The American Bahá’í/Volume 8/Issue 6/Text
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Progress Cause depends on individual believers[edit]
To All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
Rejoice outstanding events and achievements marking mid year Five Year Plan: publication in English selection Writings Blessed Báb opening to eyes Western followers Faith a priceless treasury His immortal utterances, a bounty which cannot fail draw hearts ever nearer youthful Martyr-Prophet; successful holding eight International Conferences, blazoning name Cause God before a receptive public, knitting more closely ties linking friends all lands, resulting upsurge intense activity teaching pioneering, conferring awareness urgent challenge presented by goals Plan this critical period; profoundly significant visit to resting place beloved Guardian by first reigning monarch to accept Faith Bahá’u’lláh; departure former tenants house ‘Abdu’llá Páshá enabling Faith obtain possession recently purchased Holy Place initiate process restoration preparation eventual opening to visits by pilgrims; arrival Haifa first four consignments marble and initiation actual construction Seat Universal House Justice Mount Carmel; Appointment three Additional Counsellors North Central America Australasia; attainment goal settlement midway point Plan majority pioneers called for during first phase accompanied great outflow international travelling teachers; dramatic resurgence teaching work Cradle Faith by individual believers under local plans; finally, election this Riḍván six new Pillars Universal House Justice, National Spiritual Assemblies of Upper Volta in Africa of the French Antilles in the Caribbean, of Surinam and French Guiana in South America, of the Marshall Islands and of the New Hebrides in Pacific Ocean, and of Greece in Europe, raising total number National Spiritual Assemblies to 123 to take part in fourth election Universal House Justice in Holy Land during Riḍván 1978.
National Conventions in 1978 will be on weekend preceding or following 23 May feast Declaration Báb. Call for formation at that time six more National Spiritual Assemblies: Burundi and Mauritania in Africa, the Bahamas in America, Oman and Qatar in Asia, and the Mariana Islands in the Pacific.
Present rate growth Community prospect acceleration process entry by troops its spread new areas impel us strengthen still further the Auxiliary Boards whose services so vital sound development Community.
Announce authorization increase membership Boards by 297 raising total to 675 of which 279 are Auxiliary Board Members for protection and 396 for propagation of Faith.
In early days of June 1877 Bahá’u’lláh left city ‘Akká and took up residence in Mazra’ih. To mark centenary this termination confinement Ancient Beauty within walls Prison City we call upon His followers all lands devote nineteen day Feast of Núr commemoration historic event, rededicating themselves urgent tasks before them, so that pent-up energies His precious Faith may be released to reach ever greater number seeking souls in ever wider circle their fellow men.
Greatest challenge facing followers Bahá’u’lláh last two years Plan is in fields expansion consolidation. Tremendous upsurge needed in services individual believers on whose deeds ultimately all progress depends. Momentum generated by International Conferences must be accelerated without delay and spirit released must permeate all communities. Great increase must take place in enthusiastic teaching carried out with confidence, imagination and perseverance by young and old, rich and poor, learned and illiterate, whether at home or travelling. Particularly call upon Bahá’í women, whose capacities in many lands still largely unused, and whose potential for service Cause so great, to arise and demonstrate importance part they are to play in all fields service Faith.
Bounties in abundance waiting descend from Supreme Concourse. That the friends of God will now surge ahead with resolute radiant spirits in every continent islands of the seas, to bring Message of Bahá’u’lláh to waiting souls win their allegiance His Cause, ensuring overwhelming victory Plan to which they are now committed, is our high hope and ardent prayer at Sacred Threshold.
- The Universal House of Justice
- 24 March 1977
American Bahá’ís urged to “redouble efforts”[edit]
Urge assembled delegates deliberate on most effective methods elicit greater participation believers all ages in teaching activities leading to enrollment more new believers and formation more Local Spiritual Assemblies.
Urgently call upon institutions and individuals alike redouble efforts concentrate forces attract great numbers cause in chosen three states thus promoting process entry by troops. Fervently appeal all members veteran American Bahá’í Community to arise lend assistance these areas.
Ardently praying Holy Threshold unbounded success your endeavours closing years Plan.
April 1977
Delegates reply to Riḍván Message[edit]
Beloved Men of Bahá: We have heard your Messages. Inexpressibly grateful your exemplary wisdom, vision, industry and selfless devotion. Assembled delegates (154) yield special thanks, loving appreciation translation into English selections Writings Blessed Báb, unfoldment International Teaching Center, continuing contributions Research Department, acquisition historic house ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá where Master received first pilgrims from West, early repository sacred remains martyred Herald-Messenger and birthplace of Sign of God on Earth Shoghi Effendi. Thrilled progress construction Seat Supreme Institution and acceleration world-wide teaching, pioneering and consolidation. American community is restlessly pressing onward to strengthen unified action and stimulate universal participation of individuals and Assemblies to expedite entry believers in troops and to expand outpouring contributions all funds, exceeding goals Five Year Plan. Beseech your potent prayers Sacred Threshold. Feeling thanksgiving inspiring presence Hand Cause William Sears, Continental Counsellors Edna True, Sarah Pereira and Auxiliary Board members. Assembled delegates assure infallible mariners Crimson Ark unswerving dedication effective service vital interests Faith, loyalty divine institutions, ever-deepening devotion, love Blessed Beauty and his Universal House Justice.
