I I HA' I NEWS

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEl.4BL Y

OF THE BAHA'fs OF THE UNITED STATES

NO . 280 BAHA'I YEAR 111 JUNE, 1954

neighborhood of Magallanes, the the Ten Year Plan has been immor­ THE GUARDIAN world's southernmost city. Other out­ talized by the opening of one hun­ lying outposts have been established dred countries, swelling the number THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE in places as far apart as Sikkim at of the sovereign states and depend­ the foot of the Himaiayas, the Lofo­ TO ALL TWELVE ANNUAL encies enlisted under the standard ten Islands in the heart of the Euro­ of the Cause of God to two hundred BAHA'I CONVENTIONS pean orthland. Fezzan on the north­ and twenty-eight. All territories in On the eve of this Ri<;lvan Festi­ ern fringe of the Sahara Desert, the North, Central and South America ; val marking the opening of the sec­ Andaman Islands and the Sey­ all sovereign states and principali­ ond decade of the second Baha'i cen­ chelles, the penal colonies in the In­ ties on the continent of Europe, ex­ tury, and coinciding with the termi­ dian Ocean, the three Guianas anci cluding the Russian Republics and nation of the first year of the World the leper colonies on the Atlantic Satellites ; all territories on the Asiat­ Spiritual Crusade, I hail with feel­ Coast, the Faroe and Shetland ic continent, with the exception of ings of joy and wonder the superb Islands, the wind-swept and inhos­ Tibet, of Bhutan and of the Soviet feats of the heroic company of the pitable archipelagos of the North Republics; all the islands of the ,,--... Knights of the Lord of Hosts in pur­ Sea, Hadhramaut on the sun-baked Mediterranean; all the islands of the suance of their sublime mission for shores of the Arabian Peninsula, St. North Sea, with the exception of the spiritual conquest of the planet. Helena isolated in the midst of the Spitzbergen; .all African territories The first twelve months of this dec­ South Atlantic Ocean and the Gilbert with the exception of Spanish ade-long enterprise unexampled in Islands, the war-devastated sparse­ Guinea; all the islands of the North its scope, significance and potential­ ly populated Atolls situated in the and South Atlantic Ocean except An­ ities in the world's spiritual history heart of the Pacific Ocean. ticosti and St. Thomas ; all the and launched simultaneously, amidst God's infant Faith, confined during islands of the Pacific Ocean except the climax of the world-wide festivi­ the first nine years of its existence Comoro Islands, Cocos Island, ico­ ties of a memorable Holy Year, in to its birthland and the adjoining ter­ bar Islands, Hainan Island, P ortu­ the American, the Europe.an, the ritory of 'Iraq, reaching, in the guese Timor, Chagos Archipelago, African, the Asiatic and the Austra­ course of the thirty-nine years of Loyalty Islands, Marshall Islands, lian continents, has witnessed the B.aha'u'llah's Ministry, to thirteen Admiralty Islands, Mariana Islands. hoisting of the banner of the Faith other lands, enlarged, during are now included within the orbit of of Baha'u'llah in no less than a hun­ 'Abdu'l-Baha's twenty-nine year Min­ an irresistibly unfolding, rapidly con­ dred virgin territories of the globe. istry, through the opening of twenty solidating, world-girdling Adminis­ The total number of the newly additional countries, only succeeded, trative Order. opened sovereign states and depend­ after the lapse of three-quarters of The number of the European, the encies compnsmg Principalities, a century, in including within its or­ African, the Asiatic, and the Ameri­ Sultan.ates, Emirates, Sheikhdoms, bit thirty-five countries within both can-Indian languages, including sev­ Protectorates, Trust Territories and the Eastern and Western Hemi­ en supplementary languages, into Crown Colonies, scattered over the spheres. which Baha'i literature has been, face of the earth, represents almost The subsequent quarter of a cen­ and is being translated, is over forty­ seven-eighths of all the territories, tury, constituting the first Epoch of two, raising the total number of the exclusive of the Soviet Republics and the Formative Age of the Baha'i Dis­ translations undertaken since the in­ Satellites, destined to be opened in pensation, witnessed the pl.anting of ception of the Faith to one hundred the course of an entire decade. The the banner of the Faith in over forty and thirty. northern frontiers of a divinely guid­ territories of the globe, raising the The African Campaign, outshining ed , rapidly marching, majestically number of countries included within the brilliant success of the enterprise exp.anding Faith have been pushed, its pale, on the eve of the Centenary launched in Latin America, throw­ in consequence of the phenomenal Celebrations of the Declaration of ing into shade the splendor of the ,...--._ success recently achieved by the the Bab's Mission to seventy-eight. victories won in recent years on the vanguard of Baha'u'llah's crusaders. The nine-year interval separating the European continent, eclipsing all beyond the Arctic Circle as far as first from the second Baha'i Jubilee previous collective pioneer under­ Arctic Bay, Franklin, 73 degrees lati­ was signalized by the spiritual con­ takings embarked upon in the tude. Its southern limits have now quest of no less than fifty countries Asiatic and Australian continents, reached the Falkland Islands in the of the globe, whilst the first year of has almost doubled, in the course of 2 JUNE, 1954

a single year, the number of terri­ and the Western Hemispheres and properties overlooking the Resting tories opened since the introduction representing the principal races of Places of the Most Exalted Leaf and of the Faith in that continent over mankind. of the Purest Branch, which, when eighty years ago. The total number Within the confines of the Holy added to the plots situated on the of converts to the Faith belonging Land, "the Heart of the world and ridge of Mt. Carmel, on its western to the African race has passed the the Qiblih of all nations", the erec­ extremity and in the close neighbor­ six hundred mark. The total num­ tion of the first base stones of the hood of the Shrine built within its ber of African Baha'i centers has ornamental crown of the Dome of heart-for the acquisition of which now been raised to over one hun­ the Bab's Sepulcher which had com­ negotiations have been set afoot­ dred and ninety. The total number menced with Naw-Ruz of the Holy will constitute an addition of over of the tribes indigenous to the soil of Year, was followed successively by thirty thousand square meters to the that continent represented in the the laying, during the Ric;lvan period, vast area of Baha'i holdings per­ Faith is now over sixty. of the first of the twelve thousand manently dedicated to the Shrines A single territory out of the forty­ gilded tiles destined to cover the of the Founder of the Faith and of five territories already opened to the two-hundred and fifty square meter its Herald. The embellishment of the Faith in the African continent, situ­ area of the Dome and the placing Haram-i-Aqdas, the outer Sanctuary ated in its very heart and which, a of the stone lantern which marked of Baha'u'llah's Sepulcher, already little over two years ago did not pos­ the consummation of the three quar­ accomplished in the course of the sess a single Baha'i, now boasts of ters of a million dollar enterprise, Holy Year commemorating the cen­ over five hundred colored converts, and coincided with the closing pe­ tenary of the birth of His prophetic who are settled in over eighty locali­ riod of the Year associated with the Mission, has been greatly enhanced ties, are drawn from thirty tribes, hundredth anniversary of the birth through the laying out, on both its are provided with thirteen local As­ of the Mission of Baha'u'llah. The northern and southern sides, of for­ semblies, and anticipate the immedi­ site for the first Mafil}riqu'l-A<;!bkar mal gardens, extending over an area ate formation of about ten additional of the Holy Land has been selected­ of ten thousand square meters, pro­ Assemblies. ·This same territory an area of approximately twenty viding a befitting approach to His has, moreover, distinguished itself thousand square meters-situated at Mansion and considerably widening throughout the entire Baha'i world the head of the Mountain of God, in the area stretching in front of His through the dispatch of nine mem­ close proximity to the Spot hallowed holy Sepulcher. The design of the bers of its mother Assembly for the by the footsteps of Baha'u'llah, near international Baha'i Archives, the purpose of pioneering in neighboring the time-honored Cave of Elijah, first stately Edifice destined to usher centers, as well as in territories situ­ and associated with the revelation in the establishment of the World ated on the eastern and western of the Tablet of Carmel, the Charter Administrative Center of the Faith coasts of the African continent. A of the World Spiritual and Adminis­ on Mt. Carmel-the Ark referred to number of the newly-won recruits in trative Centers of the Faith on that by Baha'u'llah in the closing pas­ some of these territories have, more­ mountain. Funds totaling one hun­ sages of His Tablet of Carmel-has over, been instrumental in winning dred thousand dollars have, more­ been completed, and plans and draw­ the allegiance of some of the mem­ over, been contributed by one of the ings forwarded to Italy for the pur­ bers of their race, and have, in their Hands of the Cause, residing in the pose of securing bids for its con­ turn, succeeded in opening no less Holy Land, and negotiations have struction immediately after the con­ than three neighboring territories in been initiated with the Israeli au­ clusion of the necessary preliminary that continent. thorities for the purpose of effecting steps taken in the Holy Land for Contact has been established with the immediate purchase of the se­ its forthcoming erection. Israel no less than twenty-two American­ lected site. Measures have been un­ Branches of the British, the Per­ Indian tribes, raising the total num­ dertaken and Baha'i Continental sian, the Canadian and the Austral­ ber of tribes contacted throughout Funds inaugurated in anticipation of ian Baha'i National Spiritual Assem­ the Western Hemisphere to thirty­ the forthcoming appointment by the blies have been legally established, four. The first Greenlandic, the first fifteen Hands residing outside the recognized formally as Religious So­ Pygmy, the first Berber, the first Holy Land of five Auxiliary Boards, cieties by the Israeli Civil Authori­ Fijian, Baha'is have been enrolled, one in each of the continents of the ties, and empowered to hold with­ out restriction title to immovable swelling the number of races rep­ globe, the members of which will property in any part of the country resented in the Baha'i World Com­ act as deputies of the Hands in their on behalf of their parent Assemblies. munity to thirty-five. respective continents, and will aid Contact has moreover been estab­ The opening year of this World and advise them in the effective lished with the President of Israel, Spiritual Crusade has, moreover, prosecution of the Ten-Year Plan, its Prime Minister and five other gathered significance through the and will assist them, at a later pe­ Cabinet Ministers, as well as with convocation first of the Stockholm, riod, in the discharge of their dual the President of the Knesset, cul­ and later of the New Delhi Inter­ and sacred task of safeguarding the minating in the establishment of a continental Teaching Conferences, Faith and of promoting its teaching special Baha'i Department in the which, together with the two pre­ activities. The international Baha'i Ministry of Religious Affairs, and vious Conferences held during the endowments, situated in the heart of in an official statement by the Head first part of the Holy Year in Kam­ Mt. Carmel, and in the plain of of this Ministry to Parliament em­ pala and Wilmette, assembled a to­ 'Akka, already extending over an phasizing the international scope of tal of over thirty-four hundred fol­ area of over three hundred and fifty the Faith and the importance of its lowers of the Faith from more than thousand square meters, have been World Center-a series of events eighty countries of both the Eastern enlarged through the acquisition of that have paved the way for the BAHA'I NEWS 3

forthcoming official visit, during the of two hundred and twenty thousand ination of the first year of this early days of the Ric;lvan period, of dollars by the United States National decade-long stupendous enterprise. the President of Israel, himself, to Spiritual Assembly for the comple­ The second phase, now auspiciously the Bab's Sepulcher on Mt. Carmel. tion of the entire project. The nature ushered in, must witness, in all the The site of the Siyah-Cbal-that of the first Dependency of the territories of the planet, whether pesti ~e ntial subterranean Pit, the Mafil_iriqu'l-Adhkar of Wilmette has newly opened or not, an upsurge of scene of the birth of Baha'u'llah's been finally decided upon by the activity which, in its range and in­ prophetic Mission, and the holiest members of that same Assembly, in tensity, will excell the exploits place in the capital city of His na­ anticipation of its early establish­ which have so greatly enlarged the tive land-has been recently pur­ ment within the precincts of the limits, and noised abroad the fame, Mother Temple of the West. The Lo­ of the Cause of God. chased, together with the surround­ cal Spiritual Assemblies of San ing area, involving an expenditure The energetic and systematic Diego, Sacramento and Fresno in of approximately four hundred thou­ prosecution of the all important California, of Tucson in Arizona, and sand dollars contributed by a Per­ teaching work both at home and sian follower of the Faith, whilst of Oak Park in Illinois have been abroad, designed to increase rapidly negotiations have been initiated for legally incorporated, ra1smg the the number of the avowed and active number of national and local Baha'i the acquisition of the site of the supporters of the Faith; the preser­ Bab's incarceration in the mountains incorporated Assemblies in the vation, at any cost, of the prizes so of Adhirbayjan. Full rights have United States of America and in the laboriously won in the far flung, the been accorded to Baha'i women re­ entire Baha'i world to sixty-three numerous and newly opened terri­ and one hundred and twenty, respec­ siding in the cradle of the Faith, to tories of the globe; the maintenance, participate in the membership of tively. National Baha'i endowments by every available means, of the both national and local Baha'i Spirit­ have been established in Anchorage, status of local Spiritual Assemblies ual Assemblies, removing thereby Alaska. The Baha'i Assemblies of already established throughout the the last remaining obstacle to the. Tucson, Arizona and of Sacramento, Baha'i world; the steady multiplica­ enjoyment of complete equality of California have been qualified to tion of isolated centers, of groups rights in the conduct of the admin­ conduct legal Baha'i marriage serv­ and of local Assemblies in order to istrative affairs of the Persian ices. Baha'i Holy Days have been hasten the emergence of no less than Baha'i Community. recognized in Los Angeles, Califor­ forty-eight National Spiritual Assem­ nia and Castro Valley, California; Eleven Temple Funds have been blies in both the Eastern and West­ Niles Township, Michigan; Seattle, ,,...--... inaugurated, amounting to almost a ern Hemispheres; the prompt con­ quarter of a million dollars, for the Washington ; Newton, Massachu­ clusion of negotiations for the pur­ purchase of land for future Baha'i setts; Prince George County, Mary­ chase of sites for future Baha'i Tem­ Temples in the Western Hemi­ land; Cleveland, Ohio; Kenosha, Wis­ ples in the American, the European, sphere, in the European, the African, consin; Maywood, Illinois. the Asiatic and the African conti­ the Asia tic and the Australian con­ The spiritual conquest of one hun­ nents; the initiation of Funds for tinents, followed by the purchase of dred territories of the globe, the the establishment of National a four-acre plot, commanding an ex­ steady rise of the embryonic World I:fa?iratu'l-Quds in the capital cities tensive view of the Pacific Ocean Order of the Faith, and the multipli­ of the Sovereign States and in the and the greater portion of Greater cation and consolidation of its insti­ chief cities of the Dependencies spe­ Sydney area, and by the selection tutions have, in the course of the cifically mentioned in the Plan· the of appropriate sites outside the opening year of this World Spiritual speedy fulfillment of the task u~der­ Cities of Frankfurt and of Panama Crusade, been paralleled by a no taken for the translation and publi­ City. less startling decline in the fortunes cation of Baha'i literature in the The institutions of Baha'i National of the enemies of the Faith, as evi­ languages allocated under that same I:Ia?iratu'l-Quds in East and West, denced by the removal, by the Hand Plan, to various National Spiritual already reaching an estimated value of Providence, of its arch-enemy in Assemblies ; the continued acquisi­ of over a million and a half dollars Persia who, for thirty years, sav­ tion of Baha'i Holy Places in Baha­ have been enhanced through the pur~ agely attacked its Founders and its 'u 'llah's native land ; the adoption of preparatory measures for the con­ chase and formal opening of the chief Promoter, and tirelessly schemed to extinguish its light, dis­ struction of the Mafil_iriqu'l-Adhkars I:Ia?iratu'l-Quds of the Baha'is of of '.j:'ihran and of Frankfurt; the es­ Paris, destined to evolve into the honor its name and wreck its insti­ tutions, as well as by the death of tablishment of the first Dependency national administrative headquar­ two others, who, in varying degrees. of the Ma~l)riqu'l-Ac;lbkar in Wil­ ters of the French Baha'i Commu­ demonstrated their ingratitude and mette; the inauguration of National nity, and through the inauguration infidelity to the Center of Baha­ Baha'i endowments designed to pave of National I:Ia?iratu'l-Quds Funds 'u'llah' s Covenant. the way for the formation of Na­ in Anchorage, Alaska, as well as in The opening phase of this gigantic, tional Spiritual Assemblies; the the capital cities of Italy and of divinely propelled, world-encircling lending of a fresh impetus to the in­ Switzerland. Crusade has been triumphantly con­ corporation of local Spiritual Assem­ The initial landscaping of the area cluded. The success crowning the blies; the establishment of Baha'i ,...--...._ surrounding the Mother Temple of initial stage in its unfoldment has Publishing Trusts-these stand . out the West, involving an expenditure exceeded our fondest expectations. as the essential objectives of the of over two hundred and fifty thou­ The most vital and spectacular ob­ phase now unfolding before the eyes sand dollars, has been completed and jective of the Ten Year Plan has of the Baha'i communities in the been followed by an appropriation been virtually attained ere the term- five continents of the globe. 4 JUNE, 1954

