The American Bahá’í/Volume 7/Issue 11/Text

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The American Bahá’í November, 1976

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[Page 1]

Charlotte M. Linfoot, Assistant Secretary National Assembly 22 years dies at 81

Share grief passing dearly loved Charlotte Linfoot. Her tireless selfless service wholehearted commitment teaching and administration of Cause she embraced nearly fifty years ago indelibly inscribed annals American Bahá’í community. Convey loving sympathy assurance prayers her sister Gladys. Advise hold befitting memorial service Temple. Universal House of Justice October 31, 1976

Miss Linfoot a leading figure in spread of Faith in U.S.

Charlotte M. Linfoot, a leading figure in the growth and development of the Bahá’í Faith in the United States for almost half a century, died October 30 in Wilmette at the age of 81.

A ‎selction selection‎ from Wordsworth’s “She Was A Phantom of Delight” quoted by the National Assembly in their Annual Report to express their sentiments for Charlotte Linfoot. And now I see with eye serene The very pulse of the machine; A Being breathing thoughtful breath, A Traveller between life and death; The reason firm, the ‎tempeate temperate‎ will, Endurance, foresight, strength, and skill; A perfect Woman, nobly planned, To warm, to comfort, and command; And yet a Spirit still, and bright With something of angelic light.

For 22 years, until hospitalized by her illness, she served as Assistant Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States.

She suffered a stroke December 17, 1975, which ended her long and dedicated career of service to the American Bahá’í community. Despite valiant efforts to overcome her affliction, she never regained her strength and remained under close medical supervision until her death.

The funeral service was held in Wilmette at 2:45 p.m. the day of her passing. The service was attended by the staff of the Bahá’í National Center and by scores of friends from the Midwest.

At the grave late in the afternoon, the friends pressed under a canopy of umbrellas for shelter from the chilly autumn rain that had fallen since early morning. As evening shadows deepened and a crisp wind played across the gloomy landscape, the sad, melodious Arabic burial prayer was chanted for her.

Surviving Miss Linfoot is her sister Gladys. The two lived together for many years at 121 Linden Avenue, Wilmette.

Miss Linfoot was born in North Dakota on May 30, 1895. She attended high school in Saskatchewan, Canada, and received degrees from Saskatoon Teacher’s College and Saskatoon Business College. She taught elementary school after graduation. During her summer vacations, she worked as a reporter and as editor of the women’s section of a local newspaper.

She moved to California in the early 1930’s to take a position with the American Red Cross, soon becoming assistant director of the Junior Red Cross for the Pacific area. Her main interest was in developing international programs with school systems. She traveled extensively in Europe during this period to advise Red Cross Societies on that continent.

continued on page 7

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Illness interrupted career of constant, heroic service

Charlotte Linfoot’s illness interrupted more than 20 years of “constant, heroic service” at the National Center and was a “staggering blow” to continuing efforts to create a more efficient national administration, the National Assembly’s 1976 Annual Report said.

“We openly lament her absence and her pain,” the National Assembly told the delegates assembled for the sixty-sixth National Convention in Wilmette last Riḍván. “A sterling example of undaunted faith, uncommon loyalty, selfless devotion, and tireless vigor was removed from the administrative scene... perhaps never to return to its pristine radiance.”

The document continues: “We record in this report our testimony, however brief, to the inestimable magnitude of her gifts of mind and spirit to the progress of the Administrative Order in the United States.”

The tribute to Miss Linfoot ended with a selection from Wordsworth which praised attributes that characterized her own labors.

[Page 2]

Bahá’í National Youth Conference Scheduled Summer 1977

A national youth conference will be held in Illinois in the summer of 1977 to help Bahá’í youth prepare for lives of service in the Faith, the National Spiritual Assembly announced.

“It’s going to be a different kind of youth conference,” said Glenford Mitchell, Secretary of the National Assembly. “It will set new standards and organize the youth to set patterns for their future lives.”

The conference will provide guidance in making vocational choices and in preparing for marriage. As many as 5,000 youth are expected to attend.

“This conference will be a benchmark in the development of Bahá’í youth in the country,” Mr. Mitchell said.

“The conference site will be on the campus of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana,” said David Clayborne, Secretary of the National Youth Committee. It will be a self-contained conference site.

Illinois was chosen to be host to this conference for a number of reasons, he said: it is easily accessible to most regions, it is one of three states requiring intensive proclamation efforts, it will allow travelers to visit the House of Worship, and it will keep planning preparation costs at a minimum at a time when the Fund is experiencing difficulties.

“The National Assembly feels there is a need for youth to address themselves to their futures and to explore ways in which their vocational interests can be made to serve the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh,” Dr. Clayborne explained. “This emphasis on youth service is fully consistent with the goals of the Five Year Plan,” he said.

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Attendance at District Convention shows modest increase

Attendance at District Conventions went up roughly 10 percent over 1975, as some 12,000 Bahá’ís participated in the election of 171 delegates to the 67th National Convention to be held in Wilmette April 29–May 1.

All 88 District Conventions were sponsored and organized by the District Teaching Committees. They were held the first Sunday of October and will continue on that date in the years ahead.

While attendance was up slightly in all areas in 1976, only in the Western region, as defined in Tablets of the Divine Plan, did a majority of states have more than 50 percent of eligible voters participating.

Seven of eleven Western states, according to preliminary tallies, had a majority of eligible Bahá’ís voting. These were Arizona, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, and Oregon.

Three of twelve Central states had majorities voting at District Convention, according to the same early tabulations. They were Minnesota, Nebraska, and Kansas. One Northeastern state, Rhode Island, had a majority of eligible voters cast ballots.

Kansas, a Central state in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s accounting, had the highest proportion of voting Bahá’ís of any state. Eighty-two percent of eligible Kansans cast ballots at District Conventions.

Other districts with relatively high proportions of voters: Northern Idaho/Eastern Washington, with 62 percent; Colorado West, with 63 percent; Rhode Island, with 65 percent; and Washington West, with 55 percent.

The major topic of discussions at these conventions, held as the Five Year Plan reached its midpoint, was the unfinished teaching business still before us.

