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PART SEVEN BAHA'I SCHOOLS
1. GREEN Acne
JULY I, 1890, Moses F:lITl‘IL‘!' signed on the first line of the first Hotel RegisterGreen Acre, Eliot, Maine. Green Acre Inn had been built the year before on a high point of land already famous as a spot from which to view the beautiful sunsets over the New Hampshire hills across the broad Piscataqua River. It was planned to bring more summer boarders to Eliot. The four townsmen who formed the partnership for the undertaking were soon joined by a woman, Sarah Jane Farmer. The Inn was a success from the start. But it was not destined to remain a simple summer boarding place. The Farmers were always mindful of the welfare of man.
One day in June, 1892, Miss Farmer was in Boston listening to a lecture. She recounts her experience: "The day was hot and through the open window came a noise of trafiic that almost drowned the speaker’s voice. The people were so eager for knowledge that they sat patiently two hours at a time. I looked at them and thought of the spot which Whittier loved and found so restful—Green Acr¢.%and I saw them seated in a large tent on the green bank of the beautiful river, the cool breeze from the water fanning their cheeks. and I realized how much more receptive the mind and heart would be in such a cool and healthful environment. The details of the work came quickly before my mind and when we left the room I had it all. Green Acre had a part in the great work of unification." Her conception of a universal platform was confirmed the next year by her experiences at the World Congress of Religions at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. She invited some of the outstanding speakers to Green Acre.
Her first program of Lectures appeared in 1894. In the foreword, "Green Acre proposes to add to its rural attractions and comforts a series of lectures and classes on
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topics which will quicken and energize the spiritual, mental, and moral natures." On the opening day, July 3, 1894, a great white flag bearing the green lettered word “Peace" was unfurled and Green Acre was dedicated to a unified humanity. Sixty-one lectures were given that summer.
The foreword of the second year’s program read: "for the express purpose of bringing together all who are seeking earnestly for the new day which is surely breaking over the entire world." That year there were eighty lectures. The third season’s program added: ". . . and by the recognition of truths held in common. to bring peace and unity throughout the world.” In conferences for Peace, Comparative Religions, Education, Home, Anthropology. Evolution, Nature, Art, Sociology, there were eighty-two lectures. There were Peace Day, Emerson Day, W/.C.T.U. Field Day and a reunion of the Concord School of Philosophy. The Green Acre School of Music provided entertainment of the finest kind. There was no charge. "All classes are open to those who apply to the secretary, Miss Farmer. These and the lectures are maintained through the generous cooperation of those in attendance.”
The Ideal of Green Acre caught fire in many hearts. Sometimes as many as two thousand attended the lectures in the big tent. People from all walks of life and many races, nationalities and religious beliefs mingled freely.
In 1900 Miss Farmer sailed for Egypt for a much needed rest. On the ship were two friends who were on their way to visit 'Abdu'l-Bahzi, the prisoner of- ‘Altka, son of Bahá’u’lláh the Bearer of a new divine Revelation. Instantly attracted, she sought and obtained permission to visit Him. Recording the meeting with 'Abdu‘I-Bahai. she wrote in her diary, "I have found my Lord.”
"Green Acre confirmed."
212 THE Bahá’í
The next year her Green Acre program announced "Believing that the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh of Persia is the announcement of this great day . . . and finding that it provides a platform on which all great religious bodies can stand together in love and harmony. Miss Farmer feels that her previous work has been but the preparation for the greatest of all joys the giving of the Message to all who are willing and ready to receive it.” There were quotations from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Bahá’u’lláh. Names of Bahá’í teachers appeared in the Monsalvat School. In 1902, the great Bahá’í scholar, Mirza Abul Fadl, was sent by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to teach at Green Acre. Mirza Ali-Kuli Kuhn was his interpreter.
In these first years, Miss Farmer was responsible for the program and the financing of it. Now her health began to fail. Partly to relieve her, the Green Acre Fellowship was incorporated in the State of Maine in 1902 to "perpetuate the work of the Green Acre Conferences." It began to function in 1904. Members pledged two dollars annually, more or less, for the support of the school.