I direct my fervent plea to all the \v on in Africa and the work of con­ ber (of) Baha'i centers scattered delegates assembled at the twelve solidation-all this is truly stupen­ (over the) surface (of the) globe (to) annual Baha'i Conventions to ponder dous and enables us to estimate the well nigh twenty-nine hundred. these objectives in their hearts, to Power by which Baha'is are moved. Additional National I:Ia'.?iratu'l­ dedicate them elves anew to the It is the last two paragraphs of Quds Funds (have been) inaugurated tasks now challenging the spirit and this Message which we are to study (in) ten countries (of) Central combined resources of the entire in the light of what is to be accom­ America. body of the followers of the Faith, plished during the second year of (The) number (of) Baha'i books to rouse all the communities they the Plan - " to ponder these objec­ (and) pamphlets for (the) blind represent to assume a worthy sh.are tives in their hearts, b dedicate transcribed (into) B raille, English, in the common and gigantic effort themselves anew .... " that must needs be exerted for the Esperanto, German, Japanese, now attainment of the aforementioned Beloved friends, we are engaged totals over (a) hundred (and) ten. goals, ensuring thereby the uninter­ in the "noblest collective entf'l'prise (The) President (of the) State (of) rupted progress and the ultimate undertaken by the followers of the Israel, accompanied (by) Mrs. Ben consummation of the noblest collec­ Most Great Name for the . . . es­ Zvi, visited, as anticipated, (the) tive enterprise undertaken by the tablishment of His Faith over the Shrines (on Mount) Carmel, follow­ foll~ers of the Most Great ame entire face of the planet." ing (a) reception (in) their honor (held in) 'Abdu'l-Baha's house for the propagation and the estab­ -NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY lishment of His Faith over the en­ marking (the) first official visit paid tire face of the planet. (by thej :dead (of a) sovereign inde­ -SHOGHI GLAD TID!NGS pendent State (to the) Sepulchers (of April, 1954 Message from the Guardian the) Martyr-Prophet (of the) Faith (and the) Center (of) Baha'u'llah' s COMMENTARY : NATI ONAL SP I R I T U AL ASSEMBL Y (On the) morrow (of the) close (of Covenant. the) Ri<;ivan period share (with) Na­ Beloved Friends: (The) following pioneers (have tional Assemblies (of the) Baha'i The beloved Guardian's message been) inscribed (on the) Roll (of) world additional glad tidings sup­ to the Annual Convention represents Honor since (the) fifth periodic an­ plementing (the) message addressed his deep gratification at the results nouncement: Bruce Matthews, How­ (a) fortnight ago (to) delegates (to) of the first year of the Ten Year ard Gilliland, Labrador; Olivia Kel­ national Conventions East (and) Plan. Its scope is world-wide and not sey (and) Florence Ullrich, Monaco; West. confined to American Baha'is alone. Joan Powis, South Rhodesia ; Sohrab We can be both humble and grate­ Six acre (and) five acre plots Payman, San Marino; Samuel j1ki, ful at his reference to the ' ·superb (have been) purchased (in) Kampa­ Mehrangiz Munsiff. French Camer­ feats of the heroic company of the la (and) Panama City (.as) sites (of) oons; Gail Avery, Baranof Island; Knights of the Lord of Hosts," and future Temples (in the) heart (of Benedict Eballa. Ashanti Protector­ be impressed anew with our sense the) African continent (and) Central ate; Martin Manga, Northern Terri­ America. of mission - "the spiritual conquest tories Protectorate ; Gayle Woolson, of the planet." First historic African Spiritual As­ Galapagos Islands; Bula Stewart In the Guardian's majestic words semblies (have been) formed (in) (and) John Allen and wife, Swazi­ we see the unfoldment of the Cru­ Johannesburg, Brazzaville, Victoria, land; Charles Duncan, Harry Clark, sade undertaken by the Baha'is of Topremang, Casablanca, Tangier, John Fozdar, Brunei; Dav·d Tanyi, East and West. The catalog itself is Algiers, Tripoli, Bukora. (In) Ugan­ French Togoland; Edward Tabe, Al­ stupendous: the opening of one hun­ da alone, eleven additional Assem­ bert Buapiah, Briti sh Togoland; Kay dred countries; translation of Baha'i blies (have been) established, over Zinky, Magdalen Islands ; John texts into over forty-two languages; three hundred (and) eighty addition­ (and) Margery Kellberg. Dutch West the increase of races represented in al converts enrolled, raising (the) Indi es ; Robert Powers, Jr., (and total white (and) Negro believers the Baha'i World Community to thir­ Cynthia Olson, Mariana Islands ; Ha­ ty-five ; completion of the Dome of (to) over six hundred (and) seventy. bib Esfahani, French West Africa. the Shrine of the Bab; selection of (The) number (of) localities (where) (The) Roll (of) Honor, after (the) site for first Baha'i Temple of the Baha'is reside (on the) Arabian Pe­ lapse (of) one year since (the) Holy Land; measures taken for ap­ ninsula (is) now over fifteen, (in) launching (of the) World Crusade, pointment by Hands of the Cause of Egypt (and) Sudan over forty, (in five Auxiliary Boards ; great in­ the) British Isles over fifty, (in) tis) now closed, (with the) excep­ tion (of) pioneers (who have) al­ crease in the area held for the Faith Australasia over sixty, (in the) ten ready left (for their) destination, as in the Holy Land; the laying out of European goal countries over sev­ well (as) those first arriving (in the) formal gardens at the Shrine of enty, (in) Germany and Austria over Baha'u'llah; completion of design for seventy, (in) Uganda over eighty, few remaining virgin territories in­ the international Baha'i Archives; (in) Canada over (a) hundred, (in) side (and) outside Soviet Republics Israel Branches of four additional Latin America over (a) hundred (and) satellites. National Spiritual Assemblies legal­ (and) ten, (in the) Indian subcon­ (The) Concourse (on) High will ly established; establishment of a tinent (and) Burma over (a) hun­ continue (to) applaud (the) highly special B aha'i Department in the dred (and) thirty, (in the) African meritorious services rendered (by) Ministry of Religious Affairs; pur­ continent over (a) hundred (and) futu re volunteers arising (to) rein­ chase of the site of Siyah-Cbal; in­ ninety, (in) Persia over six hundred force (the) historic work (so) nobly auguration of eleven Temple Funds tand in the) United States over initiated (by the) Knight s (of) - not to m ention the great victories twelve h undred, swelling (the) num- Baha'u'llah (in the) far-flung, newly llAHA'I NEWS 5

opened territories. Posterity will sixty cities of the country. There are results they will achieve. likewise record (with) admiration over sixty tribes represented in the The Guardian calls expectantly to (and) gratitude (the) initial victories Baha"i population. Literature has the believers of America, the fa­ destined (to) be won (in the) course been translated into over twenty-five vored friends of the Master, to arise (of the) spiritual conquest (of the) languages. now, and gain such victories in the continents (and) islands (of the) Uganda is the area producing the Teaching Field, both at home and globe. most remarkable results. Two years abroad, as to astonish the Baha'i -SHOGlll ago there were no Baha'is in that world, even surpassing the victories May 4, 1954 territory-today the Faith is estab­ of Africa. H e particularly awaits the COMMENTARY : NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY lished in over sixty cities ;-there response of the dedicated souls, are thirteen Spiritual Assemblies. white and colored, who will raise Beloved Friends: Qi,;er ten more Spir~tual Assemb:ies the Call among the Negroes of Shoghi Effendi has graciously pre­ \\·ill be added April 21, 1954; over America. sented to the world-wide B aha'i Com­ six hundred new African Baha 'is Setting aside all the shibboleths of munity a message of glad tidings have enrolled. present day living, leaving behind which stirs the heart with awe and The beloved Guardian directs that the false standards of those endeav­ with joy. we ponder deeply the great vic­ oring to solve the world's problems Through his eyes we behold, as it tories won in Uganda, and the rea­ by weak platitudes, and demonstrat­ were, a map on which are depicted sons why they were achieved. We ing the new B aha'i way of dynamic glorious scenes of spiritual victory should analyze why similar victories spiritual living, let them, relying on i.n East and West. The continents are have not been won everywhere in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, arise theaters in which this greatest of the Baha'i world, particularly in to spread the Water of Life over dramas is being enacted. With in­ orth America, the land of the cho­ America. This will produce the re­ creasing force Baha'is are laying an sen trustees of the Master's Divine sults which the cries of humanity unassailable foundation for the fu­ Plan. today require. Where are the spirit­ ture World Civilization. Completely dedicated to their sa­ ual souls who will now seize their Here has been generated the mo­ cred mission, consecrated to the opportunity, and achieve immortal mentum needed to evoke even great­ great service they had undertaken. glory in the service of the Faith! er and more ardent effort through­ their lives and conduct in accord­ FaithfuUy yoHrs, out the second year of the Ten Year ance with the teachings of Baha'u'­ (signed) LEROY IoAs Plan. Our Baha'i world is in a tu­ !lah, the original pioneers to Uganda Assistant Secretary mult of enthusiasm. The real mean­ arose with prayerful zeal to carry COMMENTAR Y: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY ing of the World Crusade-a destiny the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom to and not a mere program-penetrates the native inhabitants. They demon­ An Example to be Followed our hearts. Our greatest blessing is strated that the Baha'i has no preju­ By Baha' ls Everywhere a Guardian who finds happiness dice of any type. Through their lov­ in the work of the followers of ing association on the basis of equal­ Beloved Friends: Baha'u'llah. ity, they soon won the hearts and The letter written on behalf of the -NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY souls of the people. Guardian by the Assistant Secretary is published in BAHA.'f NEWS by the 111!111111111111111111t11111111ttlllllll11111111111111111111111111ltlll11111tlllll!l!tlllitllllllllliltlllllllll So effective has been their teach­ ing, that the new African Baha'is Guardian's direction. The Guardian "THE CONTINENT OF have arisen in numbers to carry the wishes it to have wide circulation. AFRICA IS PRE-EMINENT" Message throughout the land, not What has been achieved in Africa National Spiritual Assembly of the only Uganda, but other consolidation sets an example to be followed by territories and, more important, in Baha'is of the United States. Baha'is everywhere. We are to pon­ Mr. Horace Holley, S2cretary virgin areas of the Crusade. Over six of the virgin areas of the Crusade der why such victories have been 536 Sheridan Road, won in Africa and not in our own Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A. have been filled by the new African Baha'is. towns and cities. Dear Baha'i Friends: The peoples generally are seeking The Guardian sees no reason why The resounding victories won dur­ the light of Divine Guidance. The similar victories should not be ing the first year of the Ten Year problems of the world have awak­ achieved in all parts of the world. Crusade have brought great happi­ ened the populace. It only remains The more profoundly we study this ness to the beloved Guardian. Nine­ for the Baha'is to raise the Call and challenge, the sooner will we begin ty-nine of the virgin areas have been give the Message according to the working according to a higher stand­ settled, and it is hoped all areas high standards enunciated by the be­ ard, thereby carrying the beloved outside of the Iron Curtain countries loved Master. The world can become Faith to new and greater heights. will be settled by the end of the a.live with the gifts of the Holy -NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEM BLY Ric;lvan period. Spirit, if the Baha'is fulfill their sa­ lllltlllllllltllltlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllltlllllllUlllllllltllllllllllllllllllllllllltllllllllU The continent of Africa is pre-emi­ cred obligations. AMERICAN HANDS OF CAUSE nent in its record of achievement. In pioneering fields, and on the APPOINTS AUXILIARY BOARD The spread of the Faith has been home front, the friends must arise miraculous there. Since the opening "·ith the same spirit of ded~cation The three American H ands of the of the Crusade, fifty territories and and consecration which animated Cause, prayerfully acting in accord­ islands have been opened. Baha'is the original pioneers. If they do. ance with the beloved Guardian 's are now living in one hundred 2nd they will be astonished at the great directions, have appointed a Board 6 JUNE, 1954 of nine members for teaching work HANDS OF CAUSE OF AS IA NATIONAL in North America, Central America, APPOINT AUXILIARY BOARD South America and the goals located Through their Secretary, Mr. A. SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY throughout the Western Hemisphere. Furutan, the Hands of the Cause in The teaching activities of the Aux­ Asia have informed the ational NATIONAL ELECTION iliary Board of the Hands are aimed Spiritud Assembly of the United The delegates attending the 46th at assisting the four established Na­ States that they have appointed an Annual Convention of the Baha'is of tional Spiritual Assemblies of the Auxiliary Board of seven persons. the United States, and those voting Western Hemisphere in fullfilling the Their names are: Agnes Alexander, by mail, elected the following a­ tasks allotted to them under the Ten Carl Scherer. Elena M.arsella Fer­ tional Spiritual Assembly. Year Plan. nie, Davoud Toeg, Abbas Ali Butt, With their officers, the members The nine members nominated and Abul Qasim Faizi, Kazim Kazimza­ are: Paul E. Haney, Chairman; reported to the Guardian through the deh. Charles Wolcott, Vice-Chairman · Hands of the Cause serving at the Horace Holley, Secretary; Charlott~ Baha'i World Center are: EUROPEAN AUXILIARY BOARD Linfoot, Assistant Secretary; Edna South America - Margot Worley, In accordance with instructions of M. True, Recording Secretary; H. B . Gayle Woolson; Centrai America - the Guardian in his messages of Kavelin, Treasurer; Margery McCor­ E steban Canales; United States - October 8, 1952, and April 5, 1954, the mick, Lawrence Hautz, Robert Mc­ (and international) - William de Hands of the Cause of the European Laughlin. Forge, Margery McCormick, Kather­ Continent have appointed the follow­ THE HOME FRONT ine McLaughlin, Florence Mayberry, ing Baha'i members of the Auxiliary TEACHING PLAN Dr. Sarah Pereira; Canada - Row­ Board to serve in the designated The goal of the home front teach­ land Estall. areas: ing plan is to establish at least 300 "The hour is ripe," the Guardian 1) Great Britain and Ireland, Faroe local Spiritual Assemblies by 1963 . cabled, "to proceed during Ric;l.van Islands, Iceland, Spitzbergen, Lofo­ To achieve this ultimate goal the Na­ with the appointment . . . of Auxil­ ten Islands and Norway: Marion Hof­ tional Spiritual Assembly calls at­ iary Boards, whose members, acting man and Dorothy F erraby, to assist tention to the list of goal cities es­ as deputies, assistants and advisors George Townshend, Hand of the tablished last year which will remain of the H ands. must increasingly lend Cause. as goals for this year. New goal their assistance for the promotion 2) Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Ger­ cities will be added as the plan pro­ of the interests of the Ten Year Cru­ many, Austria, Netherlands, Bel­ gresses. As virgin goals become set­ sade." gium, Luxembourg, France, Corsica, tled, they will be consolidation goals. The N.ational Assembly suggests The Guardian also states that the Andorra, Yugoslavia (and countries that every believer participate in the Hands are to forge "ties with the not yet accessible): E ugen Schmidt, Anna Grossmann, Louis Henuzet, accomplishment of this task through National Spiritual Assemblies of the his activities in one of the following Baha'i world for the purpose of lend­ Joel Marengella, to assist Dr. Her­ man Grossmann and Dr. Adelbert roles: ing them assistance in attaining the 1. The Role of the Area Te aching MUhlschlegel, Hands of the Cause. objectives of the Ten Year Plan. Committee. 3) Spain, P ortugal, Balearic Is­ To make it possible for the Aux­ The Area Teaching Committee is lands, Monaco, Liechtenstein, San iliary Boards to fulfill their mission, responsible for bringing to Assembly Marino, Switzerland, Italy, Sicily, the Guardian has transmitted an status all Baha'i localities of the area Sardinia, Malta, Greece, Crete, initial contribution of five thousand outside the established Baha'i com­ Rhodes, Cyprus: E lsa Steinmetz, pounds to be equally divided among munities. To accomplish this pur­ Angeline Giachery and Tove Dele­ the five continents, and has appealed pose, the Area Teaching Committee to both individuals and ational uran, to assist Ugo Giachery, Hand is to encourage volunteer activities Assemblies to augment these funds. of the Cause. by individuals, unified action by "Appeal to the twelve National groups, extension teaching by com­ Assemblies and individuals to insure MEMORIAL IN HONOR munities, and the attendance of aU a steady augmentation of Funds believers at area conferences. OF MARION JACK 2. The Role of Assemblies . through assignment in National Bud­ As directed by the Guardian, a a. To make a careful survey of the gets by individual donations." Memorial gathering is to be held in honor of the " immortal hero­ area and report to the Area Teach­ Trustees were named by the ing Committee what extension work Guardian for each of the Continental ine," Marion Jack, in the Baha'i Temple. It will be conducted jointly it will assume in goal cities or other Funds. The trustee for America is by the National Spiritual Assem­ centers. Horace Holley. blies of Canada and the United b. To encourage dispersal of pio­ "Fervently supplicating at the States and European Teaching neers from large communities (with Holy Threshold for an unprecedented Committee - 8:00 P .M. , Saturday, over fifteen believers) for settlement measure of blessings on this vital July 3, 1954. All Baha'is are invited to attend in some goal city. and indispensable organ of the em­ this Memorial, and pay tribute to c. To encourage deepening classes bryonic and steadily unfolding Baha'i one who, in Shoghi Effendi's words, for increasing the capacity of be­ Administrative Order," the Guard­ was "surpassed in constancy, dedi­ lievers to serve the World Crusade. ian added. cation, self-abnegation and fear­ 3. The Role of the Group CORINNE T RUE, lessness by none except the incom­ To strive to attain Assembly sta­ parable Martha Root." H ORACE H OLLEY, tus by unified action and the use of -NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY P AUL E. HANEY all the available facilities of the BAHA'I NEWS 7 Area Teaching Committee and ex­ multiplies-our lack of effort will un­ . tension teaching committees. tention from every Assembly and dermine a great structure. It is a Committee. Two types of contact are 4. The Role of the Individual matter of realization, of will of de­ a. To arrive at an understanding enc~~;aged. by individuals and by termination and of devotion.' Baha i bodies: those which aim to of America's responsibilities in the -NATIONAL S PIRITUAL ASSEMBLY World Crusade and how he himself teach and confirm; and those which can best participate in the accom­ PUBLIC AND PERSONAL are to create well-wishers. Each plishment of the tasks. CONTACTS type is most successfully approached b. To make the sacred Baha'i lit­ when the committee or the individ­ Beloved Friends: ual plans its or his contact in ad­ erature his daily companion through The Guardian has advised the Na­ vance, and undertakes only a limit­ study and meditation of such works tional Spiritual Assembly of the ed objective in the first interview or a Cleanings from the Writings of United States that the time has come conversation. By limiting the objec­ Baha'u'llah. to arrange for Baha'i contact with tive to the creation of interest on The Home Front Teaching Plan national officials and with important the part of prospective B aha'is, and presented above is not a program "public figures" in State and large the creation of respect on the part but a means for attaining a specific city administrations. The purpose is of people of influence, we handle the goal. Each of us in the United States to establish "friendly relations" with first approach with greater ease and is not only involved but committed persons of influence, and the method assurance. To win a reading of the and pledged, for the goal has been is to be through interviews by two presentation pamphlet is all we need defined by the Guardian himself. The or three believers. A national com­ strive for at first. Let the second Plan coordinates in one aim the mittee is to interview national offi­ step, if any, be taken by the other American National Teaching Com­ cials, and committees appointed by person voluntarily and without pres­ mittee, the Area Teaching Commit­ larger local Assemblies specifically sure. tees, the Assemblies, the groups and designated by the National Assem­ Teaching the F aith is like a Shrine the individual believers. Its dynamic bly are to int~rview State and City rising from an outer court. To enter is love of God, its weapon is con­ officials. the Shrine the visitor has to pass secration to unified action. It begins Success in this new and important through the outer court. It is there, for each of us at that very instant public relations program will have in the preliminary approach, that we attain to a conscious resolve to great effect upon the standing and we assure success or failure in our give our lives to the Faith. operation of the American Baha'i undertaking. Graciousness, inner Specific programs for public meet­ Community in years to come when conviction, appreciation of the other ings will be announced from time to ecclesiastical criticisms of the Cause person's background and standing, time. These provide occasions for of God will be rife. and infinite patience, are the char­ special contacts with the public. In order to focus the interview acteristics of a faith which can However, the P lan is continuous, and upon a specific purpose, the National transcend our own personality and we do not participate if we are only Assembly has prepared a special fit us to be servants of the Merciful. interested in a schedule of public pamphlet entitled The Religion of -NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY meetings. H umanity - The Meaning of the The National Assembly is account­ Baha'i Faith, which the various com­ RECOGNITION OF BAHA'I able to the Guardian for the prog­ mittees, local and national, are to HOLY DAYS ress of the World Crusade in all present to the leaders interviewed. The School Superintendent of areas assigned to the United States. Copies are obtainable through the P eoria has notified the local Assem­ This accountability is constant, not Publishing Committee in the usual bly that Baha'i children will be ex­ a matter of a report at the end of way. cused from attendance on their re­ the Ten Year Plan. The Interconti­ The pamphlet can be freely used ligious Holy Days. His notice was nental Teaching Committees, the by believers generally, and can be dated February 16, 1954. American National Teaching Com­ presented to newspaper editors, ra­ The Spiritual Assembly of Sacra­ mittee and the Area Teaching Com­ dio and TV program directors, edu­ mento, California, reports that mittees are all active and respon­ cators, as well as to personal con­ Baha'i children in that city can be sible. Many local communities are tacts. (See Publishing Committee excused from attendance at public participating with all their power. announcement in this issue.) schools on Baha'i Holy Days, on The local Assembly in many cases What the National Assembly application by the parent to the seems to be immersed in local per­ wishes the friends to note are these school Principal. sonality problems, generating no important points: First, public offi­ Baha'is of South Bend, Indiana power to project itself into the larger cials are to be contacted only by asked the principal of the Perley nation al effort. authorized Baha'i representatives; School to excuse their children from Second, the purpose of each inter­ This year may we witness a quick­ attendance on Bah a'i Holy days. This view is to create respect of, and ening spirit within all communities permission was readily granted. and groups. For we no longer live good feeling for, the Baha'i teach­ our Baha'i lives for ourselves alone. ings, and therefore only the general CORRECTIONS IN Upon the United States collectively purposes of the Faith are to be rests the responsibility for a world stressed. Third, the local Assemblies GUARDIAN 'S CABLE OF mission. What each of us does concerned are only those which re­ FEBRUARY 8, 1954 counts for pioneers abroad, count~ ceive a special authorization from The National Spiritual Assembly for purchase of Temple sites, counts the National Assembly. Fourth, the has received from Haifa a list of for translation of Baha'i texts into vital question of developing new con­ corrections to be made in the text many native languages. Our effort tacts in general deserves careful at- of the Guardian's cable dated Feb- 8 JUNE, 1954 ruary 8, 1954, published on page 1 uation with a commanding view. matrices. Malagasy and Suto trans­ of BAHA.'f NEws for March. " The property, 91h miles from the lations are being proofread. Trans­ In paragraph 6, " Togoland" should city, at North Balgowla, has been in­ lations are in progress in the Grebo, be "Togolands;" in paragraph 11 , spected and the N.ational Spiritual Kpelle, Dagbane, Bemba, Ruanda " opening year (of the) auspiciously­ Assembly has accepted it as a Tem­ and Susu languages. unfolding decade" should be "open­ ple site. A cable stating 'Purchase In addition to these translations ing year (of this) auspiciously-un­ secured four acres Temple site' which are goals of the World Cru­ folding decade;" paragraph 12, " ad­ has been sent to Shoghi Effendi. The sade, much material has been care­ ditional volunteers (into the) same National Spiritual Assembly is fully prepared and mimeographed in territories" should be •·additional pleased to announce the completion the Swahili, Lumasaba, Luganda, volunteers (into these) same terri­ of this part of the Ten Year Goal and Ateso languages . tories." and sincerely thank the friends for -NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY their assistance in attaining it." TRANSLATION INTO CHEROKEE CORRESPONDENCE FRANKFURT TEMPLE The American Indian Service Com­ CONCERNING BAHA'I NEWS SITE SELECTED mittee is happy to announce the AND BAHA'I PUBLICITY Announcement is made by the Na­ completion of the translation of the In order to remove a cause for tional Spiritual Assembly of the first selection of Baha'i literature Baha'is of Germany and Austria of confusion in Baha'i correspondence, into the Cherokee language. This se­ selection of the site for the Baha'i lection was the prayer, the National Spiritual Assembly has House of Worship. The site was Blessed is the spot, and the house, changed the name of Bahci'i News chosen by the Guardian from three and the place, and the city, and the Service to Bahci'i Press Service. This locations submitted to him, which heart, and the mountain, and the is the Committee which deals with in turn had been voted by the Na­ refuge, and the cave, and the vaUey, publicity. tion.al Spiritual Assembly out of six and the land, and the sea, and the Many believers have written to possibilities. The site selected lies island, and the meadow where men­ BAHA. 'f NEWS Editorial Committee about one mile from the city limits tion of God hath been made, and His when they meant Bahci'i News Ser­ of Frankfurt, on a high plateau near praise glorified. vice Committee. the Taunus Hills, and affords a wide -Baha'u'llah Please note that when you address view over the city of Frankfurt and BAHA 'i JEws you write to BAHA 'i the autobahn toward Kassel and PIONEERS IN THE NEWS Editorial Committee, 110 Lin­ Hannover. SOUTH PACIFIC den Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, and Steps are already being taken to The following passages are taken when you address the national pub­ announce an international competi­ from a letter addressed by Mr. and licity activity you write to Bahci'i tion to Baha'i and non-Baha'i archi­ Mrs. Roy Fernie, pioneers, to the Press Service, 6543 N. Campbell Ave­ tects for submission of designs for Guardian on March 6, 1954. Publica­ nue, Chicago 45, Illinois. the House of Worship to be built on tion here is by direction of the -NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY this site, as one of the tasks of the Guardian. In these passages we live World Crusade. again in the age of 'dawn-breakers.' " We felt that we would like to CRUSADE TRANSLATIONS INTO share with you our first report from AFRICAN LANGUAGES the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, there­ SEVENTH PIONEER REPORT The 1954 Convention Report of the fore we enclose a copy, the original The National Spiritual Assembly National Spiritual Assembly of the of which we have sent to the Asia of the Baha'is of the United States is Baha'is of the British Isles states: Teaching Committee of Central happy to announce the arrival of the '·With the approval of the Guard­ America." following pioneers at their posts in ian, substitutes have been found fo r " Early in our stay (in Fiji) Roy World Crusade goal areas. some of the African languages orig­ arranged a piano concert for me and ARRIVALS IN VIRGIN AREAS in.ally selected for translation. In a radio broadcast of the same pro­ Mrs. Vivian Wesson and !\l[iss some cases it was found that the gram. That gave us an " in" with Mavis Nyman arrived in French To­ languages chosen were local dia­ the European group and from that goland, May 2, 1954. lects, in others another of the se­ time we fraternized with both Mrs. Elizabeth Stamp arrived in lected languages was equally well 'blacks' and 'whites,' without any St. Helena May 4. understood, and in others it was sign of friction on either side. ARRIVALS IN CONSOLIDATION AREAS found that another langu.:i.ge was "Although the Indian Baha'is and Mrs. Laura Kelsey Allen arrived more widely spoken'. The following students were aware of our true pur­ in Tripoli, Liby.a. September 3. 1953. substitutes have been approved: pose in going to the Gilbert and El­ Grebo for Gio, Kpelle for Kroo, Dag­ lice Islands, it was not disclosed to TEMPLE SITE IN AUSTRALIA bane for Ashanti, Susu for Yalunka, anyone else. The British Govern­ The National Spiritual Assembly Baoule for Aladian, Mbundo for Lu­ ment is fed up with missionaries, of the Baha'is of Australia and New im bi, Lingala for Bua, Luba for and here in the colonies they apoear Zealand announces the following in Wongo, Ruanda- for Sena, Duala for to be anti-American, as well. Since its official publication, National Gu, Shilluk for Krongo, Kongo for there is no work for Americans in News Items. Banu and Shangaan· for Ronga." the Gilberts and they consider that After much searching, the mem­ A pamphlet in Yao has been print­ nobody in his right mind would want bers of the Temple Site committee ed. Gu and Shona · pamphlets are to come here unless he was forced in Sydney have finally located a sit- with the printers, awaiting special to by duty, we had to invent a plausi- BAHA'I NEWS 9

