U.S. Supplement/Issue 86/Text

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U.S. Supplement Issue 86

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[Page 1]

Hands of the Faith in Western Hemisphere Announce Additions to the Auxiliary Board

The Hands of the Cause in the Western Hemisphere on February 18 announced to the national spiritual assemblies and Auxiliary Board Members in North America the appointment of the second contingent of additional Auxiliary Board Members in North America. They are:

Mrs. Beth McKenty, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Howard J. Brown, Petersburg, Alaska. Mrs. Jávidukht Khádem, Champaign, Illinois.

NSA Calls Attention to Requisites for Election of Local Assemblies

Under the By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly recently revised according to instructions from the Universal House of Justice, Article VII now makes it obligatory rather than a matter of choice for any group having nine or more resident Bahá’ís to form a local spiritual assembly. The article states: "Whenever in any locality of the United States the number of Bahá’ís resident therein recognized by the National Spiritual Assembly exceeds nine, these shall on April 21 of any year convene and elect by plurality vote a local administrative body of nine members, to be known as the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of that community. When, however, the number of believers . . . is exactly nine, these shall on April 21 . . . constitute themselves a local spiritual assembly by joint declaration."

Article XI of the "By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly," a revised copy of which has been sent to all local assemblies, describes the procedures for the annual election, notice of which shall be given not less than fifteen days prior to the date, to all members of the local community.

Section 1 states that the Assembly shall accept those votes transmitted to the Assembly before the election by members who by reason of sickness or other unavoidable reason are unable to be present at the election in person.

What communities sometimes overlook is that the election of the local spiritual assembly is not valid unless at least nine adult believers have actively participated. This essential requisite was defined by the Guardian many years ago.

Where there are exactly nine adult Bahá’ís in the community all nine must actively participate by meeting together to sign the joint declaration form provided by the National Spiritual Assembly. The only exceptions are where a member or members are ill or unable to attend the meeting. In those cases arrangements must be made to enable these individuals to sign the joint declaration form before April 21.

In the formation of any local spiritual assembly, whether by election or joint declaration, it should be understood that a member elected to the local assembly must be able and willing to serve. No assembly can possibly function with less than nine members. The bounties and responsibilities of service on a local assembly are priceless experiences to the individual. They cannot be taken lightly.

The National Spiritual Assembly hopes that every member in every community having nine or more members will prayerfully consider before April 21 the qualifications of those whom he will be called upon to elect to his local spiritual assembly this year to help strengthen the spiritual and administrative foundation of the entire American Bahá’í community for the coming year.

Action on Bahá’í Marriages in State Legislatures

With the early convening of the legislatures of most States this year it has been possible in selected States to initiate specific legislation which provides for Bahá’í marriages to be carried out according to the administrative principles of the Faith. Although Bahá’í marriages are legally recognized in more than thirty States, this has usually been achieved through an Attorney General's opinion interpreting existing legislation as applying to Bahá’í purposes.

Ideally, Bahá’í marriages should be possible without resorting to provisions or precedents for societies such as the Quakers, who also witness marriages among their members, since this does not always allow for the scope of responsibility envisaged by the Bahá’í administration. Bahá’í marriage should be possible without the necessity of the chairman or a member of the local spiritual assembly's assuming the role, even nominally, of a minister.

At this writing, specific legislation for Bahá’í marriage solemnization has been enacted in Massachusetts and is pending in Indiana and North Dakota. These represent notable first steps toward a United States goal of the Nine Year Plan that of obtaining civil recognition of the Bahá’í Marriage Certificate in each State, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.

In January a communication was sent by the National Spiritual Assembly to all incorporated local spiritual assemblies regarding state recognition of Bahá’í marriages. Since the Secretariat of the National Spiritual Assembly is coordinating all local efforts, there should be consultation with the Secretariat before approaches are made to State Legislatures by local spiritual assemblies or by individuals. [Page 2]

Davison Bahá’í School

Davison, Michigan July 25 to September 3. Junior Youth Session-July 25 to August 6 General Family Session-August 9 to September 3 General Family Session & Senior Youth-August 30 to September 3 Daily rates: Adults $5.00 to $6.00; junior youth $3.00, 14 years and under. Reservations to be sent in advance with a $2.00 deposit per person to: Registrar, Davison Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, Mich.

