U.S. Supplement/Issue 109/Text

[Page 1]

National Spiritual Assembly Announces Plans for Pre-Convention Day

As the Faith grows, and its capacity expands for infusing life into its adherents, there is increasing necessity to share ideas for solutions to our common needs and problems. With the involvement of all American Bahá’ís in the creation of a new community of men for a new day, it seems ever m-ore imperative that this sharing takes place at many levels of participation. Since the United States is a very large country and travel is costly, meetings of the friends from the far corners of the nation are prohibitive, hence they rarely occur. The single time each year when the National Spiritual Assembly can tap the group spirit -and skills of the American Bahá’ís occurs before or after the annual National Convention.

The school councils, the youth projects committees, the State Goals Committees, the child education interests, and many other kindred agencies within the national Bahá’í community sorely need to meet for the mutual stimulus and direct education which can derive from disciplined gatherings. Even more important, the National Spiritual Assembly must gain organized information from the skilled, among the friends, but must also utilize such meetings for special education of special groups.

The National Spiritual Assembly this year decided to reduce the length of the 1967 Convention by one day, arranging for a pre-Convention day open to all Bahá’ís who wish to attend. To this end it has selected some twenty-five subjects related to the present needs of the community and the tasks before it in the proclamation years immediately ahead. For each subject there will be a clinic or a task force session in which participants

will receive information and instructions, exchange ideas and draft recommendations that will be presented to the National Spiritual Assembly.

Although this plan reduces the length of the Convention by one day, the National Spiritual Assembly feels that more time will be available for constructive consultation by the entire Convention and the consideration of more purposeful and data-supported recommendations to the National Assembly, time which in the past has been devoted on the floor to subjects and ideas of limited scope and interest.

Each clinic and task force will be led by individuals who will present facts developed as a formal document for discussion by the group making up each section. At the end of the day, the chairman and the recorder of each group will prepare a summary of the findings and recommendations that will then be presented directly to the National Spiritual Assembly. Many of the task forces concern ongoing long term endeavors of the Faith which will benefit by new appraisals and by involvement of the friends. Clinics on the whole will be larger (35-50 in attendance), task forces more selective and smaller (25-35 attendants).

Registration for the Convention and for the pre-Convention study day will open Wednesday afternoon and evening, April 26, in Foundation Hall of the House of Worship. There will be a fellowship hour Wednesday evening. At the time of registration individuals who wish to attend any of the clinics or task forces may register their choices, although attendance in each is limited by the space available: first applicants will have first assignments.

Universal House of Justice Clarifies Vital Principle in Bahá’í Elections

From time to time questions arise as to the application in Bahá’í elections of the principle stated by the beloved Guardian in The Advent of Divine Justice (pages 29-30) that when an equal number of votes have been cast, priority should be accorded the party representing the minority. The National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, requesting clarification from the Universal House of Justice, received the following reply dated June 30, 1966:

“The Guardian’s instruction is clear and definite on

the following point, namely that when an election

results in a tied vote between persons, one of whom represents a minority, that person should unhesitat ingly be accorded the priority without having a re vote to break the tie. There is no doubt on this

point.

“What is not clearly defined is ‘majority’ and ‘minority.’ The Guardian refers to ‘various races, faiths or nationalities.’ Where this is obvious, e.g. in the United States a white American and a Negro, thereis no problem. In all cases of doubt a re-vote should be held.”

The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States requested and received permission from the Universal House of Justice to publish the foregoing letter for the information and guidance of the American Bahá’í com [Page 2]2

munity. The following paragraphs quoted from the letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated January 25, 1967 re-emphasizes this vital principle and clarifies the action to be taken when the election of a local or national Spiritual Assembly results in a tie in the highest number of votes, thereby indicating which person calls the first meeting of the newly elected Assembly. “Since the Guardian’s instruction on this point is unequivocal where it is obvious that one of the persons involved represents a minority, that person should be accorded the priority without question. Where there is doubt further balloting will allow every voter present to participate.

“With reference to the provision in Article V of the National By-laws governing the situation where two or more members have received the same highest number of votes, if one of those members represents a minority that individual should be given priority as if selected by lot.

“With regard to the choosing of officers each is elected by majority vote of the Assembly. The situation resulting from a tied vote occurs only in an election decided by plurality vote.”

National Spiritual Assembly Reverses Plan for long Term Committee Appointments

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to share with the friends that portion of a communication from the Universal House of Justice dated January 23, 1967 which reverses the decision of the National Assembly as reported in the U. S. SUPPLEMENT, No. 106, December 1966 in the statement, “Committee Appointments for Continuing and Expanding Function.”