68th American Bahá’í National Convention
Hand of Cause to speak at summer schools[edit]
Bahá’ís attending several summer schools this year are in for a perhaps once-in-a-lifetime spiritually refreshing experience. Hand of the Cause of God Ali-Akbar Furutan will be a guest at the summer schools in the Carolinas on July 6-7, at Louis G. Gregory Institute on July 9-10, in New York on July 20-21 and at Bosch School August 23-25.
Martyrs’ station for teachers in this age, said Hand of Cause William Sears[edit]
The Hand of the Cause William Sears appeared before the National Convention for the third time in three years to urge the friends to redouble their efforts in teaching.
He recalled the delegates’ promises at the previous Conventions to increase efforts in teaching. These promises were yet to be fulfilled, he said.
Mr. Sears missed the morning session Saturday because he worked as late as possible to find the right words with which to stir the friends to action, he said.
“I do not think we realize how short the time really is,” he said, referring to “the critical situation of the Five Year Plan.” He exhorted the believers to “ride the crest” of energy released by the eight Bahá’í International Teaching Conferences. “We are standing on the threshold of victories,” he exclaimed.
Counselors encourage friends to teach[edit]
Counselor Edna True told the delegates at National Convention the American Bahá’í community is at a critical moment in the Five Year Plan.
“Let us make a fresh start, a much greater effort not to disappoint our Universal House of Justice,” she said.
In two years when the friends gather at Convention again they should be able to report not only victory in the Five Year Plan, Miss True said, but something extra as well, to warm the hearts of the Universal House of Justice.
The goals of the Plan have been made to be won, she said. Therefore, “no matter how critical the moment, if we will but dedicate ourselves to the task, putting Bahá’u’lláh absolutely first,... we will have victories.”
Counselor Sarah Pereira echoed some of the concerns expressed by Miss True. She termed the gathering a “fateful” National Convention and urged the delegates to go forward in assisting the National Spiritual Assembly to find “the hidden key that is going to assure us victories in the Five Year Plan.”
The slow movement toward completion of the Plan goals could be classified as critical, she said. However, she expressed confidence that both the delegates and the community at large will accept responsibility for the work it will take to fulfill the assignments.
“We must dispel the notion that spirituality means inefficiency,” she said.
Eight re-elected to National Assembly; one new member[edit]
The 68th Bahá’í National Convention discharged its major responsibility Saturday morning April 30 and elected the National Spiritual Assembly.
Of the 171 delegates sent to the Convention from districts throughout the country, 149 voted in person and 13 cast mail ballots. Three delegates did not vote.
The members of the National Assembly are as follows:
Dorothy W. Nelson, Daniel C. Jordan, Soo Fouts, Firuz Kazemzadeh, Glenford E. Mitchell, Franklin Kahn, Magdalene Carney, Richard Betts, and James F. Nelson.
James Nelson is a new member on the National Assembly. He replaces Dr. William Maxwell, who announced at the start of Convention that his family would soon leave as pioneers to Fiji.
Mr. Nelson, who once served on the National Teaching Committee, is the only judge in the U.S. who is a Bahá’í at this time. He has served on the Los Angeles Municipal Court since 1968.
Judge Nelson is a member of the California Bar. He has been a deputy district attorney for Los Angeles County, a referee in the Juvenile Department of the Superior Court of California and a commissioner of the Superior Court.
He is co-author of a manual on juvenile court procedures. His wife, Dorothy W. Nelson, is Dean of the University of Southern California Law Center as well as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.
The National Assembly’s officers are: Daniel Jordan, Chairman; Firuz Kazemzadeh, Vice-Chairman; Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary; Soo Fouts, Assistant Secretary; Dorothy W. Nelson, Treasurer.
Concerns of National Assembly laid before delegates[edit]
While acknowledging satisfactory progress in the placement of pioneers abroad, the National Spiritual Assembly made the frank assessment to delegates at National Convention that movement in homefront teaching has been too slow.
“We end the year with the same concern which confronted the national community at the end of the previous year: expansion on the homefront has been painfully slow,” the National Spiritual Assembly said in its Annual Report (see Bahá’í National Review).
Of the 7,000 localities required in the Plan, 5,900 exist, the National Spiritual Assembly reported. But only 256 of these were opened during the last year. Of the 1,400 Assemblies called for, only 940 existed by year’s end. A strenuous effort had to be put forth to save more than 100 Assemblies that became jeopardized during the year.
“The continuing threat of jeopardized Assemblies led to a decision of the National Spiritual Assembly that the National Teaching Committee will henceforth work with Local Spiritual Assemblies in developing and executing local teaching plans which will foster community growth to the size of at least 30 adult believers in each locality,” the Annual Report said.
The exception to the rule observed by the National Spiritual Assembly was an intensive teaching project in Oregon last Fall, the report said. “But, for the most part, these efforts were short-lived, dying from lack of enthusiasm.”
The single most important challenge now facing the Bahá’í community is to generate individual teaching to a high pitch, the National Spiritual Assembly concluded.
