoming Your True Self.”
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Yellow Springs reported that the event turned into an excellent proclamation of the Faith.
The Yellow Springs Bahá’í Community held a public meeting a few days earlier in conjunction with a teaching project. Firesides followed.
Centennial used for teaching event[edit]
The Fargo-Moorhead, Minn., centennial celebration was turned into a teaching project by the Bahá’ís of Moorhead. The Spiritual Assembly placed into a time capsule various items concerning the teaching efforts and the progress of the Faith. The capsule will be opened in the year 2075.
Business closes for Holy Days[edit]
The Poco Shop, a store in the Easley Shopping Mall, in Easley, South Carolina, will not be open for business on Bahá’í holy days, according to store owner Elwin Howard. “A newspaper announcement appeared in our local paper,” he said, “and the sign on our closed door aroused interest. This could possibly be the first instance of a commercial business closing its doors in South Carolina in observance of a Bahá’í holy day.”
Faith proclaimed at Edwardsville, Ill.[edit]
April 13-19 was proclaimed Bahá’í Week in Edwardsville, Illinois, by Mayor Clyde L. Hartung. Five local believers met with the mayor that week to present a copy of Tokens from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.
“The mayor is very impressed with the book Tokens,” the Assembly reported. “He has read it several times and displays it in his office. He has also framed the photograph of the book presentation and hung it on his office wall.” The mayor and his wife, Elizabeth, have reportedly also attended several local Bahá’í functions.
The weeklong proclamation in the community of more than 20,000 was publicized by a large front-page article and photograph in one local paper and fine coverage in another as well.
Children’s books were also presented to the Edwardsville Public Library by two Bahá’í children.
Bahá’í exhibit placed in Roxboro, N.C., library[edit]
The Durham Bahá’í Community presented an exhibit at the Person County Public Library in its goal city of Roxboro, N.C., for June. The theme of the seven-yard wide exhibit was “The Unity of Religion, The Unity of Mankind, The Unity of Nations.”
Featured were relevant quotations from Bahá’u’lláh; charts of the principles of the Faith, of progressive revelation, and of the Golden Rules in the various Faiths; photos and drawings portraying the human family; and a world map signifying the earth as one country.
Deepening games helpful in S.C.[edit]
As an experimental project, the South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee has developed a series of games designed to assist children in deepening.
Puzzles and board games were developed by Allan Murray. Some of the puzzles have a likeness of a special Bahá’í place on one side (the House of Worship, for example) and matching terms on the other.
The children have responded enthusiastically. So have the youth and adults.
Disabled believer seeks cooperation[edit]
What can handicapped believers do to help win goals of the Five Year Plan? Lake Kissick Jr., a physically handicapped Bahá’í from Findlay. Ohio, is interested in exploring that question with other Bahá’ís. Mr. Kissick is currently compiling a list of friends, both handicapped and non-handicapped, who would be interested in participating in a variety of projects. He suggests that these projects might involve encouraging one another by letter, trading ideas on how to proclaim Bahá’u’lláh’s Message to others, learning how to join in the (caching efforts of non-handicapped Bahá’ís, and informing them of the needs and abilities of physically disabled believers.
Mr. Kissick stressed that believers with and without handicaps are needed to make the project successful, and that helping to win goals of the Plan would be the prime objective. Anyone interested in the project should write to: Lake N. Kissick Jr.; R.R. 1, Box 337B; Findlay, OH 45840.
Ṭáhirih subject of college talk[edit]
Marzieh Gail spoke on “Ṭáhirih: Persia’s First Women’s Suffrage Martyr” at Smith College in Northampton. Mass., on May 2.
The event was sponsored by the Smith College Bahá’í Club in recognition of International Women’s Year and the 100th anniversary of Smith College.
Race Unity Day picnic held at Glassboro, N.J.[edit]
One declaration and several contacts followed a Race Unity Day picnic June 8 sponsored by the Local Spiritual Assembly of Glassboro. N.J.
It was one of the first functions sponsored by the newly formed Assembly. About 50 persons attended the picnic which also included a talk, music and games. At least one guest remarked that in his 35 years of living in Glassboro, this was the first event he had seen of true racial unity.
Assembly starts first aid classes[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Pueblo, Colorado, recently initiated classes on first aid and child care in the Pueblo Bahá’í Center. Elaine Mills, a member of the Pueblo Bahá’í community, with the aid of an American Red Cross volunteer, taught a child care assistant training course for teen-agers, and a certified first aid course open to people of all ages. “Two children, two youth, and seven adults took the first aid course,” Ms. Mills reported, “and among the adults was a deputy sheriff, the director of an agency for special education, a pre-school teacher, and a beautician.” First aid certificates from the American Red Cross were issued at the end of the course.
