PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

OF THE BAHA' IS OF THE UN ITED STATES

FOR CIRCULATION AMONG BAHA'IS ONLY

No. 417 BAHA'I YEAR 122 DECEMBER 1965

_JJaz{ralu 'f- Quth in Seoul, _}(orea

The story of the purchase of this Center is given in this issue of BAHA'I NEWS. 2 DECEMBER 1965 Universal House of Justice Announces Final Purification of Shrine of Ba ha'u' llah ANNOUNCE BAHA'I WORLD REMOVAL FROM IMMEDIATE PRE­ CINCTS HOLY SHRI E BAHA'U'LLAH REMAI S MIRZA DIYA'U'­ LLAH YOUNGER BROTHER MIRZA MUHAMMAD-'ALI HIS ACCOM­ PLICE IN EFFORTS SUBVERT FOUNDATIONS COVENANT GOD SOON AFTER ASCENSION BAHA'U'LLAH. THIS FINAL STEP IN PROCESS PURIFICATION SACRED INTERNATIONAL ENDOW­ MENTS FAITH IN BAHJI FROM PAST CONTAMINATION WAS PROVIDENTIALLY UNDERTAKEN UPON REQUEST FAMILY OLD COVENANT BREAKERS A PROCESS WHOSE INITIAL STAGE WAS FULFILLED BY 'ABDU'L-BAHA WHICH GATHERED MOMENTUM EARLY YEARS BELOVED GUARDIAN'S MINISTRY THROUGH EVACUATION MANSION ATTAINED CLIMAX THROUGH PURIFI­ CATION HARAM-I-AQDAS A D NOW CONSUMMATED THROUGH CLEANSING IN ER SANCTUARY MOST HALLOWED SHRINE QIBLIH BAHA'I WORLD PRESAGING EVENTUAL CONSTRUCTION BEFITTING MAUSOLEUM AS ANTICIPATED BELOVED SIGN GOD ON EARTH. -UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

The above cable was received on the morning of cincts of the " holiest spot in the entire Baha'i world," November 12, 1965, the 145th anniversary of the birth itself a prelude to the eventual erection of a befitting of B aha'u'llah. This is a final victory in the process of Mausoleum to " enshrine the Dust of the Founder of eliminating all traces of the presence of the Covenant­ God's Most Holy Faith." The outer sanctuary, imme­ breakers, whose machinations to subvert the Cause diately adjacent to the Tomb of Baha'u'llah, was brought such trials and anguish to 'Abdu'l-Baha and termed by Shoghi Effendi as the I:Iaram-i-Aqdas, or Shoghi Effendi. Mirza Mulfammad-'Ali, half-brother of Most Holy Court, and was transformed into a land­ 'Abdu'l-Baha, designated by Shoghi Effendi as the scaped area with curved paths, cypress trees and a "archbreaker of Baha'u'llah's Covenant," challenged monument-lined path leading to a beautiful wrought the appointment of 'Abdu'l-Baha as the Center of the iron gate. The gate is the gift of Hand of the Cause, Covenant. In His Will and Testament, the Master Mrs. Amelia Collins, and is the main entrance leading mentions Muhammad-'Ali several times and names to the Shrine. him the " Ce~ter of Sedition, the Prime Mover of On September 6, 1957, shortly before his passing, Mischief. . . . " Shoghi Effendi announced the " complete evacuation Following the ascension of Baha'u'llah, Mulfammad­ of the remnant of Covenant-breakers and the transfer 'Ali, his children, relatives and a few other Covenant of all their belongings from the precincts of the Most breakers, continued to live in the immediate vicinity Holy Shrine, and the purification, after six long dec­ of the Sacred Tomb, having inherited some shares in ades, of the I:Iaram-i-Aqdas from every trace of their the Mansion and adjacent buildings. Mulfammad-'Ali contamination." Now the removal of the remains of died in 1937 , five years after the Guardian had suc­ Mirza Mulfammad-'Ali's younger brother, from the ceeded in removing him from the Mansion itself and inner sanctuary of the Shrine of Baha'u'llah, Qiblih of restoring it to its former beauty. At this time the Brit­ the Baha'i world, is a final witness to the declined for­ ish high Commissiontr changed the status of the Man­ tunes of those who exerted many years of effort in sion of Bahji from a personal residence to a museum attempts to subvert the Cause of God. and pilgrim house of the Baha'i Faith. Over a long -NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY period of years, Shoghi Effendi was able to carry out the legal steps that eliminated most of the unsightly structures still occupied by Covenant breakers which Note: F or a detailed account of the historical aspects involved stood near the Mansion and the Shrine. in the activities of the Covenant-breakers over a long period On November 12 , 1952, the 132nd anniversary of the of years and the acquisition and beautification of Baha'i prop­ erties surrounding the Holy Shrines, the friends should refer ~ birth of Baha'u 'llah , Shoghi Effendi announced the to messages from Shoghi Effendi contained in Messages to acquisition of a forty-acre p roperty in the vicinity of America, 1932-1946, Messages to the Baha'i World 1950-1957, the Holy Tomb and the Mansion. He also informed the T he Citadel of F aith, as well as articles in Baha'i World XII Baha'i world of the commencement of a large-scale (sections on Current Baha'i Activities and The World Order of landscaping program to beautify the immediate pre- Baha'v.'llah). 3 BAHA'I NEWS