ble reason for desiring to enter. No to take us across to Abaiang Island victory which permeated their letter good reason, no permission to enter. in his own boat, the 'Kia Kia,' to the Guardian. As a result Roy is a 'scientist, where he has another house which " After a long wait, the goal has engaged in research work on Gil­ he seldom uses. Not satisfied with finally been reached. It is a new bertese language, culture, customs, doing that much for us, he instruct­ way of life to us, one that will chal­ etc.' Having made such a claim we ed his son to get us a house built on lenge our resources, prove our pa­ were c0nscience-bound to make it so. Abaiang. tience and sincerity and demand the "While I was pioneering in the "The last of our problems van­ utmost of us as Baha'is. The future Dommican Republic, I was privi- ished in the same magical manner. will make or break us; that is cer­ leged to meet the famous Dr. J. B. Now with our cabled permission to tain. For products of Western civili­ enter in hand, there weren't any zation, such as we, there is no better Rhme of Duke University, originator boats to take us, not until April 3. testing ground than these islands. of a new science called 'Parapsy­ We even investigated the possibility " Our departure from Suva was chology' (Extra-Sensory Percep­ of chartering a plane. We kept hurried. A friend in one of the ship­ tion). I attended his lectures, was straight faces when the airline said ping offices called at 11 A.M. one greatly impressed _both by the man it would only cost 2000 pounds, and morning and asked if we had heard and by his amazmg experiments, didn't have a good laugh until we that 'the Vasu is sailing for Tarawa chatted with him personally many got outside. We turned to the ~ablet at five this afternoon.' Of course we times and finally gave him the of Ahmad again and rather lightly hadn't heard; however, from that Baha'i message. I suggested that rema.rked that we guessed Baha­ moment for the next six hours there Roy write to him and offer his serv­ 'u'llah 'would have to send us a was a mad scramble to get every­ ices. boat.' He did-with the same start­ thing ready for our departure. As "Dr. Rhin•' answered immediate­ ling rapidity. At 11 o'clock in the you may realize our baggage and ly, remembered me, s~owed gre~t morning we received a telephone call equipment was not light as we had enthusiasm in the proJect and m to bring with us nearly everything from a friend saying that the M/ S ideas which Roy had expressed and necessary to maintain life here. Our said he would be delighted to co­ 'Vasu,' originally bound for New total equipage includes six large operate in research work on the Gil­ Zealand, had been chartered for Tar­ packing cases of everything from bertese people. awa instead. It was leaving that aft­ stoves and Coleman lamps to a re­ "He offered to send tests and ma­ ernoon at 5 o'clock ... so here we frigerator and medical supplies, and terials for scientific research work are. Roy says that if we had said the of course, the piano. By the grace of and invited Roy to send in articles Tablet of Ahmad with any more the powers that be, we got on board for publication in the Journal of 'sincerity' th~n he did, we wouldn't before sailing time, bag and bag­ Parapsychology. Since Roy and sci­ even have had six hours to make it! gage not, however, without having to ence go together like a duck and "The sequel to the *'Dawn-break­ neglect the obtaining of some neces­ a pond, he's happy. Dr. Rhine is er' is just as amazing. Alone we sary items that the time element happy, I'm happy, the Resident could not carry out our plans. Once prohibited. Commissioner of the Gilbert and El­ in Suva, however, the dream began " Then the fun started. No sooner lice Islands Colony is happy, and the to take form. Alvin Blum heard had we gotten clear of the reef at ways of God are marvelous beyond about it and offered his help. A new Suva, we realized how small schoon­ description! and very beloved Indian boy sudden­ ers behave on the open ocean. It "The Tablet of Al)mad has been ly appeared on the scene, embraced is hard to believe that any craft as magic for us as Aladdin's lamp the Faith against the opposition of could roll so hard and so fast. With­ for the heroes and heroines of his Muslim relatives-and what out shame, we both admit that we legend. The Resident Commissioner should he happen to be but a boat were deathly seasick. The trip lasted finally said we could enter, if we builder. His will be the loving hands eight days and made us recall the could find a place to stay. He in­ that make the 'Dawn-breaker' a real­ 'Resurgent' as being a sort of luxury formed us that there were no hotels, ity, and we, with Alvin, and prob­ liner. It had its compensations, how­ no guest houses and we couldn't ably Stanley Bolton, Jr., will help ever, for the officers and crew were build our own because all materials to finance and outfit her, as our re­ fine people. were committed for 1954. We didn't sources permit it. "As we sighted Tarawa, the Cap­ know a soul in the Gilberts. Upon "The Gilberts are primitive be­ receipt of the Commissioner's tain turned to us and said 'There­ yond belief. They seem almost not is the end of the world!' lengthy cable we recited the Tablet to belong to the rest of the world. of Ahmad. The next day we went God willing, the 'Dawn-breaker' will "We were met on arrival by the two Schutz brothers, whose father down.town. I had had several chats carry Baha'is on teaching trips to had radioed our pending arrival with a woman in a store whose cou­ all of the Islands of the Pacific, from Suva. Again Baha'u'llah has sin once lived in the Gilberts. We whether they be far-flung and for­ showered His bounties upon us, for went to see her, she referred us to gotten like the Gilberts, or busy they have offered u s the hospitality someone else, that someone else re­ crossroads of the world like Fiji." ferred us to someone else, and the of their home (a beautiful Gilbertese last 'someone else' was entertain­ Pioneers Write Home type rambling house) and we will ing his best friend, a Mr. Schutz, the The following letter from Mr. and be staying here for a few days before last of the independent traders in all Mrs. Roy Fernie, written to Baha'i pushing on to Abaiang Island where of the Gilberts. That evening Mr. friends, dated March 6, 1954, is pub­ we will take up permanent resi­ Schutz literally took us to his bosom. lished by the Guardian's direction. dence. Maybe you will remember He wired his son in Tarawa to ex­ It adds to the deep sense of spiritual from previous correspondence how tend us hospitality in Tarawa, then • A boat they plan to build. the elder Schutz befriended us in 10 JUNE, 1954