Miss Farmer, in 1905 stated in her program that the Bahá’í religion "is not a new 'ism’ to stand side by side with and rival former religious systems, but is a completion and fulfillment of all that has preceded it."
Again Confirmation came. In the summer of 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spent a week at Green Acre. Once more He and Miss Farmer met. He lectured, held interviews, examined the Fellowship properties, served a feast for the people of the Community. He attended a picnic on Monsalvat, walked about on the summit, prayed. sent word to Miss Farmer that the great University. which she had envisioned there was a reality.
At the annual meeting in 19]}. the bylaws of the Green Acre Fellowship were amended. A nine-member Board of Trustees was established. A majority of the new Board were Bahá’ís. The Conferences were continued. However, the World War brought about a change of emphasis. More and more the teaching centered on the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh as the lasting solution for Peace.
CENTENARY
In 1925, a resolution was adopted to place Green Acre under the control and supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada. This was consummated, August 12, 1929. by a deed legally transferring to them the title to all Green Acre properties. In 1941. the N.S.A. voted that Green Acre be known as "Green Acre Bahá’í School."
The major properties of the school, the Inn and cottage annexes, a lecture hall, arts and crafts studio, Fellowship House, over sixty acres of land on Monsalvat, forty acres of the Pines. and other smaller plots. are but the visible housing for something more intangible, the Spirit of Green Acre. There. for fifty years, men and women have given their energies and resources to an ideal. For half a century, people have come seeking and left with gain. Today the Message taught there is vitally needed. It offers peace of heart and security in a war torn world. It is a place where brotherhood is real, where prejudice is erased, where unity is practical.
"In the future, God willing, Green Acre shall be a great center. the cause of the unity of the world of humanity, the cause of uniting the hearts and binding together the East and the West.”—‘Abdu’l-Bahá
It is interesting today to compare two summer‘ programs, one at the height of Miss Sarah J. Farmer's success and one conducted since Green Acre became wholly Bahá’í.
The program of 1901 was announced as “The Monsalvat School for the Comparative Study of Religion.”
Topics Lectures on Social Science and Applied
Religion—Fillmore Moore, M. D. Lectures on Social Conditions and Mission ary Work in lndia—M. L. Rallia Ram Lecture on the Religious Systems of Japan
—Rcv. Joseph S. Motoda Lectures on the Revelations of the Báb and
Bahá’u’lláh of Persia——Mirza Abu'l-Fazl Lectures on the Eastern Wisdom—Charles
Johnston, M. R. A. S.
Lectures on Science and Philosophy—Professor Egbert Morse Chesley
Lecture on Ecclesiastical History-—Rev. Albert Danker, Ph. D.
Bahá’í SCHOOLS
Bahá’í Hall, Green Acre School.
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Lecture on Science and Theism—I’rofessor
A. C. Dolbcar Lectures on Literature»-Mrs. Mary Han ford Ford Lecture for Training for Workers——Rev erend H. B. Frizzell, S. T. D.
Lecture on the Kingdom of God——Rev.
Edward Everett Hale. D. D.
Lectures on the Talmud and Jewish History
—Rabbi Joseph Krauslsopf, D. D. Lectures on Heredity---Rev. E. P. Powell Lecture on the Persian Revelation—Fred erick Reed Lecture on Philosophers—Franlt S. Sanbom Lectures on History—Miss Jane De Grofi
Thompson Lectures on the Old Testament and Swe denborg—Profcssor J. E. Warren
Miss Sarah Farmer herself opened the season on July 3 with an address on "The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh and Its Relation to the Monsalvat School." In addition to the above list of lecturers, we note the name of Prof. Nathaniel Schmidt, who spoke on "The New Jerusalem, or the City We Want," and the name of Sister Mariam of England, whose topic was "Utterances of B-aha’u’llah." Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford, who lectured on Literature, later wrote books and pamphlets on the Faith and taught the Message continuously for many years in a number of cities.