Consultation periods at most conventions focused on the goals for individuals and communities suggested in Design For Victory 1976–1979, a publication released by the National Spiritual Assembly at Riḍván for the guidance of the friends in the remaining years of the Plan.

Design For Victory not only contains brief statements and recommended goals for each area of concern in the Five Year Plan, it also lists and shows maps for the specific localities that must be opened and developed to complete the nation’s assignments in this Plan. Individuals in studying this guide can decide what to do personally to advance the aims of the Cause, and what to do to assist their Local Spiritual Assemblies and other Bahá’í institutions to be successful in their enterprises.

Convention reports reveal that in many areas of the country the realization that teaching must surge forward has taken an urgent dimension. An abundance of new teaching ideas were recorded in consultation and sent on to the National Assembly.

The South Florida Convention suggested that teaching programs be scheduled during morning hours to reach people who cannot attend evening meetings. Elements of these programs could be prayer, discussion, and coffee.

At North Dakota’s convention the friends agreed on a number of points for teaching. Among them: that we have to want to teach in order to be effective; that we must teach because we love God, not because we just want new declarations; that much of our success will depend on the friends praying together; that we should ‎conciously consciously‎ select people to teach, and persevere in our efforts until they are enrolled; that we must be bolder in asking people whether they care to hear about the Faith.

The Bahá’ís of Northern Alabama suggested that we decide to assist one another’s efforts to teach the Cause. We could offer transportation to potential teachers, they said, or we could care for the children of those who are engaged in projects.

A number of district conventions discussed mass teaching projects and agreed they should be tried in their districts.

The Central California Number One District said the Bahá’ís should use Design For Victory as the “game plan” for their efforts to win goals of the Five Year Plan. Other suggestions: that we prepare ourselves at the start of each day to speak about the Faith to friend and stranger alike; that we learn about other religions in order to speak intelligently to our contacts; that we listen more, and allow the people we meet to tell what is on their minds.

The Maryland and Washington, D.C. friends suggested that one way to reach the affluent in each community is to join clubs and community organizations where influential and opinion leaders are active. Special luncheons for businessmen could also be held to good effect, this convention concluded.

The two photographs were taken at Northern Illinois #2 District Convention. Left, a believer casts ballot for delegates to National Convention. Right, the friends gather for consultation on progress of Five Year Plan.

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Colorado Bahá’í community active in flood relief efforts

Approximately 150 people were killed and hundreds injured or left homeless when a flash flood roared through the Big Thompson Canyon, near Loveland, Colorado, August 31.

The Bahá’í community of Loveland immediately joined in rescue and relief efforts at the scene. One of their tasks was to locate missing vehicles in the Canyon and turn them over to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Department. Bahá’ís had many opportunities during a week of rescue efforts to counsel and comfort bereaved families and to aid survivors.

The work of the Bahá’ís drew recognition from local clergy of all faiths and denominations. Following the disaster, they were invited to become part of an Inter-Faith Task Force, which had been comprised only of Christian and Jewish representatives.

Bahá’ís were interviewed by several reporters during the rescue activities.

The Southern New Mexico District Teaching Committee found opportunities to proclaim the Faith at two county fairs recently.

Using a prefabricated booth purchased from the Publishing Trust, Bahá’ís set up attractive displays at the Lincoln County Fair in Capitan and at the Hidalgo County Fair in Lordsburg. Featured in the booth displays were photographs of the Houses of Worship around the world, including the Life Magazine Bicentennial photograph of the House of Worship in Wilmette.

A wide assortment of pamphlets was available for free distribution. The committee decided that the purpose of the booth was best served if supervision was kept to a minimum and interested people could browse without being observed.

The Bahá’ís of Ruidoso and Lordsburg set up the booths and kept them in order. Both displays were continued for two days.

[Page 3]

Goal to settle most pioneers at posts by midway point Plan completed successfully

The Universal House of Justice states that the majority of pioneer goals assigned in the Five Year Plan have been filled.

“Joyfully announce realization hope expressed in January 1975 that by midway point Five Year Plan most pioneer posts be settled,” the House of Justice cabled October 21.

Of the 962 pioneer assignments made, 612 had been filled when the cablegram was sent. There were 350 assignments remaining to be completed, but the House of Justice indicated that 227 volunteers were being processed for settlement to goal areas.

The Supreme Body called on National Assemblies with unfilled goals to urgently attempt to complete them before Riḍván 1977.

The United States has only 25 posts remaining to be filled by Riḍván. Of its 312 assignments, 287 have been completed.

The International Goals Committee expressed confidence that the remaining posts will be settled within the deadline. Commitments have been received for all but a handful of posts, they said. Denmark, Finland, and St. Helena among them.

Approximately 30 prospective pioneers attended a Pioneer Training Institute at the Bosch school in California October 28–31. Another training institute will be held in Wilmette December 16–19.

Twenty-one prospective pioneers attended the Pioneer Training Institute at Green Acre Bahá’í School August 12–15. It was the last institute before the midpoint in the Five Year Plan October 20, and 11 of the group were at their posts by that date.

Soo Fouts, Assistant Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Katherine McLaughlin, Auxiliary Board member, led the orientation sessions for the group. Also present for the briefings were a number of Bahá’ís currently pioneering: Joan and Al Lincoln from Central African Republic; Barbara and Don Barrett from Colombia; Shirley Yarborough, an Auxiliary Board member from Barbados; and Anita and Gregg Wooster from Zambia.

Left, participants at Pioneer Training Institute held at Green Acre August 12–15. Right, a session for prospective pioneers at Green Acre.

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Bahá’í Fund hampered by substantial deficit

The National Bahá’í Fund continues in a troubled condition despite an encouraging upturn in contributions over two recent Bahá’í months.

Contributions are regularly falling short of the monthly goal by almost $30,000. A deficit of $300,000 has been accumulated in short-term loans from individual Bahá’ís and banks to meet budgeted expenditures.

This deficit represents two months’ income, the Office of the Treasurer indicates. The financial health of the community suggests this deficit not be allowed to exceed three months’ income, they say.

As the deficit approaches this mark, the National Assembly must contemplate major cuts in those ongoing programs that have been developed to win the goals of the Five Year Plan.

