U.S. Supplement/Issue 51/Text

Information About Nation-Wide Commemoration of Master's Visit

After publication in the U.S. Supplement of the March Banffi News of the call for nation-wide observance of the fiftieth anniversary of the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to America, the National Spiritual Assembly asked a number of local spiritual assemblies to make an all-out effort to plan appropriate commemorations of this historic event. They are New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Cleveland, Dallas and Fort Worth, Phoenix, Atlanta. These are in addition to West Englewood and Green Acre Bahá’í Institute, where the Annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His visit to Green Acre respectively are being specially planned.

Because it is easier to secure good national and local publicity for a series of events of relatively short duration, these communities were requested to hold their commemorative meetings in May and June, even though the actual date of the Master’s presence may have been later in the year. Furthermore, the holding of these observances at this time serves as an appropriate occasion for launching the year’s public-proclamation campaign adopted by the Annual Convention.

The selection of these particular cities does not at all prevent any and all other communities who wish to do so from planning their own commemorative programs, either during these months or on the actual anniversary of the date when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was in their localities. To those that so do, the National Assembly and the National Projects Committee will offer every possible cooperation.

Special Materials for Anniversary Meetings

The purpose of this particular statement is to inform the friends of the kinds of materials which have been produced for use in connection with the anniversary meetings, and which indeed will be extremely helpful for the next two years. These items are:

1. Specially designed invitation folders and envelopes in which the local community can print the place, date and name of the speaker for its local commemoration.

2. An attractive poster for display in public places announcing the date and place of the meeting.

3. An easel-type poster for display in public libraries with a copy of Foundations of World Unity afiixed,

calling attention to the fact that this is a selection of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s western talks.

4. A very attractive folder for distribution to those who attend the meetings, and for mailing to persons of prominence.

5. Newspaper releases, including photographs and mats of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

6. An excellent tape recording for radio or home use, prepared by Hand of the Cause William B. Sears and Robert Quigley.

All communities are urged to have some member make a search of local newspaper archives for publicity about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which appeared in the press at the time of His visit. The National Projects Committee will be able to assist to a considerable degree in this respect, since both it and Bahá’í Public Information Service have microfilm copies of a tremendous number of clippings gathered and preserved by Mr. Saffa Kinney and Mr. George Latimer.

Each special item which has been produced displays in prominent lettering the words “Fifty Years Ago,” and emphasizes that the purpose of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit was to bring to the western world His Father’s message: “The Promised One of All Ages Has Come.” All talks and publicity should deal specifically with Bahá’u’lláh as that Promised One, and His teachings as the salvation of mankind today, rather than placing primary emphasis upon the person of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. In this manner these commemorative meetings become an integral part of the over-all national proclamation campaign for this final year of the World Crusade, which has as its theme, “The Promised One Has Come.”

Any assemblies or groups wishing to have more information and suggestions regarding local commemoration of the Master’s American journey should write to the National Projects Committee, Mrs. Anita Ioas Chapman, Secretary, 1527-33rd Street, Washington 7, D.C.

On the date of the preparation of this statement it is not possible to quote prices for the various items mentioned above but they will be available on request from either the National Projects Committee or the National Spiritual Assembly.

[Page 2]Important Notice About Pilgrimages and Other Visits to the Holy Land

For the information of Bahá’ís who may be considering a visit to either the Bahá’í World Center or the State of Israel as part of a tour abroad or in connection with some business in which they are now or may be engaged in the future, the National Spiritual Assembly wishes to remind the believers of the following directive from Shoghi Effendi through the Secretary-General of the International Bahá’í Council dated August 30, 1954:

“The beloved Guardian feels that no Bahá’í should come to Israel without his knowledge and permission. This applies to any and every reason.

“This is the World Center of the Faith, and whoever comes to Israel must, in one way or another, become associated with the World Center. The Guardian feels, therefore, that no one should take any action to come here without his knowledge and permission."