Geyserville Bahá’í School

Geyserville, California July 4 to September 5 Weekly rates: Couples, $40.00 to $59.00; single adults, $27.00 to $39.00; youth 15 to 18 years, $16.00; junior youth 10 to 14 years, $12.00; children 2 to 9 years, $8.00. Rates for board only and room only will be announced in the printed program. Registration fee $1.50 per person. Reservations to be sent in advance to: Geyserville Bahá’í School, Geyserville, Calif.

Green Acre Bahá’í Institute

Eliot, Maine 03903 July 2 to August 29. Rates undetermined as yet. Reservations to be sent in advance to: Mr. Emanuel Reimer, Green Acre Bahá’í Institute, Eliot, Maine

Southern California Bahá’í School

Big Bear Lake Presbyterian Conference Grounds, Big Bear Lake, Calif. July 4 to July 10 Rates (approximate): Adults, $30.00 to $40.00; youth, $30.00 to $40.00; children under 12, $20.00. Registration fee $5.00 per person no later than June 1. Reservations to be sent in advance to: Mrs. Manila Lee, 1625 W. 35th St., Los Angeles 18, Calif.

North Central States Bahá’í School

Bemidji State College, Bemidji, Minn. July 2 to July 6 Rates: Approximately $20.00 per person. Reservations to be sent in advance to: Mrs. Dahela Hick, 1597 Bayard Ave., St. Paul, Minn.

Northwest Children’s Bahá’í School

Astoria, Oregon July 18 to July 24 Rates: $10.00 per person; family of four or more $40.00. Reservations to be sent in advance to: Mrs. Velda L. Piff, 2203 East Day Island Blvd., Tacoma, Wash. 98466

Rocky Mountain Bahá’í School

Mountainside Lodge, Association Camp, Colorado June 27 to July 10 Rates: Room and board per week, plus $1.00 registration fee, Adults 17 years and up, $42.00; 6 to 17 years, $36.00; children 3 to 6 years, $30.00. Without room and board, $3.00 per week, including registration fee. Reservations to be sent in advance to: Miss Barbara J. Roberts, 915 N. Hancock Ave., Colorado Springs, Colo. 80903. $5.00 deposit required for reservations with room and board; $1.00 deposit if living away from campus.

Southeastern Bahá’í School

Penn Community Center, Frogmore, South Carolina Noon June 25 to Noon July 4-Breakfast July 3 Rates: Adults, $40.00; children, 2 to 12 years, $27.00. Reservations to be sent in advance c/o Miss Yvonne Harrop, P.O. Box 3614, Augusta, Ga. Registration fee $3.00.

Southwestern Bahá’í School

Lake Frances Lodge, Siloam Springs, Arkansas June 27 to July 3 Rates: 15 years and ever, $35.00; 10 years to 14, $25.00; children 5 to 9 years, $15.00; children under 5 years, $10.00. Reservations to be sent in advance to: Mrs. Pauline Koskie, 415 E. 5th St., Edmond, Okla.

Monmouth Bahá’í Institute

Monmouth College, Monmouth, Ill. (Approx. 70 miles west of Peoria, Ill.) June 18, 19 and 20 (Friday evening through Sunday noon) Rates: Adults, $14.00; children under 12 years, $12.40. Reservations to be sent in advance to: Miss Hazel D. Skiles, 915 N. Maplewood, Peoria, Ill.