Recognizing that the chief purpose of adopting this procedure was to produce long-range planning, continuity and vision in the work of committees which seems to be obstructed by the present general feeling that they can plan only for one year at a time, the Universal House of Justice nevertheless ruled that there should be no change in the directives of the beloved Guardian with respect to the annual election of committees. These were laid down by the Guardian in his letter of October 18, 1927, published in Bahá’í Administration, pages 141-142.

The directive of the Universal House of Justice is as follows:

“As regards the appointment of committees on a

yearly basis, we refer to the Guardian's instruc tions on page 141 of Bahá’í Administration. . . .

Individuals appointed to committees should identify

themselves with functions and objectives which

normally extend beyond the term of their appointment. Just as members of the National Assembly relate themselves to goals of the Nine Year Plan, members of local Assemblies and committees should do likewise, so that a single dynamic spirit may animate the important work for which each

Assembly or committee is responsible.

“It is not necessary, however, that the term of committee appointments expire at Riḍván. It may be advisable, in order to provide continuity, to begin the committee year in June or July. Furthermore, the fact that, generally speaking, there are

MARCH 1967

few radical changes in committee personnel should also make for continuity of thought and action." In light of the above, the National Spiritual Assembly will not institute the plan for the appointment of committees and councils as described in the aforementioned article, but will continue the annual appointments as heretofore. However, no decision has yet been made as to whether there will be any change in the time when appointments will be made. Meanwhile it is hoped that all local Assemblies and committees will apply the principle stated by the Universal House of Justice, namely, that “committees should identify themselves with functions and objectives which normally extend beyond the term of their appointment,” and will make long-range plans even though committee membership may be changed at the end of any Bahá’í administrative year.

Criteria for Membership in Non-Bahá’í Organizations

The National Spiritual Assembly frequently receives requests for lists of organizations which Bahá’ís may join or may not join. Since there are thousands of organizations, it is manifestly impossible for the National Spiritual Assembly to be familiar with the aims and purposes of all organizations, their membership obligations and requirements. However, here are a few general guidelines that individual Bahá’ís should consider before joining any organization. When in doubt they should consult their local Spiritual Assembly or even the National Spiritual Assembly.

The Guardian did not elaborate on what is meant by “secret organizations,” but the term certainly applies to all those organizations whose aims and objects are not available to everyone who wishes to know them and whose membership is not open to all persons without regard to race or religion. Furthermore, the organization must not engage in partisan politics. Neither should it be one that would not be acceptable anywhere in the world. It is largely because the Free Masons engage in politics in some countries and are not acceptable in certain countries that the Guardian singled out Masonry for special mention, even though the general aims and purposes of the organization are of a very high order.

As for fraternities and sororities, membership in these is permissible provided membership does not exclude persons because of race, religion, or social position.

Membership in the League of Women Voters is permissible unless and until it becomes involved in partisan politics. Discussion of political issues in itself is not forbidden to Bahá’ís but they cannot support any particular party.

As for membership in the Grange, we assume this is permissible for Bahá’í's so long as it remains the educational and social movement we understand it to be.

The chief criteria for membership in any organization are: Are its aims or objects compatible with the Bahá’í laws and principles? Is membership open to persons of all racial and religious backgrounds‘? Is it free of partisan politics?

If any Bahá’í is in doubt about a particular organization, he can consult the administrative institutions. In doing so he should supply all possible information so that a decision can be based on facts.

[Page 3]U.S. SUPPLEMENT

Date of Naw-Rúz Clarified

For the friends who may think that the Feast of Naw-Rúz and the Nineteen-Day Feast of Baha are one and the same because they fall on March 21, the following excerpt from a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly from the Guardian through his secretary July 5, 1950 will clarify the misunderstanding:

“The Naw-Rúz Feast should be held on March 21 before sunset and has nothing to do with the 19 Day Feast. The 19 Day Feast is administrative in function whereas the Naw-Rúz is our New Year, a Feast of hospitality and rejoicing.”

(Quoted in Bahá’í News October 1950 and in March 1956)

This instruction makes it clear that the Nineteen-Day Feast of March 21 should be observed separately from the Feast of Naw-Rúz which can be shared with members of the family and friends who are not Bahá’ís.

The hours during which the Naw-Rúz Feast may be celebrated are after sunset on March 20 and until sunset March 21, provided the spring equinox does not fall before sunset March 20. If, however, the spring equinox falls after sunset on March 21, the celebration is held between sunset March 21 and March 22. This year the spring equinox occurs at 3:37 A.M. on March 21, therefore the Naw-Rúz celebration may be held any time between sunset March 20 and sunset March 21.