The hope was expressed that the newly published compilation on teaching from the Universal House of Justice will “become the breath of wind that fans the scattered sparks of teaching in the United States into a spreading flame.” A copy of the compilation was sent by the National Spiritual Assembly to Assemblies and Groups throughout the country with a request that study classes be organized to discuss the document.
The National Spiritual Assembly expressed confidence that despite present difficulties success would be attained. “... Our community is known for its late starts and breathless victories,” the National Spiritual Assembly said.
Tone of urgency in National Convention teaching consultation[edit]
Consultation on teaching by the delegates was given special emphasis at the 68th National Bahá’í Convention.
The National Spiritual Assembly, in preparing the agenda, allocated more than 12 hours of the tightly scheduled Convention to consultation, more than at any Convention in recent years.
The ground was already set for a frank exchange of views when a cablegram was received from the Universal House of Justice urging the delegates to consult on effective methods for achieving greater participation from believers of all ages in the teaching work.
That cablegram, dated April 25, 1977, also urgently called on individuals and Bahá’í institutions to concentrate their forces and redouble efforts in the three goal states to promote the process of entry by troops, and on members of the “veteran American Bahá’í Community” to arise and lend assistance to these areas.
The delegates voiced many concerns about the uncertain progress in winning the goals of the Five Year Plan. In its annual report the National Spiritual Assembly made a frank assessment of the difficulties facing the community and shared its concerns with the delegates.
The Hand of the Cause William Sears added his own insistent note to the deliberations. He said the promises made in years past to dramatically expand teaching activities had not yet been fulfilled. The time is short, he insisted. The greatest need is for sacrifice to further the teaching.
Many delegate suggestions centered around proposals for nationwide teaching efforts, among them that teaching campaigns be initiated in the South, that a new round of Each One Teach One Conferences be held, that Local Assemblies be assigned special teaching goals by the National Spiritual Assembly, that the National Spiritual Assembly conduct a national media campaign to get the Faith more widely known, and that a comprehensive effort be made to proclaim the Faith in the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C. The National Spiritual Assembly normally consults on the suggestions in its first few meetings then publishes its decisions on those recommendations.
The tone of the several consultative sessions was perceptibly anxious. There was urgency in the discussion about teaching, and if this urgency is reflected in the community, new enrollments could make a dramatic upturn in the year ahead.
American Bahá’ís invited to Canadian picnic[edit]
An international picnic, hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Sarnia, Ontario, will be held at Canatara Park in Sarnia on September 11. Registration begins at 10 a.m. The Bahá’ís of Sarnia ask that you bring a lunch, swimming togs, musical instruments, family and friends.
Have you invited a friend to a fireside?
Pioneers use Japanese experience to teach in California[edit]
Pioneering internationally on the homefront is encouraged by the International Goals Committee as a way of learning a foreign language, becoming acquainted with another culture in preparation for pioneering overseas, and teaching the Faith to individuals of different ethnic groups.
Occasionally the process is reversed, and a Bahá’í from overseas can do homefront pioneering in this country. One such example is Elahe and Mojdeh Vahdat, who pioneered in Japan for over 15 years before establishing residence in Long Beach, California.
Elahe is employed by a Japanese company which recruits students from Japan and places them in universities in California to study English. During the year, approximately 300 to 400 students between the ages of 20 and 30 participate in this program and return to their home towns upon its completion.
Being with the students most of the time, and speaking the Japanese language, the Vahdats have had many opportunities to introduce the Faith to them and to give them Bahá’í literature.
“Homestay” programs have involved the students in the activities of American families. The Vahdats plan to ask Bahá’í families to participate in this program.
Elahe Vahdat said, “This is one way of reaching the Japanese, especially the youth who might not hear the Faith otherwise. When one soul accepts the Faith and returns to his native country, it is like appointing someone instead of oneself to teach in that country.”
Faith proclaimed to New York mayor[edit]
The mayor of Plattsburgh, New York — the first Catholic priest in the United States to become a mayor — was presented with a copy of The Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh on March 11 by Rouvan Lubow, left, and Richie Pelligrino, right. Mr. Lubow operates the Bahá’í Center in Plattsburgh, and Mr. Pelligrino is a member of the Eastern New York State Teaching Task Force. The presentation to the Reverend Mayor was the first step of a teaching effort undertaken in Plattsburgh.
Funeral kits distributed[edit]
The Local Spiritual Assembly of Inglewood Judicial District in California recently presented Bahá’í funeral information kits to the funeral directors in their community. Shown are Joseph I. Gaines, left, of the House of Winston Mortuary, and Howard L. Jacobs, right, representative of the Local Assembly.
Children perform Naw-Rúz play[edit]
Children at the Greater St. Louis Naw-Rúz celebration on March 20 were part of “The Wonder Lamp”, a play by Hand of the Cause A.Q. Faizi. Over 250 people were in attendance. The Intercommunity Committee of Greater St. Louis, composed of 11 Local Assemblies and Groups, said “Next year we will have to look for a larger space, but we do not mind that kind of problem.”