Memorial Service Honors Outstanding Hand of Cause Leroy C. loas

On Saturday evening, October 16, 1965, friends from all over the world gathered in the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette in memory of beloved Hand of the Cause of God, Leroy C. Ioas who passed on to the Abha Kingdom on July 22. His wife, Mrs. Sylvia Ioas, and many other members of the immediate family were p resent, as Hand of the Cause Zikrullah Khadem began the memorial service by chanting in Persian a medita­ tion by Shoghi Effendi. The deep love, admiration and gratitude, intermingled with feelings of great loss and joy, felt by those who knew Leroy Ioas, must have also swelled in the hearts of all as they heard the opening remarks of Mr. Arthur Dahl, chairman of the meeting: "Beloved friends, we are gathered in this sacred edifice this evening to pay homage to one of the truly great American Baha'is, and one who, for many of us, was also a deeply loved and valued friend. Those of us who at one point in our lives were close to Leroy, know that the sum total of his accomplishments is so vast that its true weight in Baha'i history can not be evaluated at this time. What we can do is to recall those wonderful talents, qualities and actions which not only led to great achievements, but also endeared him in small ways to the individual Baha'i. The publicity resulting from these first meetings " So that we might review and re-live this wonderful created interest on the part of the public, and this life of Leroy Ioas who brought such brilliant accom­ pointed up the need for Baha'i teachers. Mr. Ioas plishment to the Baha'i world, we have asked members realized teachers must be found among the newer of his family and some of his friends to remember with younger Baha'is, and as a member of the Western us the incidents and qualities which marked this stal­ Coast Teaching Committee, he conceived the idea of wart life." holding institutes for deepening believers and prepar­ ing them to teach. This idea took shape at Geyserville Meeting the Master on August 1, 1925, when a group gathered to celebrate Mr. Ioas' brother, Monroe, told of their early life in the seventieth birthday of John Bosch. Within two Chicago where in 1898 their parents wrote a letter to years, the first Baha'i School came into being, planned 'Abdu'l-Baha in 'Akka telling Him that they wanted to and conducted by a committee with Mr. Ioas as its serve the Faith of Baha'u'llah. Leroy and the other chairman. Mr. Ioas' own deep knowledge of the Faith children were sent to the Sunday School of their choice, added to his devotion and other outstanding abilities however, they attended the firesides which were held gave him a special talent for the training of Baha'i regularly in their home, and Leroy was a great student. teachers. Monroe told of the profound impression upon his broth­ er, Leroy, when first meeting the Master in 1912; of his Member of National Assembly complete devotion to Him even as a boy; of the occa­ In 1932 Leroy Ioas was first elected to the National sion when he brought Him a bouquet of white carna­ Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States tions and his joy at receiving in return from the Master and Canada. In this capacity increased responsibilities the red rose which He had worn. and opportunities were opened to him, especially in Some of Mr. Ioas' most fruitful and exciting years awakening the entire North American Baha'i Com­ were spent in California where he went to live about munity to the importance and glory of teaching the 1919. Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Assistant Secretary of the Cause of God. At this time the National Teaching National Spiritual Assembly, reviewed with the friends Committee came into existence and Mr. Ioas was made the days in the San Francisco Bay area, where Mr. Ioas the chairman. This illustrious committee won the glori­ was an active teacher and his home the center of ous victory of completing the first Seven Year P lan. Baha'i love and hospitality. Mr. Ioas served on the National Assembly until 1951, with a break of three years. Teachin g in C alifo rnia "It is quite impossible,'' Miss Linfoot stated, "to It was during this period of his life that Leroy Ioas cover the vast extent of Mr. Ioas' teaching and admin­ pioneered in many aspects of the teaching work, espe­ istrative services. However, no matter how great the cially in public proclamation and the training of Baha'i demands made upon him in his business and in his teachers. The outstanding success of the first World responsibilities as a National Assembly member, he Unity Conference, held in 1925, was through the tireless never slackened in his personal teaching, both public efforts and planning of Mr. Ioas, and resulted in suc­ and individual." ceeding large proclamation meetings for the next Miss Linfoot told the friends that during the twenty­ t wenty years. five years of her close association with Mr. Ioas, who 4 DECEMBER 1965 had given the Faith to her and to all members but one " H ands of the Cause are always very precious to us," of her family, his love for Baha'u'llah and the Master, Mr. Chance concluded, "but this one in particular left .,.-...._ his vision of the future of the Faith, his tireless efforts, his imprint upon us not only in the Baha'i world but his devotion to Shoghi Effendi, and his ability to touch also in the first stages of the history of Israel. The the hearts of his fellow-men were a constant source of people of Israel knew and admired and loved him. He inspiration and an example to all who knew him. "He was truly a great man. His life itself is his own was my first teacher," she stated. "I among hundreds memorial.'' am eternally grateful to Baha'u'llah for having Mr. Personal Tributes Ioas as a friend and teacher, and to have early in my Mr. Dahl, the chairman, then shared with the friends Baha'i life caught some vision of the Divine Plan some personal observations and experiences with Mr. through which his spirit will continue to exert his Ioas, to whom he referred as his "spiritual father." He influence for ages to come." spoke also of the early days of teaching in the San From California Mr. Ioas and his family moved to Francisco area and the Geyserville School, and of the Wilmette, and it was here, in December 1951, that he great stir in the business community in San Francisco received word that the Guardian had appointed him a when Mr. Ioas left his business at great financial Hand of the Cause of God. Soon afterward, Shoghi sacrifice in order to serve his beloved Faith in Israel. Effendi called him to the World Center to help him with Mr. Dahl pointed out that it seemed to him Mr. Ioas' the work there. greatest joy was in teaching, and that he possessed a Mr. Ioas' sister, Mrs. Margarite Ullrich, told of his special gift for answering the questions of all kinds of life after leaving Wilmette. people ; he was a person-to-person teacher. Serving in Ha ifa Loving messages from Hands of the Cause, Dr. Ugo Giachery and Mr. William Sears were read. In Mr . He was appointed a member and Secretary General Sears' letter he recalled how the Guardian had referred of the first International Baha'i Council which had been to Leroy Ioas as "Hercules," because of his prodigious formed in January 1951 by the Guardian. labors on behalf of our precious Faith. Among the multitudinous duties which Shoghi Effendi The services in Foundation H all were concluded with assigned Mr. Ioas, and one of the most outstanding, a chant in Arabic of one of the Guardian's meditations was the supervision of the work on the Shrine of the for the departed, by Miss Bahia Dloomy, and the Bab. Another herculean task was his supervision of the friends then quietly withdrew to the Auditorium up­ work in the construction of the International Archives stairs where prayers and meditations were chanted and Building. Both of these tasks were accomplished read by H and of the Cause Zikru'llah Khadem, National through a series of miraculous events which were Assembly members Dr. Sarah Pereira and Dr. D avid followed, in turn, by other important achievements. For Rube; Mr. Rowland Estall, member of the National example, a meeting was arranged between Shoghi Spiritual Assembly of Canada; Auxiliary Board mem­ Effendi and the president of Israel. Mr. Ioas' personal ber, Mrs. Velma Sherrill; and Mrs. Nadi Sohari. contact and association with the heads of the Israeli Among the readings of the Word of God, we heard " O government, with whom he had to consult over many Son of the Supreme! I have made death a messenger of matters pertaining to the Faith, forged links of respect joy to thee." and admiration for our Faith from that government. Other Memorial Services Other distinguished services which he was able to render and for which the Guardian stated the whole The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of world is deeply indebted to him, was the purchase of Switzerland held a memorial service for beloved H and the Temple land on Mount Carmel, and the freeing of of the Cause Leroy Ioas at their National I:Iaz;iratu'l­ the land around Bahji from the Covenant-breakers. Quds on August 21 , attended by friends from every p art These incidents and others, as related by Mrs. Ullrich of Switzerland. "The visits of beloved Hand of the are clear evidence that Hand of the Cause Leroy Ioas Cause Mr. Ioas in our country," their letter states, "and gave h is all in a life of devotion and service to his his letters to the Italo-Swiss Assembly regarding the Beloved. purchase of our I:Iaz;iratu'l-Quds and our Temple land, Mr. Hugh Chance, member of the Universal House of as well as his loving advice provided to pioneers in J ustice, spoke of Mr. Ioas' great and courageous spirit Switzerland, are dearly remembered by many friends." during the last days of his illness in Haifa. "I do not Other befitting services were held in Swiss communi­ know what kept him here except his love for Baha'u'­ ties, locally, in memory of Mr. Ioas. llah," Mr. Chance stated. He told of how Mrs. Ioas There have been many memorial services held local­ stayed with him faithfully day and night, stating that ly in the United States to pay homage to Hand of the she h ad shared with him his life and service to the Cause Leroy Ioas, the first being on July 29 at Geyser­ Cause, and that it was only fitting that she share this ville Baha'i School, which Mr. Ioas helped to establish meeting in his memory. in 1927. Near relatives, close friends and students were Mr. Chance told the friends that the funeral services present. for Mr. Ioas were held in the place where he lived for so A memorial for Mr. Ioas was held in Southern Cali­ many years in his service to the beloved Guardian - fornia at which Hand of the Cause William Sears spoke the former Western Pilgrim House, the building where of the devoted service, courage and achievements for the Universal House of Justice now meets and works. the Faith of this distinguished H and of the Cause or F rom there he was taken to the Baha'i cemetery in God. H aifa and laid to rest in close proximity to the other Birmingham, Alabama, and Monterey-Carmel Judi­ H ands of the Cause of God , Amelia Collins and Horace cial District, are among the local spiritual assemblies H olley . reporting local memorial services. BAHA'I NEWS 5

Faith Makes Impact Throughout Belgium

VISIT OF HAND OF CAUSE STIRS BAHA'fS AND THE PUBLIC

H E Belgian Baha'is awoke one September week­ local assemblies (two incorporated); establish Baha'i T end to the presence in their midst of 'Abu'l-Qasim Publishing Trust for French language (completed); Faizi. Although expected for months, they did not recognition of Holy days and Baha'i marriage certifi­ realize fully the mark he would leave in their communi­ cate; purchase national endowment (attained); attain ties both among themselves and their friends. This financial independence (present goal of all local assem­ Hand of the Cause, this untiring pioneer who has served blies); enrich Baha'i literature in French (currently in difficult Arabian posts, brought the Baha'is and their progressing - preparation for The Dawn-Breakers at guests very close to the pulse of the Cause that radiates hand). throughout the world from the heart of the Faith in the On the evening of September 18, a round table discus­ Holy Land. sion entitled "L'an Deux Mille a L'Heure du Choix - Said one Baha'i guest: "He has a remarkable use of S'Affirmer ou Disparaitre," was held at Hotel Cosmo­ the metaphor," and it was precisely his able story­ polite in the heart of Brussels' business district with telling and pertinent examples which so amply clarify the teachings that made people aware of the invisible powers of the Cause and its import today in world PHOTOS : (1) Participants in National Teaching affairs. Conference, Brussels ; (2) Hand of Cause Mr. Faizi Following upon the enthusiasm and high sense of with Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Colleye; (3) with Os­ mission generated at the Benelux summer school held tende Group; (4) with Antwerp Baha'i s and visi­ several weeks previous, a national teaching conference tors; (5) with believ ers of Liege; (6) Mr. Faizi was held at the I:Ia:(:iratu'l-Quds in Brussels, September with Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Careme in Brussels; 18-19. Foremost in mind were the goals of the Nine Year (7) with Mr. and Mrs. Siegfried Van Praag, (ex­ P lan: increase teaching in Flemish speaking regions treme right and left); (8) Departure of Mr. Faizi (being intensified); assure existence of fifty centers from Zaventem-Brussels airport; (9) Mr. A. Q. (twenty-one now established) ; formation of twelve local Faizi and Mrs. Lea Nys, Auxiliary Board member. assemblies (five now formed); incorporation of four 6 DECEMIER 1965 over 150 people present. B aha'is of varying major "great ones" of the earth. Mr. Faizi was escorted religious backgrounds presented the viewpoint of their through the museum by Hubert Colleye, noted writer­ former religions on a series of five questions posed by journalist. the moderator, with Mr . Faizi enunciating the Baha'i Mr. Faizi's visit to Belgium thus came to a close, but point of view. This meeting had widescale advance his p resence and encouragement will long manifest publicity throughout the city. itself in the daily lives of the Baha'is. The subsequent four days following the weekend conference constituted a period of intense activity, during which Mr. Faizi, accompanied by auxiliary board member Mrs. Lea Nys and Mr. Cambyse Samii, visited the larger communities of Belgium, with fire­ sides being held in Brussels, Ostend, Antwerp, Char­ leroi and Liege. These were animated by a sense of expectation, the attendees - both Baha'is and their guests - eager to hear Mr. Faizi's commentaries on a broad spectrum of religious and social questions. Though time was at a premium, three visits made by Mr. Faizi are worthy of special note: (1) A special interview accorded by Belgian's leading poet, Maurice Careme, a man of remarkable insight and sensitivity, whose writings on universality are akin to the Faith. This interview took place simultaneously with publica­ tion of an article in Pari s-Match (Benelux edition) on his latest book of poems. (2) A meeting with the well­ National Spiritual Assembly of Belgium, elected at known Dutch-Flemish author, Siegfried Van Praag, and Ri c;lvan 1965. Lef t to r i ght: B en Lev y (v. chairman), with his journalist wife. (3) A visit, requested by Mr. Hasan Kamran (chai rman ), Shoghi Ghadi m i , Andre Faizi, to Wiertz Museum in Brussels to see the can­ Jacobs, Fern and Bronchain, Jean-Pi erre Laperche, vasses of painter Wiertz who recorded the anxiety of Roger Swi nnen (secret ary ) , Mrs. Bastogne (ass't secre- the XIV century in his works and his protest against the tary) , Louis Henuzet (far rear, treasurer).