In light of the above instruction from Shoghi Effendi, local Spiritual Assemblies must make provision for the holding of the Nineteen-Day Feast (Baha or Splendor) separate and apart from the celebration of Naw-Rúz. It would be ideal if this could be held before sunset on March 21, but if this is not possible it may be postponed to an early date in the month of Baha, well before April 9 which is the beginning of a new Bahá’í month (Jalál, or Glory).

In this connection we refer to the following excerpt from the same letter from the Guardian quoted above:

“He would like to point out that if the believers gather before sundown on a certain date it does not matter if the meeting continues after sunset; it may still be considered as being held on the day they gathered.”

Recognition of Bahá’í Holy Days by the U. S. Armed Forces

Bahá’ís serving in the United States Armed Forces can be granted legal absences from duty on the nine Bahá’í Holy Days, as proven by several previous incidents, including those of Bahá’ís serving overseas. In

‘order to be granted absences during these days, Bahá’í

servicemen should make an appointment with a Chaplain, and take with them certification of their Bahá’í status (identification card), plus a copy of a Bahá’í publication stating the Holy Days.

This system has worked well at several places, including the Defense Language Institute at Monterey, California’. The DLI is composed of language students from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, and has officially granted the Bahá’ís attending classes the day off on Holy Days. Also, the 5th PSYOP Bn at

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Boeblingen, Germany, has granted its lone Bahá’í soldier absence on the Holy Days.

Bahá’ís in service can also be granted special meals during the fast period. At Company C, 1st Battalion, Fourth Training Brigade, Fort Ord, Calif., Bahá’ís were fed late chow in the evening, and allowed to eat first in the morning.

The policy of the Department of Defense seems to be toward allowing its personnel to take off on their religious holidays. But unless the Bahá’í takes the initiative, he will not be sought out by the authorities and told he may abstain from work. “When tested, the system of religious freedom in the armed forces has proven fair and reasonable,” remarked one Bahá’í serviceman.

Mrs. Esther Harding, Early Bahá’í Passes Away in Florida

Mrs. Esther Gordon Harding, a Bahá’í since 1916, passed away in Winter Park, Florida, on January 18 at the age of 91 years. Mrs. Harding became a Bahá’í in Urbana, Illinois, where she lived until about a year prior to her death. She was a member of the local Spiritual Assembly from 1921 to 1961, during which time she was also constantly active in teaching work. In 1931 Mrs. Harding spent three weeks at the Bahá’í World Center, a guest of the beloved Guardian.

Use of the Term "Bahá’í Faith"

Many Bahá’í communities in their news releases and advertisements refer to the Faith as “The Bahá’í World Faith.” Bahá’ís are advised not to use this phrase when referring to the Faith in news stories, advertisements, on the radio or television or in public talks. The correct title is “Bahá’í Faith.”

This recommendation, made by the Department of Public Information, has the approval of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and of the Universal House of Justice.

The use of varying titles when referring to the Faith in public can create the wrong impression and prevent achievement of the best possible “public image.” The public becomes confused — is it “Bahá’í,” “Bahá’í Faith” or “Bahá’í World Faith”? Are these titles of the same religion? To reduce such confusion all public references to the Faith should use the title “Bahá’í Faith.”

Use of the title “Bahá’í World Faith” has several faults for purposes of public relations: 1. It is a longer phrase. In newspaper headlines shorter ones are preferred. 2. It is clumsy to follow it with the words “an independent world religion,” since the word “world” is used twice. It is better to say, “Bahá’í Faith, an independent world religion.” 3. It is confused with the titles like “the Bahá’í World Center.” Some communities have used the phrase “Bahá’í World Faith Center” to identify their center. This is awkward and confusing. 4. The official name registered with the United States Government is “Bahá’í Faith."

Also it is preferable not to use the word “Bahá’í” by itself when referring to the Faith. “Bahá’í Faith” is correct. A “Bahá’í” is a member of the “Bahá’í Faith.”

[Page 4]MARCH ‘1967

Centenary Preparation—Opportunity for Every Bahá’í

National Institutes to Follow Local Study

The Universal House of Justice, in its Riḍván 1966 Message, called the present year the “second phase of the Nine Year Plan . . . in which the Bahá’í world must prepare and arm itself for the third phase, beginning in October 1967 when the six intercontinental conferences will sound the ‘opening notes’ of a period of proclamation of the Cause of God extending through the remaining years of the Nine Year Plan to the centenary, in 1973, of the revelation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.”