Suva and was instrumental in over­ missionaries haven't succeeded in like very mighty eagles in the heav­ coming our greatest difficulties in making all of the Gilbertese ladies enly sky. Such are the soldiers of obtaining entry to the Gilberts. The 'modest' according to European Baha'u'llah. O ! How I wish I accom­ Schutz family run a trading com­ standards, so they still dress, for the panied them! May Baha'u'llah sus­ pany known as 'Tangitang' which most part, from the waist down tain them and guide their footsteps is the only non-government trading more than from the waist up. Either along the glorious Path of spiritual concern that remains in the islands. they wear nothing, or else a man's understanding and selfless sacrifice " Yesterday we took a trip around undershirt, when they are at home so that they may grow into trees Betio Island, which is the part of working. When they go to shop at whose fruits will be the food for the Tarawa Atoll that took the brunt of the Cooperative Society they 'dress hungry ones. My constant prayer is the recent war. The beaches are lit­ up.' that they may be enabled to find tered with rusting landing craft, '"We will keep you informed of our suitable means of settlement. I know tanks, guns and the tools of 'civil­ progress, although the letters may the beloved Guardian's fervent ized' man's way of life. A little in­ take ages to get to you. We shall be prayers are with them. land are the pock-marked remains deeply grateful for all and anything "The Faith is spreading steadily. of massive fortifications and gun you may send us. For a time at least To date it is represented in six towns emplacements, left by the Japanese. we shall have only ourselves to dis­ (locations): Buea, Bota and Victo­ One also notices that all the palm cuss the Faith with, but we both ria; Titco, Lobe and Matengave; trees and pandanus are very small, feel that, as Jimmy Barrett says, with a good number of verbal dec­ being only a few years old, as the 'a hole has been punched' through larations. Of course man power is entire island was razed by bombard­ the heavenly canvas and the boun­ still lacking; but I hope very soon ment, during those ill-fated weeks. ties of Baha'u'llah will rain down on we shall be enabled to meet the de­ Already the undergrowth is begin­ this desert. It, like Mount Carmel, mand. Already a Baha'i pamphlet is ning to cover the evidences of vio­ will blossom as the rose." in process of being translated into lence as if nature, in her shame, Douala." wishes to hide the handiwork of her LETTER FROM BAHA'I PIONEER LETTERS highest creation. Although the island BROTHER IN AFRICA The National Spiritual Assembly is returning to its former state, the The following passages are taken wishes to share the following pass­ sight of wanton destruction and a from a letter written by one of the ages from pioneer letters, in keeping pathetic solitary soldier's helmet, new African Baha'is, Enoch Olinga, lying forgotten on a blinding white with its policy of keeping the Baha'i who was enrolled some two years world inform ed of the spirit and coral beach, impressed us with a ago in Uganda. He left his home to heartbreaking sadness. some of the incidents which charac­ volunteer in the British Cameroons terize the unfoldment of the World " Thousands lie here, buried and in the autumn of 1953. There is now Crusade. unburied, their chalky bones left to a Spiritual Assembly in his goal city. tell the story of a peaceful necklace With this brief statement of fact Excerpts from Pioneer Letters to of islands, which seemed to be of no is presented a truly remarkable doc­ the Africa Teach ing Committee use to anyone in the world but their ument which can prove a great Dr. Robert Gulick, Tripoli, L ibya. dusky Micronesian inhabitants, un­ stimulus to Baha'is, who, though " Libya has one Assembly in til, overnight, they became a silker their circumstances are materially Benghazi: barring untoward inci­ cord around the neck of an aggressor superior, do not accomplish for the dents, it should have at least two by nation. Faith what this African brother Ri~van with Tripoli being the sec­ "We are feeling our way around does. (His letter was written to ond. The more difficult province to here, from the teaching standpoint. Haifa.) reach is the Fezzan with its sparse As we no doubt reported before, "At first it looked almost impos­ population (around 50,000) and diffi­ there are French Catholic missions sible to conceive the idea to get any cult climate. The Benghazi assem­ here, and also Church of England, of the new believers leave their bly is setting aside twenty pounds a known here as the London Mission­ homes to move to foreign lands; but month (around $56) to assist settlers ary Society. The very presence of I knew very well that the beloved in that province. Government people on Tarawa Guardian, who is actually watching "An interesting characteristic of would restrict our activities to a the world and all the believers, could this community (Tripoli) is that it great extent, because they would not have asked for the impossible. is composed of representatives of automatically tend to keep us in As soon as the news reached their East and West: Persians, Amer­ their circles. It is for that reason attentive and sensitive ears the be­ icans, 'Iraqis, and E gyptians: that we wish to go to Abaiang, the lievers reacted in such a manner prayers are read or chanted in Eng­ neighboring island to the North. that a spectator could take them for lish, Arabic, and P ersian, and con­ There are no Europeans there out­ drunkards. Indeed so. They really sultation must proceed in both side of the Missions, yet we will be became intoxicated with the choicest Arabic and English." near enough to Tarawa to come over wine of His love, and of submissive­ Bill and Marguerite Sears, J ohannes­ whenever necessary or feasible. ness and obedience to the call of burg, Union of South Africa. their Best Beloved. Pioneering offers "In our next we will try to send a Jinja, Uganda, November 20, 1953. picture of a Gilbertese house, one poured in like locusts and clear signs such as we will have. Believe it or of readiness to move the next min­ Report From Uganda not, if there is a European or Amer­ ute were manifest, forgetting their "This report will be very informal ican type house here, we haven't yet property and loving relatives and and will include our trip to Kampala seen it. Picture a little African vil­ families. When 'Ali arrived not a sin­ and J inja, as well as to the Teso lage and you've got an idea. The gle minute was wasted. Off they flew Conference School. BAHA'I NEWS 11

"We arrived at Kampala, Friday "We left Kampala for Jinja on the right now-quickly!) He's been in night Sept. 18. The Elston's met our 28th of September. With regret we Jinja so long it's hard to get through plane and took us to our quarters. left 'Ali's house. It is lovely really. to him in English. The Nakhjavani's and Bananis had Except when you have to share it ''If any of your African pioneers left us an empty house, a cocker with the rain. It has large bright, have the opportunity to visit Uganda spaniel dog and a houseboy who airy rooms and a lovely garden with before going to their posts, or at any spoke fluent Luo, broken Swahili, paw paw, mango and palm trees. time, I recommend very seriously and fractured English. There are vines with guava in abun­ that they go to Jinja and listen to "The Elston's warned us that 'Ali's dance, and a vine with a gay morn­ Philip teach the African people. It landlord would not repair the roof, ing glory of the Texas (vitamin-fed) has been of more help to me than and that if it rained the roof would variety. We look across a broad any one single thing on this journey. leak and we could hear its dripping. green valley and up a high majestic ' 'There was a very good omen the There was, it did, and we could. The hill. We have taken a picture of it for night we arrived in Jinja. It rained. thunder was louder than the drums posterity. For although they tell us Philip said it would keep the hip­ from the Kabaka's palace up the it will be impossible to obtain, we popotami out of his garden at night. hill. At the first crash, Paul (the still are certain someday the Temn'e They come up from the Nile source, houseboy) brought pails, tubs, pans will look down and bless the city attracted no doubt by the singing and buckets. He placed them while from there. that Philip and the believers do the floor was dry, but every one "We parted with many embraces, after the meetings. was a bull's-eye. Soon the rains a few tears, and much confusion. An " The next day, Philip took us to came. They made all sorts of weird hour and a half later, we were in the Ripon Falls, headwaters of the noises as they landed in the various Jinja. Nile. We saw the metal plaque that containers. Bing! Bang! Bong! Ping! "Oh, yes, we bought a c.ar. Had says: 'Speke discovered the Ripon Flip! Marguerite was quite pleased. to. There was no other way to get Falls, near Lake Victoria, source of 'We brought rain.' she said. 'It's a us all up to Tilling, Teso. We the Nile, hitherto w1known'. I'll bet good omen.' 'Not for 'Ali's landlord,' chopped 5500 shillings from our the hundreds of natives who, history I told her. grand total of 8000 and bought an says, watched Speke and his party "The next day, teaching work be­ Anglia. Our funds shrivelled in Jo­ from either shore, would have been gan on a scale that was unprece­ hannesburg, but we were unper­ tickled to death to know that the dented to us. Our problem has al­ turbed. We recalled the Guardian's Ripon Falls had been discovered at ways been, 'Where can we find some words during Marguerite's pilgrim­ last. new contacts.' H ere the problem is, age. 'The pioneer shouldn't worry "On Thursday, October 1st, we 'Will someone take the five Resur­ about jobs or money. They should started for Teso. We stopped at Igan­ rections into the living room while just go and they will not need ga to visit and teach. It is about 20 I finish with these three Universal money. It will come.' Ours had been miles from Jinja. Philip arranged Houses of Justice.' What joy! mostly going inste.ad of coming, but for Marguerite to speak at the wom­ "Marguerite taught at the Center, we still believe. Besides we had 2500 an's club there on the way back, and while for the first few days I had to shillings to run through our fingers, for me to speak at the CMS second­ remain in bed. So she would be at when they weren't shaking too vio­ ary school. To save time and miles, the noon-day class and would bring lently. we took the Teryini Ferry (sic). The a group back to 'the sieve' as we "It was my first ride in a small cars courageously trust themselves called the house. They would gather car with a right hand drive, and as on a raft, the dimensions of which around on the chairs and the other Marguerite had a universal love for are just enough, and the condition bed, and I would have the ple.asure the entire roadbed all the way to of which is just not. One look, and of talking to them. Jinj.a it was just what I needed. we christened it 'Genesis'. The mo­ " The Buganda people win your When we arrived we were met by tor pusher by which the raft is usual­ heart effortlessly. Their smiles, Philip Hainsworth. ly propelled (this verb is too strong) courtesy, and kindness will capture ''I put myself right to bed, but he had broken down. However, some any soul that still has life. We feel put me right out of bed in the speak­ boys with long poles were prepared that we have never really taught the er's chair at the meeting that night. to push us to the other side. It took Faith until we have come here. The Marguerite talked on the American well over an hour. Philip took his initiative is reversed. We sought in­ Conference, we played Rul;iyyih shoes off and splashed in the water; quirers in America; here, we are Khanum's public talk given at the Marguerite fed bananas to Philip's sought out. They know we are here Medinah Temple in Chicago, and I monkey, Jimmy; Philip's cook, to talk to them about the Faith, so spoke on 'Abdu'l-Baha and the lay­ John, talked to one of the African 'Ali's home is filled most of the time. ing of the cornerstone. We brought travelers about the Faith. We gave We have many for dinner, lunch­ our tape recorder, so we played the him a pamphlet in Luganda and the sometimes for breakfast. It is hard record of the public dedication of the boy read the entire pamphlet aloud on the budget, but wonderful on the Temple, excerpts from the Ameri­ to two others who came up to listen. heart. I remember a line from one can Conference, and showed slides There would have been time to read of our television plays, 'Where there of the Temple and the African Con­ the New E ra. One of the 'pole-push­ is room in the heart, there is always ference. ers' rested every few pole pushes room in the home.' Marguerite has "By this time I had learned and spent half the time talking to always had a way of making even enough Swahili to say to Philip, the monkey. Another stopped work me feel that I was someone special 'Ninapumzika sana; ninakwenda to pick Marguerite a delicate blue who had come to dinner, and I can kitanda sasa hive - upesi ! ' (I am and gold water-lily, they grow in see that they felt this, too. very tired and I am going to bed abundance amid the dirt, oil and 12 JUNE, 1954

debris of lake Kyoga. Philip, who four foot high grass on either side) and their application. The last hour was still using his bare feet as croco­ children and adults ran out from was devoted to reports on the teach­ dile bait, grinned up at me and said, their huts and called, 'Baha'u'llah! ing work in the various are.as of 'Timeless Africa'. As the Headmas­ Bah a 'u'llah ! ' They were not believ­ Teso. Many admitted problems of ter told us in Iganga, 'Our people ers, but neighbors of the Baha'is . drinking and polygamy, but indicat­ don't come "on time", they come "in The only automobiles which come in ed that as the laws were being more time".' are of the Baha'is and we were told thoroughly understood the problems " Philip's car stalled in Palissa on by the Baha'is of Osopotoit that their should be diminishing. Desire on the a deserted corner. Before he had the neighbors wou1d say the following part of seekers to hear more seemed hood (oops, bonnet) up, we were days 'Baha'u'llah came by us'. to be the keynote. The lack of ma­ surrounded. In Pennsylvania, Philip " There was a great feast the next terial in their language, Ateso, was could have withered away an old day, Saturday. A sheep was barbe­ a major problem. Need for teachers man before anyone came to help. In qued. Tea was served. Village chiefs, to carry out deepening work was an­ Palissa, he had forty helpers im­ Baha'is and their friends came from other thought frequently expressed. mediately. It was like crying, 'Fire' everywhere. There were over two Eagerness to become Baha'is too in the British Museum. hundred present. We spoke to them soon was still very common among "Across the Ferry, we were in of the coming of Baha'u'llah and its those who first heard the message. Teso. The greeting is 'Yoga'. Every­ meaning. Officials from the nearby Tito, the pioneer to Mwanza, told of body 'Yoga's' everybody, so it takes schools attended the Feast (African the young m.an in Mbale who he some time to start a conversation. Fiesta). Everyone was pleased with (Tito) had spoken to but twice. The We finally arrived in Tilling, jour­ it, as could be told from their en­ young man said he wanted to be a ney's end. Philip was delighted to thusiasm and difficulty in saying, Baha'i and that he was ready. He see that the Baha'is h.ad cut a fine 'Yoga-do!' ('Good-bye', to you city said that he had read the pamphlet new road to the center. They had dwellers.) and didn't want to w.ait. Tito asked been eagerly awaiting the coming of " Sunday, October 4, the Confer­ him, "If you know about the Faith, our party. From these Teso people ence began with about 200 present, where does the Guardian live?" The as they rushed to meet us, the greet­ representing over 16 communities. It answer came at once and full of con­ ing was not their tribal one, 'Yoga', began at 8 o'clock in the morning. fidence, 'Mombasa!' it was 'Allah-u-Abha ! ' Ten Assembly chairmen and six sec­ "Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell "We were shown to our quarters. retaries were present. you that there was a very good omen It was a mud hut, round, with a Mr. Abete, Chairman of Tilling, on our first night in Teso. Correct. thatched roof and cow-dung floor. It the host community, g.ave one of the It rained. Only we were told it was belonged to Stanley Ikara, who gave most moving speeches of welcome, good by no one less than our inter­ it to us and slept in the cookhouse, I've heard yet. Its simplicity and preter, Enos Epyeru, pioneer to El­ which is a very little round mud hut eloquence will always rank among doret. Kenya. He said that to arrive with a thatched roof, and a floor. the highest. He told of the coming and bring rain after such a dry sea­ "Although this was Thursday and of the first Baha'is. He said their son, made us especially blessed by the Conference was not until Sun­ neighbors warned them that the his people. We were (I've forgotten day, there was already a large group white people had come to carry them the Ateso name) those who rescue waiting. We all went to the center off to eat them. He told of the bound­ the parched earth. This made us and greeted them and talked about less joy and happiness demonstrated happy. We also felt very much at the Faith. We expressed our happi­ when they all returned to Teso from home that night, for the roof leaked ness at being in the first Baha'i Cen­ the Kampala conference. The people brilliantly. ter in Teso. Mr. E subere, the pioneer shouted and cried. They had given School Report to West Nile, told us that now there them up as dead. In spite of this, they still say the white people have I. The school began Monday, Octo­ were three other Baha'i Centers built ber 5. come to capture the black people in Teso. When we returned to our II. Attendance: hut, we saw a picture of the Greatest for food. Marguerite, in her reply, 8-9: 30 Lowest 63 Highest 173 Name hanging on the bare mud wall. told them how several Americans 10-12 a. Lowest 15 " 29 When we thanked our host, Mr. had warned us when we left for Af­ b. ,, 53 ,, 78 Ikara. for giving up his home to us, rica that the black people would cap­ c. ,, 12 ,, 32 he said, 'It is not to thank me. Thank ture us and eat us. This caused great Baha'u'llah, He has made it possi­ hilarity at the Conference. 4-6 ,, 75 ,, 183 ble.' " The Teso choir sang, 'Allah-u­ Average daily attendance 109. "Next day we visited a village Abha,' then they sang a new song III. Content material of classes: named Osopotoit. There, Philip and composed especially for the Confer­ 8:00-9:30 History of the Faith. the other members of the UTC ence. It was called, 'Yes, it is true! 1. Dawn-Breakers (ShayJsb AJ:imad (Uganda Teaching Committee) , ac­ The Return of Christ is Baha'u'llah ! ' to Baha'u'llah's exile) cepted the declarations of 23 new be­ The choir told us, before singing it 2. God Passes By (Baha'u'llah's lievers who had been waiting to be that the words had been written by Life, Ba@dad to 'Akka) taken into the Faith officially. While the entire choir using Baha'i con­ 3. Promised Day is Come (Tablets they met, Marguerite, Michael and sultation. to Kings, and consequences. Added I spoke to 14 women, 20 men and "A great share of the afternoon historical data concerning the kings 18 children, mostly non-Baha'is. session was given over to consulta­ to whom Baha'u'llah wrote and steps "As we drove through what the tion on the problems of alcohol and leading to their downfall.) Africans call 'the boosh' (actually polygamy. There was a thorough dis­ 4. Life of 'Abdu'l-Baha. a footpath and bicycle trail with cussion of the laws of Baha'u'llah 5. Covenant (Adam to Guardian) . BAHA'I NEWS 13