A recent communication from the Hands of the Faith in the Holy Land states that they are under obligation to see that this instruction continues in effect.

Obviously, this directive does not apply to believers who receive direct permission from the Hands of the Faith to make the pilgrimage to the World Center on specified dates.

In this connection, however, the Hands of the Faith have instructed all National Spiritual Assemblies that pilgrimages will be suspended from March 15, 1963, for the rest of the pilgrim season in order to enable those residing at the World Center to make the necessary preparations for the World Congress and the election of the Universal House of Justice. The list of pilgrims who can be accommodated before that date is almost complete. Those applying for pilgrimage after the completion of the list will be put on the waiting list and notified later when they may come.

The Hands of the Faith have also made it clear that no one except the Hands of the Faith and members of the National Spiritual Assemblies who are to participate in the election of the Universal House of Justice will be permitted to visit the Holy Land at the time of the International Convention which will be held for that purpose in Haifa April 21-23, 1963. Therefore, members of the National Spiritual Assemblies cannot plan to take their wives and families with them to that Convention.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Youth's Interracial Talk Brings Prompt Results

Nancy Tonkonogy, who at sixteen is the youngest member of the Montclair (New Jersey) community, recently joined 300 other young people at an interracial conference held in a nearby church. During a workshop period she had an opportunity to introduce the Bahá’í plan for achieving the oneness of mankind.

As a result of her presentation, a Negro youth who had been reading “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” expressed his intention of becoming a Bahá’í. In addition two girls, one a Negro, are now investigating the Faith.

MAY ‘1962

Race Amity Day Again Aliords

Opportunity for Wide Proclamation

The forthcoming fifth observance of Race Amity Day, which this year falls on Sunday, June 10, offers communities and groups an outstanding opportunity to arrange appropriate local activities emphasizing the Bahá’í concept of the spiritual oneness of mankind. This is particularly true because of continuing racial tensions in our country and throughout the world, and because of the interest of many leaders and organizations in promoting better race relations.

Excellent ideas for the observance of this unique proclamation event can be gleaned from reports of previous activities as outlined in the August 1960 and 1961 issues of Bahá’í News (pages 10, 11 and 8, 9 respectively). The friends are also reminded that the Interracial Service Committee can be of valuable assistance.

Local assemblies in areas that have Negro colleges or Negro organizations are urged to offer them speakers on the Faith and assistance in their own interracial programs and to keep the local press informed of such activities. It is likewise recommended that individual believers participate in appropriate Negro church functions, bearing in mind that such participation should be carried out in accordance with the principles of the Faith.

All reports on Race Amity Day activities should be sent promptly both to the Interracial Service Committee and to Bahá’í News, accompanied whenever possible with good photographs of the groups in action.

Human Relations Course Material Now Available to Communities and Groups

Material prepared for the Human Relations Conferences held in eighteen cities in February is available to communities and groups for use in connection with Race Amity Day programs, or in any other way that it would be helpful. Requests should go to Bahá’í Public Information Service, 121 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illin0IS.

Two Illinois Communities Present Television Program

On March 24 the believers of Champaign and Urbana, Illinois, presented a television program constituting one of a series of telecasts called “Your Neighbor’s Faith.” A part of the program was in the form of a discussion in which a group of Bahá’ís answered the questions of an inquirer.

Also included was a devotional meeting at which members of both communities were shown listening to brief Bahá’í readings. This part of the program had been recorded by the television cameras two weeks earlier at the Urbana Center.

[Page 3]U. S. SUPPLEMENT

North American Summer Schools

The following information about places, dates and rates of Bahá’í Schools and Conferences to be held in North America this summer will be helpful to the friends in making plans to attend. “How wonderful it would be,” the Guardian wrote seven years ago, “if all

Davison Bahá’í School

Davison, Michigan

August 5 through breakfast September 3

Daily rates: Adults, $3.75 to $4.75; youth 12 to 15 years, $3.00 and $3.25; children under 12 years, $2.25.