Italy Holds Two-Week School in Bellaria View," " Education Baha'i," which was very helpful to the young mothers present and other subjects. The The fourth Italian summer school was held again in profound words and the spirit which accompanied them Bellaria near Rimini, September 5-19. This year the aroused such enthusiasm that other teachers gave up committee made a contract with a large hotel double their courses willingly so that all could gain more from the size of the preceding year and for two weeks instead the Hands of the Cause of God. of one. It was with trepidation that they opened the In the evenings all listened to stories from Baha'is of school for fear of not being able to cover the contract, other lands. The Local Youth Committees organized but their fears were unfounded for 284 friends attended delightful programs. The youth of Genoa offered a from sixteen countries, a truly international school. beautiful chorus of youthful voices, and the youth of There were more than twenty non-Baha'is who enthusi­ Milan gave a play of Goldoni with professional acting, astically followed not only the lectures but a progres­ costumes and scenery. One evening was dedicated to sive course just for them, resulting in five declarations. the English youth present which was both interesting The two Hands of the Cause present were J ohn and entertaining. The National Youth Committee or­ Ferraby, who gave an interesting course on "The ganized a quiz and other recr eation. This balanced the Charters of the Cause of God," and A. Faizi who spoke hours of study and kept the youth busy and happy so on "The Meaning of History from the Baha'i Point of that the fifteen days of school seemed all too short.

I y~j ;-

1 l ~ .. ::....t::::••• Most of the 284 Baha'is and their guests who attended the two-week Italian summer school at B ellaria near Rimini. BAHA'I NEWS 7

Berlin Youth Institute Kindles Enthusiasm

I •

For ten days the city of Ber­ lin was the center of a spiritual­ ly motivated institute for Baha'i - youth. It was the fifth European .. - ~ summer school for youth, held from July 31 to August 10. Its theme was "From Darkness into Light;" its goals were in­ tensely directed to the future unity of the world of humanity. One hundred and fifty youth came from nineteen countries - fourteen European and five from other continents. A wel­ come was extended to all on behalf of the German Baha'i youth by Hellmut Schmidt. They took part in enlightening courses followed by small dis­ cussion groups, carried out in English, German or French, with simultaneous translations. They prayed together, studied, and shared their thoughts and hopes for the application of their Baha'i ideals. Ap­ necessary in order to keep peace on earth. I know that propriately they were housed in the Berlin "House of an essential part of your religion is tolerance and that Youth." you stress the common [foundation] of all reli.gions. A great enrichment to the school was the presence of Knowing this, I feel that it was very valuable to choose Hand of the Cause, Dr. Miihlschlegel who led a course Berlin for your gathering and I must tell you that we on "History of One Hundred Years." are delighted to have you here. I presume that you do Sightseeing to East- as well as West-Berlin brought not anticipate that everybody becomes Baha'is. But it sharply into focus the urgent need for a spiritual power is important that the essence of your Faith will change to unite mankind. Teaching experiences in the various the life of the people of the world; that the principles countries were discussed, this again emphasizing the will be practiced among the peoples and thereby cause many different cultural backgrounds of the world and peace to be kept on earth . . . " the need to reach all peoples with the Teachings of Hellmut Schmidt thanked him for the friendly recep­ Baha'u'llah. The common determination to fulfill the tion and enumerated the goals of the Baha'i Faith. Dr. goals of the Faith was shared by all present and the Farhad Sobhani mentioned the requirements of true desire to apply all of their strength to this purpose. tolerance. An important official recognition was given to the What a strong contrast this Berlin institute offers to a youth. On behalf of the Berlin Oberregierung­ Senat, world in general where youth engages more distracted­ srat Peter Haensch spoke to the Baha'is at a reception ly each day in violent and degrading activities. What a given at the Schoeberger Rathous. Among other things, he said: "As you know it is not depending on us alone to challenge to Baha'i youth all over the world to live the get over the barrier that splits the peoples of East and teachings of their Faith and to bring its healing to West. I mean that an aid to reach this high goal is others. And lastly, what an inspiration to Baha'is all tolerance, not of carelessness but of respect toward the over the world to add their prayers to those of the thinking and doings of others - not only in words but in young people assembled in Berlin in this summer of deeds. I will go still further and say that charity is 1965! 8 DECEMBER 1965

Turkey Wins Nine Year Goal With First Summer School

The scene for the historic, first Summer School ever held in Turkey was set in a green, flowering garden at Yalova , near Istanbul. Hand of the Cause, Dr. R . Mu­ hajir brought much joy with his unexpected appear­ ance, midway on his journey to the East. The believers of Turkey are happy to have achieved this goal of the Nine Year Plan.

Sixty-two participants representing eleven Localities, some of them out­ side Turkey, concentrated for eight days on the history, principles and administrative order of the Faith. Photo at lower left shows a children's class in session. ABoVE: The fifth National Conv ention of the Bahci'is of Bolivia, held in La Paz at Ric;ivan 1965 was attended by delegates and friends who came from ei ght of the nine provinces of that country. Hand of the Cause Dr. R . Muhcijir and Auxiliary Board member Athos Costas at­ tended. RIGHT: The newly elected National Assembly met at once to put into operation plans for teaching institutes among the Indians. The members of the National Assembly are: Estanislao Alvarez, Nazario T irado, corres. secretary; Ehsanollah Rezvani, treas­ urer; Mrs. Angelica Costas, rec. secretary; Andres Jachakollo, Mrs. Yolanda de Lopez, Sabino Ortega, Mario Pinto, Miguel Diez.

First Step Toward Victory in Trinadad-Tabago goals include twenty centers, four local assemblies, ac­ quiring a national endowment, temple land, and I:Ia?ir­ Accelerated teaching efforts in Trinidad during the atu'l-Quds, and others. Additional pioneers and many past year have culminated in the formation of the Local visiting teachers will be needed. Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Port-of-Spain on April 21, 1965. This Local Assembly, brought back into existence after several years, marks the first important step toward the achievement of the numerous goals assigned for Trinidad-Tobago in the Nine Year Plan. The process was begun last year when Dr. Israel Posner from Venezuela, the National Assembly respon­ sible for the formation of the National Assembly of Trinidad-Tobago as well as many other Nine Year Plan goals for that area, made a successful teaching trip to Port-of-Spain, in which he held public meetings, ob­ tained good radio and newspaper publicity, and awak­ ened some of the earlier believers to renewed activity. Soon afterward two devoted pioneers from England, Mr. and Mrs. John Firman, arrived in that same city and their constant and dedicated teaching efforts in collaboration with the local believers have resulted in several new declarations in one year. Local Spiritual Assembly of Baha.'is of Port of Spain, The joyous news of the election of the Local Assembly elected at R ic;ivan 1965 . Left to right, REAR: Mrs. Bap­ of Port-of-Spain is, however, only the first step. Many tiste, John Firman, Mrs. Philips. MIDDLE: Mrs. Firman, other goals must be achieved leading up to and follow­ Mr. Paris, Miss Hopkinson. FRONT: Mrs. George, Mr. ing the formation of the National Assembly. These Kedheroo, Mrs. Coure. 10 DECEMBER 1965