The above stories were related to about the Faith. They were told, in w.ay to the school was lined with the local teaching problems where­ detail, the steps to be taken in the stones and whitewashed. Special ever possible. The emphasis placed formation of their Assembly, etc. paths to the Center and to the new on the laws of God and Baha'u'llah 1Vf is cellaneous auxiliary rest house built opposite and the suffering and difficulties that 1. Under the supervision of the the Center were also lined with follow disobedience. Uganda Teaching Committee, a spe­ whitewashed stones. 10:00-12:00 noon Language classes. cial Teso district Teaching Commit­ b. Bushes of flowers were 1. Illiterates-Ateso people were tee was formed. The Committee was planted at the approach to the taught basic reading and writing­ a. To assist in carrying on the doorway of Center. they were beginning both at begin­ school idea after the formal ses­ c. An orange tree was planted ning of second week. sions ne.ar the Center for both food and 2. Beginning English-These were b. To expand the teaching ac­ shade. taught how to carry on a conversa­ tivities throughout Teso d. Seven Mango trees were tion in basic English. c. To assist and encourage the planted to line the road from the 3. Advanced English-These were weaker local Assemblies highway. taught to increase their vocabulary d. To be an .arm of the UTC to e. The walls of the Center were and to perfect their understanding of help solve the problems of the unfinished and full of cracks. One grammar. This group also memo­ area. This would prevent delay, noon when the rain came every­ rized three prayers in English: The since it would be on the spot to as­ one rushed to get buckets and mud noon day obligatory prayer, The Re­ semble facts, and to give a local and soon all the walls were rein­ mover of Difficulties, and the short understanding to them. forced and made thick and strong Healing Prayer. 2. One entire afternoon period, with earth and water. NOTE: Special material was pur­ 12:00 to 4:00, was given to this com­ f. A special sign was made in chased and supplied to e.ach group. mittee before they organized. All blue and gold for over the en­ These classes were to be carried on the steps of organization, election, trance, reading: BAHA.'f CENTER. for at least another two weeks by the steps necessary to the solution g. A group went to Lake Kyoga qualified local Baha'is who assisted of a problem (.as used by NSA's) and picked many many papyrus during the session. were outlined. The necessity of fre­ reeds. These were split, dried and 4:00-5:00 P.M. 4. Administration quent meetings and regular reports floor mats made for the Center. (Principles). was emphasized. A special notebook 5. On the last day of the School, The Baha'i Administration (Brit­ for the secretary was provided. A there was a special question and an­ ish edition) was used during this book on Baha'i Administration given swer period. There was also a ses­ class. The Administrative Order .and to the Chairman for the committee. sion at which the students reviewed its institutions were outlined, ex­ The committee then carried on the two weeks' work and commented plained, and discussed. Part of this their organization, planned to meet on the things they had learned. The period was given to answering ques­ every two weeks, with another spe­ following comments were selected tions. cial meeting the following day so from different communities in order 5:00-5:45 P.M. 5. Administration they could begin to function at once. to get a well-rounded report: (Applied). In the words of the secretary. Mr. Nafutali: "Stories of history Administration from the applied "Can this Teso District Committee gave me much courage and strength point of view. Some illustrations for all time be appointed and or­ to help hold me up if I should have were: make-up of the Local Assem­ ganized in this same way so that to be martyred." 1 bly, conduct of an election, mean­ this day wou d live in the history of Mr. Kam: " Stories about the mir­ ing and form of a Feast, example Teso, so overjoyed and moved are rors, the trees, the dog, the planting of consultation, duties of officers of we by this great step." all made me understand the mean­ Assemblies and committees, rights We were all touched by the spirit, ings better." (This was in reference and duties of the individual believer, but explained the Administrative to using simple analogies explaining vital necessity of knowing laws. Em­ problem. They .agTeed then that to phases of the teachings.) phasis was placed on the importance send a "cable to their most Beloved Mr. Ikello: "Now I really know of developing the local Assembly so Guardian, would mark this unfor­ about Jesus and Baha'u'llah, and I that it could begin to solve most of gettable day on their hearts." think I can explain it to others." its own problems. Self-development 3. The District Commissioner Mr. Yafusi: "When I bring a soul on an individual, local .and area ba­ came from Soroti to visit and to see into the Faith and then lose it, I sis was, in fact, the thread that ran what the Baha'is were doing. The must not be discouraged, but must through the entire school. Government has been eager to carry search until I find those th.at will be 5:45-6:00 P.M. Stories about the on just such self-deve!opment proj­ real and true." Faith: ects as the Language classes, and Mr. Okiror: "Now that I have These were of an inspirational thanks to the UTC the Baha'is have heard that I should not drink, I will character so that the day might end "stolen a march" on them. It should not. There is room in my heart only on .a high plane. The stories were be marked to the Baha'i credit with for Bah a 'u'llah." selected to cheer the heart and to the Government. Mr. Maliza: " This Administration instruct the mind at the same time. 4. There were several extra-curri­ gives me a greater understanding of 7:30-9:30 P.M. Pioneers. cular activities, in which everyone the future of our Faith." '!'he pioneers were given the op­ took part, during the rest-hours of Mrs. Odozo: " It strengthens me to portunity to ask questions about 12:00 to 4:00 P.M. Some of the most know that B.aha'u'llah's Covenant is their pioneering projects. They were interesting were as follows: not only for this Faith, but for all given answers to specific questions a. The roadway from the high- Faiths." JUN E, 1954 14

Mrs. Tubei: "It is through this greatest knowledge of Administra­ "Mr. Esubere, through consulta­ Faith that I have learned reading tion are leaving, and the situation tion with the committee, cleared up and writing." is grave until these stalwart ones his problems, and in five days he Mr. Ebe tu: "It is only in this have been replaced. altered his entire life and was gone Baha'i Faith that you find the new 7. It is wise to learn something of to pioneer near the Sudan, West Nile. Commandment which Christ gave to the customs of the people among During that five days he rode 80 the world "to love each other" be­ whom you are teaching. It is not dif­ miles on his bicycle to tell his ing practiced." (He quoted John ficult to learn them. It pleases them brother he was leaving, and to tell 13:34, 35) to have you ask. Also, it can prevent him about the Faith, and then rode Mr. Epaja: " This Administration embarrassing difficulties later. back 80 miles to bid his family fare­ is the only solution to the world 8. Africans are not hesitant about well. problems." discussing the problems connected "Little Mr. Akwalinga went off to Suggestions for Pioneers with alcohol and polygamy. Full and Lira, among the Acholi tribe. A mild " The following suggestions for new frank consultation on these subjects sweet man, as gentle as 'Abdu'l­ pioneers may be very familiar to will bring many helpful things to Baha's smile. He had already parted you already, but they were things light from the African people them­ from his family, leaving them to God we learned so we will set them down selves. and Baha'u'llah. We took him to the for whatever worth they may be. 9. Whenever possible try to get the bus. He turned to say goodbye. Over 1. Try to learn at least a few local people to assume responsibil­ his shoulder on a stick were wrapped words of the language, if you are ity. They have had much supervi­ his entire life's possessions; 17 dol­ just passing through; a good under­ sion, and they are quick to bring all lars, his life's fortune, were in his standing of it should be acquired by problems to the area or larger com­ pocket. You wanted to rush up and settlers. This breaks down much of mittees. We found it helpful to ex­ seize him and hug him close to your the reserve. It is easy enough to plain the steps an NSA uses in solv­ heart. He said to us through a trans­ learn one little phrase a day, and ing a problem-and practiced with lator, 'It has been very kind of you this means much to them. them at mock Assembly meetings. to come up here to serve the Faith!' 2. Speak very slowly, and in short Getting them to think in terms of Before he went, he smiled and sentences. Sentences that have: sub­ the local Assembly instead of indi­ waved to all of us. 'Pray for me', ject, verb, object are much easier viduals and Europeans in solving he said. Then calling, 'Allah-u-Abha', to translate, and understand than their problems is difficult, but es­ he was gone. But he will be with us those beginning with a dependent or sential. always, and part of anything we may qualifying clause. ever do will be because of such love, 3. Use many analogies, illustrate "For our personal recollections, devotion and sacrifice as we have points with simple stories. The pio­ we are setting down the following seen here. neers might read Aesop's fables unrelated incidents that l\appened at " On Saturday, we all met at again with profit. We have collected Teso. We shall cherish them always. Iganga. Marguerite spoke at wom­ or created many analogies and They are not part of the Conference­ an's club (African) and also taught storie . Collecting from each pioneer School report. them some simple handcrafts. She might produce a very substantial "The young man that John had presented a crimson stole to the pool of useful material. talked to on the Teryini Ferry when woman in charge. In her joyousness 4. We were told by the people of we went to Teso came to Tilling. she nearly cracked Marguerite's Teso and of Kampala that the Afri­ He came on his bicycle 45 miles. ribs. Bill spoke at the Iganga sec­ can people will say 'yes' they under­ Along the way he would ask, 'Baha'i ondary school. After, we all had tea stand, when they do not. They are where!' They would point north. H e with the Headmaster. Philip spoke polite and wish to please. They think said, 'Always it was farther, farther, at the home of the H eadmaster of this is what you want to hear. Also, but now I am here!' He was wel­ the primary school: then, back to they do not wish you to think they comed with much joy. Jinja. Philip kept Bill in bed a few have not understood. So repetition " Soon the pioneers began to leave days, and filled him with good food, and questions on the laws of the for their posts. These had been as­ fine conversation, and much Baha'i Faith, and the vital points are rec­ signed to them before the school love. This scattered the malaria bug, ommended. opened-except for John Anthonv so off they all went to Kampala 5. Literature is still a major prob­ Mukhobe. H e had been discharged journey's end. ' lem. One pamphlet is soon exhaust­ from his teaching position at the ed by those who do not read Eng­ Catholic school because he would not " So we came to the end of this lish. Mimeographed bulletins, any give up the Baha'i Faith and go back first African journey. Many things new teaching in their language, helps to Catholicism. The priests urged are precious to us: the generosity keep them interested and fortifies Anthony's father, a tribal Chief, to and help of everyone in Kampala, them for tests. In Teso we were told force his son back to the church. Jinja and Teso ; the very useful ad­ that this was one of their gravest They set his wife against him. To vice and kindly hospitality of Philip problems, getting something new to all opposition he replied, 'Nothing Hainsworth; but perhaps most of all, give to the people. can take the place of this Faith in those days in the land of the Teso 6. With so many pioneers (the out­ my heart.' When one of the pioneers people. standing people) leaving the various was unable to leave for his post. "Those wonderful skies on that communities, there is an increasing, Anthony. yet a Baha'i of about four high plateau. A black storm gather­ vital need for deepening one or two months, was offered the opportunity. ing in the north, white cotton-ball at least, who can hold the fort and 'I have been praying to Baha'u'llah clouds peacefully sleeping in the assist the others. The ones with the that this would happen,' he said. south; misty skies in the east and BAHA'I NEWS 15

that Oh, so blue Uganda sky in the pus of the University of Capetown migrants to this country is spot­ West. As I lay on my back in the to sub-let for three months. Soon we checked for pro-Negro leanings." late morning preparing for afternoon found a flat into which we will move "Never have we felt the impor­ classes, the monkey would be crack­ on March 1, thus making it possible tance of the work being done on the ing ground nuts for lunch, the hor­ for us to feel truly 'settled '. home front as we have since arriv­ nets lazily singing in and out of the ''We had the joy of greeting Mr. ing here. To know that the American thatched roof; and off in the distance and Mrs. Lyall Hadden, Mr. and Baha'is are working in harmony of I knew the illiterate people were Mrs. W. Kenneth Christian and son purpose gives us a wonderful feeling learning to spell BAB: B-A-B. I could Roger, and Mr. and Mrs. John Ro­ of security and assurance. And never barely hear the advanced class re­ barts and son Patrick and daughter before have we turned our thoughts citing, 'Is there any remover of dif­ Nina as they first set foot on African and hearts to Haifa and our beloved ficulties, save God'. Over it all came soil. We were happy to be of help Guardian as we do now every hour the nearly one hundred voices of the in aiding their adjustment to the new of our day. beginning English class shouting: culture and in seeing them off to "Although we are happy to say 'This is my head! This is my eye! Durban, Salisbury, S. Rhodesia, and that we are Americans, and have This is my nose!' Mafeking, Bechuanaland, respec­ come to appreciate the true destiny " Deepest of all in our hearts was tively. of the American nation, we have no that day of farewell to the pioneer " During the first few weeks we desire to return. We are too fiercely in Tanganyika. Tito Wanantsusi from did little more than see the sights nationalistic about our incipient Mbale, was the pioneer to Mwanza and fulfill the many social engage­ N .S.A. of Southern Africa. in Tanganyika, across Lake Victoria. ments we were invited to over the " Our prayers are with you con­ He returned to Jinja with Philip, Christmas-New Year holidays. Slow­ stantly, and we hope that you will then to Kampala, and off by boat to ly contacts were made for jobs at occasionally include us in yours." Mwanza. H e was the first to go. Al­ the same time. In the seventh week most the entire school was there to the doors began to open and Edith N T" eRN AT I NA L { see him off. He kissed his wife, was given a part-time job as librari­ r-· 0 hugged his husky little baby boy, and an at the University of Capetown, L ____ _ NEWS ___ .J got into the car to leave. Clutched just what she wanted. Lowell began in his hand was a copy of the New to get a few nibbles in free-lance ra­ BRITISH ISLES Era, a pamphlet on the life of dio writing and announcing at the African Pioneer Journey Baha'u'llah, a mimeographed sheet same time, and was asked, as his From the reports of the National of Bible Prophecy, and a five cent first radio show, to summarize in Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of red notebook to write down the five minutes what 'I Believe' in a the British Isles to their 1954 Con­ names of his new contacts m fashion similar to that sponsored by vention, the following excerpt has Mwanza. Edward R. Murrow in the states. been taken: " We all sang, 'Yes it is true, "Preparations for Lowell's disser­ " Special mention must be made of Baha'u'llah is the return of Christ', tation in communications have been the epic car journey across Africa then we sang the Ateso song Bill laid and through them many new made by 'Ali and Violette Nal.illja­ had composed from the few words friends have been made in educa­ vani, accompanied by Enoch Olinga, of Ateso he had learned. tional and mass communications cir­ who was established in British Cam­ "When they stopped laughing Bill cles. We both have enrolled for a eroons, Max Kenyerezi, who was set­ was acclaimed as the first American course in the Afrikaans language, tied in French Equatorial Africa, to compose music in Ateso. taking classes two evenings per and Samson Mungono, who was left " This broke the tension of parting, week. in the Belgian Congo. The resident so we all gathered around the car ' ·We have had the supreme bounty believers in the Belgian Congo were and sang, 'Allah-u-Abha'. Tito both of speaking of the Faith to only three visited and encouraged. Without the laughed and cried as he waved fare­ persons, a woman who became in­ devotion and sacrifice shown by all well to his dear family and friends . terested through David Hofman in who made this journey, it would As the car moved away, he called England in 1946 and Loulie Mathews have been very difficult indeed to to us: on her world tour in 1948; also a open these two virgin territories. " 'We shall meet again, in Haifa, couple who have heard of the Faith The first fruit of this journey and Baghdad or heaven!' " previously through Mr. Turvey, the of the devotion of the pioneer to the local Johannesburg Baha'i. As for British Cameroons, has been the ac­ Edith and Lowell Johnson, Cape­ ceptance into the Faith of thirteen town, South Africa. our new friends, they know us only as Edith and Lowell. believers in that territory." "As preparation for pioneering, we "We feel an unseverable bond be­ CANADA studied 24 books on South African tween us and our fellow pioneers in Newlv El ected Nationa l anthropology, history and modern the Ten Year Crusade, no matter Spiritua l Assembly problems, making summaries of the whether pioneering on the home It is learned from Canada that the books for distribution to other pio­ front or in the far-flung parts of the National Spiritual Assembly now has neers. globe. We have established contact the following membership: Lloyd G. "We left the United States on Oc­ via letter with many, but have been Gardner, Chairman; Allan Raynor, - tober 20, 1953, arriving in Capetown forced to caution everyone writing Vice-Chairman; Audrey Westheuser, on November 26, the first resident to the pioneers in South Africa not Secretary; Peggy Ross, Treasurer_; Baha'is in the city. to mention the word 'B.aha'i' in the Winnifred Harvey, Rowland Estall, " Within the first week we had contents of the letter nor place it on Angus Cowan, Albert Rakovsky, found a furnished house on the cam- the envelope. The mail of new im- Donald MacLaren. 16 JUNE, 1954