“Thirty teen-age girls enrolled and twenty-three completed the course on child care,” Ms. Mills added. “They were issued two certificates: one for completing the academic course of study, and one from the Red Cross—a ‘Youth Activity Certificate’. Qualities for a good babysitter were based on several of the attributes mentioned in the compilation, The Pattern of Bahá’í Life, and the interest in the compilation and its Sources resulted in two firesides at the end of the course.” With their parents’ consent, course members were given copies of the booklet.
Concord, N.H., Assembly elected[edit]
The first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Concord, N.H.. was elected on July 2. From left to right are Michael Nasta, vice chairman; Helen Sousa, recording secretary; Sandra Borden; Don Croft; Deborah Gray, corresponding secretary; Jane Savage; Dorothy Croft, treasurer; Dr. Karl Broden; and Dr. Thomas Sousa, chairman.
Bahá’í communities use floats to proclaim the Faith[edit]
Parades attract people. And that’s where the Bahá’ís want to be in their teaching projects. Many communities around the country are participating in parades by entering floats. Here are three examples.
At left is the float entered in the Lafayette, Calif., Horse and Carriage Days Parade July 19 by the Lafayette Bahá’í Group. On one side of the float was written “Unity of Mankind,” on the other side, “Dawn of a New Age,” on the front “Bahá’í,” and on the back. “Bahá’í Faith.” Five families and some neighborhood children worked more than a month on the float, making 3,000 tissue paper flowers. About 2,000 persons saw the parade. The Lafayette Group ended the parade day activities with a swim party and potluck dinner.
The center picture is the float designed and built by the Bahá’ís of Jackson County, Oregon. The float has won one first prize and one third prize in three parades. The wagon, pulled by Bahá’í children, was decorated by Vern Surratt.
At right is the float of the Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Group entered in the annual Blossom Time Festival which was viewed by about 10,000 persons. The believers also staffed a booth adjoining the festival activities and sponsored three follow-up firesides at the Chagrin Falls Library.
Pathways to service[edit]
Merging world job trends with the needs of the Faith[edit]
By the National Youth Committee
This is the third in a five-part series on career planning for Bahá’í youth. It focuses on job trends and the needs of the Faith.
We are grateful to Scott Walton, the International Goals Committee, the Detroit Free Press, and the Institute for Community Development and Services (Continuing Education Service, Michigan State University), all of whom provided material for this article.
Last month we looked at vocational self-assessment. Now you need to learn what jobs are available. What professions need workers? Which are overloaded with too many people? What about the future? What are the best careers for prospective pioneers?
There are several ways to find answers to these questions. Your guidance counselor or employment office will have reference books and other information on job trends in the United States. One of the best is the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labor. These trained professionals can help you understand and interpret such information. You can also read many of the same books at a public library. Finally, you can get a very good idea of the job situation in any part of the country or the world by reading area newspapers, especially the help-wanted ads.
It is often difficult to learn about job trends in countries where we have pioneering goals.
Study of the Writings is the starting place. The compilation Bahá’í Youth, for example, contains several relevant quotations from letters written on behalf of the Guardian, plus the two letters from The Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’í youth of the world. You might also ask your Local Spiritual Assembly for assistance. It can help you integrate the advice you get from Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í sources.
The best the employment experts can do is to forecast job trends based on historical patterns established over the years. A Bahá’í must weigh these trends with the Teachings.
Experts now predict that substantially more people will enter the job market during the next several years than there will be new jobs created. The result will be fairly high unemployment. The unskilled, inexperienced, and less able worker may have trouble finding a job. This will be true in the United States and abroad.
United States[edit]
The Department of Labor has projected job trends in the United States through 1985 by occupational cluster. For example, in industrial production occupations the greatest number of job openings will be for foremen, inspectors, assemblers, and welders.
In the clerical occupations secretaries will have the most opportunities, with more than 400,000 openings per year, followed by bookkeepers, typists, cashiers, and receptionists.
Service occupations will provide the most jobs to building custodians, waiters and waitresses, cooks and chefs, and beauticians.
In the construction field, the largest number of job openings will be for carpenters, followed by laborers, operating engineers, plumbers and pipefitters, painters and paperhangers, and electricians.