In 1938 a program was conducted in which the early lecture method had become superseded by the study class and discussion. The courses prepared by the School Committee included: Education for the New Humanity, Dr. G. A. Shook: The Art of Growing Up, Orcella Rexford; Spiritual Development and Law, Dorothy Baker; Esperanto, Lidia Zamenhof; Comparative Religion, Doris and Willard McKay; Prayer and Meditation. Lorol Schopflocher; The Transformation of Human Society. Horace Holley, a general
. study of the teachings, conducted by Mamie
L. Seto. In addition a youth program, prepared by a committee of young people, featured a course by Dorothy Baker on The Bahá’í Life, a discussion of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament by Caroline Rogers, and a series of lectures by different youth on Bahá’í books. Each course consisted of
THE Bahá’í CENTENARY
five sessions, with a final summary and review.
As Green Acre is the only Bahá’í School blesssed by the Master's presence. His tablets revealed at different stages in its development are cherished by all who participate in the work today. The collection of Tablets addressed to Miss Farmer between 1900 and 1908, now preserved in the National Archives, lay a bridge across the wide chasm between general religious and philosophical culture on the one hand, and faith in the Manifestation of God on the other. To her He said: "I hope that through the favor of the Blessed Perfection thou wilt become the lamp of the society of Green Acre, and wilt become the cup bearer of the wine of the love of God; that thou wilt invite a great number unto the Kingdom of the powerful Lord, and wilt teach numerous souls. . . . O thou beloved maidservant of God, exert thyself with all heart and soul that Green Acre may become the arena for the action of the beloved of Baha and its administration pass into the hands of the friends. If such become the case, good results will ensue, otherwise all endeavors will come to naught."
In 1933. the Guardian wrote to the Eliot Bahá’í community: "Your group occupies an important position in the Bahá’í world for you are situated in that locality where the Green Acre Summer School is held—the most important institution of its kind in the world."
2. GEYSERVILLE
"O my brother, the gems of the Supreme Knowledge can only be obtained from the Divine Mine; the Fragrance of the Ideal Myrtle can only be inhaled from the Rosegarden of Reality; and the Flowers of the Knowledge of Unity only grow in the city of pure hearts!"—Bahá’u’lláh
"Everyone without exception is urged to take advantage of attending it (summer school)—Let him consider such an occasion as a welcome and precious opportunity so to enrich, through lectures, study and discussion, his knowledge of the fundamentals of his Faith as to be able to transmit, with greater confidence and effectiveness, the Message that has been entrusted to his care."—Shoghi Effendi
BAHFHI SCHOOLS
Early in 1927 great interest was being displayed by the public in the social and spiritual teachings of the Bahá’í Faith, resulting in the establishment of many Bahá’í study classes. There were an insufficient number of teachers. and thus the work of caring for these classes devolved on too few of the believers. This led to the suggestion that steps be taken to establish a school on the Pacific Coast for the training of Bahá’í Teachers, and the deepening of the understanding of the Faith.
In response to this suggestion, the National Spiritual Assembly appointed a Committee consisting of Mr. John D. Bosch, of Geyserville. Mr. George 0. Latimer, of Portland, and Mr. Leroy Ioas of San Francisco, to study the possibility of working out plans for a summer school in the West. and its development into a permanent institution.
While a number of locations were suggested. it was decided that the Bosch property in Geyserville, California, should be selected as the site of the first Bahá’í School of the West; in fact. the first Bahá’í educational institution in North America, conceived for, and dedicated exclusively to the training of Bahá’í teachers, and the study of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. In connection with this selection, it developed that the owners of the property. Mr. and Mrs. John D. Bosch, had for years planned on their property being dedicated to Bahá’í service. In fact, they had written ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in l9Il:
"May this simple place on the hills, and directly west of Geyser Peak be dedicated to the Universal Spirit of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. combining the good of all the Messengers of God.