the Faith for many years. This same lady was then First Local Assembly Formed in Iceland able to open many doors for Martha Root, the renowned The historic, first local spiritual assembly was estab­ traveling teacher, who came in July of 1935 to make the lished last Ri\fvan in the capital city of Reykjavik, Faith known in that land. Iceland, the first of three assemblies required for the It was a memorable month for Martha Root, filled Nine Year Plan. The signatories of the original docu­ with interviews, discussions with many people of note, ment were: Asgeir Einarsson, Kirsten Bonnevie, Flor­ a public hall filled with people who came to hear her ence Grindlay, Jessie Echevarria, Carl John Spencer, address, radio broadcasts and newspaper articles for Charles Grindlay, Liesel Becker, Barbel Thinat and the first time in Iceland. One of the people she met was Nicholas Echevarria. One of the earliest traveling the famed sculptor, Einar Jonsson. It was in a museum teachers in Iceland was Eskil Ljunberg and the first that bears his name that Mrs. Collins met her Icelandic pioneer, Marguerite Allman, arrived in 1956, during the friend. Later, in 1937, a noted educator and author of Ten Year Crusade. Iceland, Miss H6lmfridur Arnad6ttir, wrote a beautiful tribute to the Faith [Baha'i World, Vol. VII] and made the first translation of Baha'u'llah and the New Era into Icelandic. Anyone who thinks of Iceland as a frigid, grim land should read Martha Root's description of it in her article, "The Soul of Iceland-A Baha'i Saga," in Baha'i World, Vol. VI: " ... land of jagged snowcapped mountain peaks, great glaciers ... magnificent water­ falls, boiling hot springs ... everywhere that wonderful fascination and nameless charm associated with this high altitude ... a climate of extraordinary clearness and purity . .. the air is full of ozone, one does not feel fatigue, and the salty breezes from the ocean are most bracing .... The future will witness many travelers from all lands coming to . .. Iceland; for bodies, minds, souls experience here something different from what they have ever known before. There is a calm repose in the very Icelandic atmosphere ... not to be found anywhere else. . . " But it was the people of Iceland that Martha Root loved, for she had a special admiration for these descendants of the Vikings - their strong character, exceptional kindness and hospitality. Baha'is in all lands will welcome with joy this first Mrs. Amelia Collins, late Hand of the Cause, was the assembly in Iceland and wish it Godspeed - even as first to visit Iceland, in 1924. During these few hours there must be great joy in the Abba Kingdom among spent in Reykjavik she was able to make friends with those two great souls who began the work thirty and an Icelandic lady with whom she corresponded about forty years ago!

Greenland Enrolls First Native Believer Greenland now has its first native believer. Mr. Hendrik Olsen of Upernavik first heard of the Faith in 1946 by receiving literature sent to outstanding persons in Greenland by Mrs. Johanna Hoeg, now an Auxiliary Board member. At that time, Mr. Olsen was a member of the local parliament, later becoming a member of the Landsrad itself, the parliament of Greenland. The Canadian Baha'i News reports: "He has very high literary distinctions, having been chosen as the transla­ tor for the works of Knud Rasmussen and he has offered to place these talents at the service of the Baha'i National Assembly members of Haiti, elected at the world community by translating Baha'u'llah and the Fifth Annual Conv enti on. Seated, left to right: Am­ New Era." pelius Posy, vice-chairman, Ruth Blackwell, treasurer, The first pioneer to Greenland was Palle Bischoff of Ibeney Fleurescar, F. Forelean Juste-Constant, chair­ Denmark (1951-1954), followed by Bill Carr, Knight of man; standing, left to right, Serge Eugene, Jacques Baha'u'llah, who has managed to remain there steadily Hyacinthe, Mural St. Juste, Salmat Pierre-Paul, and since 1955. The Baha'i World Community joins with Philippe Bastien. Two teaching committees were these friends in welcoming this first believer of Green­ formed to open up the north and south sections of the land. Republic. BAHA'I NEWS 11

personal funds and is acting as the resident Baha'i and caretaker. It is sincerely hoped that in the not too distant future contributions from Baha'is in other coun­ tries may be added to the contributions of the Korean Baha'is so that all parts of the property may be utilized by the Faith. When the third floor is released it can be used as a hostel in conjunction with teaching institutes and summer schools, while the small house at the rear can be rented out and the funds used for paying building expenses. In the meantime, the Baha'is are making good use of the parts of the building that are now theirs, and offer their everlasting thanks to the many generous donors.

Dr. Muhajir, Hand of the Cause (center front) helping Pioneers to Korea Give Years of Service to inaugurate new teaching plans in Korea during visit from October 7-12. He was acco.mpanied by Auxiliary The Baha'i Community of Seoul, Korea, has recently Board members John McHenry III and Yang Chae-ho bid farwell to several stalwart pioneers who gave much (seated left to right). Also in the photo are Mrs. Eliza­ of themselves to the work of the Faith in Korea. On beth McHenry and Kim Chan-Jin (seated at right) and August 4, 1965, Dr. David and Mrs. Joy Earl returned to (standing left to right) Lt. Col. John S. McHenry, Kim the United States after a long period spent in the Pil-Su, Pak Sam-Bong, K im Yong-Yon and Suh Byong­ Orient, two years .of which were in Korea. Dr. Earl In. Two teachers' conferences are scheduled for late served as chairman and Mrs. Earl as treasurer on the November, after which the teachers will spread out National Assembly since its inception in April, 1963, over all of Korea to carry the "illumination of the and held the same offices on the Local Spiritual Assem­ Divine Teachings." bly of Seoul. Their teaching work was invaluable: they kept their home open for classes (the only meeting place available) several times each week, helped con­ duct teaching institutes and summer schools and went Korea Purchases Haziratu'l-Quds out into the villages to spread the teachings of Baha'u'­ The Baha'is of Korea are proud to announce that llah. A few weeks later Mrs. Lee Smits left Seoul with her through the generosity of the National Spiritual As­ three small children to join her husband, William, in sembly of Iran, some Persian friends outside Iran, as Hawaii where he had preceded her. Korea owes a great well as some American pioneers, they have just passed debt to the Smits. Bill was one of the first pioneers who a momentous milestone toward completing the goals came to Korea to stay and it was through his continued for the Nine Year Plan for Korea. On October 8th, at a teaching efforts that many people throughout the coun­ cost of $11,183.00, final negotiations were completed for try heard of the Faith and became Baha'is. In 1963, at the initial purchase price of their l:fa~iratu'l-Quds, in the London Congress, Lee was one of the only two the capital city of Seoul. Unfortunately, an additional native-born Korean Baha'is there and the only one to $1,400.00 is needed to meet the total cost of $12,583.00, as stand before that vast assemblage and read a prayer in authorized by the Universal House of Justice, before her native tongue. Their home in Seoul was long the the Baha'is will have the complete use of the building, official residence of the Baha'is of that city and their plus $300.00 needed for repairs and redecorating. The only meeting place. soundness of this investment is verified by an offer to It is with the deepest regret that the Baha'is of Korea buy the building at a profit of $55,350.00 during the short have bid farewell to these esteemed pioneers. time since the purchase. The dignified and impressive three story building which has double glass doors, brass studded, and a~ attractive display window facing the street is well I 1 ' I I situated near the heart of the city on a main thorough­ t , I fare and easily accessible from all parts of the city. At present the Baha'is have the use of the large lobby and the spacious second floor, which is large enough to accommodate National Spiritual Assembly meetings, offices for secretarial work, Nineteen Day Feasts for the Seoul Community, public meetings and firesides, and several weekly study classes. Due to the peculiar real estate system practiced in Korea, the third floor of the building and a small two­ story house on the grounds at the rear are still occupied by 'renters,' who paid key money to the original owner for the use of these rooms. Their investments were not '.'.--' . part of the basic purchase price to the bank from which Baha'is of Seoul, Korea bidding farewell to pioneers Dr. the Baha'is bought the building. However, the National David and Mrs. Joy Earl who returned to the United Spiritual Assembly Secretary, Mr. Kim Yung Yun, has States in August of 1965 after many years of pioneer­ paid 150,000 won ($553.00) for the first floor with his ing effort in the Orient, two years being spent in Korea. Second National Conv ention of the Bahci'is of Tanzania, East Africa held April 30 - May 2, 1965. Despite bad weather and transportation difficulties forty-nine of the ninety-five delegates were able to attend. The gathering was inspired by Loving messages from the Hands of the Cause brought by Board members Peter Mutabazi and WaUace NgaUomba.