The period of the Fast, this year, marks the beginning of the united national effort of the American Bahá’í Community to prepare itself for the impact upon it and upon the entire planet of the Centenary and Proclamation period. Because of the special potency of the Fast, when the soul and mind of every individual Bahá’í are seeking spiritual enlightenment and growth, the National Spiritual Assembly has called upon the entire National Community to participate, during this period, in a study of the historical events and of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission as proclaimed by Him to the rulers and kings of the earth one hundred years ago. Recent issues of Bahá’í News have carried important announcements and information about the forthcoming Centenary celebrations and the program

Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department

Press Kit A Public Information Press Kit has been developed to assist the individual believers, groups, and communities with their public information programs. The Kit is appropriate to present to news editors, radio and television program directors, public and school libraries. The Kits have also been widely used in connection with Bahá’í Proclamation Programs. Each Kit contains:

Six photographs (black & white glossy)

8”x 1(Y’ Bahá’í House of Worship at Sydney, Frankfurt, Kampala, and Wilmette 5" x 7" Shrine of the Báb and Archives Building

Fact Sheet on the Bahá’í Faith

“Who Is Bahá’u’lláh?” (short resume of the life of Bahá’u’lláh)

Reprints of the Chicago American & National Observer articles.

Assorted Bahá’í Literature (pamphlets and reprints) The materials are in an attractive blue pocket portfolio, which should be labeled on the outside to show the name of the Bahá’í Community (group or individual), address and phone number so that requests for further information can be directed to the proper persons.

Complete Press Kit — Each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.75

A new catalogue of items for sale as of January, 1967 is now available.

Order from: Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

of preparation which begins with a study of the beloved Guardian’s book The Promised Day Is Come.

To aid in the study of this book, a new outline prepared by Dr. Peter Khan has been made available through the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, as announced in February Bahá’í News. This call for preparation is also a call for universal participation, as this is a unique opportunity for every believer to participate in an endeavor to know and understand, through reading and study, this priceless commentary by Shoghi Effendi on the Messages of Bahá’u’lláh to the rulers of the world of one hundred years ago.

Following the individual and group study of The Promised Day Is Come, the National Assembly is calling nationwide Institutes for Sunday, April 2, the subject matter of which will be taken from the Tablets to the kings and rulers as contained in this book and in God Passes By. Specific details as to time and location of these Institutes throughout the United States will be forthcoming through your State Goals Committees and local Spiritual Assemblies. In the meantime, everyone should begin planning now to attend and participate in this experience of study and fellowship.

Lesson Plan Writers Needed

An urgent need exists for volunteers who can write lesson plans and who are willing to assist the Advisory Committee on Education in completing the first phase of the Bahá’í Children’s Curriculum within the next few months. Six lesson plans remain to be written for each of the following subjects and grade levels:

Subject Grade Bahá’í Central Figures Nursery Knowledge of God Nursery Consideration for Others Nursery Bahá’í Heroes First The Báb Second The Nature of Creation Second The Oneness of Mankind Second Bahá’u’lláh Third Harmony of Science and Religion Third ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Fourth The Rewards of Obedience to God Fourth Principles of Consultation Fourth Shoghi Effendi (The Guardianship) Fifth Living in the Bahá’í Community Fifth Hands of the Faith Sixth Immortality Sixth History of Religions Seventh Formative Age of the Bahá’í Faith Ninth Teaching the Cause of God Ninth Bahá’í Institutions Ninth

If you are willing to accept one of the above assignments, please write directly to the ADVISORY COMMrr'r1-:1-: ON EDUCATION, Dr. John H. Stroessler, Chairman, 2017263 Street, Lomita, Calif., 90717, indicating the subject and grade of your choice. Instructions and sample lesson formats will be sent to you immediately. Completed lesson plans will be published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

[Page 5]U.S. SUPPLEMENT

Ethiopia Appeals for Pioneer

One of the goals of the Nine Year Plan for North East Africa is the establishment of a permanent Bahá’í Summer/Winter School in Ethiopia. The National Spiritual Assembly of North East Africa has appealed for a pioneer, or pioneer family, to assist with this project.

Land for the school has been "contributed. Since experts have reported the soil to be potentially rich and excellent for all agricultural projects, the appeal is for agronomists or Bahá’ís with experience in farming who can run a small farm or otherwise develop this fine virgin land while at the same time supervising the construction of the school and contributing to the teaching work. Later this person or family might manage the activities of the school.

The land, estimated to be about 1,000,000 square meters is in Kaffa Province southwest of Addis Ababa, near the border of Sudan. There are no nearby government schools where American children can study.

The National Spiritual Assembly of North East Africa hopes that anyone interested in this opportunity to pioneer in a unique manner will have capital to invest since no financial assistance is available.