An extended review of the National Budget is expected at the November meeting of the National Assembly, to be held in San Francisco, Nov. 12–14, the Treasurer’s Office reported.

A new pattern in contributions that began to emerge from the Feasts of ‘Izzat and Mashíyyat may provide hope of relief.

While participation and contributions from Assemblies and Groups remained constant, the number of individuals contributing directly to the National Fund increased sharply. For the Feast of ‘Izzat this category jumped from 800, which has been normal, to nearly 1,200. During Mashíyyat, the figure went over 1,500. In both months total contributions came very close to meeting the established Fund goal. (See charts on monthly Treasurer’s Letter for details).

“There are indications this pattern will continue beyond Mashíyyat,” said Comptroller Geoffrey Wilson, “and it’s where we see the biggest change coming.”

Assemblies and Groups have fairly rigid budgets during the year, he said. Their giving is regular, consistent, and fixed. Individuals, however, have greater flexibility. The effect of their deciding to increase their commitment to the National Fund can be immediate and dramatic.

“We hope more individuals will decide to make a regular commitment to the National Fund, over and above their commitments to the Local Fund,” Mr. Wilson said. “After all, we know that success in all Bahá’í endeavors rests with the individual.”

A greater response will be necessary to erase the current deficit before April and finish the year without a debt, Mr. Wilson said.

“We have been able to come back in the past and wipe away deficits through eleventh hour rallies by the friends,” he said. “But it would be undeniably better if the friends could pull together and give consistently, winning the Fund goal every 19 days.”

The National Fund goal is approximately 15 percent higher for B.E. 133 than it was for the year which ended April 21, 1976.

In the past, contributions have sagged below the mark throughout most of the year, increasing in two periods to compensate for the generally poor showing. At the end of the calendar year the community has tended to step forward with larger than normal offerings. This happens a second time at the end of the Bahá’í year, as the believers rally to win the lagging goals.

This process, the Office of the Treasurer indicates, makes it difficult for the National Assembly to develop coherent financial plans. It is always unclear whether the friends will rally at the last moment.

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Public applauds Bahá’í banners

The Bahá’í community of Dallas, Texas, participated in a Bicentennial parade in a minority neighborhood on Sept. 11. Two large bicentennial banners were carried and approximately 2,000 people saw them. The Bahá’ís were greeted with applause at various points along the parade route and later with some questions.

[Page 4]

Teaching briefs

Eastern Oklahoma has opened 21 new localities to the Faith since the beginning of the Five Year Plan, fulfilling their total number of localities for the entire Plan.

The Spartanburg, South Carolina, Assembly has printed and distributed to its community a booklet called “The Three and One Half Year Plan.” It lists all the goals in clear and unmistakable language and issues a moving call for volunteers.

Bahá’ís in Denham Springs, Louisiana, visited the parents of a young Bahá’í who ‎recenty recently‎ moved from the area, but whose mail was being received and forwarded by the parents. As a result of this visit, both parents have declared and a new locality has been opened.

Northern Texas reported that 24 of the 28 people attending convention volunteered to assist in goal areas, while Southern Virginia had a large map showing all its goals and many volunteered to assist in filling them.

All members of the Portland, Maine Spiritual Assembly attended their district convention and pledged to sponsor and support mass teaching efforts within Maine.

The friends attending the Missouri convention committed themselves to a statewide teaching plan.

In Presque Isle, Maine, an isolated believer is actively teaching through newspaper coverage of Bahá’í activities ranging from sponsoring a square dance, showing travel slides, presenting “Tokens” to the city manager and showing the Life magazine ad.

Twelve Bahá’ís volunteered to homefront pioneer at the Southern California District One Convention.

The telegram from the Southern California District One Convention to the National Spiritual Assembly read: “We joyously report 12 homefront pioneers pledged move to raise three groups to LSA status Sierra Madre, Maywood, El Segundo and save LSA Manhattan Beach.” To which the National Spiritual Assembly responded: “Deeply moved evidence friends your district to answer homefront call. Please assure all 12 who arose at your district convention to pioneer of our gratitude and fervent prayers for success their devoted endeavors.”

Five Year Plan Goals 1976-1977 Goals: 200 LSA’s 700 Localities 7 LSA’s Indian Reserv.

Teaching goals developed by National Teaching Committee

200 groups to become Assemblies by Riḍván

Alabama, Southern:

Montgomery

Alabama, Northern:

Decatur

Arizona, Northern:

Yuma County, Douglas

Arizona, Southern:

Cochise County

Arkansas:

Pine Bluff

California, Central 1:

Lafayette, Pleasanton

California, Central 2:

Sierra-Madera J.D.

California, Northern 1:

Fair Oaks-Folsom J.D., Red Bluff, Nevada City, Eldorado J.D., Auburn

California, Northern 2:

Napa J.D.

California, Southern 1:

Sierra Madre, West Covina, Carson, Covina, Monterey Park, Rancho Palos Verdes

California, Southern 2:

Palm Desert, Yucaipa, San Clemente, Fullerton, Riverside J.D.

California, Southern 3:

Carpinteria

Colorado, Eastern:

Golden, ‎Freemont Fremont‎ County, Broomfield, Lake County

Connecticut:

West Hartford, South Windsor, Litchfield, New Britain, Norwich, Middletown

Delaware/Maryland/Virginia:

Snow Hill

Florida, Northern:

Panama City, Quincy, Micanopy

Florida, Southern:

West Palm Beach, Davie, Tamarac, Martin County, Broward County South

Georgia, Northern:

Griffin, Thomson, Carrollton, Carroll County, Eatonton

Georgia, Southern:

Albany, Fort Valley, Thomasville, Dawson, Reynolds

Northern Idaho/Eastern Washington:

Pasco

Illinois, Northern 1:

North Chicago, Warren Township

Illinois, Northern 2:

Mt. Prospect, Niles, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows

Illinois, Southern:

Alton, Mohamet Township

Indiana:

St. Joseph Township, South Bend

Iowa:

Sioux City, Garrison, Mason City

Kansas:

Pittsburg

Louisiana, Northern:

Natchitoches, Bossier City

Massachusetts:

Marlborough, Dartmouth Township, Pittsfield, Medford, Attleboro, Amesbury, Springfield

(continued on page 5)

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Hundreds respond to proclamation efforts in Columbia, S.C.