Ohio Bahá’ís host religion institute[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Toledo, Ohio, hosted a comparative religion institute on April 8–10 which focused on Christianity, Islam, Atheism, Agnosticism, the Bahá’í Faith and effective teaching. Approximately 100 people attended, many from other Bahá’í communities.
School to be rebuilt in Michigan[edit]
A proposal for a new Bahá’í school in Michigan, to be called the LouHelen Educational Center, was presented by the National Spiritual Assembly to the National Convention.
The new school will be built on the 56-acre site of the Davison Bahá’í School as funds become available. Davison was closed in 1973 when it was determined the buildings could no longer be used safely.
The proposed project, which has received approval of the Universal House of Justice, will cost between $5–7 million to complete.
A sum of $125,000 has been allocated by the National Assembly for further planning and development during the 1977–78 fiscal year. A feasibility study prepared by a special committee of educators and consultants contemplates having the new school in operation by the summer of 1980.
According to the study, which was released to the convention, the LouHelen Educational Center will specialize in four primary activities: the education of children, the training of teachers, the training of parents, and the preparation of parent trainers.
Some programs designed to train youth and youth counselors will be offered as well, the proposal said.
Bahá’í studies will be offered at the center in the summer months. During the rest of the year the center will operate as a private school for children and youth from 3–18 years old. The tuition generated will make it possible to build the facility reflected in the planning. Income is expected to offset expenses within the first five years, the committee estimates.
The day school will begin with 80 students and will grow to 180 by the fifth year.
Special services to be offered, among them a reading clinic, and children’s study, work-study and diagnostic programs, will generate additional income and foster respect for the new enterprise in surrounding communities.
The LouHelen Educational Center will contribute to the accomplishment of the Five Year Plan goals of educating Bahá’í children and developing the distinctive characteristics of Bahá’í life.
The summer programs for Bahá’ís will be designed to prepare the community “in the art of living consistently with God’s purpose for man as articulated by Bahá’u’lláh,” the school proposal said. “Every aspect of the program as we have conceived it will be devoted to the attainment of this overall objective.”
The new center will have classroom space for up to 200 children, and dormitory space for as many as 300 people. A proposed assembly hall will be able to seat up to 500 people for special programs.
The planning committee estimated that 24 children’s teachers and 24 parent educators will be trained at the center in a two-month period. This will naturally limit the number of Bahá’ís who will be able to enroll and receive training.
Consequently, Local Assemblies in different regions will propose the names of people to attend. Those selected will be trained to set up comprehensive education programs within their own and neighboring communities, tailored to the specific needs they find at hand. In this fashion the center’s training will have a “multiplier effect” that will give it influence far beyond the Midwest region.
Non-Bahá’ís will be encouraged to visit and observe the efforts of the LouHelen school, and to enroll in specialized training that will be offered. The growing reputation of the school will create interest in the Bahá’í teachings, the planners believe.
Memorial service held for Fujita[edit]
A memorial service was held April 30 at the House of Worship for Saichiro Fujita, an early Japanese believer who served at the World Center for many years under ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice.
Fujita died in May 1976. On May 9 the Universal House of Justice sent the following cablegram:
“Dearly-loved tireless steadfast Saichiro Fujita passed to ‘Abhá Kingdom after long years service Sacred Threshold. His rank in vanguard first Japanese believers his labors World Centre his dedication humility sincerity love will forever be remembered and provide example to rising generations Japanese Bahá’ís who will view with pride distinction conferred upon him. Praying Holy Shrines progress his radiant soul under loving grace his Master and Guardian both of whom he served so well. Advise hold befitting memorial gatherings Japan.”
Rallying the Army of Bahá’u’lláh to win the Five Year Plan goals[edit]
1. Delegates shared their ideas. 2. Daniel Jordan and Firuz Kazemzadeh consult. 3. One of the friends visits with William Maxwell. 4. James Nelson greets another believer. 5. Dr. Jordan looks on as Trudy White, from South Carolina, explains Operation GRASSROOTS. 6. Ray Pflueger addresses the delegates. 7. Friends listen raptly to a presentation.
Role of National Assembly and delegates explained[edit]
The 68th Bahá’í National Convention had two primary functions: to elect the nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly, and to consult on issues of importance facing the American Bahá’í community.
Top: The delegates consulted on teaching, the Fund and use of the media among other matters. Bottom, left to right: A delegate from California chats with Dr. Jordan. One of Washington’s delegates discusses a point with another Bahá’í. Various offices at the National Center prepared displays for the convention.
The delegates to this year’s Convention were elected by the Bahá’í community at 86 district conventions last fall. All adult believers in good standing were eligible to be elected as delegates to the Convention from their home districts.
The figure of 171 delegates (19×9) was established by the Guardian in 1937, pending confirmation from the Universal House of Justice. Prior to that, the figure had been 95 (19 × 5). Before each Convention, the Universal House of Justice restates the number of delegates that will be elected to represent the community. To date there has been no change in the number selected by the Guardian.
Delegates are elected from each district according to the principle of proportional representation. All Bahá’í voting districts have at least one delegate. The highest number of delegates for a single district at this Convention is seven, assigned to California Southern District No. 1. South Carolina’s Eastern District No. 2 has been assigned six delegates.