Second National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahci'is of Tanzania, East Africa. Left to right, rear: Hussein S. Akida, Ruhulah Yazdani, AUen Elston, chairman, Jalal Nakhjavani, treasurer. Front: Dr. Jamshed Samandari, Mrs. M. Naimi, Joseph Sekikubo, v. chairman, Mrs. Marye Elston, secretary, Lamuka Mwangulu, rec. secretary.

Second annual Convention of the Bahci'is of Kenya, held during Ric.lvcin 1965. ~ ~ · BAHA'I NEWS 13

residing in H aifa, visited her during the summer of 1965 A Tribute to an Early Believer after attending the National Convention in Wilmette Mrs. Mariam P. Haney, who passed to the Abha where he had been sent to serve as official representa­ Kingdom September 1, 1965, was among the first be­ tive of the Universal House of Justice. lievers in the United States. In 1909 she and her hus­ " Mother" Haney lived a life of dedication and stead­ band Charles Haney made a pilgrimage to the Holy fastness in the Faith, her works and attributes being Land where they spent nine days near Abdu'l-Baha, shining examples of the fullness of her understanding the Master. This pilgrimage was the inspiration for of the words of the Master. both of them throughout the rest of their lives and some In visiting her just one month before her ascension to of the gems of wisdom they received at this time were the Abha Kingdom, it was apparent that her continuing printed in a little book, A Heav enly Feast. concern and her bright and lively interest in the growth Mrs. Haney gave tirelessly of herself towards the and progress of the Faith in Washington, in America work of the Faith. Her home was open to the friends and throughout the world wer e undimmed. Her char­ who enjoyed her hospitality, enriched with the Teach­ acteristic alert and probing questions gave evidence of ings of the Faith and interspersed with her stories her devotion to the Faith. Particularly when the be­ gleaned from her rich experiences in serving the Faith. lievers whom she knew or about whom she had heard For many years she lived in Washington D.C. where some compliment were mentioned, she would ask, " Is she served as secretary of the local Assembly, as he active in the Faith? Is he a comprehending Baha'i?" fireside teacher, as member of the program committee Although grieved at the passing of our beloved friend serving Green Acre School, as member of the National and co-worker, Mrs. Mariam Haney, we are consoled in Inter-racial Committee of the Baha'is and, most nota­ the knowledge that her memory lingers fondly and we bly, as writer of articles and editor of the Baha'i found solace in the beauty of the services conducted at Magazine, Star of the West. She also served as member her funeral by the Spiritual Assembly of Washington, of the editorial Committee of the early volumes of D.C. on Sunday, September 5 in the Barber Funeral Baha' i World. Among her students were many teachers, Home, Laytonsville, Maryland. The large number of professors, deans and even the president of Howard friends who gathered to pay tribute to this steadfast University. She was a well known figure in inter-racial and heroic maid-servant of Baha bore eloquent testi­ circles in Washington. mony to the realization that "death proffereth unto Her one son, Hand of the Cause Paul Haney, now every confident believer the cup that is life indeed."

Mr. T. Samandari, H and of the Cause, and Soheil Samandari meet with friends of Sudan during their tour of North E ast Africa. 14

1. Hand of the Cause, Mr. Saman­ dari, at the Tenth Baha'i Summer School of Somalia, while on his tour of North East Africa. With l him are, (second left) Soheil Sa­ mandari, first pioneer to Somalia, and Auxiliary Board member, Mehdi Samandari (second right), < July 22-August 1.

Mr. Le-Loe, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Vietnam, ad­ dressing a distinguished audience on the occasion of the Birthday of the Bab in October. This photo was pub­ lished in the Saigan Daily News with an excellent article concerning the occasion.

favorable replies. We hope to continue our efforts toward giving the Message of God to the elite and New Teachers Developed Through India Institutes educated masses of India through literature and cor­ respondence.'' Teaching work in India is moving forward - that land that had such tremendous success during the concluding years of the Ten Year Crusade. Several teaching institutes are being carried on, a recent one having been inaugurated at the district I:Ia'.?iratu'l-Quds of Sholapur in the Marathi language, conducted by N. S. Jadhav. Examinations are held and grades given at the conclusion of the courses held in these institutes. One thousand people of Bastar, one of the most primitive districts, were able to hear the Baha'i mes­ sage through the efforts of an indefatigable teacher, Shri Nathulal Malviya [Badi], thus following up on ef­ forts made by Amatu'l-Baha Rul).iyyih Khanum just a year ago. Mrs. Shirin Boman has visited several dis­ tricts, including Dhar, the scene of great success in the early days of mass teaching in India. The National Assembly of India, in a special bulletin National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahci'is of Southwest to the Indian Community, states: "We are happy to Pacific, elected at Ri<_ivcin 1965. Left to right, rear: Wil­ inform . . . we have been able to present Baha'i son Rooikao, Edmond Maeligwath, Hamlyn Walker, literature to all the Ministers of the Central and State Ishmael Olawai, Bill Laing. Front: Johnson Tolomae, governments, to many District Magistrates and Block Violet Hoehnke (Auxiliary Board member), Gertrude Officers, and are receiving their sympathetic and Blum, Alvin Blum. Absent: Bertha Dobbins. BAHA'I NEWS 15

cause of oppression and injustice, of unrighteous­ ness, irregularity and disorder, is the people's Know Your Baha'i Literature lack of religious faith and the fact that they are uneducated. (p. 18) "The Secret of Divine Civilization" . . . the happiness and greatness, the rank and by 'Abdu'l-Baha station, the pleasure and peace, of an individual have never consisted in his personal wealth, but [Reviewed by Walter Wootten] rather in his excellent character, his high resolve, 'Abdul-Baha, in His thirty-first year, addressed a the breadth of his learning, and his ability to solve monumental anonymous dissertation on political science difficult problems. (pp. 23-24) to the filiah of Persia. The treatise is called The Secret . . . external lustre without inner perfection is of Div ine Civilizati on, translated into English from the " li ke a v apor in the desert which the thirsty original Persian text by Mrs. Marzieh Gail. On first dreameth to be water." (p. 61) appearance, an epistolary lamentation of the deplora­ ble conditions of nineteenth-century Persia, it is also an Religion is the li ght of the world, and the prog­ apologia of revealed religion ; yet again it is a broad ress, achievement, and happiness of man result outline of future world order. from obedience to the laws set down in the holy By way of historical background, we may note that at Books. Bri efly, it is demonstrable that in this life, the time of its writing (1875), absolute despotism ruled both outwardly and inwardly the mightiest of the thrones of Europe and Asia. People's wills had been structures, the most soli dly establi shed, the most beaten down and tyrannized in that century to such a enduring, standing guard over the world, assuring nadir that authority and power were distilled in the both the spiritual and the material perfections of persons of these monarchs. L'etat, c' est moi. In a mankind, and protecting the happiness and civili­ sense, that condition of centralization facilitated the zation of society-is religion. (p. 71) missions of the Bab and Baha'u'llah, for They had only to address those despots, and technically, their accept­ Nothing can be effected in the world, not even ance or rejection was effected on behalf of everyone in conceiv ably, w i thout unity and agreement, and their respective realms! Such was the case when the the perfect means for engendering fellowship and Sun of Reality dawned over Persia in 1844, and again in union is true religion. (p. 73) 1852. Baha'u'llah especially addressed His claims and ... reli gion is the very basic and root-principle epistles to the world's temporal and spiritual rulers. In of culture and civilization ... (p. 75) another sense, the filiahs of Persia nominally held imperium over ev ery person in the world by virtue of Our purpose is to show how true religion pro­ their royal trusteeship tenure of the Holy Imamate, motes the civilization and honor, the prosperi ty the authorized institution of successorship of the Proph­ and presti ge, the learning and adv ancement of a et Mu}:lammad! people once abject, en slav ed and ignorant, and And so the Bab addressed the filiah; Baha'u'llah how, when it falls into the hands of leaders who addressed the filiah; and likewise did 'Abdu'l-Baha in are foolish and fanati cal, it is diverted to the The Secret of Divine Civilization (as had Mu}:lammad wrong ends, until thi s greatest of splendors turns before them, in 628 A.D., and been rejected by filiah into blackest night. (p. 80) Chosroes II, who promptly thereafter plunged to his . .. souls who hav e become characterized with dynastic ruin and death). Let us weigh this fate of filiah Chosroes II, by way of comparison, with the Chinese such attributes of holiness [i.e., the Manifesta­ Emperor Tai-tsungl who not only in reply to Mu}:lam­ t i ons] are the distilled essence of creation and the sources of true civilizati on. (p. 82) mad, circa 628 A.D., sent Him felicitations, but un­ precedentedly requested that Mu}:lammad send a num­ Those quali ties whi ch the philosophers attained ber of His best scholars to the empirial court of China ! when they had reached the v ery heights of their Little wonder why that wise emperor preserved his w i sdom, those noble human attributes which char­ "mandate from heaven" in universally envied pros­ acterized them at the peak of their perfection, perity for twelv e hundred twenty-four years until 1844 would be exemplified by the believers as soon as A.D., when England destroyed China by invasion, they accepted the Fai th. (pp. 83-84) treaty concession, and partition. And now what is the secret in The Secret of Divine . .. in every particular the basi c elements of Civilization? The premise seems to rest upon repeated thei r [European] civilizati on are derived from statements by 'Abdu'l-Baha that humanity may Islam. (p. 92) achieve Divine civilization , based on the teachings and The purpose of these references is to establish laws of God's Manifestations without necessarily devel­ the fact that the religions of God are the tru e oping elaborate and specialized material technology, source of the spi ritual and material perfections of but, however, "Until the t wo agree, real happiness man, and the fountainhead for all mankind of en­ among mankind will be unknown." (P .U .P ., I, p . 165) lightenment and benefici al knowledge. (p. 94) This theme seems to be repeated at least twenty-seven times in The Secret of Divine Civilization, albeit in . . . even the m i nutest detai ls of civilized life different ways and from diverse perspectives, to cite a derive from the grace of the Prophets of God. few: (p. 96) Close inv estigation will show that the primary And yet, if we ponder the lessons of history it 16 DECEMBER 1965