"I pray that the atmosphere here will henceforth be filled with the true spirituality and power, and be guided by the strong hand of the Almighty; that it may be a natural source of pure water for the believers to drink and to flow to all good hearts which are earnestly seeking enlightmerit."
The property consisted of some fortytwo acres of land in the beautiful rolling foothills in and behind the village of Gey serville. Located about seventy-five miles
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north of San Francisco on one of the main highways serving the entire Pacific Coast, and on a railroad, facilities are excellent for public and private transportation. There were two ranch houses, a small dormitory. with accessory buildings, permitting the housing of approximately forty people on the property.
The first sessions of the school were held in 1927 during the entire month of August.
The Committee felt that for this first year. if only nine believers sincerely desirous of perfecting their services in the Faith could come together, it would be a most successful beginning. However, the opening Unity Feast, held under the widespreading boughs of a majestic fir tree. found some 130 friends from various parts of the Pacific Coast gathered in spiritual joy and enthusiasm to open the school and dedicate the property to the Cause of God. Over forty remained throughout the school for study and preparation for teaching work; as well as fellowship and association under the benign influence of the spirit of the new day of unity and order.
In the succeeding years, the numbers in attendance increased steadily, until there was insufficient housing on the property for those in attendance, making it necessary to secure accommodations at various homes in the vicinity.
In the ninth year. Mr. and Mrs. Bosch deeded the property to Trustees for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly. During this nine year period they had been hosts to the friends.‘ housing them without cost, demonstrating that hospitality which is the new spirit of the social principles of the Faith; and is the touchstone of love which melts all hearts into one—and establishing the basis of creative and unified service. A
The Geyserville school grew in this spirit of fellowship. love, and eagerness for activity in the Faith. Studies and activities were participated in by young and old alike-establishing a social institution catering to all ages, and becoming a true prototype of the Bahá’í "way of life." The Guardian commenting on this aspect of the Geyserville school, wrote: "It would be no exaggeration ro say that the unique contribution
216 THE Bahá’í CENTENARY
The Dormitory, Geyscrvillc Su-mmcr School.
L’ '1 ‘I1 -. \.
Interior of Bahá’í Hall, Gcyscrvillc Bahá’í School.
BA}-iA'I SCHOOLS
which the Geyservillc Summer School has made to the extension of the teaching work during the last few years has been to teach the friends, and inspire them to live up to the high standard which the Teachings inculcate, and thus teach the Cause through the power of example."
lllustrating how effective the spirit of love and unified action is, the following is quoted from a noted educator of the West who attended one of the sessions of the school: "My greetings I send to you; and everlasting gratitude for an experience that has enriched my whole life. May I not send through you my sincerest expression of loving appreciation to all those dear Bahá’ís with whom l have just enjoyed a season of unique happiness and spiritual growth."
Also this same spirit is portrayed in the annual'report of the 1942 program Committce:. "For the Geyserville school leaves with those.who take part in it, a rich and lasting memory—a memory of peaceful, orchard-covered hills. where believers from near and‘ far gather to know one mother, to acquire a more comprehensive view of the Cause; to be cheered and inspired by living and working together as one Bahá’í Community, the proving ground for a new world."
Many are the stories of the effect the dynamic and spiritual lives of the Bahá’ís have had on non-Bahá’ís. especially in the early days of the Faith. This same influence was felt in the village at Geyserville, as the school grew into a permanent part of the life of the city. Originally the local citizens were quite opposed to the Faith. They even went so far as to warn newcomers to beware of the Bahá’ís and their "pernicious teachings." Disregarding such attitudes, the Bahá’ís followed their teachings of serving those who dispitefully use you—and seeing only the good in every one. This resulted in those who were warned against us investigating the teachings. and some becoming declared Bahá’ís. Furthermore. the local press gradually increased the space devoted to the School activities, and now full page announcements are made of the school program and messages of welcome by the Chamber of Commerce and business men carried regularly. A brochure published by
217
the Redwood Highway Association includes the Bahá’í Summer School as one of the places to visit on this famous motor highway.