The Convention itself is divided into two parts. During the first part, the outgoing National Assembly presents its report of the year’s activities. Some of the major national committees also report on their accomplishments in the preceding 12 months. The members of the National Assembly are free to participate in discussions on the floor of the Convention, although only the delegates may vote on questions that are called during the proceedings.
The election of the new National Assembly is held at a point midway through the Convention, to give the new National Assembly an opportunity to consult with the delegates and to present the major outlines of its plans for the coming year.
This year’s election was held Saturday morning, April 30. The National Assembly is elected by plurality vote. The nine people who receive the greatest number of votes cast by the delegates are elected. In case of a tie, additional ballots are taken for those individuals who are tied, until all nine members are elected.
During Convention, the delegates (“accredited representatives of the American believers,” the Guardian called them) fulfill the functions of “...an enlightened, consultative and cooperative body that will enrich the experience, enhance the prestige, support the authority, and assist the deliberations of the National Spiritual Assembly.”
In a letter on the National Convention dated January 29, 1925 (Bahá’í Administration, p. 79), the Guardian gave these instructions to the newly elected members of the National Assembly:
“Banishing every vestige of secrecy, of undue reticence, of dictatorial aloofness, from their midst, they should radiantly and abundantly unfold to the eyes of the delegates, by whom they are elected, their plans, their hopes, and their cares. They should familiarize the delegates with the various matters that will have to be considered in the current year, and calmly and conscientiously study and weigh the opinions and judgments of the delegates.”
The deliberations and decisions of the Convention, however, are only advisory. The opinions of the delegates are recommendations to the National Assembly, which, as the Guardian urged, are given serious attention by the incoming National Spiritual Assembly. The authority of the National Assembly, as the supreme administrative institution of the Cause in the United States, continues in effect even while the Convention is seated.
Shortly after Convention each year, the National Assembly publishes in its Bahá’í National Review decisions and recommendations made by the delegates.
The first Bahá’í Convention was held in Chicago in 1907, on November 26, Thanksgiving Day. It was called to discuss construction of the House of Worship. The handful of believers who assembled, in the words of the Guardian, “...arose, despite the smallness of their numbers and their
Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit coincides with end of Convention[edit]
At approximately 1 p.m. on May 1, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá arrived at the site of the Most Holy House of Worship in Wilmette, to place the dedication stone.
At approximately the same time on May 1, 1977, at the close of National Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly, the Counselors and the hundreds of delegates and visitors left Foundation Hall in files of two, circumambulated the Temple ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had foreseen, and entered the auditorium through its nine doors to beseech assistance from Bahá’u’lláh.
Once inside they joined hands in a circle of unity and commenced softly singing “Alláh’u’Abhá.” The voices gathered force and the strains were carried gently on the breezes through the open doors, into the gardens below. After the ninth refrain the singing ended and with it the 68th Bahá’í National Convention.
Role of National Assembly
from page four
limited resources to initiate an enterprise which must rank as the greatest single contribution which the Bahá’ís of America, and indeed of the West, have yet made to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.” (Quoted in Bahá’í World, Volume XIII, p. 849).
The second National Convention, in 1909, established the nine-member Executive Board (six men, three women), a harbinger of our present National Spiritual Assembly, on the very day that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá entombed the remains of the Báb on Mount Carmel. There were 39 delegates at that second Convention, representing 36 Bahá’í communities.
During the election of the National Assembly on Saturday morning, the Foundation Hall area is closed to visitors and non-delegates to ensure the delegates the privacy and quiet they need to carry out their sacred obligation.
Local Assembly incorporated[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Santa Clara, California, was incorporated on March 31. Front row, left to right: Megha Shyam, Kathi Bellman, Carol Biddle, Ron Stephens. Back row, left to right: John Anderholm, Don Bellman, Diana Edwards, Debra Hirschmiller, Hohanna Anderholm.
Assembly formed in Fairfax County South[edit]
Above is the Spiritual Assembly of Fairfax County South, Virginia, as it appeared in January at its first meeting. Front row, left to right: Conchita Ioas, George Washington, Kathleen MacCord and Charles Ioas. Back row, left to right: Robert Imagire, David F. Smith, John Gordon, Michael Gagnon and John MacCord. Mr. Gagnon has since left for Germany, and Maxine Giffin has been elected to the Local Assembly.
Rockford, Illinois site of new Assembly[edit]
Pictured above are members of the newly formed Local Spiritual Assembly of Rockford, Illinois. Front row, left to right: Judy Moe, Phyllis Gimm, Linda Somerhalder and Mary Umans. Back row, left to right: Mike Mandeville, Ronald Somerhalder, David Gimm, Robert Umans, and Dennis Reid.
Teaching Briefs[edit]
A television station in Savannah, Georgia, broadcast a Bahá’í children’s program during Ayyám-i-Há. The children sang Bahá’í songs and discussed what Ayyám-i-Há meant to them.
The Eleventh Annual Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Area Native American Pow-Wow, which usually does not permit religious organizations to participate, allowed the Bahá’ís to distribute Naturegraph books, David Villaseñor’s book on Indian art, and Bahá’í pamphlets addressed to the Indian cultures.