Almost 500 people attended a proclamation meeting in Columbia, South Carolina, September 11.

England Dan and John Ford Coley, Bahá’í recording stars, performed several of their songs and gave a Bahá’í talk with slides of an around-the-world trip they recently completed.

Everyone who attended received Bahá’í literature and a listing of all Firesides in Columbia.

The Local Assembly indicates it was the highest attendance ever for a Bahá’í event in the city.

Publicity included a quarter-page in the Sunday newspaper, the broadcast of public service spots, and the use of an airplane trailing a banner advertising the meeting. The plane flew above the city for four hours the day before the event. It made several passes over a local stadium where the University of South Carolina was playing its first football game of the season before a crowd estimated at 47,000 people.

Hundreds of posters were placed about the city and thousands of flyers and invitations were given out.

Two weeks before the proclamation meeting, on August 24, Seals and Crofts appeared in concert in Columbia. Some 500 free tickets were offered by the Local Assembly to charitable organizations throughout the city.

More than 1,000 people attended a post-concert fireside given by Seals and Crofts. Several concert-related television, radio, and newspaper interviews featured the Faith prominently.

Left, a streamer trailed by airplane advertised concert sponsored by Columbia Bahá’ís. Right, a panel of Bahá’ís answered questions for more than 1,000 people at post-concert fireside. From left to right, John Ford Coley, Mrs. Tammy Goff from Columbia, England Dan (Seals), and Caswell Ellis from Georgetown, S.C., who served as master of ceremonies.

[Page 5]

Tour House of Worship for 30 Bahá’ís to be held January 13-16

Fifteen Bahá’ís from eleven states were given a special tour of the House of Worship and the Bahá’í National Center October 21-24, as part of a special visits program conducted periodically by the House of Worship Activities Committee.

The next tour is scheduled for January 13-16. Registration is limited to 30 participants and is handled on a first-come-first-served basis.

In addition to seeing the House of Worship and the National Center offices, the visitors were taken through the Bahá’í Home and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

They heard presentations from Continental Counsellor Edna True and National Assembly Secretary Glenford Mitchell. A special exhibit of Archives materials was also arranged.

Bahá’ís interested in attending the January program should fill in the coupon below and return it to: Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091.

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Outstanding goals: 200 Assemblies formed, 700 localities opened by Riḍván 1977

Michigan, Mainland:

Adrian, Leoni Township, Jackson, Niles, Oak Park, Monroe

Minnesota, Southern:

Winona, Hastings, Willmar

Minnesota, Northern:

Beltrami County (Red Lake Indian Reservation)

Missouri:

Clayton, Warrensburg, Rockhill

Montana:

Fort Peck Indian Reservation

Navajo-Hopi:

Klagetoh, Greasewood, White Cone Chapter

Nevada, Northern:

Lyon County

New Hampshire:

Exeter

New Jersey:

New Brunswick, Summit

New Mexico, Southern:

Portales, Lordsburg

New Mexico, Northern:

South Sandoval County

New York, Western:

Potsdam, North Tonawanda, Endicott, Webster

New York, Eastern:

Plattsburg, Saratoga Springs, Scarsdale

North Carolina, Western:

Cherokee Reservation, Watauga County, Boone*, Cumberland County

North Dakota:

Minot, Benson County, Fort Totten Indian Reservation

Ohio, Northern:

Bowling Green, Youngstown, Fostoria

Ohio, Southern:

Beavercreek Township, Upper Arlington, Centerville

Oklahoma, Eastern:

Okmulgee

Oklahoma, Western:

Midwest ‎Ctiy City‎, Spencer

Oregon:

Albany, Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Roseville, Woodburn

Pennsylvania, Eastern:

Upper Darby Township, Lower Swatara Township

Pennsylvania, Western:

Uniontown, Hickory Township

Rhode Island:

Cranston, Newport

South Carolina, Northern 1:

Pendleton, Anderson, Greenville

South Carolina, Northern 2:

Union, Buffalo Township, Inman, North Spartanburg County

South Carolina, Central:

Orangeburg, Elloree

South Carolina, Eastern 1:

Florence County East

South Carolina, Eastern 3:

Donnelly, Nesmith, Georgetown

South Carolina, Southern:

Charleston, North Charleston

South Dakota:

Pierre

Tennessee, Eastern:

Morristown, McMinnville

Texas, Central:

Del Rio, Temple

Texas, Eastern 1:

Marshall, Rowlett, Tyler, Azle, Mesquite, Karnack, Italy, Lufkin, Hillsboro

Texas, Eastern 2:

Deer Park, Pasadena

Texas, Western:

Midland, Odessa

Virginia, Northern:

Vienna, Fairfax, Herndon

Virginia, Southern:

Chesterfield County, Chesapeake

Washington, Western:

Raymond, Renton, Clark County, Thurston C.C.D.#2, Mason#1 C.C.D., Lynnwood, Clark#1 C.C.D., Clark #2 C.C.D., Renton, Clallam #1 C.C.D., Clallam #3 C.C.D., Sumner

West Virginia:

Princeton, Mercer County, Wetzel County, Monongalia County

Northern Wisconsin/Upper Michigan:

Sault Ste Marie, WI; Appleton, Menomonie, MI

Wisconsin, Southern:

Brookfield, Delafield Township, Sheboygan, Burlington

*Assemblies which have formed since Riḍván 1976

700 Localities to be opened

Alabama: Lawrence Co., Marshall Co., Winston Co., Bibb Co., Fayette Co., Chilton Co., Tallapoosa Co., Coffee Co., Pike Co.

Arizona: Goodyear, Kingman, Guadalupe, Gila River Reservation, Wilcox, Ajo, Benson, Pima, Safford, Clinton, Nogales

Arkansas: Drew Co., Hot Springs Co., Independence Co., Madison Co., Boone Co., Grant Co., Monroe Co., Clay Co., Cross Co.