Among the scientific and technical occupations annual job openings are expected to average 50,000 for engineers, nearly 40,000 for engineering and science technicians, and about 25,000 for scientists.
Maintenance and repair occupations will continue to provide many opportunities, particularly for industrial machinery repair workers and automobile mechanics.
Finally, the experts project that farming jobs will decline to fewer than two million by 1985, less than two percent of all jobs in the country. But opportunities in “agribusiness” and related occupations are expected to increase during the same period.
According to the best available predictions (and remember that there is no guarantee of their accuracy), certain jobs will offer more opportunities to properly trained workers than others. Here is a partial list of some of these fields. The figure next to each occupation represents the projected annual growth rate, averaged over a 10-year period:
Administration | 6.0% |
Personnel | 8.7% |
Accountants | 6.0% |
Counseling | 8.0% |
Employment | 9.4% |
Rehabilitation | 10.6% |
School | 6.7% |
Health Services | 9.0% |
Doctors | 6.0% |
Registered Nurses | 11.0% |
Occupational therapists | 14.7% |
Physical therapists | 12.2% |
X-ray technicians | 11.8% |
Dieticians | 9.4% |
Hospital administrators | 9.4% |
Sanitarians | 9.4% |
Sciences | 6.0% |
Actuaries | 9.1% |
Geophysicists | 7.5% |
Technicians | 7.0% |
Computer | 9.0% |
Clerical | 10.0% |
Receptionists | 12.6% |
Secretaries | 13.7% |
Typists | 11.3% |
Services | 8.0% |
Waiters and waitresses | 9.0% |
Custodians | 12.0% |
Hospital attendants | 12.0% |
Hotel housekeepers | 10.0% |
Licensed practical nurses | 15.0% |
Mechanics | 6.0% |
Air conditioning | 9.6% |
Other |
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Architects | 9.0% |
Librarians | 9.0% |
Recreation workers | 10.0% |
Social workers | 9.5% |
Systems analysts | 8.1% |
Sales | 6.0% |
International[edit]
Forecasting world-wide job trends is even more difficult (and less accurate) than forecasting for the United States. The necessary information is not readily available. Employment opportunities will vary widely from country to country. And the uncertainty which marks this age of transition is strongly felt in other parts of the world.
Fortunately, the International Goals Committee is in constant communication with other national Bahá’í communities and with pioneers. Their experience can be a useful guide to the Bahá’í youth who wishes to choose a career which will permit him or her to pioneer.
The basic principle is service. As the tide of nationalism rises higher and higher, more and more countries are discouraging immigration. It is becoming increasingly difficult for Bahá’ís from the United States to find employment abroad, even though a job is one of the keys to successful pioneering.
The Bahá’í who has gained expertise in a needed profession will have a much better chance of finding a pioneering post than the person who has nothing to offer another country other than a vague desire to serve.
Here are some examples of such professions, based on actual job openings in goal countries:
- —mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers, especially with city planning experience
- —agronomists and agricultural engineers
- —educational development specialists, administrators, and technologists
- —physicians, registered nurses, laboratory technicians, public health workers
- —administrators and managers
- —bi- and tri-lingual secretaries
- —heavy equipment operators, especially those who can teach their skill
- —licensed mechanics (especially heavy equipment), plumbers, and refrigeration specialists
These are, of course, only examples. There are other professions which are useful for pioneering.
Don’t forget to learn another language. Not only must you speak the language of the country to which you travel in order to effectively teach the Faith, your chances of getting almost any job abroad will be improved by a second or third language.
A youth who understands the Bahá’í teachings about careers, who knows his own interests and abilities, and who is aware of the jobs which offer the best chance to serve humanity and the Faith, can begin to narrow down his other career choices and obtain the necessary training. Next month “Pathways to Service” will focus on getting the proper education for a successful career.
A message of victory[edit]
More and more youth across the country are arising to win the goals of the Two Year Youth Program.
Here is one letter received recently by the National Bahá’í Youth Office from a young believer in California:
Dear Friends,
Please count me in! And add the following to the statistics of goals already won in the Two Year Youth Plan:
- —As one homefront pioneer to an existing Bahá’í community needing the services of young believers.
- —As participant in service project (I am teacher of our children’s classes held once a week).
Thank you very much for this plan and these opportunities. How about another Youth Plan before I’m 21!
Dates to remember[edit]
September 8 Feast of ‘Izzat (Might).
September 12 Proclamation, West Hollywood, California. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of West Hollywood.
September 12-14 Musicians Conference, St. Paul, Minn. Sponsored by the District Teaching Committee of Southern Minnesota.