wm become evident that this very sense of honor Civilization did not specify when this glorious event and dignity is itself of the bounties deriving from would materialize. On the contrary, He went so far as to the instructions of the Prophets of God. (p. 97) express doubt that His epistle would be heeded at all by the filiah. He wrote: ... the Divine religions, the holy precepts, the heavenly teachings, are the unassailable basis of ... it is by no means certain that public opinion human happiness, and that the peoples of the in Persia will be materially affected by its world can hope for no real relief or deliverance perusal. (p. 69) without this one great remedy. ( p. 99) Then what of The Secret of Divine Civilization? Is it another dead letter to a dead filiah of the deservedly From these verses it is clear that the secret of dead Qajar Dynasty? Has the spirit it enshrines been material civilization and scientific technology is moral allotted exclusively to the Persians and for no other righteousness; the secret of moral righteousness is peoples? Both 'Abdu'l-Baha and twentieth-century his­ social religion; the secret of social religion is Divine tory answer-"no ! " Elsewhere, the Center of God's Revelation ; the secret of Divine Revelation is that Covenant wrote: whoever manifests God, whether He speak with the rank of " . .. Divinity, Lordship, Prophethood, Mes­ When the spirit is breathed in the East, its signs sengership, Guardianship, Apostleship, or Servitude, immediately appear in the West, .. . and it hath . . . whatsoever be their utterance, . . . all is true, a spiritual dominion which penetrates the pillars beyond the shadow of doubt." 2 of the world. 4 Having thus disclosed what the secret of Divine The far-seeing Virginian Woodrow Wilson, shortly after civilization is, 'Abdu'l-Baha then set up Baha'u'llah's the writing of 'Abdu'l-Baha's The Secret of Divine social program for the political union and reconstruc­ Civilization, commenced formulating a plan for inter­ tion of the nations of the planet. On pages 64-66 He national peace and a League of Nations. If, in Persia declared: " True civilization will unfurl its banner ... and Turkey the " Spirit of the Age" was repressed, whenever a certain number of ... sovereigns ... shall wheels of progress instantly began to be set in motion arise ... to establish the Cause of Universal Peace . . . in the West, causing that spirit to find expression, first a Union of the nations of the world." He invoked the by Chancellor Bismarck5, then by P resident Wilson. principle of a unitary armament control and collective Wilson in two strokes of his pen, became the outward military security, assuring the people of the "unfailing that broke the backs of the Sultan of Tur­ grace of God" in this noble endeavor. instru~ent key, arch-persecutor of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha; Having touched upon the essentials of world order, destroyed ancient despotic dynasties in Europe and 'Abdu'l-Baha turned to the matter of internal adminis­ Asia that had spurned and opposed Baha'u'llah; caused tration. He prescribed the abolition of absolute arbi­ to be concluded a treaty (Covenant) of a League of trary authority of state and local magistrates and Nations; caused a tribunal of international law to be governors, the very prevalence of which killed the Bab, established in Europe, and set up the very forerunner exiled Baha'u'llah and snuffed out the lives of over of a future world super-state to be based on a future twenty thousand Baha'is. He implemented a merit code of world law! system for individual public leaders, whether political To Baha'is as well as to all sincere men and women or spiritual, and even set forth the broad outlines of everywhere struggling against the forces of evil, and their program of education. He urged the formulation the " demoralizing influences which a corruption-ridden and promulgation of a single code of civil, criminal and political life so strikingly manifests" (A.D.J. p. 19); to procedural law, and deplored the conflicting, demorali­ those impotent statesmen who are being swept away zing decisions and consequences which unwritten judi­ beneath the undertow of Divine retribution - The Se­ cial decisions, (lex non scripta) unmodified by statute, cret of Divine Civilization is especially commended. produces-that it results in a society "brainsick" with "prolonged litigation." He limited sentences of capital punishment and cases requiring imprisonment to the 1. Williams S. w .. A History of China, Charles Scribner's Sons, decisions of higher courts. Even those decisions, He New York, 1897, pp. 33-37 . said, should rest upon the final decree of the sovereign, 2. BahA'u 'llah, Kitdb-i-Igdn, p. 181 . . 3. For statements by 'Abdu'l-BaM regarding. P ersia's dazzling himself, and even the sovereign might conduct his own future see Star of the West, IX, 2, pp. 23·24 ; Ibtd, p . 116, two pas­ independent investigation into the nature of an alleged sages;' Ibid, XIV, 8, p . 245 : " ... Ere long, ye shall see how the government of Baha'u 'llah's native land will become the most a.,i­ criminal act. vanced country in all the regions of the world;" Most notably IS' His statement, quoted by the beloved Guardian Shoghi Effendi, recorded 'Abdu'l-Baha approved of the systematic study of in Bahd'i News, #31, April, 1929 , p . 4 : " Ere Jong will your brethren political science based on the Divine Law, and urged from Europe and America journey to Persia. There they will promote to an unprecedented degree the interest of art and industry. There also that a nation's military officers be kept informed of they will rear the institutions of true civilization, promote the develop.. the most modern developments in military science. ment of husbandry and trade, and assist in the spread of educa tion . .. Assuredly they will come; assuredly th~y will contribute m the In short, 'Abdu'l-Baha lamented the torpor which had making of Iran the envy and the admirat10n of the peoples and nation of the world." See also 'Abdu'l-Baha's recommendation that fallen over Persia, cited historical examples of the a Persian-American reciprocal trade alliance be concluded, whereby dazzling glories to which the Persian peoples and PerSia would provide unimaginably vast raw materials and tl~e United States would provide Persia with technology; recorded m governments once had attained, tried to reinspire pride Promulgation of Universal Peace, I , pp. 32-34. 4. 'Abdu'l-B aha Tab!ets of 'Abdu'!-Bahd, II, p . 289 . in the hearts of His countrymen, and predicted that 5. Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day Is Come, Baha'i Publishing some day her government and peoples again will, by Committee, 1941, pp. 58-59. Shoghi Effendi euloj1izes the German Chancellor Otto von Bismark as "a statesman nghtly regarded as the assistance of American and European peoples, be 'one of the geniuses of his century' . . . that sagacious statesman, the the most admired, envied, and advanced nation in the true founder of his [Emperor William II] empire, to whose sagacity BahA'u'llah had paid tribute, and to the unwisdom of whose imperial world.3 Yet alas! 'Abdu'l-Baha in The Secret of Divine and ungrateful master 'Abdu'l·baM had testified." BAHA'I NEWS 17