Offers and requests for more details should be sent to the Foreign Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

India Requests Bahá’í Teachers

In India where there are now 10,000 Bahá’í centers and more than 220,000 believers there is urgent need for Bahá’ís or Bahá’í families from other countries who can devote a reasonable length of time to deepening the new believers and teaching them the principles of Bahá’í administration under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly of India. Such teachers should know English. Any American Bahá’ís who can respond to this appeal should write to: Foreign Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

Work ls Worship

The days of the National Convention will soon be with us and with them the joy and happiness of renewing old friendships, greeting new friends, and partaking of the loving spirit so prevalent when the believers gather for such occasions.

The smooth functioning of the National Convention requires many believers who. are willing and able to serve as Ushers, Registration Clerks, Book Sales Clerks, Cafeteria Helpers, Child Care, First Aid, and of course, Guides for the upstairs Auditorium.

If you are willing to sacrifice your attendance for one or two sessions of the National Convention in order to serve in any of these ways, please let us hear from you, indicating preferred type of service and dates available. Please send this information to: Mrs. Lois W. Goebel, Secretary, DEPARTMENT or TEMPLE ACTIVITIES, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

San Antonio Community Plans Activities

for Bahá’í Service Men

Bahá’í service men stationed at Fort Sam Houston and Lackland Air Base will find a Military Coordinating Committee of the San Antonio Bahá’í Assembly in

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Texas ready to welcome them to the San Antonio community and to make them feel at home in their new surroundings. The committee is composed of three members of the Spiritual Assembly and three Bahá’í service men from the military bases in that area. One of its functions is to plan and organize Bahá’í activities on the various bases, especially at Fort Sam Houston.

Local Spiritual Assemblies and families of Bahá’í service men are urged to notify the San Antonio Assembly whenever a Bahá’í is drafted so that the Military Coordinating Committee can enable him/on his arrival in San Antonio to maintain his Bahá’í ties. The name and address of the Assembly Secretary is: Mrs. Mary K. Johnson, 1125 Santa Ana, San Antonio, Texas 78201. Telephone: PE 3-8308.

World Order Needs Your Support

After seventeen years with no periodical designed for the public, the United States Bahá’í Community now has a quarterly prestige publication: WORLD ORDER. Two issues of this Bahá’í magazine have already been published, those for Fall and Winter of 1966, and have received wide recognition. WORLD ORDER is now in several hundred college libraries and is proving to be an excellent teaching vehicle for the Faith. Articles carried in it cover a wide range of interests which have a strong appeal both to the Bahá’í and to the one who may be somewhat interested. Yet, at present this excellent publication is in trouble. Why? Because it has not received the deserved support of Bahá’í youth and adults in the United States.

To survive WORLD ORDER needs a certain number of paid subscriptions as a minimum. To date a little over 1,000 Bahá’ís and only half of the Local Spiritual Assemblies have subscribed. Each Bahá’í, adult and

youth, and each Local Assembly should support WORLD ORDER by taking subscriptions.

WORLD ORDER is one of the best public information tools of the Faith and is an effective way to introduce people to the Cause.

Some suggested recipients of gift subscriptions from local assemblies, groups or individual believers include: public libraries, high school libraries, U.S.O. centers, community centers, libraries at military bases, key people in the community, professors of history and of comparative religion at colleges, universities, and high schools. By sending gift subscriptions to your friends and acquaintances you can help spread knowledge of the teachings of this Faith to people who might not otherwise know of it.

The magazine contains excellent source material for public talks and fireside discussion groups. Why not bring articles on specific subjects to the attention of appropriate persons in your area? For instance, articles on education could be brought to the attention of teachers and educators and so on.

WORLD ORDER needs the backing of every American Bahá’í. Do support it with your comments and suggestions and, most of all, with your subscriptions. Let us keep WORLD ORDER in existence—let it help build public knowledge of the Bahá’í Faith and also help us, as Bahá’ís, to better understand our Faith and the times in which we live.

Use enclosed order form to send your subscriptions to: World Order, 1 Cove Ridge Lane,

Old Greenwich, Conn. 06870

[Page 6]MARCH ‘1967

UNITED STATES BAHA'| SUMMER SCHOOLS

1967

Davison Bahá’í School

Davison, Michigan July 16 to September 4

General Session—July 17-21

General Session—July 24-28

Junior Youth Session—July 31-August 4

General Session—August 7-11

General Session-—August 14-18

General Session-August 21-25

Senior Youth Session—August 28-September 1

Homecoming Weekend—September 2-4 Sessions will run Monday through Friday with special weekend programs interspersed between sessions. Rates: Adults and youth over 15 years $6.00; double room $5.75; dormitory $5.00; children 3 to 14 years $3.50. All sessions special rate for four or more in family 15% discount. Reservations to be sent in advance with $2.00 per person to: Registrar, Davison Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan 48423