In 1936 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Collins erected and presented to the Cause a very attractive Bahá’í Hall of rustic redwood, for the study classes and public meetings. This generous contribution was followed in 1937 by the gift of a then much-needed dormitory of corresponding rustic material. fully equipped and modern in every detail, with a housing capacity for approximately fifty people.
Since that time two friends have built attractive cottages on the property and others have plans to erect summer homes in the future.
The Bahá’í Hall was dedicated on July 12, 1956 in a simple, direct, and spiritually impressive ceremony. Beautiful bouquets of flowers were received from Geyserville citizens. Opening with the words of Shoghi Effendi received by cablegram: "Heartily join celebration opening Auditorium generously founded by well beloved distinguished friends Mr. and Mrs. Collins. Assure them profound abiding gratitude. Love to assembled friends.” A short history of the development of the summer school was given by Leroy loas. Then followed a beautiful presentation of the services of the School by Mrs. Louise Bosch and the turning over of the property to the Trustees by Mrs. Robert Norton of San Francisco, a cousin of Mrs. Collins. Mr. George 0. Latimer acted as chairman and received the property on behalf of the Bosch Trustees for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly. Fitting messages were sent to the Guardian and to Mr. and Mrs. Collins, who were in Bad Nauheim at that time. The meeting was closed with the reading of a cablegram just received from Mrs. Collins: "Utmost gratitude for the Name that has taught us there is no separation."
The following year on July 3. there was a dedication of the new dormitory. following the Annual Reunion and Feast of friends and their guests, with about 250 in attendance. Attractive pictures of both buildings were taken for the permanent records of the School. A truly international
218 THE BAHA’l
spirit was manifest at this opening gathering of the school, there being ten nationalities represented at the meeting, with addresses in Esperanto and French.
After the dedication of the Dormitory, Mr. Leroy Ioas read a fitting memorial service for Mr. Thomas Collins who had passed from this life shortly before the opening of the School. All present felt the great loss of this friend who had done so much toward the recent development of the Geyserville educational institution and his memory will be enshrined in the hearts of all students who attend the school sessions in the future.
The school library has been dedicated to the memory of Mr. Collins, being named the "Collins Memorial Library." The library now contains over $00 books. Recently Mr. Leroy loas arranged a gift from the Estate of Mrs. Mary M. Rabb of a full set of the bound volumes of the "Star of the West."' containing those early volumes which are now out of print.
The curriculum of Bahá’í Schools is of a distinctive type; distinctive, because the Word of God is the measure against which the civilizations and cultures of the world are oriented. The findings of history and social science have their true meaning in relation to the development of world religion. The faith and devotion of people. under the creative influence of the teachings of the Prophets, are the elements which evolve society; and only an understanding of the emergent which the Holy Spirit gives to human aspiration, can give meaning to a planned evolutionary process for the human race. All truth is rooted in the teachings of the Prophets; all human knowledge is derived from our search of the realities of life and nature. This search is ever pushed forward by the impact of a soulstirring message calling humanity to wider horizons, and a more universal civilization. Thus knowledge, scientific and spiritual find their true relationship in the Bahá’í teaching that these are the two wings upon which the soul of man may reach the realms on high.
Classes at the Geyserville school are conducted on the creative discussion plan. The speaker introduces the subject with a de CENTENARY
tailed presentation; which is followed by creative discussion, questions. answers, and contributions by students. Many teachers are used, instead of one lecturer; thus giving a more rounded out program; and at the same time. permitting the development of Bahá’í teachers, not only through their study, but also their participation in the conduct of the classes themselves.
The youth have their own round table discussion group, arranged and conducted by themselves. In all other respects they are an integral part of the school, attending regular classes. assisting with the devotional meetings, providing entertainment for the recreational hours, contributing to the musical programs, etc. They participate in full measure with the adults in the entire activities of the Bahá’í community life.