World Peace Day Celebrated in Thirty-Nine States

The sixth annual World Peace Day, September 19, six years proclamations have been obtained in a total 1965, was marked by observances in eighty localities in of thirty states, many of them annually. The chart the United States according to reports received. One of shows activities this year including proclamations by the ways of obtaining recognition for this day is to governors and those by mayors. The story is related solicit proclamations from state governors. In the past this year exclusively in charts and pictures. World Peace Day Activities GOVERNOR'S MAYOR'S GOVERNOR'S MAYOR'S PROCLA- PROCLA· PUBLIC OTHER PROCLA- PROCLA- PUBLIC OTHER PLACE MATION MATION MEETING ACTIVITY PLACE MATION MATION MEETING ACTIVITY Alabama Mobile x Huntsville x Springfield x x Arkansas Wilmette x Little Rock x Iowa Arizona Des Moines x Phoenix x x Kansas (with Glen- dale, No. Topeka x x Radio Publicity Maricopa co., Wichita x Scottsdale, Massachusetts Tempe) Cambridge x x Picnic Flagstaff x Maine California Eliot x Alhambra x Potluck Supper Maryland Alturas x Rally Baltimore x x x Campbell x Prince (San Jose) Georges co. x Corona J.D. x x Potluck Supper Missouri Culver City x St. Louis x x Lakewood x x Picnic Webster Groves x (with Long Montana Beach & nearby Butte x x communities) Great Falls x Los Angeles x Helena Newspaper Orange x Publicity Palm Springs x Minnesota Pomona x Potluck Supper Duluth x TV Publicity Riverside x Potluck Supper Nebraska Sacramento x Omaha x x Tea Santa Maria (with Macy, x x Lincoln, Colorado Winnebago, Denver x x Council Jefferson co. x Display at Fair Bluffs, Iowa) Connecticut Nevada Hartford x Carson City x Florida New Hampshire Ft. Myers Radio Publicity Peterborough x Key West x New Jersey Miami Beach x Springfield x No. Dade co. x Radio Publicity New Mexico (with Miami) Albuquerque Publicity Pinellas co. x Cook out campaign West Palm University Beach x of New Georgia Mexico Display Atlanta x New York Cobb co. x North Illinois Hempstead Champaign- Twp. x x Dinner Urbana x New York x 18

GOVERNOR'S MAYOR'S PROCLA· PROCLA· PUBLIC OTHER PLACE MATION MATION MEETING ACTIVITY

Yonkers x Drama­ documentary North Carolina Raleigh X North Dakota Fargo x Ohio Columbus x Dayton x Picnic (with Cincinnati) Oklahoma D isney x 2 day picnic (Mayes co. & meetings with Roger s, Ark.) Mayor Robert Baker of Lakewood, California signs Tulsa x x Picnic World Peace Day Proclamation. Rear, left to r i ght: Oregon !raj Talebereza, chairman of local Assembly; Mrs. E ugene x Jaleh Brunst , Mrs. Leila Antonson, secretary; F. Dana Lane co. x E ckfeld, treasurer. Portland x Pennsylvania Philadelphi a x West Chester x Puerto Rico San Ju an x Rhode Island Providence X x Radio Publicity Picnic South Dakota Si oux Falls X x Potluck Supper South Carolina F rogmore x Picnic & Hay (with Ride Savannah, Ga.)

Tennessee Nashville x x Texas Amarillo x x TV Telecast Ft. Worth x New York City. Left to r i ght: Dr. Roberts F uller of Houston x local Assembly, Isabelle Silk, chairman of the meeting; Utah Dr. F iruz Kazemzadeh, speaker; Fred Thomas, guest Salt Lake singer; Vereda Pearson, accompanist; William Dunlap, City & v. chairman of local Assembly. Salt Lake co. x x Virgin Islands St. Thomas x Wisconsin Madison X x West Allis x Bus Trip to Temple Wyoming Casper X x Laramie x

Some of those who attended the two day picnic and meetings held at Grand Lake of the Cherokees near Disney, Oklahoma. Governor Carl E. Sanders of Georgi a with (left to Arizona's Gov ernor Samuel P. Goddard signs Procla­ right): Raymond L indsey, Maceo Winkfield, Melvin R. mation. In rear, left to right are: Bruce Palmberg, Mrs. Slate, Mrs. Taube C. Slate, and Iraj Radpour. George Bechtold, Mrs. Raymond Helmick, Mrs. Francis Johnson.

""'· .

• . ...,__

Miss Jane Ward and Wiilie Astor watch Governor Governor John H. Chafee of Rhode Island holds World Grant Sawyer of Nevada sign a World Peace Day Peace Day Proclamati on with Mrs. Beth Newport. Mrs. P r oclamation. Edith Carpenter and Ernest Lewis are on his left. DECEMBER 1965 Guardian's Messages to America, 1947 -1957, Now a Published Work The Baha'i Publishing Trust of the U.S. has just published a new collection of the messages of Shoghi Effendi entitled Citadel of Faith: Messages to America/ 1947-1957. These consist of the letters addressed to the American Baha'i Community during the years 1947 to 1957. These messages are of deep concern to all Baha'is - to the American believers who were remind­ ed of their spiritual primacy as the trustees and execu­ tors of the Divine Plan of 'Abdu'l-Baha as well as to the Annual Thornton Chase Memorial' service held, in mem- inheritors of that mission as it became fulfilled through­ ory of the first American Baha'i, in California's Ingle­ out the world in the Ten Year Crusade and in conjunc­ wood Park Cemetery on Sunday, October 3rd was tion with the other existing pillars of the World Order of attended by more than 350 Baha'is and guests. Children Baha'u'llah. of different nationaliti es placed flowers at the grave, Hand of the Cause in the Holy Land, Paul Haney, has there were prayers and a Baha'i choral selection as written the Preface to this work, in which he states: "It well as the reading of an account of the life of Thorn- is certain that a careful study of these communications ton Chase. will impart to the reader a profound understanding of the unique character of the mission conferred upon the American Baha'i Community, not only in foreign fields, but on its own home front, and will reveal to the Fifty- Third Anniversary of 'Abdu'I- Baha' s Visit individual members of that favored community a new vision of the nature of that spiritual primacy which is to Niagara Falls Commemorated their birthright." Included in this valued collection of more than eighty More than 100 Baha'is and their friends from Western messages are: "Challenging Requirements of the Pres­ New York and nearby Canada attended commemora­ ent Hour" ; "The Citadel of the Faith of Baha'u'llah"; tion festivities on September 11, marking the visit of " Spiritual Conquest of the Planet"; "American Baha'is 'Abdu'l-Baha to Niagara Falls in September, 1912. The in the Time of World Peril" ; and his final message to program planned by the Spiritual Assembly of Niagara America, " Heights Never Before Attained." There is Falls, New York lasted during the afternoon and eve­ also a Necrology section with Shoghi Effendi's tributes ning, beginning with visits to Baha'i displays at the to the gallant souls who passed on in Baha'i service Hotel Niagara, followed by a walk to the Falls over the during this decade. same route on which the Master walked, then dinner at This is the most important work issued by the Trust the hotel with a public meeting afterwards. since the publication of Shoghi Effendi's Messages to The plans prepared by the local Assembly were t he Baha'i World, 1950-1957. It is hoped that every carefully made and carried out showing the believers believer will gain through this work a " new vision" of and their guests the intrinsic spiritual value of such a individual responsibility in the Nine Year Plan. commemoration and bringing comments of apprecia­ Care has been taken to make this book in its physical tion and thanks for the opportunity to participate in the details a befitting receptacle for the words it contains. program. It is bound in olive-gold Holliston sailcloth, stamped in The " walk to the Falls" to the area where 'Abdu'l­ gold on a dark background. The jacket, in complemen­ Baha walked in 1912 brought people a bit closer to an tary tones, was designed by Conrad Heleniak with understanding of the spirit of the Master. The excel­ drawings of the four Bahai temples by Harlan Scheffier. lence of service rendered by the Hotel Niagara pro­ A debt of gratitute is owed to Robert and Sue Meinhard vided the material feast while the presentation of the who did the initial research in collecting the messages; messages, " 'Abdu'l-Baha- the Person and His Mes­ also to Marian Lippitt for her work on the index. (See sage" by guest speakers auxiliary Board member Publishing Trust announcement for price.) Peggy Ross of Canada, and John Trauger of New York State as well as the introductory comments of Arthur Patterson inspired all to new appreciations of the Ser­ vant of Baha. Tanana Valley Sponsors First Summer Institute Every member of the Niagara Falls Community Baha'is of the greater Fairbanks area are very happy cooperated to carry out the many tasks of handling with the results of the first summer institute to be held tickets and registrations, arranging Baha'i literature " on this frozen tundra we call home." The institute, display and sales, decorations, hostessing. The printed which they hope to make an annual event, was spon­ souvenir program, including a picture of the Master, sored by the Local Spiritual Assembly of Tanana Val­ description of Him and His visit to this area brief ley, assisted by the Fairbanks Baha'i Community on quotations from His messages on these occasions August 21-22. Much of the program took place out of brought complimentary acclaim from many. The care­ doors for the thirty-five attendants. Teaching, living a fully prepared arrangements for publicity resulted in Baha'i life, history, administration and the principles radio interviews including Mildred McKown, Peggy and laws were among the subjects presented by various Ross, Fred Reis and Florence Pringle as well as teachers, including auxiliary board member of Alaska, excellent newspaper coverage. Howard Brown. BAHA'I NEWS 21 New Believers Attracted By Love In An A.rea Ravaged By Hate Its streets had been strewn with the dead. Whole city truly imparted light and warmth. They brought the blocks had been fiery infernos. Civil war, in miniature, light of Baha'i with the warmth of love. As interest was had erupted with explosive violence in Watts. aroused, follow-up firesides were immediately ar­ An uneasy peace settled slowly on this densely­ ranged, spreading out to more neighboring homes, populated core of colored citizenry in the very center of opened to two-person teaching teams of black and the sprawling Los Angeles megalopolis. Its physical white. At one such meeting, just two weeks later, three scars, ugly as they were, still were nothing in compari­ declarations took place ; one the wife of the initially­ son with the deeper wounds in the hearts of a Negro contacted Baha'i ; one a pastor who resigned her populace understandably embittered, sullen, sus­ church post the following week! Two weeks and two picious. The police, overwhelmingly white, had been nights later the number of new Bah a'is had r eached dismally unconvincing as a guardian of peace and eight! ! To cover the story of this glorious victory for justice. Many residents, toughened by prior clashes THE BAHA'i NEws as an inspiration for us all, th is with the law, and with the savagery that is born of the reporter sought expressions from the growing group slums, had lashed out viciously at invader and neigh­ now dedicated to this wonderful Watts teaching project . bor alike. Could any other group of people be less The keys are these, we were told: convinced that mankind's destiny is unity? Would "Search out your minority group acquaintance with people, afraid to open their doors, open their hearts? friendship and interest. Get him to talk about himself. The word of John Law had roused resentment. The Take him to coffee." " If you do not know a minority words of Baha'u'llah would arouse hope of justice and group person well enough to invite yourself to his home, unity. find a reason to invite him to yours. Baha'u'llah will do Such was the conviction of a Baha'i man and wife, the rest." who faced the challenge of Watts with prayerful dedica­ "You may be surprised to find him far more spiritu al tion and determination. Their efforts were the seeds of than you were when you investigated Baha'i. The a campaign of love in a turbulent, hate-tormented area. poorer they are in material possessions, the richer they They were speedily joined by equally dedicated souls. are in recognition of God." The result has been one of the most surprising, striking "Be a servant to the seeker. In his home or yours, be and significant victories in reaching and teaching a the one who rises to serve the refreshment, to wash the minority group. dishes. Show the Faith in action." Eight New Ba ha'is in the First Fo ur Weeks "When interest is achieved, make the firesides fre­ How was this accomplished, and how can it initiate quent. Don't desert the new believer. Help him start his own firesides immediately. And have a deepening plan and inspire similar significant breakthroughs with mi­ nority groups in all of the nation's metropolitan areas? that works. " Their first step was to make contact with a Negro It is hardly surprising that their words echo those of Baha'i resident of Watts. They asked permission to visit 'Abdu'l-Baha as quoted in the Advent of D ivine Justice, the home. Husband was Baha'i; wife non-Baha'i. Dur­ page 32: ing the visit they were successful in gaining introduc­ "If you meet those of a different race and color from tions to neighbors, some of whom were hesitant, some yourself, do not mistrust them, and withdraw yourself hostile, but all of them curious about a white couple's into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad visit to a Negro friend's home. The white visitors and show them kindness." And further: invited their new Negro acquaintances to visit their " When a gathering of these two (black and white) home. It was made plain that it was not a gesture, but races is brought about, that assemblage will become meaningful, sincere, and warm with a genuine friend­ the magnet of the Concourse on high, and the confirma­ ship. In the exchange of visits, the teaching team first tion of the Blessed Beauty will surround it." taught without talking, but by listening. They sought May the fire and the fervor of the Baha'i activity in out the thoughts and attitudes, the minority group Watts inspire us all to bring the message of Baha'u'­ feelings and reactions. llah to the hungry, the restless, and unshepherded multi­ Then they spoke of Baha'u'llah - in a fireside that tudes.