Geyserville Bahá’í School

Geyserville, California

July 23 to September 4

Weekly rates (from Sunday noon meal through following Sunday meal): Adults $40.00; youth $30.00; children $20.00. Reservations with deposit of $5.00 per person to be sent to: Geyserville Bahá’í School, Geyserville, California 95441

Green Acre Bahá’í Institute

Eliot, Maine

July 1 to September 4

Rates: Adults, $40.00 to $55.00 per week, $7.00 to $9.00 per day; youth, $30.00 per week, $6.00 per day; children (age 3 to 11 years), $15.00 to $20.00 per week, $3.00 to $4.00 per day. In case of families with more than two children in attendance, charges will be made for the two oldest children only. Reservations should be made several weeks in advance, accompanied by a deposit of $5.00, and sent to: Manager, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine 03903

Southern California Bahá’í Summer School

Cedar Glen Methodist Camp Grounds, Wynola Road, Julian, California (50 miles east of Escondido in Cleveland National Forest, 4400 Feet elevation). June 30 (evening meal) through July 4 (noon meal)

Rates: Approximately (for four days); adults $25.00; children under twelve, $15.00

Reservations with $5.00 per person to be sent to: Mrs. Manila Lee, 1625 West 35th St., Los Angeles, California 90018

North Central States Bahá’í Summer School

Arrowhead Music Camp, Lake Hanging Horn, Barnum, Minnesota.

July 15 (Supper) to July 22 (Breakfast)

Rates: Adults (21 and over), $5.50 per day, $35.00 for the week; youth (13 to 21), $4.00 per day, $25.00 for the week; children (10 to 12), $3.00 per day, $18.50 for the week; children (nine and under) $2.25 per day, $13.50 for the week; infants, no charge. Additional registration fee of $2.00 for all persons 15 years and over, 75 cents for children and junior youth, two to fourteen years. Camping permitted for $1.50 per night but meals must be taken in the cafeteria at very moderate prices. No electric hookup for campers. Campers must also make reservations. Reservations should be sent to: Mrs. Alma Goodrich, 1028 Carroll Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55104

Northwest Bahá’í' Children’s School

3847 Cedar Street, Astoria, Oregon

July 16 through breakfast July 22

Rates: $10.00 per person plus non-refundable deposit of $1.00. Send requests for reservations with deposit to: Mrs. Ethelyn Lindstrom, 4874 Cedar Street, Astoria, Oregon 97103

Southeastern Bahá’í Summer School

Camp Dorothy Walls, Black Mountain, North Carolina July 16 to July 22

Rates: Adults, $26.00; youth ten to 17 years, $19.00; children six to nine years, $13.00; two to five years, $5.00; under two years no charge. Reservations with deposit of $3.00 to be sent to: Mr. Bruce Barick, 2313 Lyons, Raleigh, North Carolina 27608

Southwestern Bahá’í Summer School

Lake Bridgeport Methodist Camp

80 miles Northwest of Dallas

August 12 to 19

Rates: Persons twelve years and over, $35.00 per person; persons under twelve years, $18.50, for the entire week, plus a registration fee to be announced later. Reservations to be sent in advance to: Mrs. Jean M. Minney, 2920 Daniels Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75205

Bellmont Bahá’í School

Bellmont, Arizona

August 19 through August 25

There are camping facilities only at the property, with $1.00 charge for water per camp, since it must be hauled in. Each individual must bring his own camping gear and eating utensils. The nights are cold at Bellmont, so bring extra blankets and warm clothing. Parents are completely responsible for their children at all times. Lunch and dinner will be provided at the summer school for $1.00 per meal for adults; $.50 for children. This is for those that register for meals. There is a large outdoor grill for breakfast preparation for those who wish to use it.

For reservations and further information write to: Mrs. Frances Latham, Secretary, 2609 E. Lockett Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

Monmouth Bahá’í Institute

Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois

June 23 (evening) to June 25 (noon)

Rates: Youth and adults, $14.50; children three to ten years, $12.50, including registration fee. Reservations (with deposit of $2.50 per person) to be sent no later than June 12 to: Mrs. Ruth Golofi, 215 Howard Street, East Peoria, Illinois 61611

Millersylvania Youth Conference

Millersylvania Park, Washington

August 25 (noon) to August 28 (breakfast)

Rate: $4.00 per person plus $1.00 non—refundable deposit. (Registrar to be announced later.)