Reservations to be sent to: Registrar, Davison Bahá’í School, 3208 South State Road, Davison, Michigan.

Geyserville Bahá’í School

Geyserville, California

July 22 - September 2

Weekly rates: Couples, $35.00 to $55.00; single adults, $23.00 to $38.00; youth 15 to 18 Years, $12.00; children 10 to 14 years, $9.00; 6 to 9 years, $6.00; 2 to 5 years, $4.00.

Reservations to be sent to: Geyserville Bahá’í School, Geyserville, California.

Green Acre Bahá’í Institute

Eliot, Maine

July 15 - August 25

Rates furnished on request from Miss Helen Canterbury, Manager, Green Acre Bahá’í Institute, Eliot, Maine.

Southeastern Bahá’í School

Frogmore, South Carolina

July 22-28

Rates: Adults and youth, $31.00; children 2 to 10 years, $22.00.

Reservations to be sent to: Miss Nancy R. Ford, 1511 Anthony Road, Augusta, Georgia.

Southwestern Bahá’í School Soroptimist Club Crippled Children’s Camp (25 miles north of Dallas, Texas) August 18 - 25 Rates, full period: Adults, $32.00; children, $17.00: family rate (both parents and three or more children), $99.00. Reservations to be sent to: Mrs. JoAnne Menking, 3521 Rankin Street, Dallas, Texas.

lntermountain Bahá’í Slimmer Conference

Snow Pine Lodge, Alta, Utah

July 28 - August 4

Rates, full period: $5.00 for both adults and children. Reservations to be sent to: Arthur L. Krumell, 1921

Gunn Avenue, Salt Lake City 6, Utah.

the friends could arrange to spend at least a few days in one of these summer schools and take an active part in their development. These centers could attract many persons” and “help them get into the spirit of the place and make a study of the Cause."

Northwest Children's Summer Conference

(For children, junior youth, youth, and adults who bring children)

Astoria, Oregon

June 24-30

Rates for the week: $6.50 each.

Reservations to be sent in advance with deposit of $1.00 to: Mrs. Eda Marie Lindstrom, 3726 Grand Avenue, Astoria, Oregon.

Alaska Bahá’í School Juneau, Alaska

June 23 - 27

Rates, full period: $7.00 per person.

For particulars and reservations write: Mrs. Geor gina Moul, P. O. Box 1533, Juneau, Alaska.

Western Canada Bahá’í School

Banff School of Fine Arts, Banff, Alberta

August 12 - 19

Rates: Room and meals from $5.00 to $7.00 per day; registration fee for week $5.00 per person or family, or $1.00 per day.

Reservations to be sent to: Mrs. Betty Putters, Box 474, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada.

Laurentian Bahá’í School

Beaulac, Quebec

August 4 - 18 (two weekly sessions)

Rates: Adults and youth over 16 years, $29.00 per week; special rates for children of various age groups; campers $5.00 per camping unit.

For reservations and information write: Miss Dorothy Walsh, 768 Galt Avenue, Verdun, Quebec.

Ontario Bahá’í Schools Woodview, Ontario, July 28 - August 4 Rates: Family, $5.00; single, $3.00 per day. Reservations to be sent to: Mr. A. Nikulka, Woodview, Ontario, Canada.

Kashabag, Ontario, August 18 - 25

Rates same as above. (No accommodations for children)

Reservations to be sent to: Mr. B. Koltermann, Chippawa, Ontario, Canada.

Yukon Bahá’í Conference Whitehorse, Yukon June 30 - July 2 For information write: Box 748, Whitehorse. Y.T., Canada.

[Page 4]Race Amity Day June 10. 1962

A Special Event for Proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith to the Public Sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly Theme:

Man One Family Suggested Publicity Materials:

Press, Radio and TV releases, TV slide of poster, RAD poster from Bahá’í Public Information Service

Man One Family from Bahá’í Publishing Trust Reports:

Newspaper clippings from U.S. communities are to be sent immediately to Bahá’í Public Information Service.