California: San Juan Bautista, Greenfield, Castroville, Alpine Co., Calaveras Co., Inyo Co., Coalinga, Mendota, Sanger, Ponderosa J.D., Reedley J.D., Maricopa, Tehachapi J.D., Coulterville J.D., Livingston, Lodi, Modesto J.D., Dinuba, Pixley, Tuolumne J.D., Sierra Co. #2, Amador Co., Colusa Co., Dixon, Ross, Marysville J.D., Placerville, Yountville, Klamath J.D., Tiburon, Winters, Santa Anita J.D., Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, Walnut, Bradbury, City of Industry, Commerce, Colton J.D., Loma Linda, Adelanto, Ramona J.D., Rincon Reservation, San Diego Co. East J.D., Yorba Linda, Indian Wells, Fillmore

Colorado: Fort Lupton, Kiowa, Simla, Lafayette, Limon, Baca Co., Bent Co., Custer Co., Montrose, San Miguel Co., Rio Blanco Co., Eagle Co.

Connecticut: Naugatuck, Portland, Shelton, Colchester, Oxford, Preston, Stafford, Willington, Morris, Hartland, Durham, East Windsor, Eastford, Easton, Ashford

Delaware: Delaware City, Newport, Camden

Florida: Tarpon Springs, Sumter Co., Crystal River, Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Beach, Belleair Shores, Indian Rocks, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, Bradford Co., Dixie Co., Flagler Co., Nassau Co., Calhoun Co., Franklin Co., Washington Co., Palm Beach Gardens, Sea Ranch Lakes, Cooper City, West Miami, Carol City, Kendall, Perrine, Cutler Ridge, Indiantown

Georgia: Cook Co., Echols Co., Clinch Co., Coffee Co., Tift Co., Long Co., Atkinson Co., Bacon Co., Berrien Co., White Co., Haralson Co., Madison Co., Catoosa Co., Avondale, Lithonia, Heard, Lamar, Haralson, Brantley Co., Worth Co., Candler Co.

Idaho: Clearwater Co., Butte Co., Clark Co., Fremont Co., Caribou Co., Minidoka Co., Lincoln Co., Jefferson Co., Shoshone Co.

Illinois: Carroll Co., Bureau Co., Putnam Co., Sandwich, Hennepin, Geneva, Barrington, Princeton, East Moline, Ottawa, La Salle Co., Grundy Co., Berkeley, Broadview, Blue Island, Forest View, Harwood Heights, Lyons, McCook, Merrionette Park, Norridge, Northlake, Stone Park, Summit, Stickney, Golf, Barrington Twp., Elk Grove Village, Inverness, Calumet City, Wheeling Twp., Lincolnwood, Indian Head Park, Norwood Park Twp., Bridgeview, Masson Co., Piatt Co., Clark Co., Crawford Co., Lawrence Co., Richland Co., Wabash Co., Edwards Co., Effingham Co., Fayette Co., Monroe Co., Union Co.

Indiana: Crawford Co., Daviess Co., Dearborn Co., Jasper Co., La Grange Co., Owen Co., Posey Co., Ripley Co., Spencer Co., Whitley Co., Fulton Co., Washington Co., Wabash Co., Shelby Co., New Castle Co.

Iowa: Sioux Co., Kossuth Co., Cass Co., Webster Co., Decatur Co., Butler Co., Grundy Co., Mahaska Co.

Kansas: Trego Co., Rush Co., Rooks Co., Pratt Co., Rice Co., Atchison Co., Ottawa Co., Coffey Co., Barton Co., Mitchell Co., Clay Center, Potawatomie Reservation, Brown Co., Cloud Co., Russell Co., Thomas Co., Barton Co., Sumner Co., Kingman Co.

Kentucky: Anderson Co., Bourbon Co., Henry Co., Knox Co., Scott Co., Spencer Co., Warren Co., Woodford Co., Pulaski Co., Murray Co.

Louisiana: Webster Parish, Caldwell Parish, Richland Parish, Grant Parish, La Salle Parish, Assumption Parish, Cameron Parish, Evangeline Parish, Jefferson Davis Parish, Pointe Coupee Parish, St. Helena Parish, St. James Parish, St. Landry Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, West Feliciana Parish

Maine: Brunswick, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Bucksport, Fort Fairfield, Lubec, Milford, Bradley, Brunswick, Rockport, Rockland

Maryland: Walkersville, Middletown, Calvert Co., Boonesboro, Indian Head, Waldorf, La Plata, Cecil Co., Kent Co.

Massachusetts: Melrose, Wellfleet, Truro, Chatham, Holden, Berlin, Conway

Michigan: Clawson, Hazel Park, Van Buren, Lapeer, Norton Shores, Hillsdale, Allegan Co., Benzie Co., Gratiot Co., Huron Co., Osceola Co., Clare Co., Wexford Co., Otsego Co., Montcalm Co., Harper Woods, Woodhaven, Flat Rock, Springfield Twp., Flushing, White Cloud, Albion, Huron Twp., Mason, Sumpter Twp., Fremont, Dickinson Co., Gogebic Co., Mackinac Co., Iron Co., Mason

Minnesota: International Falls, Grand Rapids, Breckenridge, Mille Lacs Reservation, Leech Lake Reservation, Fond du Lac Reservation, Brown Co., Chisago Co., Meeker Co., Nobles Co., Pipestone Co., Fillmore Co., Cottonwood Co., Mower Co., Scott Co., Carver Co., Jackson Co., Martin Co.

Mississippi: Brandon, Carthage, Columbia, Jefferson Co., Kosciusko, Laurel, Oxford, ‎Picayume  Picayune‎, Choctaw Co., Stone Co.

Missouri: Andrew Co., Lafayette Co., Howard Co., Moniteau Co., Dallas Co., Montgomery Co., Lawrence Co., New Madrid Co., DeKalb Co., Putnam Co., Chariton Co., Gasconade Co., Clinton Co., Knox Co., Maries Co., Douglas Co.

Montana: Mineral Co., Broadwater Co., Sweetgrass Co., Deer Lodge Co., Carbon Co., Madison Co., Meagher Co.

Nebraska: Phelps Co., Dawson Co., Keith Co., Howard Co., Red Willow Co., Burt Co.