CENTRAL AMERICA Newly Elected National Spiritual Assembly The result of the annual election as reported is the following National Spiritual Assembly for Central America: Artemus Lamb, Chair­ man; Jenny Taylor, Vice-Chairman; Estaban Canales, Secretary; James Facey, Treasurer; Amy McAllister, Recording Secretary; Sheila Rice­ Wray ; Randolph FitzHenry, Assist­ ant to Treasurer for Sterling Area ; Marcia Steward; Racquel F . de Delegates and visitors a t the Fourth Annual Convention of the Baha'is of South Amer­ Constante. ica , Santiago, Chile Contact With Mayan Indians N oticias Baha'is , official organ of and evangelical churches. In Vienna SOUTH AMERICA the National Spiritual Assembly of an audience of 300 filled the audi­ National Spiritual Assembly 1954-1955 the Baha'is of Central America, torium of the old City Hall to hear A notice has been received of the prints the following: the Baha'i speaker and representa­ results of the election of the National " Cora Oliver and Shirley Warde tives of other Faiths. Spiritual Assembly at the Annual have been making friends and grad­ World Youth Day Convention recently held in South ually winning the confidence of the World Youth Day was celebrated America. people. Recent events have been by the Baha'i Youth in West Ger­ Margot Worley, Chairman; Mer­ most encouraging. A woman of out­ many March 26-27 . Some sixty cedes Sanchez, Vice-Chairman; Dor­ standing service to humanity, of Baha'i Youth with their guests gath­ othy Campbell, Secretary; Athos Mayan and English parentage, has ered at the Youth House in Stutt­ Costas, Recording Secretary; Fabi­ been deeply interested in the Faith gart. Talks were given by German enne Guillen, Treasurer; E ve Nick­ and, through her, the first contact and Persian Baha'i Youth, and a lin, Carlos Martinez, Edmund Mies­ with the Mayan Indians of Honduras demonstration of unity was present­ sler, Gayle Woolson. ed in a "Conference of Four Little has been made. In her company, Fourth Annual Convention Shirley and Cora were able to make Ones"-a German, an American, a The Fourth Annual Convention of a trip to a Mayan village some 60 Russian girl and a Korean girl- who the Baha'is of South America was miles north of Belize and were taken exchanged views in a lively discus­ around the town to meet many of sion. The gathering produced visible held in Santiago, Chile, trom April the families, who have invited them and spiritual evidence of "unity 25 to 30, 1954. Although we werE:- sur­ to return to sp, nd some time in the in diversity" through the Baha'i rounded by snow-c.:apped mountains, village. They found that most of the Teachings. • there was great warmth and love in the atmosphere which prevailed Mayan customs and dress had been 'IRAQ discarded for the Spanish, and that in all of fo ~ meetings. Six~een dele­ they are a people of an appealing National Spiritual Assembly Elected gates were present and all of the sweetness and purity." The following National Spiritual South American countries were rep­ Assembly has been elected by the resented except Ecuador and Uru­ GERMANY-AUSTRIA Baha'is of 'Iraq for the current year: guay. The theme of the Convention National Spiritual Assembly Members Dr. 'Abbas Ihsan Ba@dadi, Chair­ School was " Action" from the as­ The Annual Convention elected the man; Dr. Daoud Toeg, Vice-Chair­ pect of enrichment and deepening of National Spiritual Assembly with the man; Mr. Kam il 'Abbas, Secretary, the individual Baha'i, as well as in following membership: Dr. E ugene Mr. Daoud Al'ani, Treasurer; Mr. our collective work in the fulfillment Schmidt, Chairman; Dr. Adelbert Saddiff 'Abdu'l Majid; Mr. Menashi of the goals of the World Crusade. Mlihlschlegel, Vice-Chairman; Mrs. Dallal; Mr. Hamid Majid: Mr. The Convention opened with a tea Anna Grossmann, Secretary; Mr. Khdouri Haloubeh; Mr. Salman and reception for the delegates in Otto Hafner, Treasurer; Mr. J ulius Dloumi. the Hotel Crillon on April 25th, with Henseler, Mr. Ruprecht G. Kruger, an attendance of 58 Baha'is from all IT ALY AND SWITZERLAND over the Continent and a few visi· Miss Doris Lohse, H anni Weber, Mrs. New National Spiritual Assembly Johanna V. Werthern. tors. The subjects studied and dis­ The result of election held at the cussed during the School were " Epi­ World Religion Day Second Annual Baha'i Convention of sodes from the Dawn Breakers", the Under the auspices of the Baha'i the Baha'is of Italy and Switzerland, "Kitab-i-fqan", " The Eternal Lega­ Assemblies, World Religion Day was has been reported. cy of God'', " The P ioneer in Ac­ commemorated on J anuary 17, 1954, The Assembly membership is : Dr . tion", "Aspects of the Spiritual in the following communities of Ger­ Ugo Giachery, Chairman; Fritz World Crusade" and "the Inter­ many and Austria: Berlin, Esslin­ Schaer, Vice-Chairman; Anna Kunz, continental Teaching Conferences". gen, Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, Stuttgart Secretary; Honor Kempton, Treas­ There were two pLblic meetings, one and Vienna. Guest speakers included nrer; Mario F iorentini, Assistant in a salon of the Uni·;ersity of Chile Catholic, Lutheran and J ewish lead­ Treasurer for Italy; P rof. Alessan­ where Carlos Martinez spoke on ers, Hindus, Buddhists, Quakers, Ad­ dro Bausani, Elsa Steinmetz, Marion "The Eternal and Changirig Values ventists, and representatives of free Little, Fritz Semle. in Man" with an audience of over BAHA'I NEWS 17

Publicity in Peru Prophets and yet is the 'true Broth­ Good press publicity has resulted er.' And as he casts himself into the from efforts of the first Peruvian sea of sacrifice, he is willing to cast pioneers, Mario and G aylord Rodri­ us, one and all, into that shining guez. La Voz de Huancayo, the lead­ sea also. America is the lead horse. ing newspaper of Huancayo, carried He drives the chariot that must win a two-column article, with a picture over the combined forces of the of the Baha'i House of Worship, in world. H e cracks the whip over the a recent issue. In it, the Ten Year lead horse, not the others. Do the Plan was mentioned as a world friends not realize this? The pilgrim­ movement for the establishment of age begins when you take his hand, a true world peace through a sin­ and ends when you last look upon Newly-e lecte d National Spiritua l Assem ­ his dear face, and in between you bly of the B a ha'is of South Am erica. cere brotherhood based on spiritual From left to right, standing : Mer cedes principles. kneel at the shrines and ask for di­ Sanc hez, Carlos Martinez, Mar got Wor­ vine direction to serve him. And ley, Eve Nic klin. Sea te d: E dmund Miess­ when your prayer is answered there ler, Dorothy Campbell, Fabie nne Guillon, NATIONAL NEWS is no doubt about it at all; a thousand Athos Costas. Gayle Woolson , absent, in mercies circle around the answer, pioneering post on the Ga la pagos Isla nds. FORTY-SIXTH ANNUAL and the Guardian is in the center of them all." CONVENTION The Guardian's letter to the Con­ a hundred, and the other in the hotel "O Thou Incomparable God! 0 vention brought news of the far­ where the Convention was held with Thou Lord of the Kingdom! These flung victories of the Crusade's first Sergio Aparicio and J orge Bejar souls are Thy heavenly army ... " year, when newly opened territories speaking on ''Youth and Its Des­ With 'Abdu'l-Bah a's words of bless­ scattered over the face of the earth tiny". ing upon the Divine Plan, the forty­ number one hundred, or seven­ The glorious message of our be­ sixth Convention began on Thursday eighths of all those destined to be loved Guardian, Shoghi E ffendi, to morning, April 29. If there had been opened in an entire decade, and all of th e Conventions, setting forth in any feeling that it might fall into bring the total to two hundred and detail the great victories gained in shadow, this first Convention after twenty-eight "sovereign states and the first year of the Crusade, was the Jubilee, the thought was soon dependencies enlisted under the read the first afternoon. Our hearts changed to an overflowing sense of standard of the Cause of God". filled with gratitude for the blessings gratitude for the bounties received Paragraph followed paragraph in already poured out by Baha'u'llah, during the first year of the Global praise of the advances of a we went on to study the Guardian's Crusade. Last year was remembered "divinely guided ... majestically ex­ cable of April 5th on the unfoldment as the glorious point of its beginning. panding Faith" into the wind-swept, of the Institution of the Hands of the "So blest and honored a Commu­ the sun-baked, the frigid, the iso­ Cause with the appointment during nity cannot afford for a moment to lated, the war-devastated corners of the Ric;lvan of the Auxiliary Boards, rest on its laurels" were the remind­ the earth. The Guardian's highest and his appeal that we begin imme­ ing words of the Guardian spoken praise was for the African campaign, diately th e acquisition of I:I a~iratu'l­ by the Chairman, Paul H aney. As which is eclipsing all others in its Quds in every country of the Con­ each Convention is different, so per­ brilliance. tinent in preparation for the estab­ haps this one found its uniqueness in The story of the development of lishment of the ten new National the quick-paced, purposeful consul­ the World Center within the confines Spiritual Assemblies in South Amer­ tation which characterized its four of the Holy L and, "the heart of the ica. Maturity of outlook and deep days. world", was given in this Message, seriousness of purpose were evident As in every Convention within the as well as the first announcement to in all of the discussions, and we all memory of many of the friends, this the American friends of the imme­ left determined to work as never be­ one as it began was blessed and in­ diate appointment, by the Hands of fore to bring into realization all of spired by the words of Dorothy Bak­ the Cause, of Auxiliary Boards in the goals assigned us. The final er. That they might become the each of the five continents, to aid in meeting was one of fellowship in spirit of the Convention, we took to the effective prosecution of the Ten "Stanford School", the school of­ our hearts the words of a letter writ­ Year Plan. The Guardian's list of fered as a home for the children of ten to an American Baha'i by Doro­ historical developments in all ave­ pioneers who feel it dangerous or un­ thy Baker some months before her nues of Baha'i activity was such as passing: suitable to take their children with to lift our hearts with gr.atitude and pledge our souls to continuance of them, and where there are now "I would not attempt to write the the task. three children of a pioneer couple. real things, the things of the heart, The Guardian' s plea to the dele­ It was hard to say "good-bye" to but I can say this that the Glory of the Cause, its grandeur, shines like gates was three-fold: to ponder the the members of our growing Baha'i the sun: and as for our beloved further objectives, to dedicate them­ family, but knowing that there is no Guardian, he is at times a servant selves anew to the tasks and to separation of spirit helped us to say and again a King; and he is at once "rouse all the communities they rep­ ~ " H asta luego" with smiles, until the the point of all joy and again the resent to assume a worthy share in J11ext Convention. nerve center of suffering ... He is, the common and gigantic effor t th at -NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY alas, a ransom; we are his bene- must needs be exerted for the at­ OF THE BAHA.'is OF Sourn AMERICA 6ciaries. H e suffers the grief of the tainment of the .. goals". JUNE, 1954 18

Nationa l Assembly Re port sary assistance of local assemblies Chicago and San Francisco, to dis­ perse from industrial centers or face The report of the National Spirit­ in dispersal and extension teach­ spiritual as well as physical suffer- - ual Assembly by its Secretary, Hor­ ing, implemented by letters and ing. She reminded us, however, that ace Holley, explained the formation Conferences in an effort to bring the the Guardian dwells on the construc­ of Committees last year to imple­ believers across the country into a tive rather than on the negative; his ment the Ten Year Crusade in all unified effort. We were reminded heart and mind are directed toward its areas including the Home Front, that the Guardian had warned in his which h;s presented the most diffi­ message of July 18, 1953 , "the move­ building the new world civilization and he regards approaching calam­ cult of all teaching tasks. It was ment of pioneers, the opening of vir­ noted that of the 409 persons volun­ gin territories, the initiation of Houses ity as purposeful. To visit the Guard­ teering at the beginning of the Cru­ of Worship ... the multiplication of ian is to hear of the new race of sade, 157 pioneers have entered the assemblies, groups and isolated men to be raised and to begin to field. Among the signal events of the centers . . . will in the long run envisage the process of building a year were listed the receipt of Mes­ amount to little . . . if not supple­ new civilization in which pioneering sages from the Guardian, points of mented by the equally vital task­ in foreign fields becomes the noblest .act. Mrs. McCormick appealed to guidance throughout the year; ~he which is one that primarily concerns the friends to ponder the directives addition to pioneer ranks of five continually . . each single individual given by the Guardian as his parting members of the National Assembly, believer . . of winning to the Faith Elsie Austin, Dorothy Baker, Mat­ words to be " free as spirit, pure fresh recruits .. ", and that the as ai~ unrestrained as the wind, thew Bullock, W. Kenneth Christian, Guardian's concern with the spread and Mamie Seto, who were replaced blazing like fire" so as to find our of the Faith in the home land was efforts confirmed as never before. in two elections by Lawrence Hautz, expressed again in a message fro,z;; Charles Wolcott, Charlotte Linfoot, Leroy Ioas in the February BARA I Announcement of Auxiliary Board Robert McLaughlin and Margery NEws. It was announced that at McCormick; the passing of two Discussion of the tasks at home year's end thirty-six of the seventy­ became the center of consultation Hands of the Cause, Siegfried Schop­ six goal cities were settled. The flocher and Dorothy Baker ; the again later in the Convention, but number of Assemblies formed on we were first to learn of a new m­ services given by the travels to April 21 was not known at Conven­ American cities by Persian Hands sti tution a further point of assist­ tion time. The year had been one of ance th'e appointment of an Auxil­ of the Cause ; the appointment by adjustment to a new te.aching struc­ the Guardian of a new Hand of the iliar; Board for each Continent. It ture and it was the recommendation was an unforgettable evening when Cause in America, Paul Haney: the of the _ ational Teaching Committee we learned of this, and our hearts ~ realization of the central purpose of that this structure be maintained. the House of Worship in the weekly .and minds lifted to take in this new It had been the expressed wish of evidence of the steady guidance of programs for public worship held the Guardian that the many Region­ during the year; the in corpora ti on the Guardian in the swiftly advanc­ al Teaching Committees be dropped. ing stages in the progress of the of five local Assemblies; and the In many ways the National Teaching record of enrollments of 352 adult Faith. His cablegram lighted the Committee expressed to the dele­ way, and its import was the story believers and 57 youth, which indi­ gates the responsibilities of local As­ cates that the whole-hearted proc­ of the evolving institution of the semblies to extend their efforts to Hands of the Cause, charged with lamation of the Faith is now one assist the smaller Assemblies, and of the most challenging of our un­ the "dual s.acred responsibility for of individuals who are isolated to the protection and propagation of finished tasks. think of themselves as pioneers. The the Cause of Baha'u'llah" . Paying full concrete list of suggestions, tribute to the services of the Hands Home Front Teaching Needs parts of the National co~ponent at the World Center and in terri­ From the Guardian's Message and Teaching Plan for last year, were tories beyond its confines, the from the supplementary report of reiterated: that all large Assemblies the National Assembly the Conven­ appoint Home Front Crusade Com­ Guardian has now directed the fif­ teen Hands of the Cause living out­ tion moved to the first objective in mittees to stimulate dispersal; that side the Holy Land to appoint dur­ the Guardian's plea to ponder our Assemblies be encouraged to carry further goals. Consultation on the on extension te.aching, especially in ing Ric;ivan, in each of the five con­ urgent Home Front teaching needs goal cities: that deepening classes tinents, Auxiliary Boards whose drew first attention, as Charles Wol­ prepare the pioneers and all the members " must increasingly lend cott, ational Teaching Committee friends to fulfill their teaching re­ their assistance for the promotion of chairman, reminded us of the ob­ sponsibilities; that Gleanings from the interests of the Ten Year Cru­ jective of bringing to 300 the num­ the Writings of Bahci'u'llcih be rec­ sade". Those selected by the three ber of local Spiritual Assemblies in ommended as the book of this Baha'i Hands of the Cause in America (Paul this country, and shared with us the year. supplemented by The Advent Haney, Horace Holley, Mrs. Corinne True) to serve as members of the sobering fact that of the 169 Assem­ of Div ine Justice and the Guardian's blies existing in April 1953, 21 were latest st.atistical Survey. Auxiliary Board for this continent the sole ones in their states. It was Twice Mrs. Margery McCormick, were .announced: Mrs. Margot Wor­ explained that the first year of the as a recently returned pilgrim from ley and Mrs. Gayle Woolson of South Crusade saw the adoption of a new, Haifa was asked to come to the America Esteban Canales of Cen­ simplified teaching structure to in­ platfo~m to bring the friends closer tral Am'erica, Rowland Es tall of ~ clude twelve Area Committees under to the repeated warnings of the Canada, and William de Forge, Mrs. a National Teaching Committee and Guardian to the American Baha'is, Katherine McLaughlin, Mrs. Mar­ a plan which pointed out the neces- particularly to those of New York, gery McCormick, Mrs. Florence BAHA'I NEWS 19