September 19-21 Bahá’í Life Institute, Camp Arrowhead, Delaware. Sponsored by the District Teaching Committee of Del/Mar/Va.
September 20-21 Auxiliary Board Team Conference, Las Vegas, Nev. Sponsored by the Auxiliary Board and the District Teaching Committee of Southern Nevada.
September 21 Circuit Teaching Institute, Ames, Iowa. Sponsored by the District Teaching Committee of Iowa.
September 21 World Peace Day, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly.
September 21 World Peace Day picnic, Bussey Forest, Elk Grove Village, Ill. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Schaumburg, Ill.
September 26-28 National Spiritual Assembly meeting.
September 27 Feast of Mashíyyat (Will).
October 1 Deadline for receipt of materials for November issue of The American Bahá’í.
October 3-5 Green Lake Conference, Green Lake, Wisconsin. Sponsored by the Green Lake Conference Committee.
October 5, 12, 26 District Conventions. (See page 1 and National Bahá’í Review for further information.)
October 10 Proclamation, West Hollywood, Calif. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of West Hollywood.
October 16 Feast of ‘Ilm (Knowledge).
October 20 Anniversary of the Birth of the Báb, Holy Day on which work should be suspended.
October 24 United Nations Day.
October 24-26 National Spiritual Assembly meeting.
Classroom-dining hall completed at Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute[edit]
Foundation is readied (1,2) for classroom-dining hall at Louis Gregory Institute. Walls go up (3), one of 45 trusses is lifted into place (4), the building takes shape (5,6), paint is applied (7) and interior is completed (8). Covered walkway connects to dorm (9). Now it’s time to tackle the beans (10).
Work has been completed on a much-needed classroom-dining hall building at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, S.C.
The 62 x 30 building, located next to the administration center, was constructed in less than three months by many volunteer workers. Everett (Red) Hubbart, Donald Hawley and Haydn Mohr handled most of the major projects, but all three agreed the work would not have been finished without the help of other Bahá’ís. There were as many as 30 persons busy at one time in the South Carolina heat. The building was designed by Jay DeChesere of Wrightsville Beach, N.C.
In addition, a covered walkway was added, connecting the administration and classroom buildings to the dorm. Insulation was also installed in the administration building.
The classroom building can be divided into three sections, providing more flexibility for classes. One section is connected to the kitchen and is used as the dining hall. Before the new building was completed, meals were served in the administration building.
Volunteers have also been busy on other projects. They have stained the exterior of the dorm building, painted the garage, weeded and thinned the garden, constructed two basketball courts and one volleyball court, cut trees infected by beetles, and have done general maintenance.
The Louis Gregory Institute, named in memory of the South Carolinian whose distinguished services to the Faith earned him the posthumous designation of the Hand of the Cause of God, was dedicated Oct. 22, 1972.
The Institute is used for teaching, and thousands of Bahá’ís have used the facility. In June, for example, more than 800 persons attended activities.
The major purpose of the Institute is for training teachers for consolidation of new Bahá’í communities. However, it has been used for district teaching seminars, traveling teachers, children’s day programs, youth conferences, deepening programs, firesides, weddings, and musical practice.
However, much remains to be done at the Institute. Kitchen remodeling has been planned. Plumbing in the new classroom building is one of the future projects.
Passing of distinguished architect George A. Hutchinson[edit]
On learning of the passing of George A. Hutchinson on June 26, 1975, in Northport, Mich., the National Spiritual Assembly cabled The Universal House of Justice: GRIEVED REPORT PASSING GEORGE HUTCHINSON DISTINGUISHED FOR HIS MANIFOLD ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES OUR NATIONAL COMMUNITY.
The following cable was received June 27: DEEPLY GRIEVED LEARN PASSING DEVOTED SERVANT GEORGE HUTCHINSON. PLEASE CONVEY FAMILY SYMPATHY ASSURANCE PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS SOUL ABHA KINGDOM. UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE.
Mr. Hutchinson accepted the Faith in November 1962 and attended the World Congress in 1963. He participated in the formation of the first Spiritual Assembly of Northbrook, Ill., serving first as chairman, later as vice chairman, and then as treasurer.