Nevada: Yerington, Walker River Reservation, Pahrump, Ely, Tonopah, Moapa Reservation, Genoa, Lovelock

New Hampshire: Wilton, Roxbury, Auburn, Wolfeboro, Newport, Loudon, Sanbornville, Salem, Amherst, Walpole, Hinsdale, Union, Conway, Alexandria, Newmarket, Franconia, Hollis

New Jersey: Camden, Phillipsburg, West Long Beach

New Mexico: Española, Raton, Estancia, Capitan, DeBaca Co., Magdalena, Harding Co., Mora Co.

New York: Lynbrook, Rhinebeck, Quanesburg, Amsterdam, Champlain, Malone, Richfield Springs, Keeseville, Cold Spring, Sidney, Athens, Ilion, Middletown, Brightwaters Village, Massapequa Park, Alfred, Olean, Hamilton, Deer River, Watkins Glen, Port Byron, Lowville, Wampsville, Bath, Warsaw, Hamilton Co., Whitehall, Herkimer, Delhi, Wellsville, Moravia, Greene, Dexter

North Carolina: Person Co., Hillsborough, Stokes Co., Pender Co., Sampson Co., Rolesville, Saratoga, Alexander Co., Ashe Co., Avery Co., Clay Co., Graham Co., Iredell Co., Mitchell Co., Rutherford Co., Bryson City, Murphy, Macon Co., Kings Mountain, Jones Co., Pamlico Co., Rockingham Co.

North Dakota: Ransom Co., Stark Co., Pembina Co., Dickey Co., Foster Co., Wells Co., McLean Co., Morton Co., Bottineau Co., Divide Co., Emmons Co.

Ohio: Auglaize Co., Coshocton Co., Jefferson Co., Morrow Co., Midvale, Licking Co., Madison Co., Darke Co., Fayette Co., Belmont Co., Guernsey Co.

Oklahoma: Noble Co., Henryetta, Wewoka, Craig Co., Ardmore, Custer Co., Beckham Co., Washita Co., Tillman Co., Jefferson Co., Purcell, Greer Co.

Oregon: Baker Co., Morrow Co., Wheeler Co., Gilliam Co.

Pennsylvania: Quakertown, Lansford, Hummelstown, Snyder Co., Northumberland Co., Pike Co., Sullivan Co., Franklin Co., Perry Co., Cumberland Twp., Indiana Borough, Somerset Twp., Warren Borough, Canonsburg Borough, Jeannette, Monroeville Borough, Baldwin Borough, Plum Borough, Munhall Borough, Castle Shannon Borough, Duquesne, North Braddock Borough, DuBois, New Cumberland Borough, Ridgway Twp., Connellsville, Ellwood City Borough, Bradford, Derry Twp., Marysville Borough, Bloomfield Borough, Tionesta Borough, Dunkard Twp.

Rhode Island: Kingston, Westerly, Wakefield, Narragansett, Tiverton, Johnston, Jamestown, Greenville, East Greenwich, Central Falls

South Dakota: Chamberlain, Aberdeen, Union Co., Sturgis, Beresford

Tennessee: Blount Co., Loudon Co., Union Co., Grainger Co., Sequatchie Co., Bledsoe Co., Rhea Co., Meigs Co., McMinn Co., Jefferson Co., Cocke Co., Hancock Co., Maury Co., Dickson Co., Bedford Co., Weakley Co., Wilson Co., Obion Co.

Texas: McCulloch Co., Caldwell Co., Burnet Co., Blanco Co., Llano Co., Schleicher Co., Kinney Co., Wood Co., San Augustine Co., Anderson Co., Camp Co., Delta Co., Falls Co., Freestone Co., Leon Co., Limestone Co., Morris Co., Rains Co., Red River Co., Trinity Co., Brazoria, Grimes Co., Washington Co., Cleveland, Burleson Co., Lee Co., Fayette Co., Swisher Co., Lamb Co., Briscoe Co., Childress Co., Arkansas Co., Brooks Co., Duval Co., Starr Co., Refugio Co., Pecos, Ward Co., Culberson Co., Hudspeth Co., Jeff Davis Co., Presidio Co., Gaines Co., Upton Co., Crane Co., Armstrong Co., Carson Co., Floyd Co., Newton

Utah: Summit Co., Washington Co., Tooele Co., Sanpete Co., Box Elder Co., Morgan Co.

Vermont: Hinesburg, Charlotte, Warren, Castleton, Ludlow, Brandon, Caledonia Co., Manchester, Vergennes, Bristol, Concord, Arlington, Chester, Waterbury, Randolph

Virginia: Caroline Co., Clarke Co., Frederick Co., King George Co., Shenandoah Co., Warren Co., Highland Co., Bristol, Colonial Heights, Pittsylvania Co., Henry Co., Prince George Co., Halifax Co., Dinwiddie Co.

Washington: Poulsbo, Mukilteo, Goldendale, Muckleshoot, Port Orchard, Pend Oreille Co., Adams Co., Garfield Co.

West Virginia: Putnam Co., Jefferson Co., Harrison Co., Mineral Co., Hampshire Co., Logan Co.

Wisconsin: Monroe Co., Elm Grove, Juneau Co., Trempealeau Co., Green Lake Co., Iowa Co., Tomah, Neenah, Baraboo, Bayfield Co., Rusk Co., Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation, Lac du Flambeau Reservation, Iron Co.

Wyoming: Johnson Co., Hot Springs, Wind River Reservation, Carbon Co., Converse Co., Rawlins, Medicine Bow, Sublette Co., Big Horn Co.

[Page 6]

1976 summer school sessions focused on outstanding goals of Five Year Plan

Nineteen Bahá’í summer schools offered courses in 1976 designed to increase the general awareness of the goals of the Five Year Plan.

Bosch and Green Acre offered special sessions on the “Local Spiritual Assembly Development Program.” Davison centered its curriculum on “Uniting in a Distinctive Bahá’í Society.” Southern California’s theme was “Goals of the Five Year Plan” and they offered such subjects as “Success in Teaching” and an advanced course on the “History of the Bahá’í Faith.”

Carolinas school featured a parallel curriculum for all ages, including such courses as “Messages from the Universal House of Justice” and “Presenting Bahá’u’lláh’s Message.” The Conifer Hill school program for the summer was “The Individual and the Five Year Plan.”