Green Lake Bahá’í Institute

American Baptist Assembly Camp, Green Lake, Wis. November 12, 13 and 14 (Friday evening through Sunday noon) Rates: (approximate) Adults, $13.00 to $18.50; children 3 to 11 years, $6.50 to $9.25; under 3 years, $2.00. Reservation form and detailed information from: Mr. E. T. Sherwood, 9157 N. Tennyson Dr., Milwaukee, Wis. 53217

Western Canada Summer School

Banff School of Fine Arts, Banff, Alberta, Canada. August 15 to August 22, 1965 Rates: to be announced Reservations and other information: Mrs. Sylvia Scott, 2125-16 A St. S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Alaska Summer School

Juneau, Alaska July 10 to July 14, 1965 Rates: to be announced Reservations and other information: Mrs. Patricia Talcott, Box 909, Juneau, Alaska

Austin, Texas, to Host Study Institute April 16-18

The Local Spiritual Assembly of Austin, Texas announces a week-end Bahá’í study institute to be held at an idyllic campsite thirty miles east of the city April 16, 17, and 18. The plans include a special program for youth in preparation for teaching during the Nine Year Plan.

Rates will be charged on a daily basis and will be nominal. Anyone desiring further information about the institute should write to the Austin Assembly.

Bahá’í Identification Cards Must Be Kept Current

All Bahá’ís, adult and youth, should carry current identification cards. These serve as credentials when moving to a new community or visiting communities where they are not already known, to identify them as members in good standing entitled to attend Nineteen-Day Feasts, Bahá’í conferences, national and state conventions and other meetings for Bahá’ís only.

The NSA recommends that local spiritual assemblies send identification cards to their community members annually when they mail out notices and ballots for the annual election of the local spiritual assembly. Supplies of the cards are available on request from the National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters.

New identification cards are supplied directly by the [Page 3]National Assembly to isolated Bahá’ís and members of Bahá’í groups on request. Also, Bahá’ís planning to travel outside the country or those arriving in the United States from other countries should also apply directly to the National Assembly for their cards.

All identification cards are issued for one year only and it is the responsibility of each individual believer to see that his is renewed as soon as his current one expires.

Friends May Choose to Affiliate

Until the United States finally fulfills its promise of equality for all its citizens, the issue of racial discrimination will continue to confront the American Bahá’ís. Our small Bahá’í society is totally egalitarian. Any vestiges of the pre-Bahá’í life which intrude into our communities' solidarity is entirely foreign, and must be eliminated. However, Bahá’í activities toward improved race relations outside the community are to be guided by the NSA statements of September 1963 (The Most Challenging Issue) and May 1964 (Human Rights and the Bahá’í Faith). These should be reviewed and referred to if questions arise.

The Universal House of Justice wishes the Friends to appreciate the precise nature of the permission to affiliate with human rights organizations listed in the May 1964 circular letter, since there appears to be misunderstanding. "The permission to affiliate with non-Bahá’í organizations does not imply a directive to do so, the choice is entirely their own. Further, in making this choice the friends will, of course, bear in mind the admonitions of the beloved Guardian about dissipation of effort."

The question of racial injustices will continue until solved by men of good will. During this evolutionary time the Bahá’ís will, as Shoghi Effendi urged them, "be courageous in their racial stand" . . . and will "demonstrate the spirit of oneness constantly. . . in their every attitude and action. Bahá’ís can act, take initiative and create favorable circumstances for the coming of the one family of man in these United States.

The Child's Way

The Child's Way, a guide for parents and teachers, is published bi-monthly by an editorial committee appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly. It offers materials and suggestions for the education of children. It also gives parents and teachers an opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas. Beginning with the Naw-Rúz issue for 1965 and for the six numbers for the Bahá’í year 122, The Child's Way plans to carry curriculum materials that have been developed by local spiritual assemblies and school groups in the Bahá’í communities.

Order from: The Child's Way, Box 245, Wilmette, Ill. Rates: U.S.A. $2.00 per year, Foreign $2.50. Back issues, set of six, U.S.A. $.50; Foreign $1.00.

NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND

Monthly Income: 1964-1965

Monthly Budget 64.5

Local Assemblies Contributing Each Month

Regular contributions Special contributions & Miscellaneous Estates [Page 4]

Bahá’í Marriages

In accordance with Shoghi Effendi's instructions, the U.S. SUPPLEMENT reports only those marriages which are carried out by local assemblies authorized by civil law to perform such ceremonies.

Marriages which embody Bahá’í ceremonies but which are not legal under state law are not published.