George A. Hutchinson
Early in his Bahá’í life, he accepted important architectural assignments at the National Bahá’í Center, serving on several predecessor committees of the National Bahá’í Properties Committee, and on that committee from its origin in 1969 until his retirement in 1974. He brought to the services of the committee the highest professional standards and, in addition to being chairman for a number of years, was responsible for designing several improvements to the foundation area of the House of Worship, the addition to the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for a residence for the National Assembly secretary, additions to the office buildings at 112 Linden Avenue, the publications building used by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, and the dormitory at Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute. He was particularly interested in the preparation of long-term plans for the National Center and for Bahá’í schools and brought his experience and talents to bear in this essential area.
He visited Iran and served as a consultant to their National Spiritual Assembly, especially on problems involving the site of their House of Worship.
One of his several hobbies was photography, in which he received honors and which served to provide a splendid pictorial record of Bahá’í schools and other properties here and abroad.
Mr. Hutchinson was graduated from Cornell University and did graduate work in city planning at the Cranbrook Academy of Fine Arts in Michigan. As a partner in the architectural firm of Perkins and Will, he specialized in educational buildings and designed many college buildings in addition to high schools and a public works building. He also served on several school boards in Northbrook and as president of one of them for several years.
Bahá’í books and materials[edit]
BAHÁ’Í LITERATURE[edit]
The Power of Prayer
by Eleanor S. Hutchens
The Power of Prayer is a new booklet covering a subject which interests people of all religious backgrounds—prayer. The pamphlet is arranged in five sections: “The Purpose of Man,” “The Nearness of God,” “The Power of Revealed Prayers,” “The Healing Power,” and “Prayers Are Answered.” Containing quotations from the Bahá’í Writings, The Power of Prayer is simply written and easy to read and is an excellent introduction to the Faith. The booklet will also be helpful in the deepening of new or inexperienced Bahá’ís. The Power of Prayer is the first revised edition of an essay which appeared in Bahá’í News, no. 464 (November, 1969). 15pp., notes. 3¼ x 5¼ inches.
7-40-76...........10/$2.00; 25/$4.00
The Seven Valleys
and the Four Valleys
by Bahá’u’lláh
This important title, now available after being out of stock for some time, consists of two treatises which describe the stages the soul must traverse to attain the object of its existence. Translated by Marzieh Gail in consultation with Ali-Kuli Khan. 65 pp.
7-03-15 cloth...........$1.75
7-03-16 paper...........$ .95
The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh
by Bahá’u’lláh
The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh is once again available. The book contains the essence of all revealed truth, expressed in brief, penetrating meditations. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 52pp.
7-03-05 cloth...........$1.75
7-03-06 paper...........$0.95
GOOD NEWS!
As a service to our customers, the Publishing Trust is working with host Spiritual Assemblies to ensure that Bahá’í books and materials are available at all State and District Conventions this October. The Trust is also arranging for a Subscriber Service Representative to be present at each Convention so that the friends may subscribe to the periodicals—Bahá’í News, World Order, and Child’s Way.
A Selection of Music from the Publishing Trust
“... consider how much the art of music is admired and praised. Try, if thou canst, to use spiritual melodies, songs and tunes, and to bring the earthly music into harmony with the celestial melody. Then thou wilt notice what a great influence music hath and what heavenly joy and life it conferreth. Strike up such a melody and tune as to cause the nightingales of divine mysteries to be filled with joy and ecstasy.”—‘Abdu’l-Bahá
MUSIC IN RECORDED FORM
Keys to Harmony
By Daniel Jordan. An entertaining presentation of Bahá’í Teachings using musical analogies. Accompanying himself on the piano, Dr. Jordan shows how the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh help individuals achieve “harmony” in their relationships, how the major world religions are “variations on a theme,” and so on. 75 minutes.
6-80-07 cassette...........$3.75
Can’t You See the New Day?
Bahá’ís in the South, 1970
A collection of spontaneous recordings made during the early days of mass enrollment in the South. Consisting largely of songs composed and sung by Bahá’ís, it conveys some of the spirit and atmosphere in which mass teaching was initially carried out. 51 minutes.
6-80-04 cassette...........$3.75
SHEET MUSIC AND SONGBOOKS
Sing a New Song:
Bahá’í Songs for Children
Compiled by Bahá’í Committee on Music. Songs for primary, intermediate, and advanced ages with section of special songs for Feasts and Holy Days. Delightfully illustrated in color by Anna Stevenson. 8½ x 11 inches. 48 pp.
7-52-02 cloth...........$2.75
Dawn Song: Choral Music
Selected by the Bahá’í Committee on Music. This book contains 25 selections for one, two, three, and four-part singing. The selections, many of which are from the Bahá’í Writings, are of a serious nature and are suitable for use at public meetings, unity feasts, conferences, and summer schools. 8½ x 11 inches. 74pp.