Montana presented “Developing the Distinctive Character of Bahá’í Life in the Bahá’í Community,” while Washington East offered advanced classes on the “History of the Faith.” New York offered its students “A Glimpse of Tomorrow” and they featured such courses as “The Release of Human Potential” and “The Bahá’í Family.”

Nebraska’s theme was “Doors to Expansion.” Washington West presented four adult classes on two levels of difficulty: History, the Covenant and Administration, Basic Teachings, and Laws and Ordinances. Special youth sessions were offered at Bosch, Green Acre, and Davison.

The Oklahoma/Texas and the Montana schools featured complete youth curriculums prepared by the National Education Committee.

Children’s classes conducted at the schools consisted of a wide variety of topics. Oregon’s Badasht session offered a class entitled “Islám” for ages 7-8, and “Bahá’u’lláh’s Travels” and “Islám” for 3-6 year-olds.

Colorado East presented “The Dynamic Force of Example” to 10-14’s, and Washington West had a class on “Ethics” for ages 12-14. Southern California provided a class on “The Principles of Consultation” for ages 8 through 9; Oregon’s Suttle Lake session arranged for a course entitled “Manners, Courtesy and Love” for age level 5-6.

Children at the Minnesota School experienced an innovative learning environment. Learning stations formed the core of their curriculum, a place containing materials for activities planned around a central theme, where one or two children can work independently of the teacher. The activities offer experiences of considerable variety and interest to the children, involving sense and motor activities along with learning to solve problems, gain new concepts, stretch the imagination, find beauty and discover more about one’s own powers.

Left, approximately 150 Bahá’ís attended the 1976 session of the Davison Summer School, held in Battle Creek, Michigan. Above, Auxiliary Board member Albert James was one of the instructors at the Davison school. Right, a children’s class at a district-wide deepening program held monthly during 1976 in College Station, Texas.

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Schedules for 1976 Bahá’í winter schools

Arizona:

Dates: Dec. 31-Jan. 2

Location: Phoenix Bahá’í Center, Phoenix, AZ

Registrar: Mrs. Jill Hallock, P.O. Box 124, Gilbert, AZ 85234, phone 602-892-4057

Theme: Healthy Family Interaction

Bosch:

Dates: Dec. 26-31

Location: 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Registrar: Mrs. Lori Bushnell, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, phone 408-423-3387

Theme: Constant Endeavor

Southern California:

Dates: Dec. 17-19

Location: Camp Maranatha, Idyllwild, CA 92349

Registrar: Mrs. Barbara West, 5658 Ravenspur Drive, No. 302, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90274, phone 213-541-3115

Theme: Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh

Carolinas:

Dates: Dec. 27-Jan. 1

Location: Penn Center, Frogmore, SC 29920

Registrar: Mrs. Carol Fox, Rt. 2, Box 146, Effingham, SC 29541, phone 803-662-2743

Theme: The Onward March

Davison:

Dates: Dec. 26-Jan. 1

Location: Wesley Woods Camp, 13 miles north of Battle Creek, MI 49016

Registrar: Mr. Steve Gonzales, 2175 Richmont Street, Lincoln Park, MI 48146, phone 313-382-9675

Theme: Developing a Distinctive Bahá’í Character

Florida North:

Dates: Nov. 24-28

Location: Camp Cloverleaf, Lake Placid, FL 33852

Registrar: Mrs. Sandra Muro, 520 2nd Street SW, Largo, FL 33540, phone 813-585-5384

Theme: Increase My Astonishment in Thee

Georgia/Alabama:

Dates: Dec. 28-Jan. 3

Location: Camp Sumatanga, ‎Gadsen Gadsden‎, AL 35901

Registrar: Mr. Thomas Seale, 442 Seminole Avenue, No. 5, Atlanta, GA 30307, phone 404-523-2751

Theme: Relationship of Bahá’í Revelation to Past Revelations

Green Acre:

Dates: Nov. 25-28

Location: Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, ME 03903

Registrar: Mr. Richard Crocker, 185 Main Street, Eliot, ME 03903, phone 207-439-0019

Theme: Arise and Teach

Green Acre:

Dates: Dec. 25-30

Location: Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, ME 03903

Registrar: Mr. Richard Crocker, 185 Main Street, Eliot, ME 03903, phone 207-439-0019

Theme: Potpourri (in-depth classes)

Oklahoma/Texas:

Dates: Dec. 26-30

Location: Bridgeport Conference Center, Bridgeport, TX 76026

Registrar: Mrs. Karen Kazemzadeh, 5533 Maple Avenue, No. G, Dallas, TX 75235, phone 214-630-5836

Theme: Dynamic Role of a Bahá’í

Oregon:

Dates: Nov. 25-28

Location: Menucha, OR

Registrar: Mrs. Jane Steiger, 10370 SW Cynthia, Beaverton, OR 97005, phone 503-644-6751

Theme: Building a Bahá’í Civilization

Washington West:

Dates: Dec. 28-31

Location: Fort Worden, Port Townsend, WA 98368

Registrar: Mrs. Esther Young, 7417 46th Avenue NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, phone 206-858-3505

Theme: This is the Standard. This is the Standard. This is the Standard!

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Jobs available at National Center

Several positions will be opening at the National Center in the near future for friends who have skills in the following areas:

Administrative Support:

Requires extensive clerical skills; ability to handle dictation; good grasp of letter composition and some administrative experience within the Faith. Experience with automatic typewriters would be helpful.

Executive Secretary:

Required skills include fast, accurate typing; good shorthand; knowledge of filing systems; ability to compose letters and administrative experience within the Faith.

Data Entry Clerk:

Basic duties would include key entry and verification. Experience with keypunch, keytape, key disc, or floppy disk is desirable.

Mail Services Assistant:

Duties would include the preparation of mass mailings and the distribution of mail throughout the offices at the National Center. Must be in good health and capable of strenuous physical activity. Knowledge of postal regulations and experience with mailing machines are preferred.

Maintenance and Grounds:

The Maintenance and Grounds departments are also attempting to update their files so that they will be in a position to fill their future needs. They are interested in hearing from friends who are electricians, custodians, watchmen, carpenters, plumbers, shipping and receiving clerks, landscapers, or general maintenance.