Mayberry and Dr. Sarah Pereira of ties and extension teach ~ng, building one hundred and ninety, attest to the the United States. Not to replace the toward additional ""regional" Na­ brilliance of this teaching victory in already existing structure, but to as­ tional Assemblies, ~ . ater to become Africa, the •·awakening giant". The sist and augment it, this Auxiliary independent; pioneers placed in all convention was b_essed by the pres­ Board is responsible to the American new posts assigned by t'.le Guardian ence of the first Liberian believer Hands of the Cause. except Spitzbergen in the Arctic who received the message from Wil­ The historical significance of this ocean and the Ukraine, where an liam Foster; he came before the del­ new institution was explained by "ice" curtain and the '"iron" curtain egates to speak briefly of his experi­ Horace Holley, and we began to un­ were the barriers; assistance to the ence. derstand how Baha'u'llah has ended Halo-Swiss community by the plac­ American Indian Service the age-long separation between re­ ing of pioneers in four goals; meas­ ligion and government, in recreating ures begun and funds contributed at Brought into focus as special tasks the heart of mankind and giving the the Stockholm conference for the of the Ten Year Crusade were the Law to the nations. This process, purchase of a site for the future responsibilities of the American preserved through the ministry of Temple in that city; translation of Baha'is in carrying the Faith to the 'Abdu'l-Baha, has been transmitted seven of the ten languages assigned American Indians and to the Negro to our and future generations by the Guardian, and the printing · citizens of this country. At the Guar­ through the Guardianship. In the of a simple " contact" pamphlet un­ dian's direction these important Guardian we have the culmination der way in five. In consultation on home front tasks had been imple­ of two great strains of history, the all pioneering outside our country, mented by two new National Com­ religious and the secular, for he is the friends were warned of the ne­ mittees: American Indian Service at once the interpreter of the word cessity for using wisdom in the way and Inter-Racial Teaching. of God as voiced by Baha'u'llah and they wrote to pioneers in foreign "Blessed is the spot, and the house, the head of a universal Administra­ lands where even the mention of the and the place, and the city, and the tive Order. Thus will peace come, word Baha'i might be suspect. heart, and the mountain, and the ref­ as man raises through local and Na­ Charlotte Linfoot, secretary of the uge, and the cave, and the valley, tional Assemblies a Universal House Asia Teaching Committee, told of the and the land, and the sea, and the of Justice, while God reaches down goal of settling pioneers in forty-one island, and the meadow where men­ to man through His representative countries of the Pacific, in coopera­ tion of God hath been made, and His on earth, the Guardian of His Cause. tion with six other National Assem­ praise glorified."· ·These- well-loved As part of this unforgettable " In­ blies; of the difficulties encountered words of Baha'u'llah have become tercontinental Night'', there fol­ in attempting to reach these islands the first to be translated into the lowed pictures of last year's four of remoteness; of the ways in which, Cherokee language, we learned as the great Conferences, and we saw the through prayers and never ceasing story of the first year of American Global Crusade begin on four con­ efforts, the difficulties began to be Indian Service was told graphically tinents as the story of Kampala, Wil­ resolved, until today eighteen pio­ by Rex King, a member of this Com­ mette, Stockholm and New Delhi neers are in or en route to their mittee. Caught by the spirit and the was graphically told by Mrs. Mil­ posts. We heard the dramatic story imagery of the words, the three dred Mottahedeh. Then color slides of Elena and Roy Fernie, whose translators on the Cherokee reserva­ showing the miracle of Mount Car­ heroism, ingenuity and devotion tion in North Carolina had said, "It mel brought us to the sight of God's brought confirmations which re­ is beautiful, it is the thought of the Holy Mountain at night, as strings moved seemingly insurmountable ob­ Cherokee"; "It is wonderful, but it of lighted jewels showed the way to stacles, and took them to the far-off is also partly Sioux": and "The the glowing gem of the Shrine of Gilbert Islands. The friends were word, Baha'u'llah, is like our word the Bab at the top. We had circled asked to remember the pioneers in for God". This first difficult year had the globe, we were pilgrims, all. their lonely remoteness from the been an adventure in pioneering in rest of the world, and were remind­ Intercontinental Tasks understanding the culture, the reli­ ed of the words of the Guardian that gious beliefs, the history of the first Consultation on America's part in upon the settlement of goal spots in the World Crusade went forward the Americans; and an experience in the Pacific depends the teaching suc­ pioneerin~ into the vastness of In­ next day. Beatrice Ashton traced the cess of the Global Crusade. Only objectives of the Ten Year Crusade dian land by devoted Baha'is who then, he has said, will the Pacific moved to the Apache and Navajo outside of pioneering and consolida­ become the ocean of peace. tion, including such tasks as the reservations in Arizona; to Gallup, completion of Temple landscaping William de Forge, speaking for the the Indian capital of the world; to and the erection of the first Depend­ Western Hemisphere Teaching Com­ Yakima, Washington ; to Devil's ency, translation of Baha'i literature mittee gave a glowing report of Lake among the Sioux of North proclamation of the Faith through eighty-six pioneers who have filled Dakota; and to Cherokee, North Car­ press and radio, and other respon­ twenty-six of the twenty-seven as­ olina. The special task of reclaiming sibilities of the American Baha'i signed goals. As yet the Island of the remnant community of Omaha community. Anticosti, the only spot still to be Indians at Macy, Nebraska, was de­ Accomplishments of the first year settled, is inaccessible, since it is scribed as an inescapable responsi­ of the Crusade in the Intercontinen­ privately owned. bility which the American Indian tal fields were explained by repre­ The glorious victories of the Afri­ Service Committee shared with the sentatives of four Committees. For can Teaching Campaign were told by friends in an appeal for true pioneer­ the European Teaching Committee, Amoz Gibson. That the present num­ ing in a long-range, patient, loving Edna True reported the consolid&­ ber of converts to the Faith is now effort to bring this community back tion of existing European communi- six hundred and the African centers . into the shelter of our Cause. Ac- 20 JUNE, 1954 complishments of this first year of teaching responsibility. In the ensu­ and that we cannot look for miracles Indian service included contact ing discussion several delegates re­ to help us meet possible future cri­ made with members of eighteen ad­ iterated the need for love in the ses. In order to face this squarely, ditional Indian tribes; the immediate hearts of the friends in order to win a simple resolve plan as presented task for the coming year will be the more Negro adherents to the Faith, by the Treasurer was adopted in a changing of contacts into converts and that the spirit of the task should recommendation to the National As­ for the Faith, in compliance with a become that of human relations. To sembly by the deiegates. In its scope most recent appeal of the Guardian. this, the Puerto Rican delegate, Mr. and simple, understandable form it A brochure of teaching suggestions Vivas, added a dramatic story of the seemed to embrace the capacity of has been published and made avail­ effects of the deadly scourge of ra­ every believer, so that no one from able to the friends. We were remind­ cial prejudice about which 'Abdu'l­ this point on need cut himself off ed of the necessity for love, tact, Baha warned America. We were re­ from the bounty of support of the patience, wisdom and understanding minded, too, that 'Abdu'l-Baha spoke ational Fund. The channels of in­ in teaching among the Indians, also of the great future of the Negro dividual giving were further clari­ a people greatly revered by the Mas­ people because of their numbers and fied: first, to the International Fund ter. We remembered the glowing the difficulties which have surround­ directly to the Guardian; second, to promise given by 'Abdu'l-B aha for ed them. We remembered the words the National Fund through the re­ the future of this people when they of the Kampala conference, "our col­ solve plan; third, to their local fund will have been guided into their spir­ ors are different by accident, we are by members of Baha'i communities; itual destiny. An appeal was made brothers and sisters bound by one and fourth, to a new Continental through the delegates to all the belief". Fund, as explained in the Guardian's American Baha'is to claim their part cablegram, for the assistance of the in the fulfillment of this promise. Opportunities for Giving Auxiliary Boards. Maintenance of all "O My God! 0 My God! Verily I four categories are the obligation of Inter-Racial Program invoke Thee and supplicate before the friends, it was explained, and A report of the Inter-Racial Teach­ Thy threshold asking Thee that all will be accepted as we under­ ing Committee, given by Farhang Thy mercies may descend upon stand that, through the bounty Javid, began with the reiteration of these souls . . Unite and bind to­ of Baha'u'llah, our lives as Baha'is 'Abdu'l-Baha's warning that if the gether the hearts, join in accord all embrace local, national, and inter­ problem of unity between the colored the souls . . . " With the reading of national, activities. The delegates and white races is not met, the effect this prayer, consultation on the Na­ recommended that local Assemblies on this country will be most devas­ tional Fund drew us together in fac­ as well as individuals choose an tating. Shared with the friends was ing this greatest obligation and in amount and make their contribution accepting the privilege of maintain­ the Guardian's statement reflecting to the Resolve plan. To relate our­ ing the pillar upon which rest all his feeling for the importance of this selves to the standard of the budget work, too long delayed, and his as­ the institutions of the Cause. The re­ port to the friends as the Treasurer in a new mature spirit, suggestions surance that the victories in Africa followed: that each Assembly should indicate the capacity for acceptance gave it was very clear. The total devote more consultation to the prob­ of the Faith among the Negro peo­ budget for last year was $525,000; ple. During the past year the Inter­ receipts for the entire year were lem, that the circle of believers who Racial Teaching Committee asked S366,000. The differential of $159,000 support the Fund may ever b ~ in­ each local Assembly to appoint a key was somewhat lessened because creased: that new believers come deputy who would supply the names S37,000 of the budget was not spent. into the Faith with an understanding of the joy and responsibility in giv­ of l egro leaders in each community. leaving a deficit of $122,000. How was To these were sent two separate this deficit met? To repay the b.ank ing to the various funds; that con­ mailings of literature with an accom­ loan of $100,000 due last November tributions should begin immediately panying letter. Recommendations for 12, special measures had to be after Ric;l.van (we are faced with an next year by the Committee included taken: a gift of $77 ,000 to the N.S.A. immediate bill of $23,000) and con­ these suggestions: that each local some years ago by Mrs. Collins, in tinue steadily until the close of the A sembly appoint an Inter-Racial memory of her husband, the princi­ Baha'i year; that the Fund is not teaching committee; that each local pal of which could be used in an healthy when sustained by a few; Assembly plan one large public emergency, was used to help meet that we should realize that the Fund meeting devoted to this theme, pref­ this obligation. This amount will be is the link between the believers and erably during Brotherhood week; replaced in three parts, the first of the execution of the Divine Plan; that the incoming National Inter-Ra­ which, $25,000, becomes a part of the .and that we take to our hearts again cial Teaching Committee be allowed budget of next year. Later, the and again as individuals and com­ to direct pioneer settlers to highly N.S.A. borrowed from the Wilmette munities the words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, populated Negro communities in State Bank against the bequest of "God does not ask from any soul the south; that a definite time be Mr. Schopflocher, repayable this except according to his ability. Who­ soever comes with one good act. God appointed by the National Assembly year when the bequest of $60,000 is will give him tenfold. The living Lord for a study of new institute material, to be received. The budget for next year presented a clear picture of the shall assist and confirm the gener­ " Faith in Action", through confer­ mm1mum financial requirements, ous soul. 0 ye lovers of the Beauty ences or a series of study classes. and totaled $475,000. With these fig­ of the True One ... Become ye self­ This compilation was reviewed by ures the Treasurer shared the sober­ sacrificin.g, become ye self-sacrific­ Mrs. Marian Lippitt and its study ing facts that new developments in ing ... " explained as a means to prepare the the world structure of the Faith will To bring such a spirit as this to a friends to approach this important bring new financial responsibilities di cussion of finances is truly one of BAHA'I NEWS the remarkable evidences of the vi­ c.ating great victories home front, " from the sweet scented streams" , tality of our Faith, the Chairman re­ abroad". and the solacing words of the sacred minded us. And we felt that the spirit readings made a blend of beauty. which accompanied the holding of a A new feeling of urgency moved The heart of the Convention was Baha'i election, one of the explicit through the last hours of consulta­ within the House of Worship. In the functions of the Convention, was just tion on the responsibilities and oppor­ completed, dedicated Temple we as unique in the world today. Mid­ tunities here at home. News of the learned the fulness of worship in a way in the sessions we paused for forthcoming Assembly of the World measure th.at words cannot contain. this dedicated part, for the sharing Council of Churches, to be held in Together, in an orb of light, where of prayers which preceded the ac­ Evanston in late August, was shared Baha'u'llah's words circle within and tual voting, "that haply Thy serv­ with us by Margery McCormick and without, we heard the familiar ants may show forth only that which Winston Evans, who have been asked verses of the older Faiths as for the shall please Thee and conform whol­ by the N.S.A. to explore this oppor­ first time, the glorious fulfilling ly unto Thy most potent will". tunity for bringing the Baha'i Faith prayers of Baha'u'llah both spoken Election of National Assembly to the attention of the leading and sung. One hundred .and six delegates scholars of the Christian world. The It is the Temple which is the first voted in person for members of the questions to be raised at the confer­ to be seen, the last to glimpse, the hardest to leave. But through some new National Spiritual Assembly, ence involve the whole future of blessed miracle it is as close .as re­ and sixty-three voted by mail. L ater, Christendom, it was explained, and membrance ... we are back again the results of the election of the are those for which only Baha'is have N.S.A. and its subsequent organiza­ and again in the circle of light, and been given the answer. We heard the the singing words return, tion were announced: Paul Haney, dramatic story of the planning for chairman; Charles Wolcott, vice­ "O Thou, by whose Name the sea this great assembly which will at­ of joy moveth chairman; Hor.ace Holley, secre­ tract 1500 delegates from all over the tary; Charlotte Linfoot, assistant And the fragrance of happiness is world, and could but conclude it was wafted, secretary: Edna True, recording not just an accident that Evanston, secretary: Borrah Kavelin, treasur­ I .ask Thee to show me from the adjacent to Wilmette and the Baha'i er; Margery McCormick; Lawrence wonders of Thy favor, House of Worship, had been chosen That which shall brighten my eyes, Hautz; Robert McLaughlin. as the site. More delegates .and friends ar­ and shall gladden my heart, rived at mid-session, bringing the Through representatives of hard­ Verily, Thou art the Giver, the working Committees we learned of final total to seven hundred and fifty­ Generous.'' the many spheres of Baha'i activity: -NANCY PHILLIPS eight. Convention ReporteT among the Youth, with the children, Te mp ie Ground s and First Dependency in the Summer Schools, in the epic AFRICAN TEACHING In the closing days of the Conven­ volumes of Baha'i WorLd, through all From the United States Africa tion, through a graphic account by the publicity and visual aids, BAliA'i Teaching Committee comes the Robert McLaughlin, we learned of NEws, library facilities, use of Baha'i news of acceptance of the Baha'i the steps to be taken in completing Questionnaires, Service to the Blind, Faith by a member of the Berber the nine gardens surrounding the book sales, .and the reinforcement of tribe in North Afric.a, first of these Temple, the addition of founta ins ties binding the Baha'i World Com­ people to become a believer. and circular w.alks in each and furth­ munity with the United Nations. We Last October, an African pioneer er enhancement of the planting, all learned of comprehensive plans for from Uganda, Enoch Olinga, went to to be done in a three year period. publicizing the Faith during the com­ the British Cameroons, where a We learned that the Guardian has ing year in a series of twelve events community of fourteen African approved the building of a home for including, in addition to Baha'i anni­ Baha'is developed. In March the the aged as the first Temple De­ versaries, World Religion day and Guardian cabled Musa Banani, Hand pendency and that a committee com­ other occasions celebrated in the of the C.ause in Kampala, Uganda, posed of Doctors Katherine True, past, .a new World Culture day on asking that the new African believ. lVIanucher Javid, and David Ruhe, March 6. offering unlimited oppor­ ers go from the British Cameroons and Mrs. Margery McCormick and tunities for appeal through art, mu­ to nearby areas of the French and Mrs. Beatrice Ashton had been asked sic and drama. British Togolands and French Cam­ to study the basic needs and A Public meeting in Foundation ~roons. Hence, by Ric;lvan, there technical problems in erecting such Hall Sunday evening, with Arthur were African believers in these an institution. It had been the Guard­ Dahl and Annamarie Honnold as areas as well as an .assembly in the ian's choice th.at the first Depend­ speakers w.as the concluding event British Cameroons. This instance is ency be an instrument of service, of the Convention. Its benediction given to show how fast the Faith we were told, and that in the same was the service of public worship in can spread in these new areas and way that the House of Worship opens the Auditorium that afternoon, as how the Guardian desires believers its doors to all, so will this institu­ had the morning's devotions been to scatter r.ather than build up large tion. the dawning point of each day and centers numerically. Guardian's Reply to the Ric;lvan Feast a mid-moment of Convention Message joy. Just before the Convention AMERICAN INDIAN The Guardian's cabled reply to the Charles Wolcott had written a haunt­ SERVICE COMMITIEE message sent by the Convention was ingly beautiful melody for the words The American Indian Service Com­ brief, arresting: '·Welcome assur­ of a short prayer of Baha'u'llah. mittee asks the help of all Local As­ ance delegates. Fervently suppli- This, with the music of the lovely semblies and Area Committees in ob- 22 JUNE, 1954 taining information about Indian be­ renew their efforts after summer languages and reference publica­ lievers and contacts. To check the lull. tions in compar.ative religions. How­ accuracy of existing records and October 24, United Nations Day. ever, those attending should bring reach any isolated individuals, the To proclaim spiritual basis on their own Baha'i books for study. following information is requested: which nations of the world can The warm days and cool evenings 1. Names and addresses of Baha'is unite for lasting world peace. indicate a variety of dress. Come in your community or area who are November 12, Birthday of Baha'u'­ prepared to enjoy the excellent all or part Indian and the tribe to llah. climate and recreational facilities of which they belong. To proclaim the appearance of the the Pike's Peak region. 2. Names of Indian tribes contact­ Promised One of all religions as There is easy access to Colorado ed in your community or area during the hope of the world. Springs by all forms of transporta­ the first year of the Global Crusade. December 5 (approximate), State tion. The school is located about 12 miles from the city. 3. Reports of any future enroll­ Baha'i Conventions. ments or contacts as soon as they Room and board is $35 .00 per To publicize delegate attendance week. Because accommodations are occur. and progress of the Ten Year Cru­ The .accuracy of reports to the limited, enrollment and room reser­ Guardian on the progress of Indian sade. vations should be made early. In­ teaching depends on this assistance January 16, World Religion Day. quiries should be sent to: from the committees. To proclaim the fundamental one­ Mrs. Gladys Roberts ness of religion. 915 • . Hancock Ave. BAHA'I PRESS SERVICE February 21-28, World Brotherhood Colorado Springs, Colorado. Week. Baha'i Press Service has devel­ To proclaim the oneness of man­ CHILD EDUCATION oped a program for proclaiming the kind. Parents and all believers working Faith to the public through special March 6, World Culture Day. with children will be interested in events coverage. This program, ap­ To herald the emergence of a new a " Suggested Outline for the Teach­ proved by the National Spiritual As­ ing and Training of Children" which global culture to promote world sembly-will-serve a-s .a bas-is for news appears in the April issue of The peace. releases. Child's Way, publication of the The Press Service will mail to all March 21, Naw-Ruz (Baha'i New Baha'i National Child Education Baha'i press representatives the fol­ Year) . Committee. This issue, especi.ally lowing materials to assist in publiciz­ To proclaim the renewal of religion printed because of the value of this ing each event. and a new spiritual springtime. teaching chart, gives the capacities, 1. A national release, which is sent April 30-May 2 (approximate), Na­ norms. goals and objectives for to about 100 wire services, ma­ tional Baha'i Convention. children from three to fifteen years, gazines and feature syndicates. To publicize delegate attendance together with suggestions on teach­ 2. A suggested local release, and progress of the Ten Year Cru­ ing and related activities. Also in­ adapting the information to local sade. cluded is a set of check questions community requirements, bringing May 23 , Declaration of the Bab. for self-evaluation by those working in local Baha'i personalities and To proclaim the birth of a new with children. In single copies, the events. Universal Cycle and the fulfillment price of this issue is twenty-five 3. A suggested newspaper adver­ of prophecy. cents. Regul.ar subscriptions to the tisement, with layout. Local Assemblies are urged to bi-monthly The Child's Way are $1.00 4. A planograph sheet reproducing send the names of their new ap­ a year, and can be ordered, to begin some of the recently published .arti­ pointments of Press Representatives with this special issue, from: cles. to: Baha'i Press Service, 6543 N. The Child's Way 5. A letter outlining suggestions for Campbell Ave. , Chicago 45, Illinois, Mrs. Amy Dwelly, Editor publicizing these events, using radio so that the mailing list for future 9400 Euclid Avenue, Suite 20 scripts, tape recordings, mats etc. publicity releases may be corrected. Cleveland 6, Ohio and exchanging information on the activities of press representatives. INTERNATIONAL BAHA'I CHRIST'S PROMISE FULFILLED A new booklet entitled Christ's The list of events includes: SCHOOL July 9, Declaration of the Bab. Promise Fulfilled is now available. The International Baha'i School Its contents, .assembled from Some To publicize developments at will open for classes on Saturday. Baha'i World Center, and signifi­ Answered Qvestions, brings together July 17 , continuing for four weeks. chapters dealing with the birth of cance of the Martyrdom and Shrine All B.aha'is are invited to attend the Christ, the Resurrection, the Return of the Bab. classes at the inspiring setting at the spoken of by the Prophets and other August 15-30. World Council of foot of the Rocky Mountains. o spe­ subjects of particular interest to peo­ Churches. Meeting at Evanston, cial classes for Youth will be given. ple of Christian background. Illinois. During this year so vital to the The purpose in publishing such a To welcome delegates, invite them Crusade, summer school programs booklet at this time is to give Baha'is to visit nearby Baha'i Temple. will serve an important place in pre­ a piece of literature providing an­ September 23, Baha'i Proclamation paring each Baha'i for his teaching swers to the questions which will Day. opportunities. International School arise as a result of the great inter­ To proclaim America's spiritual classes and programs will be geared national conference sponsored by the mission, observe the anniversary to the Ten Year plan. World Council of Churches, to be of the Faith's introduction to Amer­ The school has an excellent library held in E vanston, Illinois, during the ica and stimulate the friends to containing Baha'i writings in several last two weeks of August. BAHA'I NEWS 23