7-58-03 paper...........$2.25
A New Wind Blowing
Compiled by the Bahá’í Committee on Music. Reflecting the spirit of the New Day, this collection of twenty-eight original folk songs by Bahá’ís focuses on the oneness of God and on the coming of the new Manifestation of God, Bahá’u’lláh. Includes “God is One,” “The Whole Wide World Around,” “See the Happy People,” and many more. Illustrated by Anna Stevenson. 5½ x 8½ inches. 50 pp.
7-58-04 paper...........$.60; 10/$5.00; 20/$9.00
Blessed Is the Spot/
O Thou By Whose Name
Two prayers of Bahá’u’lláh with music by Charles Wolcott, for solo voice, published as one piece of sheet music. 9 x 12 inches. 6 pp.
6-58-02 paper...........$.75; 10/$6.00
From the Sweet-Scented Streams
A prayer of Bahá’u’lláh with music by Charles Wolcott (former music director of MGM), for solo voice. Sheet music. 9 x 12 inches. 10 pp.
7-58-01 paper...........$.75; 10/$6.00
Bahá’í Victory Chorus
Eighteen selections which announce the advent of world peace and unity. Includes prayers and passages from the Bahá’í Writings as well as original compositions. Performed by the California Victory Chorus under the direction of Russ Garcia. Monaural. 31 minutes.
6-30-38 cassette | $3.75 |
6-35-01 12” LP | $3.50 |
6-30-25 reel, 3¾ i.p.s. | $4.00 |
Fire and Snow
Sixteen original compositions by Bahá’í composers, including “World Citizens,” “Dawn Song,” “New Wind Blowing,” “Bahá’u’lláh,” and the title song “Angels of Fire and Snow.” Monaural. 45 minutes.
6-30-37 cassette...........$3.75
Hear the Song of the Wind
By the Southern California Bahá’í Chorus. Eleven songs which tell of the coming of Bahá’u’lláh and His message of love and unity for all the peoples of the earth. Many of the compositions are included in the song collection A New Wind Blowing. 31 minutes.
6-80-09 cassette...........$3.75
Every Friday Night
Written by Mildred N. McClellan. A musical comedy about a weekly Bahá’í fireside. Excellent for deepening sessions. 55 minutes.
6-80-06 cassette...........$3.75
I Wouldn’t Miss the Chance
Written by Mildred N. McClellan. A musical comedy about a Bahá’í community which is given new life by its newest member—Ruth Truth—who “wouldn’t miss the chance” to go pioneering. Includes songs “On, On, On to Fort Tabarsí” and “I’m Ruth Truth, I’m from Duluth.” 55 minutes.
6-80-05 cassette...........$3.75
The Education of Henry Halifax
Written by Mildred N. McClellan. This is a delightful musical comedy about the spiritual struggles and triumphs of a Bahá’í youth—Henry Halifax. Recorded live at the Third National Bahá’í Youth Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in June 1973. Excellent for deepenings for youth. 64 minutes.
6-30-83 cassette...........$3.75
The Wonder Lamp/Banishments/Sing His Praises
The Wonder Lamp, adapted from a story by A. Q. Faizí, is a musical allegory about the Manifestation of God. The Banishments of Bahá’u’lláh, another musical presentation, describes Bahá’u’lláh’s exiles. Both of these are narrated by Sam McClellan with Mildred McClellan at the piano. Sing His Praises features songs written and performed by Creadell Haley. Excellent for children. Time: 15, 8, and 12 minutes, respectively.
6-70-01 cassette...........$3.75
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Special Booklet Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly Designed for public information and proclamation uses.
The National Assembly itself will present the book to public figures as part of a national publicity and proclamation program. Local communities are encouraged to utilize the booklet as a tie-in to the national effort—particularly as a prelude to the forthcoming National Bicentennial Year proclamation now being planned. The new booklet is a particularly effective document to present to community leaders, editors and broadcasters, educators, and others with whom the local Bahá’í community must deal. The document, entitled The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, is 10 inches square, 16 pages in length, and features a heavy maroon cover with the title stamped in gold foil. Sections cover the origin, history, functions, and achievements of the National Assembly and the National Bahá’í Community. One section presents biographical sketches of the present members of the institution. 7-32-08
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| District Conventions announced | Green Lake Conference set Oct. 3-5 | Progress made in reaching Indians |
| See Page 1 | See Page 2 | See Page 4 |