Separate classes are conducted for the children. Skilled supervisors teach the children the true bases of religion and the effect upon the life of the individual as well as society. There are classes also in the useful arts, and suitable recreational arrangements.
The School has always undertaken public teaching meetings, not only in Geyserville, but also in surrounding cities such as Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, etc.
The Summer School provides an educational center where the believers can gather together in large numbers to study the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, and their effect on society; exchange views and experiences. associate with one another in an active community life, and thus deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Faith in a distinctive Bahá’í. atmosphere. The importance of these institutions has been stressed over and over by the Guardian. The Geyserville Committee is ever seeking the goal set by Shoghi Effendi for the Gcyserville School; namely, he "hopes that through the combined and united efforts of the friends. the Geyserville Summer School. which is so ideally situated, will draw an increasing number of visitors. both believers and nonbelievers, and will thus gradually develop into an important and world-wide known center for the training of Bahá’í scholars and teachers. The first pioneers under the Seven Year Plan went forth with the inspiration of this School.
SCHOOLS
Louhelen Ranch, Davison, Michigan, the site of the Bahá’í School of the Central States.
3. l..0UHELl;'N
On the first day of August, 1931, a score of Bahá’ís and their friends, responding to an invitation issued by Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Eggleston after consultation with Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, and with the National Spiritual Assembly, gathered at a farm near Davison, Michigan, which had recently been acquired by Mr. Eggleston, to study and spread the Bahá’í Faith. Others came later for a day or more so that all told some ninety souls were present that first summer. Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Ober and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Ives planned the splendid nine days’ program and did much of the teaching. Among others who contributed to the success of this first session were Miss Fannie Knobloch and Mrs. Dorothy Baker. At the end of the nine days all agreed that plans should be made for the next summer.
By the summer of 1932 the school had become more fully organized and publicized through the program committee appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly. It was now a recognized Bahá’í institution. During the year the Egglestons had added buildings to the property. Since then other buildings have been added so that now seventy-five or more can be accommodated in summer and about twenty-five in winter. In 1939 through gifts from Mrs. Amelia Collins and Mrs. Dorothy Graf it was possible to erect a long desired library
building. This not only furnished a place for books and study, but made it possible to have a short winter session of the School. There has been .1 gradual enlargement of the scope of the School and an increase in the number of sessions until now Louhelen Bahá’í School has five summer sessions and is in active operation during most of July and August, besides the winter session of a week. Many conferences and special celebrations have been held there and even several Bahá’í weddings.
The aim of the school is three-fold: to have a real school, a place to learn Truth, to find the root of all knowledge, the knowledge of God and of His Will for today as revealed by Bahá’u’lláh; to have a place where people may live for a time as a Bahá’í community, practicing the oneness of mankind, promoting unity in the Cause; and to have one more spot whence the Light of the New Day is radiated. The plan so far has been for short sessions, eight to twelve days. or even as few as four for some youth sessions, with three or four teachers who give daily lectures or talk or conduct classes on some specified subject. Thus a great amount of ground is covered in a short time at each session. This rather intensive work at the school furnishes a basis for more study at home and a stimulus to teach others. There are hours for freedom and recreation. fellowship, conferences with teachers or each other. All this with the common dining rooms, the nearby lodgings,
220 THE BAHA't
the outdoor life gives opportunity for real Bahá’í community life.
From year to year study courses and projects in all sessions have varied to include such subjects as: History and Principles of the Bahá’í Faith. Understanding and Practice of the Bahá’í Administrative Order, Studies in the Islimic Faith. Studies in Christian and Jewish Prophecy, History of the Christian Church, Prayer and Meditation, Deepening in the Spiritual Life, Survey and Classification of Bahá’í Sacred Writings, Teaching Methods and Problems, Public Speaking, History and Culture of Latin America.