If you feel that you qualify for any of these areas, and are, or will in the near future, be available to serve at the National Center, send your resume and a letter of recommendation from your Local Spiritual Assembly, Bahá’í Group, or District Teaching Committee to: Personnel Affairs Assistant, Bahá’í National Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

[Page 7]

Miss Linfoot a leading figure in U.S. Bahá’í Community

Left, a photograph taken of National Assembly in March 1975, shows Miss Linfoot at lower left. Right, one of her last public talks was given at teaching conference in Joliet, Illinois, Nov. 1-2, 1975. Below, Miss Linfoot is introduced to the delegates at National Convention following her election at Riḍván 1975.

(Continued from page one)

Miss Linfoot became a Bahá’í in 1925 and immediately became an active public speaker for her new Faith. In 1934 she was appointed secretary of the National Teaching Committee. She served on the committee until 1953, when she was first elected to the National Assembly.

In 1953, she was also appointed secretary of the Asian Teaching Committee, which worked with a counterpart group in Australia, to establish the Bahá’í Faith in the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Formosa, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Miss Linfoot attended three international conventions as a delegate for the United States, taking part in the election of The Universal House of Justice.

The National Spiritual Assembly cabled The Universal House of Justice on October 30, saying: “Loyal dutiful indefatigable Charlotte Linfoot winged her flight to Abhá realm today leaving behind in her beloved American Bahá’í Community which she served so illustriously a trail of grateful but broken hearts.”

In its reply, the Supreme Institution requested the holding of a befitting memorial service in the Temple. The service will be held on December 11 at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited.

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Bahá’í books and materials

Materials for Mass Teaching

Part Two of a Two-Part Series

The materials described below were listed in the “Guide to Mass Teaching Materials” published last month in Part One of this two-part series. Part One featured sections on “Short Giveaways,” “More Detailed Giveaways,” and “Bahá’í Prayers.” We now conclude the series with a look at “Materials to Show While Teaching” and “Literature for the Immediate Deepening of New Declarants.”

Materials to Show While Teaching

If a person is interested enough in the message of Bahá’u’lláh to stop and talk or ask questions the Bahá’í teacher can use the following illustrated materials to help explain further about the Bahá’í Faith.

Why Bahá’u’lláh?

This accordion-fold brochure has seven colorful panels which provide a simple presentation of man’s needs for spiritual “sun.” It states that Bahá’u’lláh is the “Spiritual Sun” for this day and that His Teachings give life to man. Each panel on the reverse side contains a quotation from the Bahá’í Writings. 3¼ x 4¼ inches.

7-40-49...........25/$2.00; 100/$7.00; 1000/$60.00

The Message of Bahá’u’lláh

Designed for mass teaching, The Message of Bahá’u’lláh explains, in simple language, drawings, and pictures, the stations of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, progressive revelation, and Bahá’í laws. Space is provided for local Bahá’í addresses and phone numbers. 6⅛ x 3⅜ inches.

7-40-35............25/$1.25; 100/$4.00; 1000/$35.00

Shown here are some of the materials recommended for use in mass teaching. At top are “Materials to Show While Teaching” — pamphlets to show the person who is interested enough to stop and talk or ask questions about the Bahá’í Faith. (Postcards are suitable too. See description at right.) The “Literature for the Immediate Deepening of New Declarants,” shown above, can be used to deepen new believers on the Central Figures of the Faith, Bahá’í laws, and Bahá’í administration. All materials may be ordered through Community Librarians.

Bahá’í: A Way of Life for Millions
(Ebony reprint)

This popular reprint from Ebony magazine includes many photographs, some in color, showing the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, and the diversity of the Bahá’í community. Excellent for showing to seekers while mass teaching. 9¾ x 13¼ inches.

7-40-10................10/$2.00

Postcards

Postcards from the Publishing Trust are very helpful for showing to seekers while teaching. Why not use postcards from the following new assortments in your mass teaching effort?

6-46-19 Bahá’ís Around the World, 10-card asst.	$1.30
6-45-85 Bahá’í Houses of Worship, 5-card asst.	$.75
6-45-00 Bahá’í World Center, 10-card asst.	$1.30

Literature for the Immediate Deepening of New Declarants

The following materials can be used to deepen new believers on the Central Figures of the Faith, Bahá’í laws, and Bahá’í administration.

God’s New Age
(English and Spanish)

This attractive booklet, available in Spanish and English, can play a key role in every community’s direct teaching efforts. It explains in clear, simple language important facts about the Bahá’í Faith, laws and obligations governing Bahá’í life, and the Bahá’í calendar. The booklet includes several prayers of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb.

The Spanish booklet is entitled La Nueva Era de Dios. Recommended for deepening new believers immediately after they declare. With discretion, it can also be used to show while teaching. 7 x 5¼ inches. 15 pp.

7-40-57 English	10/$1.00; 100/$8.00; 500/$35.00; 1000/$60.00
7-93-51 Spanish	10/$1.00; 100/$9.00; 500/$40.00

To Be a Bahá’í

To Be a Bahá’í is a deepening packet designed for use in mass teaching areas. It consists of a pocketed folder containing eight colored cards with information on the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í laws, Bahá’í administration, the Bahá’í world family, and participation in Bahá’í community life. One of the cards includes the short obligatory prayer and a prayer for unity. Illustrated. 3¾ x 7¼ inches. Recommended for immediate deepening of new declarants. With discretion, the packet can also be used to show while teaching.

Note—To Be a Bahá’í is shipped unassembled: 100 each of the folder and eight loose cards. Since the folder and cards are machine counted, the actual count may vary from 90 to 100 “complete” sets. Numbers within this range are considered normal, and no adjustments will be made.

7-40-45.............100/$10.00

[Page 8]

Bahá’í National Youth Conference Scheduled Summer 1977	Attendance at District Convention shows modest increase	Goal to settle most pioneers at posts by midway point Plan completed successfully
Page 2	Page 2	Page 3

A National Bahá’í Youth Conference will be held between June 29-July 3 on the campus of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, approximately 150 miles south of Chicago. The Bahá’ís will use Assembly Hall, shown here, for their meeting. For details see page 2.