Green Lake Bahá’í Institute

American Baptist Assembly, Green Lake. Wisconsin November 10 (evening) to November 12 (noon)

Rates: Youth and adults, $14.00 to $19.75; children three to eleven years $7.00 to $9.90, including registration fee. Reservations with $5.00 deposit per person to be sent no later than November 1 to: Miss Frances Lamb, American Baptist Assembly, Green Lake, Wisconsin 54941

[Page 7]U.S. SUPPLEMENT

Bahá’í Marriages

Citrus J .D., Calif.: Mrs. Patricia J. Krahl to Raymond Lubeck on December 19, 1966

Long Beach, Calif.: Mrs. Sheila Redden to Jack M. Locke on December 18, 1966

Los Angeles, Calif.: Mrs. Jacqueline West to Dennis L. Leser on December 28, 1966

Los Angeles, Calif.: Miss Lana Drake to Edward J. Bogan, Jr. on January 8, 1967

Los Angeles, Calif.: Mrs. Barbara Bibb to John Paris Marino on January 21, 1967

Twentynine Palms J.D., Calif; Mrs. Vola Mae Lord to Lester Schlosser on January 4, 1967

Tampa, Florida: Miss Sharron Ann Drapek to William David Harrison on December 23, 1966

Chicago, Illinois: Mrs. Shirley Johnson to Charles L. Davis on January 21, 1967

Springfield, Illinois: Miss Nancy Lark Stewart to Joseph Centko, Jr. on December 19, 1966

Wilmette, Illinois: Miss Karla Noel Reekie to Ismael M. Santos on December 10, 1966 (non-Bahá’ís)

Wilmette, Illinois: Miss Bonnie Jean Zaros to James W. Walton on January 7, 1967

Winnetka, Illinois: Mrs. Sydna E. Moore to Clifford A. Edwards on January 4, 1967

Winnetka, Illinois: Mrs. Colleen Hanson to Alexander John Pryba on January 28, 1967

Boston, Mass.: Miss Mary Louise Silan to Dr. Jalál Sadrieh on December, 24, 1966

Santa Fe, N.M.: Miss Gayle Carnes to Walter Russell Wade on December 25, 1966

Salem, Oregon: Miss Elizabeth Ann Olson to Terry Leroy Winters on December 18, 1966

Greenville, S.C.: Mrs. Verna A. Inglis to Dr. William Thomas Bidwell on November 4, 1966

Memphis, Tenn.: Miss Eva M. McChristian to Marion C. White on December 23, 1966

Memphis, Tenn.: Miss Danna Faye Quinton to Freydoon Haddad on December 23, 1966.

Fairfax Co., Va.: Miss Dianne J. Richard to Gordon C. Singles on January 8, 1967

North King Co. C.D., Wash.: Miss Margo Dee Marr to John Trevor Winship on December 27, 1966.

Pierce Co. C.D. No. 3, Wash.: Miss Jane Christine Kerns to Louis Green on December 16, 1966

Toledo, Ohio: Miss Ellen Crathome Zmeskal to Bruce Douglas Kaiper on June 11, 1966

Why Bahá’í Youth Should be Registered

From time to time the National Spiritual Assembly has been asked to explain why children reared in Bahá’í families and considering themselves Bahá’ís should make their declaration of faith at the age of fifteen. The beloved Guardian, through his secretary, clarified the matter in a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly on July 5, 1950 as follows:

“A baby can be considered a Bahá’í; fifteen is merely the age of maturity for fasting, marriage, etc., and in the case of America, a declaration at that age is invited from the youth in order to protect them, at a future date, from being forced to do active military service.”

In this connection the National Spiritual Assembly has defined youth as young people between fifteen and twenty-one years of age. However, voluntary participation in youth activities is permissible with an arbitrary cut-off at the thirtieth birthday. This is on the assumpton that participation in youth activities generally terminates at about the age of twenty-five.