The development of Louhelen Bahá’í Youth School is outstanding. For the first three summers just one joint session for adult and youth was held. The young people were the first to call for another session. A strong group of young people was present the second summer which increased so much in number and enthusiasm the third summer, that plans were made at the request of the young people themselves for a separate youth session and in 1934 this became a reality under the direction of Mrs. Dorothy Baker. This Bahá’í school attracted youth from nearby and a distance since it was the only Bahá’í school distinctly for young people. It grew so rapidly that in a few years it was necessary to have two youth sessions. At first only youth over fifteen were allowed to come but now they are divided according to age, those from twelve to fifteen making one group and those over {ifteen another. Young people of any and all races and creeds are welcome to come and learn about the Bahá’í Teachings of the New Age and to live the Bahá’í life. Recreational activities reflect the Bahá’í spirit of cooperation and high standards of conduct and fellowship. From the beginning the young people have been consulted in regard to study program, teachers, recreation and simple necessary rules and in 1942 the National Spiritual Assembly added three young people to the Louhelcn program committee.
Another distinguishing feature of Louhelen Bahá’í School is the so-called Laboratory Session. Suggestions which came from the Guardian through annual correspond CENTENARY
ence with him gave a constant urge to the Committee to make these summer sessions even more of an aid in learning to really study, in deepening in the Faith and in learning to teach others. In 1938, therefore. a ten day session was planned with two special projects. one a course of study carefully outlined by Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg, the other a project in systematically spreading a knowledge of the Cause in neighboring places. Volunteers in this project went out in pairs to nearby communities, literature was left in libraries or with individuals and an invitation extended to come to a special public meeting at the school. Similar sessions but with varied projects each year since have attracted a large number of earnest students and workers. Much valuable study aid has been developed at these sessions and made available to others.
The School has used various means besides the one just mentioned to reach out to the general public. Newspapers have cooperated in publishing feature articles and announcing public lectures. Many individuals and groups who have some common interest with Bahá’ís have been invited and come to the school. Teachers at the school have been invited by Rotary and other clubs to give talks. The library, which contains over 2700 books on many subjects, is free to the public. Hundreds of Bahá’í books have been sold at the school in the thirteen years of its history and much free literature distributed. The Flint _Baha'i community was rebuilt and strengthened through its influence and the Davison Township Bahá’í community is in the process of building. A recent project using part of the school grounds and equipment is a play school for young children. This is privately conducted on Bahá’í principles for children from both Bahá’í and non—Bahá’í families and is another link connecting the school with the public.
Although the School is in active session only eight or nine weeks in the year its influence is continuous since it is the home of the Eggleston family and Bahá’í gatherings are held there throughout the year. And who can estimate the influence of the magic words "Bahá’í School" swinging in full sight of passers on state highway M15?
1
BAHA’l SCHOOLS
4. lNTERNAT|ONAL
The International School. in Pine Valley, Colorado Springs, is the youngest member of our Bahá’í summer schools. It held its initial session in 1940, having been deeded to Trustees for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly by Loulie Mathews to supply a future gathering place for Bahá’ís from Latin-America and other countries. Its present program, as suggested by Shoghi Effendi, is devoted to Latin-America.
Temerity accommodates only about sixteen guests; therefore, we try to fill this quota from those believers who have dedicated their lives to teaching.
Each year we bring out a few notes that our efforts may have a wider field throughout the Bahá’í world.
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Public meetings are held in the city of Colorado Springs to further the teaching work and .1 Regional Conference is held whenever possible.
A cable, dated June 13, 1940, was received from Shoghi Effendi at the opening of the School:
"Delighted at opening of school. Praying for increasing success, loving appreciation." (signed) Shoghi Rabbani.
On June 10, 1940, the National Bahá’í Assembly sent this message:
"Loving best wishes for success of school session representing foundation structure of institution dedicated to education for international teaching of the New World Order." The conference teaching method is employed.
International Bahá’í School, Pine Valley, Colorado Springs.