Pocahontas County, Iowa, was opened by the declaration of a woman who had attended a comparative religion class given by a Bahá’í. She then read more about the Faith, wrote to the Bahá’í National Center for more information, and soon after declared her belief.
Milcreek, Pennsylvania, tried a modified direct mailer in a small trailer park where one of the Bahá’ís lives. Invitations to a fireside were mailed to the 19 residents, along with pamphlets and teaching cards. Two responses were received and these seekers are attending firesides.
As we go to press ...[edit]
All Illinois believers are invited to an Auxiliary Board team conference, sponsored by the Continental Board of Counselors for North America, on July 16-17 at the Ramada Inn in Peoria, Illinois.
Faith topic of radio program[edit]
A Cincinnati radio program sponsored by the Catholic Church recently devoted an entire segment to the Bahá’í Faith.
Two Bahá’ís visited the producer of the weekly program “Spectrum” at the request of the Local Assembly of Cincinnati to audition a demonstration tape of the Jeff Reynolds Show, a Bahá’í program. “Spectrum” is broadcast over 13 stations in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Although the Jeff Reynolds show did not fit the program format, the Bahá’ís were asked to tape a program describing the Faith and commenting on the Bahá’í implications in the music of Seals & Crofts and England Dan and John Ford Coley. The program was taped that evening and was aired in more than eight cities.
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Update from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust
To order: Order through Community Librarians if possible! Personal orders, enclose full payment plus $.75 handling charge for orders under $5.00. Order from Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091. |
Summer school schedule[edit]
| Bosch | June 18 – Sept. 2 All sessions open to all ages except: June 18–24: ages 11–15 July 16–22: 18 and over Aug. 6–12: families Aug. 20–26: ages 15–25 |
Mrs. Flavia Harris, Registrar 500 Comstock Lane Santa Cruz, CA 95060 408-423-3387 |
| Davison | July 31 – August 8 | Mr. David Smith, Secretary 716 Wildes Midland, MI 48640 517-631-1654 |
| Green Acre | July 3 – September 3 | Mrs. Shirley Grammer, Secretary 205 Washington St. Portsmouth, NH 03801 603-431-4146 |
| Minnesota | August 1–6 | Gary Colgrove, Registrar 215 15th Ave. NW New Brighton, MN 55112 612-636-6763 |
| Montana | August 14–20 | Mr. Les Pardis, Registrar R1 No. 3 Billings, Montana 59101 406-373-5821 |
| Oklahoma/Texas | August 1–6 | Mrs. Karen Kazemzadeh, Secretary 5533 Maple Ave. No. G Dallas, TX 75235 214-630-5836 |
| Oregon | Suttle Lake August 7–12 Badasht July 14–17 |
Mrs. Sylvia Surratt, Registrar 8587 Wagner Creek Rd. Talent, Oregon 97540 503-535-4543 |
| Washington East | August 7–13 | Mrs. Wendy Burns, Secretary 521 N. Chestnut Toppenish, WA 98948 509-865-4782 |
[edit]
Members and representatives of Local Spiritual Assemblies from five major American cities met with the National Spiritual Assembly during National Convention to share the plans and concerns of their respective communities.
The five cities — Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. — were singled out by the National Assembly in 1974, the start of the Five Year Plan, for concentrated attention in teaching and proclamation. Four of the cities are in the three states that must witness intensive teaching efforts in the remaining months of the Plan.
The Hand of the Cause William Sears and Continental Counselors Sarah Pereira and Edna True also attended the special luncheon.
“We are here to feel one another’s pulses,” said Firuz Kazemzadeh in opening the meeting.
Of major concern to the Local Spiritual Assembly members present was the subject of local centers.
One Assembly member from Chicago, Dr. Moyyad Heshmat, spoke of the difficulty of the friends in that city in finding a suitable place to meet.
“Our Bahá’í Center is a room which seats only 70 to 80 people and is located deep within a downtown office building,” he said. “Millions pass the building each day, but do not know of our presence.”
Manila Lee, from Los Angeles, said her community is in the process of looking for a Bahá’í Center, especially for the benefit of the youth in the community. The current Center holds 189 people. It is staffed by a full-time secretary, office manager, part-time statistical clerk and part-time clerk typist. To keep the Center open, the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles voted a 30 percent increase in their budget for the coming year.
Representing the Spiritual Assembly of New York City, Hooshmand Taraz attributed growth of the Faith in his community during the past year to the existence of the Bahá’í Center.
He said the Fund has doubled during the past year, three times as many children are involved in Bahá’í classes, and there has been increased participation by community members in local activities.
He also recommended that great efforts be concentrated in developing the Nineteen Day Feast. Feast, he said, is the center of interaction among Bahá’ís. Its further development would result in vigorous teaching activities and increased participation in the Fund.
Richard Groger, of San Francisco, said the air in Northern California is “pregnant with expectation.” His own community is prepared to enroll 1,000 new believers, he said. Mr. Groger compared the climate in San Francisco to that of a burning building right before the flash point: the smoke and heat are stifling, then suddenly the flashover occurs, and the structure is engulfed by flames.