Tucson, Arizona: Mrs. Frances Toomes to Sgt. Lawrence K. McCune on December 21, 1964 Berkeley, Calif.: Miss Vida Yazdi to Frank Ditter on January 30, 1965 Fresno, Calif.: Miss Barbara Ellen Byxbe to Ocie W. Trotter on January 30, 1965 Los Angeles, Calif.: Mrs. Frances Gordon to Joseph Lafayette Allen, Jr. on December 29, 1964 Los Angeles, Calif.: Miss Miriam Gomberg to David Mendelson on January 10, 1965 Los Angeles, Calif.: Miss Sandra Dees to Badi Akhtar-Khavari on January 19, 1965 Pasadena, Calif.: Mrs. Alyce Sherman Best to John George Baumgartner on January 30, 1965 San Diego, Calif.: Mrs. Patricia Haley Hull to George W. Loxterman, III on February 5, 1965 Southern J.D., San Mateo Co., Calif.: Miss Anne Heiberg to Robert T. Phillips, Jr. on September 19, 1964 New York, N.Y.: Miss Julia O. Kurylo to Dr. Manoochehr Homayoon on January 9, 1965 New York, N.Y.: Miss Maureen Anne Whalen to Dr. Jalalluddin Afnan-Badri on January 30, 1965

Mrs. Mary Bishop Melba, Idaho November 13, 1961

Mrs. Rouan Carter Los Angeles, Calif. December 26, 1964

In Memoriam

Miss Gertrude Duell New Haven, Connecticut January 30, 1965

Mrs. Charlotte E. Gibbs La Canada, Calif. About January 1962

Mrs. Juliette Goldberg Los Angeles, Calif. January 23, 1965

Theodore C. Habhegger Mequon, Wisconsin January 25, 1965

Mrs. Grace Hall Santa Ana, Calif. February 8, 1965

Mrs. Martha Howard. Cincinnati, Ohio. January 20, 1965

Mrs. Leona Jackson Maywood, Illinois February 8, 1965

Mrs. Alyce B. Janssen (Knight of Bahá’u’lláh) Santa Rosa, Calif. December 10, 1964

Robert H. King Newhall, Calif. January 31, 1965

Mrs. Vida Lopez Chicago, Illinois. February 15, 1965

Mrs. Flora V. Mason Portsmouth, New Hampshire January 15, 1965

Walton McDaniel Devon, Penna. February 3, 1965

Mel Orlick Laramie, Wyoming February 15, 1965

Daniel Ostroga Freedom, Calif. January 27, 1965

Mrs. Camille W. Pettet Washington, Iowa January 22, 1965

Carl A. Rening Sagus, Calif. January 14, 1965

Mrs. Clara Pinson Smith Rockledge, Florida January 9, 1965

William H. Smith Hayward, Calif. January 12, 1965

Mrs. Laura Millikan White Los Angeles, Calif. September 1964

Ozro Myron Whitehead Walla Walla, Wash. January 24, 1965

Bahá’í Directory Changes

Assembly Secretaries

Northern California Cloverdale J.D.: Mrs. Johanna Vanoni, Chairman, 22900 River Rd., Geyserville

Southern California Dist. #1 Newhall J.D.: Mr. David Johnson, Chairman, 24347 Newhall Ave., Newhall Redondo Beach: Mr. Keith A. Yahn, Chairman, 206½ Torrance Blvd., Apt. 3.

Northern Illinois Evanston: Mrs. Elizabeth B. Whitney, 1940 Sherman, Apt. # 402, zip code 60201

Southern Illinois Peoria: Miss Ruth Schroeder, 829 W. Meadows Pl., zip code 61604

Ohio Euclid: Mrs. Florence Kibby. 560 Birch Ave., zip code 44132

Additions to Committees

Southern California Dist. #2 Palm Springs: Mrs. Maria Rosas, 1975 El Oro Way LaMesa: Mrs. Barbara Whitney, 8074 Lemon Ave.

Florida Duval Co.: Mrs. Joh Gainey, 10025 Haley Rd., Mandarin

U.S. United Nations Mrs. Juliette Soderberg

National Bahá’í Convention, Wilmette, Illinois April 29-May 2, 1965