Baha"i Prayers, p. 46 The World Council of Churches, of the Department of Physics of the CHORAL SELECTION which represents some 35 million University presented the scientific From the Sweet-Scented Streams (Prayer of people in its affiliated groups, has viewpoint and a Baha'i presented the Baha ·u·u ah)-Charles Wolcott chosen the topic " Christ, the Hope principles of the Faith. Order of Devotions-May 9, 1954 of the World," as theme for the Ev­ Regular Friday evening public 3:30 P.M. All praise. O mu God. be to Thee Who art anston conference . Discussion will meetings, held in the Student Union the Source of all glory and majesty, of great· center largely on the Second Com­ Building on campus, have been well ness and 1ionor, of sovereignty and dominion, of loftiness and grace. of awe and power ... ing, the Return of Christ. Laymen attended. Of all who are in heaven and on earth, none and clergy alike are showing This active Baha'i youth group has can withstand the operation of Thy sovereign Will. From all eternity Thou didst rule the en­ increased interest in this subject. received University recognition tire creation, and Thou wilt continue for ever­ more to exercise thy dominion over all created Press, radio and TV will focus on through the election of a B.aha'i to things. the conference, reporting the discus­ the office of President of the Stu­ -Baha'u 'llah CHORAL SELECTION sions in detail to all p.arts of the dent Religious Council. Let All the Nations Praise the Lord-Volck­ world. mar Leisring BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS Northwestern University will pro­ DEVOTIONAL PROGRAMS Prayers and Meditations, LIX, p . 94 OLD TESTAMENT vide the facilities of its 3500-seat Mc­ AT HOUSE OF WORSHIP Psalms 19 and 100 Gaw Memorial Hall for the confer­ NEW TESTAMENT The Baha'i House of Worship at ence; 1500 delegates, representing Matthew 4:10; John 4 :23 Wilmette, Illinois is dedicated to the QUR'AN 161 Protestant denominations, from Sura XXIV, 36-38: 41-42; Sura I Unity of God, the Unity of His CHORAL SELECTION 60 countries are expected to attend. Prophets, the Unity of Mankind. In O Come Ye Servants of the Lord-C. Tye The National Spiritual Assembly BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS this spirit, public worship is con­ Prayers and Meditations, pp. 271-272; LXXV has felt this Assembly of the World p. 123 ducted each Sunday at 3:30 P.M. in Gleanings, pp. 60-61 Council of Churches to be sufficient­ the auditorium. Readers at these de­ Prayers and Meditations, CLIII, p. 245 ly important th.at it has appointed a CHORAL SELECTION votional programs include Baha'is Laud His Name-P. Ivanoff committee to follow the arrange­ and guests. Choral selections are by ments being made for the confer­ Order of Devotions-May 16, 1954 the Baha'i House of Worship A Cap­ 3:30 P.M. ence. The purpose of the committee pella Choir. is to determine what significance The fundamental purvose animating the The programs for the month of Faith of God and H is Religion is to safeguard the deliberations of the delegates the interests anti promote the unittJ of the May follow: human race. and to foster the spirit of love may have for Baha'is and to inform and fellowship amongst men. the believers of ways in which they Feast of Ric;lvan-May 1, 1954. - B aha'u'llah CHORAL SELECTION can meet the opportunities created 9:30 P.M. 0 Sing Unto the Lord-Hans Leo Hassler by the discussions. This is the D ay in which mankind can be­ BAHA' I SACRED WRITINGS hold the Face, and hear the Voice . of the GleaninE!s p. 243: XCIX. p. 200 What constitutes " Christian Hope" Promised One. The Call of God hath been OLD TESTAMENT is far from clear in the minds of raised. and the light of H is countenance hath Malachi 2:10: 3:1-3; 3:16-18. I saiah 11:1-9 been lijted up upon men. NEW TESTAMENT many delegates who will attend the -Baha'u 'llah Matthew 22: 36-40 ; 23: 37-39. Revelation CHORAL SELECTION 21: 1-5 meetings, and agreement among Sing and Rejoice-Will James QUR'AN those who have positive opinions is PRAYERS AND MEDITATIONS, XLVII, p. 69 Sura III: 98-100 PRAYER OF BAHA'U'LLAH (chanted in Per­ CHORAL SELECTION not a foregone conclusion. The very sian) Bless the Lord. O My Sou1-Ippolitof-Ivanof nature of the conference, however, GLEANINGS FROM THE WRITINGS OF BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS BAHA'U 'LLAH. pp. 29-30, 32 Gleanings, CVII, p. 2<14 ; pp. 215-216 ; CXI, indicates an awareness of the central GLEANINGS FROM THE WRITINGS OF p. 217 BAHA'U'LLAH, LIII, p. 107 B aha' i P rayer,. n. 78 problem of our time. For Baha'is the CHORAL SELECTION CHORAL SELECTION Christian hope of the return of Hear My Cr y. 0 God-Alexander K opyloff The Lord' s My Shepherd-arr. Gordon Jacob GLEANINGS FROM THE WRITINGS OF Christ is Baha'i conviction. Ours is BAHA' U'LLAH, CLI, p . 319 Order of Devotions-May 23, 1954, the Faith, the assurance that Christ CHORAL SELECTION Let Thy H oly P resence-Tschesnokoff 3:30 P .M. has, indeed, returned; not in His for­ PRAYERS AND MEDITATIONS, CLXXX, Know thou assuredly that the essence of all mer station of the Son of God, but p. 310 the Prophets of God is one and the same. CHORAL SELECTION Their unity is absolute. God, the Creator, in the very Glory of the Father, in From the Sweet-Scented Streams (A prayer saiths TherP is no distinction whatsoever Baha'u'llah, the Glory of God. of B aha'u'llah)-Charles Wolcott among the B earers of My Message. They all have but one purpose; their Secret is the same This knowledge will be made Order of Devotions-May 2, 1954, Secret. -Bahfl 'u 'llah available to delegates to the Evans­ 3:30 P.M. BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS ton meeting of the World Council of I n all D ispensations the !aw of prayer hath Prayers and Meditations, LIX, p. 94 constituted a fundamental element of the CHORAL SELECTION Churches. The National Spiritual As­ Revelation of all the Prophets of God. Arise, O God, and Show Thy Might-Morgan sembly is considering all possible -Baha'u'Uah BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS CHORAL SELECTION Gleanings, pp. 78-80 ways of bringing the Baha'i Faith to Almighty God of Our F athers-James BHAGAVAD-GITA (HINDU SCRIPTURES) the attention of these visitors. BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS OLD TESTAMENT B aha'i Prayers, p. 48 Exodus 3: 14-15; 4: 10-16. Deuteronomy 18: 15-19 The booklet, prepared for this OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT occasion, will be found useful for this Job 33:26. Psalms 50: 14-15 ; 34 : 1-8 : 117 ; Matthew 3:16-17; 5:17-18. John 5:46-47 . Luke 100 ; 67 24:44. John 8:42, 56, 58; 14:15-18, 26; 16 :7-8 , purpose in all communities as well 12-13 NEW TESTAMENT Mark 11:22-26; Luke 11:5-13; Matthew 6:5·13 CHORAL SELECTION as in Evanston. (see Publications Let Thy Holy Presence-Tschesnokoff section.) CHORAL SELECTION QUR'AN Alleluia-Randall Thompson Sura II :130 ; Sura XXXIII :40-46 QUR'AN BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS BAHA'I ON THE CAMPUS Sura II :147-148; Sura XI:ll6-117; Sura Gleanings, p. 5; VII, p . 10 ; World Order of At the University of Arizona, BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS Baha'u ' llah, pp. 104-105, 60 , 116 Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah (from the Ara­ Gleanings, pp. 80-81 , 136 World Youth Day was observed with bic), No. 16, 43 Prayers and Meditations, CVII, p . 178 Kitab-i-Iqan (The Book of Certitude), p . 39; CHORAL SELECTION a panel discussion on the agreement Gleanings, pp. 294, 265 , 266 , 243 , 295; Advent He Shall Give H is Angels Charge Over Thee of Science and Religion. A member of Divine Justice, p . 70 -Mendelssohn JUNE, 1954

Order of Devotions-May 30 , 1954, The R eligion of Humanity. By 3:30 P .M. Horace Holley. P repared by the Na­ CALENDAR It is evident that the loftiest mansions in tional Spiritual Assembly especially the Realm of Immortality have been ordained OF EVENTS as the habitation of them that have truly be­ for presentation to public figures lieved in God and in His signs. D eath can (see page 7), this pamphlet is also HOLY DAYS never invade that holy seat. -Baha ·u 'llah useful for firesides and personal con­ July 9, Martyrdom of the Bab CHORAL SELECTION tacts. Give Ear Unto My Prayer-Arcadelt FEASTS BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS (minimum order) 10 copies $1.00 Prayers and Meditations, pp, 278·279 50 copies $4.50 June 5, Nur, Light BHAGAVAD-GITA (HINDU SCRIPTURES) June 24, R al).mat, Mercy The Ordinances of Manu OLD TESTAMENT New Pri ces July 13 , Kalimat, Words Psalm 23 Loyalty to Government. Clear, NEW TESTAMENT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEETING I Corinthians 15 :39-50,54 concise statement of this basic QUR'AN July 2, 3, 4, 5 Sura XXIV, 64 ; Sura XL!, 30·32; Sura XXXII, Baha'i principle. (new printing) 17, 19 ; Sura X\Tl, 32, 34 ; Sura XXIV, 42 E ach ...... S .05 July 30, 31, August 1 CHORAL SELECTION Oh Sing Unto tlie Lord-Hans Leo Hassler 8 copies ...... $ .25 BAHA'f HOUSE OF WORSHIP BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS Gleanings, pp. 158-159 ; pp. 155-156 ; pp. 156- 100 copies ...... $2 .50 Visiting Hours: 157 ; pp. 345-346 The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah, F rom the Weekdays ; 10:30 A.M.-4:30 P .M. Arabic, 32, 23, 6, 14; Gleanings, p. 141 New Supply 7:30 P .M.-9:00 P .M. P rayers and Meditations, XXVIII, p. 32 CHORAL SELECTION God and His Messengers. By D a­ Sundays: 10:30 A .M.-9 :00 P.M. L aud H is Name-P. Ivanoff vid H ofman. Published by George Ronald, E ngland. This is the only Service of worship: Sunday at 3 :30, book of its kind in our Children's lasting until 4:15. (No guided tours PUBLICATIONS Literature. Suitable as gift for Baha'i will be conducted during the serv­ or non-Baha'i. This item is no longer ice of worship.) NEW PUBLICATIONS net and librarians will receive the Christ's P romise Fulfilled. By usual discount on quantity pur- IN MEMORIAM 'Abdu'l-B aha. Selections form Some chases. Each ...... $2.00 Answered Questions containing " Death proffereth unto every con­ many chapters on Some Christian Subjects, The Five Aspects of Spirit, Out of Print fident beiiever the cup that is 1ife Stations of the Divine Manifesta­ The following books are no longer indeed. It bestoweth joy and is the tions, Reincarnation, and others. An available and will not be reprinted. bearer of giadness. It conferreth the effective teaching aid for appealing The Baha'i Movement gift of everiasting 1ife." to people of Christian background. - Baha'u'llah 75 pages, 41/2 x 71/z , green stamping Security for a Failing World. (This on Grey Granite cover. applies to the book only. The pam­ Mrs. Mabelle De Bruyn Each ...... $ .35 phlet is still available.) Berkeley, California 10 copies ...... $2.50 March 20, 1954 Public Meeting Cards. Double Mrs. Marion Compton Burlington, New Jersey card, perforated, top portion of MARRIAGES April 1, 1954 which carries a quotation from --~ 'Abdu'l-Baha. Lower portion is an Mr. Arthur Husted " Giory be unto Thee, 0 my God! Soldier' s Home Hospital address card for contacts who wish Veriiy, this Thy servant and this Thy Washington, D . C. to be informed of future Baha'i meet­ April 12, 1954 ings. maid-servant have gathered under the shadow of Thy mercy and they Mr. Lorin A. Whitmore 100 copies ...... $ 1.75 P asedena 6, California 500 copies ...... $ 7 .50 are united through Thy favor and April 20 , 1954 1000 copies ...... $13.00 generosity. 0 Lord Assist them in Mr. Paul B anker Faith in Action. Prepared by the this Thy worid and Thy Kingdom Salt Lake City , utah Baha'i Inter-Racial T eaching Com­ and destine for them every good May 9, 1954 mittee of 1953-54, this clearly organ­ through Thy bounty and grace ..." Mrs. F red J. Woodward ized study of the B aha'i approach to Alexandria, Virginia human relations is ideal for either - 'Abdu'l-Baha May 9, 1954 group or personal deepening. 26 Detroit, Michigan-Mrs. Wilma Ridley to Mrs. Saida R . Cowman pages, 81/z " x 14", mimeographed. Mr. Ervin LeRoy Thomas, April 24 , Arlington, Virginia Each ...... $.60 1954. May 15, 1954

BAHA'I NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States as a new s organ reporting current activities of the B aha'i World Community .. · · R e ports, plans, news items and photographs of general interest are requested from national committees and local assemblies of the United States as well as from National Assemblies of other lands. Material is due in Wilmette on the tenth day of the month ~ preceding the date of issue for which it is intended. BAHA'I NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1954-1955 : Mrs. Eunice Braun, Man­ aging Editor; Mr. David Ned Blackmer, Assistant Editor; Mrs. Beatrice ·Ashton, Miss Edna True. Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A. Change of Address should be reported directly to National Baha'i Administrative Headquarters, 536 Sheridan R oad, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.