Hand of the Cause William Sears said in a brief statement that the power of the Five City Plan is not yet released. “We need tremendous unity and tremendous love,” he said. “We need to integrate faster than the Old World disintegrates. They are outstripping us now. All believers must pray for the new race of men.”
Universal House of Justice releases teaching compilation[edit]
A new compilation on teaching the Bahá’í Faith was published in April by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. Entitled The Individual and Teaching: Raising the Divine Call, the forty-page booklet was compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. The compilation contains extracts from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi, including many formerly untranslated and unpublished passages.
In the Preface to The Individual and Teaching, the Universal House of Justice states that “While the friends are generally conscious of the vital importance of teaching, yet, because of their frailties, many for the most part lack confidence, and feel they do not know what course of action to follow, or how to bring their efforts to a conclusion.” This book, continues the Universal House of Justice, will provide the friends with “stimulating information on general guidelines to be followed ... when engaged in the teaching work.” It will help Bahá’ís realize that “the hosts of the Kingdom are waiting to rush forth and assist them, that others from their own ranks have arisen and have been successful, that everyone can find some effective method of teaching according to his own particular capacities and talents...”
In its Riḍván letter to the Bahá’ís of the United States, the National Spiritual Assembly said that “Any believer who carefully reads the compilation will undoubtedly find strength and courage to teach.” The National Spiritual Assembly referred to the new compilation as a “powerful aid” to the teaching work, an aid which can help each individual Bahá’í play his role in winning the goals of the Five Year Plan. All Local Spiritual Assemblies have been urged to organize special meetings for the study of the compilation and to encourage the friends to adopt individual teaching goals.
The Individual and Teaching, priced at $.75, is available through local Bahá’í librarians.
New materials from Bahá’í Publishing Trust[edit]
National Convention delegates and visitors were treated to a feast of new books and materials when they visited the Bahá’í Bookshop at the House of Worship. Three new books, two jigsaw puzzles, two wall hangings, a record album, and two pamphlet holders were released by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust at Convention. All of the materials can be ordered through local Bahá’í librarians.
The most important book—the Convention bestseller—was The Individual and Teaching: Raising the Divine Call ($.75). (See article at left.)
Two other books arrived from England just in time for the National Convention. One of these, Some Early Bahá’ís of the West, by O.Z. Whitehead, is a collection of short biographical sketches of twenty-four early Bahá’ís of the Western world. Many of the essays first appeared in Bahá’í News.
The cloth and paperbound editions are priced at $7.50 and $4.00, respectively.
Stories for Children, the other new book from England, features thirteen illustrated stories by Jacqueline Mehrabi. The stories, each one or two pages long, teach about God and His Creation and show how children are happy when they love God and are kind to one another. A short introduction discusses God’s Messengers and the three Central Figures of the Bahá’í Faith. The book is priced at $1.35.
In addition to the three books, Bookstore shoppers discovered a number of interesting new Special Materials items:
Mazra‘ih jigsaw puzzle is a full-color 300-piece puzzle depicting Mazra‘ih, the first residence of Bahá’u’lláh after His departure from the prison-city of ‘Akká. The puzzle is of special interest this year, as Bahá’u’lláh established His residence at Mazra‘ih exactly one hundred years ago, in 1877. Price: $3.00.
The Map of Bahá’u’lláh’s Exiles jigsaw puzzle is a relief map which traces the journey of exile of Bahá’u’lláh from Ṭihrán in 1853 to ‘Akká in 1868. Printed in full color, the 300-piece puzzle is priced at $3.00.
“The earth is but one country...” book cover features a full view of the earth from space and the words of Bahá’u’lláh: “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” Plastic-coated and printed in blue and black, the book cover can be used to protect most clothbound books. The price is $.60.
“I am a child of tender years...” wall hanging is a prayer of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá beautifully written by a professional Bahá’í calligrapher, Randall Dighton. The 11 x 14-inch wall hanging can be used as a decoration in the home and as a gift. Priced at $.75, the wall hanging is available in both English and Spanish.
Con Ojos de Fe (With Eyes of Faith) is a new stereo LP featuring twenty songs for the New Age by Bahá’ís in Latin America. Although most of the songs are in Spanish, several are recorded in Quechua, a language spoken by many Indian Bahá’ís in the Andean region of South America. A song sheet with translations accompanies the $5.95 album.
Pamphlet Holders in two sizes were displayed in the Bookshop during the Convention. The clear plastic holders—one of which features a “Take One” imprint—can be used in a variety of ways to aid the teaching work in local communities. For example, the holders can be easily affixed to the portable display stands available from the Publishing Trust. Prices range from $.50 for a pamphlet holder alone to $1.15 for a pamphlet holder and easel support stand. For more information or to order any of the new materials, contact your local Bahá’í librarian.
The mail[edit]
Dear Friends:
Thank you for all you have done for me. As a young Bahá’í I was uplifted and thrilled by the accounts of the victories in the South and was compelled to join the front of that struggle; then I was educated ever-so-gently through Bahá’í National Review; and then thrust into the field of travel-teaching inspired (again) mainly by accounts of the veterans and the great needs; finally the gradual unfolding of the power of the Local Assemblies is captured monthly on your pages so one Assembly is growing well now and I am married and on my Local Spiritual Assembly in another locality.