Written reports and photographs for publication in Bahá’í NEWS are to be sent by June 20 to the Bahá’í News Editorial Committee.

In Memoriam

Mrs. Eleanor Beckman Salt Lake City, Utah March 3, 1962

Mrs. E. Mae Curtis Palmetto, Florida February 28, 1962

Samuel Cecil Eubanks Dallas, Texas March 16, 1962

Mrs. Mary Hindson Peoria, Illinois February 21, 1962

Clem Johnson

Clarence F. Lear, Sr. West Chester, Pa. February 18, 1962

Mrs. Lena Lee Calistoga, Calif. February 24, 1962

Mrs. Florence Meyer Waukegan, Illinois March 13, 1962

Wesley A. Roller Richmond, Virginia November 28, 1961

Mrs. Doris Tornstrom

Orlando, Florida February 19. 1962

Chicago, Illinois March 16. 1962

Intercalary Activities Exemplily Service to Manliind

Special contributions over a period of several months, plus an altruistic spirit and devoted service, enabled the believers of Kirkland, Washington, to carry out an unusual multiple observance of the Intercalary Days.

Gifts, food and entertainment were provided for 150 people, mostly youth and children, at the community’s center. Included were forty—nine youngsters who enjoyed educational movies and cartoons at a Sundaymorning class, and were served cookies and punch. On Sunday afternoon thirty-two children—mostly from non-Bahá’í families— and twenty-eight youth were given separate parties. On Monday twenty-five small children, most of them outside guests, attended a party which included punch. ice cream, cake and gifts. All

MAY ‘1962

gifts were colorfully wrapped and bore bright tags labeled “From Your Bahá’í Friend.”

Meanwhile, on Saturday, sixty-six gift-wrapped, labeled packages containing a total of over forty dozen cookies had been delivered to two nursing homes. When it turned out that five patients could not eat pastries, small individual vases of flowers for their trays were substituted.

On Saturday and Sunday youth and children made, gift-wrapped and tagged twelve dozen popcorn balls, most of which were delivered on Monday to a state school for boys. All of the gifts were gratefully received and this final one evoked a letter of deep appreciation from the school’s superintendent.

In addition to all of the coordinated group activities mentioned, one Kirkland believer gave a book to a school librarian as an Intercalary gift, and another sent a sum of money to the National Fund in the name of several individuals.

Faith Will Be Widely Proclaimed

Through Televised University lecture

On May 31 Mrs. Mary Lou Ewing of the Albuquerque, New Mexico, community will speak on the Faith to the class on the Philosophy of Western Religions at the University of New Mexico. The course this year is being televised over Station KNME (Channel 5) for the public and for students enrolled for university credit in educational TV classes. The forty-five minute lecture will be broadcast at 4:30 and will be followed by discussion in the classroom. It will also be taped and rebroadcast at 8:00 p.m. on the same day.

It is expected that there will be a large television audience inasmuch as the series on Western Religions has been announced to more than 500 churches throughout New Mexico. The syllabus prepared for the class by Dr. A. Bahm, professor in the Philosophy Department, lists Bahá’í references and is on sale to the public as well as to class members.

This is the eleventh year that Mrs. Ewing has been invited as Dr. Bahm’s guest to present the Faith in his course. And this year, needless to say, the televising of the lecture represents an exceptional opportunity to proclaim the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh over the fifth-largest state in the country.

Bahá’í Marriages

San Mateo. Calif.: Miss Lynne Taft to John H. L. De Victoria. Jr. on February 24, 1962

Reno, Nevada: Mrs. Mary Ware to William H. Roberts on February 17. 1962

BAHA'| DIRECTORY CHANGES

Intermountain Bahá’í Summer Conference Committee Mr. John Conkling, Chr. Mrs. Clair Schneider. Secty.. 1008 24th St., Ogden, Utah