In Memoriam

Mrs. Arlene Boyd Los Angeles, Calif. December 22, 1966

Mrs. Bessie 0. Brown Quincy, Illinois January 4, 1967

Mrs. Jackie Coburn Malvern, Arkansas November 7, 1966

Mrs. Leonora W. Edsall Hamburg, New Jersey October 5, 1966

Mrs. Charlotte R. Fernald Susquehanna, Penna. December 31, 1966

Ray Fullerton Lewiston, Idaho December 13, 1963

Charles Halsey Carmichael, Calif. December 3, 1966

Eroy A. Harper Indianapolis, Indiana June 22, 1966

Rieke Jurgens Springfield, Illinois December 31, 1966

Mrs. Daisy Krause Berkeley, Calif. August 23, 1966

Miss Anneken Krogh Seattle, Wash. January 18, 1967

Mrs. Bessie M. Marsh Oakland, Calif. January 10, 1967

Mrs. Sadie Y. Merchant Jamaica Plain, Mass. January 29, 1967

Mrs. Alice W. Morse Dumont, New Jersey December 27, 1966

Mrs. Jerrideen H. Raymond Palo Alto, Calif. December 14, 1966

Nipo T. Strongheart Los Angeles, Calif. December 30, 1966

Mrs. Esther Gordon Harding Miss Lucy J. Marshall

Winter Park, Florida January 18, 1967

San Francisco, Calif. January 26, 1967

Calendar of Events

FEASTS

March 21 — Baha (Splendor) April 9 — Jalél (Glory) April 28 — Jamal (Beauty) DAYS OF FASTING March 2 to 21 — Study of The Promised Day is Come HOLY DAYS March 21 — Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í New Year) Feast of Riḍván — April 21-May 2 NATIONWIDE INSTITUTES April 2 U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS March 24-26

April 26

PRE-CONVENTION STUDY DAY April 27

NATIONAL BAHA'| CONVENTION April 28-30

Bahá’í House of Worship

Daily Visiting Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sundays Devotions 3:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Sundays Public Meetings 4:15 p.m.

[Page 8]MARCH 1967

BAHA'I DIRECTORY CHANGES

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Northern California Alameda: Mrs. Pearl Newcomer, 1l33% Bishop Ave., 94501 Healdsburgz Mrs. Jean Houg, 210 Spruce Way, 95448 (to cancel report in Dec.) San Leandro-Hayward J .D.: Mrs. Dorothy Lodge, 1942 Trym St. Southern California Dist. No. 1 Beverly Hills: Mrs. Rose Perkal, 226 S. Tower Dr., Apt. 11, 90211 Culver City: Local Spiritual Assembly of Culver City, P.O. Box 2741, 90230 Hawthorne: Mrs. Ardis C. Henson, 4442 W. 130th St., 90250 Long Beach: Mrs. Caren M. Barnhouse, P.O. Box 14696, 90814 Southern California Dist. No. 2 San Diego: Mrs. Doris B. Rodgers, 1611 Santa Anita Dr., Apt. H, 92111 Georgia Richmond County: Mrs. Jacquelyne Stallings, 3605 Nassau Dr., Augusta 30904 Northern Illinois Chicago: Mrs. Ethel A. Crawford, 7318 S. Ridgeland Ave., 60649 Indiana Kokomo: Mrs. Eve Eriksen, 606 E. North St., 46901 Missouri Kansas City: Mrs. June Eshraghi, 305 S. Gladstone Blvd., 64124 St. Louis: Mrs. Juanita Young, 5108 N. Kingshighway, 63115 Montana Great Falls: Mrs. Helen E. Shane, 2510 Central Ave., 59401 Nebraska Omaha: Add zip ‘code 68104 to secretary's address New Jersey North Plainfieldz Mrs. Gloria Jensen, 96 Montain Ave., 07060 Ohio Cleveland: Miss Lydia J. Martin, P.O. Box 5327, 44113 South Carolina Frogmore: Mrs. Gracie Reddicks, pro-tem, General Delivery, St. Helena Is., 29920 Virginia. Arlington County: Mrs. Dawn Belcher, 3818 N. Oakland St., 22207

NATIONAL BAHA’I FUND

’A°“§‘“‘ Mo-may Income: 1955-1951

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I Regular contributions

Special Cuuu

— Estates

an Miscellaneous

STATE GOAL COMMITTEES Florida Add names of: Mrs. Annalean Schwandes, Mr. Jules Vautrot Southern Illinois Delete name of: Mrs. Sarah M. Bustard Iowa Delete name of: Mrs. Naomi Darby Add name of: Mrs. Helen James Missouri Delete name of: Mr. Bruce Wessel Western New York Delete name of: Mrs. Mary Jane Mann Vermont New secretary: Mr. Stephen Waite, 10 Maple St., Randolph 05060 West Virginia Add name of: Mr. Boyer T. Brown Wyoming New Secretary: Mrs. Janet Jones, 1612 Westridge Ct.. Casper 82601 Delete names of: Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. (Carol) Manuelito Add names of: Mr. Clarence Iverson, Mr. John Dumbrill

COMMITTEES

RESIGNATIONS FROM COMMITTEE U.S. Bahá’í Committee for United Nations Mr. Donald Barrett Mrs. Rosa Convers Mr. George Goodman

ADDITIONS TO COMMITTEES U.S. Bahá’í Committee for United Nations Dr. Nofal El-Kasrowi Mrs. Rene Welsh Mr. Clarence Welsh Music Reviewing Mr. Gregory Dahl Mr. Christopher Wade California Victory Committee (new address for Secretary) Mrs. Oarol Allen, Secty., 7801 Clearfield Ave., Panorama City. Calif. 91402

Local Assemblies Contributing

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