Thinking over six and one half years, I think The American Bahá’í and I have had a truly wonderful time together. Bless you and thank you again.
- Walt Palmer II
- Greencastle, Indiana
Dear Friends:
Something is occurring in the world today. Although as Bahá’ís we are assured of the survival and the eventual triumph of the human race, this current stage of growth is enough to dim our hopes. But it is only a stage!
We must all continue to hope and believe and never stop loving no matter what. For it is that force of love which shall hold the atoms of Earth together after humanity has done all in its power to destroy it. And “If love is not translated in these days into tremendous sacrifices, it will remain unproductive forever... No sacrifice will be too great in the spiritualization of this planet.” (A.Q. Faizí, Meditations on the Eve of November 4th)
- Patty Byron
- Middletown, New Jersey
Dear Friends:
Our heartfelt thanks for the editorial presented in the March edition of The American Bahá’í.
It says it like it is. It is the Truth. Our personal problems, our weaknesses, our comforts must never be allowed to come between us and our love for Bahá’u’lláh.
In reading the editorial I was reminded of the section in Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s brilliant article entitled “Success in Teaching”, where she discusses the Watchful Public: “We must always remember that even those who seem most indifferent to us are watching us keenly ... they want to see if we really are Bahá’ís or just bluffing. In other words, do we live up to what we preach or not...”
And I go on to quote further from the same article: “One of the reasons humanity has become so irreligious is because it no longer finds people, in churches, mosques or synagogues who live their teachings. It is all lip service and lip religion is dead religion. This is why Bahá’u’lláh and the Master so constantly emphasized deeds, actions, example...”
What more needs to be said?
Thank you again for reminding all of us that only through forward movement in the love of God and Bahá’u’lláh can we hope to succeed. If we choose to stand still we are in reality only losing ground.
- Andrew Lefton
- Simi Valley, California
Classified ads[edit]
Summer teaching project will be held in Long Island, New York on July 9–17. Bahá’í teachers, artists and musicians needed. Contact Joan Shure at 516-334-5463 or Irene Cachia at 516-794-6646.
The Spiritual Assembly of Peterborough, New Hampshire would like a Bahá’í from another country or a background that would provide “a good calling card” to speak at a public meeting in Dublin, New Hampshire. Please contact the National Teaching Committee for more information.
The Bahá’ís of Montgomery County, Maryland would like to correspond with homefront pioneers in various parts of the United States. Contact the Spiritual Assembly of Montgomery County, P.O. Box 16, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20907.
Job opportunities exist in unopened DeWitt County, Illinois in connection with construction of the nuclear power plant in Clinton. Contact Baldwin & Associates, Clinton, Illinois; Illinois Power Company, Construction Division; or Clinton Chamber of Commerce.
The eight adults of Hialeah, Florida would like a Bahá’í to join their community so that they may form a Spiritual Assembly. If you are interested, contact the Southern Florida District Teaching Committee Secretary, Samantha Corre, at 305-963-2668.
A post-Youth Conference teaching campaign to be held in Mississippi July 21–August 7 requires the services of twenty Bahá’í youth, ten of each sex and ten each of the Negro and Caucasian races. Interested individuals should contact the Mississippi District Teaching Committee, P.O. Box 1926, Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501.
Opportunities for nurses, LPNs, elementary teachers, or those in service-oriented occupations to homefront pioneer to Douglas, Arizona. Douglas is located on the border of the United States and Mexico, and is a vital area for teaching the Faith to Spanish-speaking people. This is also an excellent location for an older married couple. Please contact Joan Lozier, Box 641, Douglas, AZ 85607 or telephone 602-364-8207.
Homefront pioneer opportunity for violinist. Virginia needs a homefront pioneer to save a jeopardized Assembly. The musical group, Shiraz, which is based in Virginia Beach, needs a violinist to replace the one they are losing. Shiraz is a group that is working full time and does a wide variety of music including classical, bluegrass, disco, and top 40 as well as serenading during the dinner hour. A violinist who also plays the fiddle should contact Iris Harrell at 804-427-2804.
Apply now for Youth Work Study Project[edit]
Youth who would like to learn about the administrative order at the national level should apply now to participate in the next Youth Work Study Project, which will be held July 31–August 12. Contact the National Youth Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Archives training offered[edit]
The Bahá’í National Archives Committee would like to have the names of Bahá’ís who would be interested in attending an archives training institute. The institute will introduce Bahá’ís interested in the archival field to the nature and functions of a Bahá’í archives. The Archives Committee requests that those interested in attending a training institute later this year submit a brief statement by July 31 of their background and why they would like to attend the institute. Write to the Bahá’í National Archives Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
National Spiritual Assembly elected for B.E. 134[edit]
Members of the newly-elected National Spiritual Assembly, from left to right, are James Nelson, Dorothy W. Nelson, Firuz Kazemzadeh, Magdalene M. Carney, Daniel C. Jordan, Franklin Kahn, Richard D. Betts, Soo Fouts and Glenford E. Mitchell. Story on page 2.