Duluth Baha'is Co-Sponsor Conference in which Indian Agency representatives also took part. Ken Jeffers, representative for the Indian Service Com­ A Study-Action Conference on the Indian of Northern mittee of the Baha'is was one of the speakers. Minnesota held October 2 at the University of Minneso­ ta in Duluth was initiated by the Baha'i Assembly of Among the many good results of this cooperative Duluth and co-sponsored by seventeen other organiza­ effort were invitations to Ken Jeffers to address mem­ tions including such groups as the Duluth Council of bers of the Chippewa Tribe and the F ond du L ac Churches, the N.A.A.C.P., Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Reservation and to speak at Macalester College in St. Jewish Federation and the League of Women Voters. Paul; a telegram of commendation from Congressman vfrs. Norma Cameron of the Duluth Baha'i Community John Blatnik; good press notices, and the many inform­ was chairman of the Conference Planning Committee al opportunities which arise at such gatherings fo r while Joyan Peterson represented the Baha'is on this Baha'is to know other people and to show by deed and Committee. The residents of seven Indian Reservations attitude as well as word what the Baha'i Faith offers to were invited, many of whom appeared on the p rogram humanity today. 22 DECEMBER 1965 The Movement of Pioneers to Foreign Goals The Cupbearers The exodus of American believers to posts outside the U.S. continues at a hearteningly steady pace. Since There are Baha'is who wander all over the world Ri<;lvan 1965 fifteen adults and two youth have settled bearing in their hands a Cup holding the Water of Life'. in U.S. goal areas. These are primary goals for which They walk alone in distant lands, they go to the far­ the United States has sole responsibility and are located reaching corners of the earth, the Arctic beaches, the in Puerto Rica and the Caribbean. Fourteen adults and small islands. They proclaim the Cause of God unto all one youth are now in "inter-assembly collaboration who are in the Heavens and the earth. They are looking goals," those posts where the American Baha'i Com­ for those who are thirsty, the lonely, the downtrodden munity has been asked to assist other National As­ who have lost hope, the poor, and the rich who are semblies by sending pioneers. In addition there are disenchanted with their possessions, agonized with fear twenty-three adults and one youth who have moved to that they may lose what they have, trusting no one foreign posts not assigned to the United States in the hoarding their gold. They indeed are the most pitiful of Nine Year Plan, but where assistance with Baha'i all. For these the cupbearers are looking and when they teaching is welcome and needed. To add to this total of find them they will offer the Cup of Salvation, new fifty-six can be named at least half a dozen young hope, healing. Happy the one who drinks and slakens his thirst. If he rejects the drink the cupbearers will Baha'i men in the military service who have been pass on and leave him in the hands of God. He will place~ in areas where the Faith is rapidly becoming continue his search looking neither left nor right, un­ established and where, in their free time these be­ affected by his surroundings, be it a city of culture and lievers are rendering valued service in sp;eading the abundance, a remote island or the desolation of the Message of Baha'u'llah. In many instances these young slums. He is not concerned with his needs, for every­ men, knowing where Baha'i needs exist, requested thing he needs and more will come to him. He need not transfer to these posts, often termed "hardship" by make plans for he is Divinely guided, he will be the military. protected by the Power of the Greatest Holy Name - The U.S. Foreign Goals Committee is encouraged by Allah-u-Abha, he will lead the people to Baha'u'llah, the the ~nthusiastic response from many believers who long Holy Manifestation of the Word of God. to p10neer. Because procuring jobs and necessary en­ Unhappy people of the earth, beset with troubles, trance papers to some of the goals is not easy, there wandering aimlessly without hope, without faith, eter­ ~re many ~ot counted above who are actively prepar­ nally crying, "why am I here; why was I born, what mg for servmg the Faith overseas. At least nineteen are does my life mean? Is it only to work, eat, sleep, suffer at present in the "staging" process and hopefully will and see others suffer?" Something within them tells be at their posts within the next few weeks. them that this cannot be the true meaning of life, but . Despite this response there are still at least thirty they cannot find the answer. Happy the seeker who p10neer posts to be filled by American believers before meets the cupbearer and drinks from the cup offered next Ri<;lvan. Those who can arise to volunteer, without him with love, one drop will suffice to enrich him with ~eopardiz~g their Baha'i communities are urged to get the Bounty of the Lord, the Almighty, the All-Knowing. m touch with the Foreign Goals Committee, 112 Linden He will give him the answer as given by Baha'u'llah in Ave., Wilmette, Illinois. one all embracing answer: " I bear witness that Thou hast created me to know Thee and worship Thee.'' For News Briefs this and for this only were we created. The Baha'i Journal of the British Isles reports anoth­ -MRs. BERTHALIN ALLIEN er dynamic two-week summer school session at Dalston Hall with a total registration of about eighty, including many youth. The article states: "The theme of the school was set against the title 'Worthy to bear His Name.' All the talks and seminars helped us to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of Baha'u'­ llah_'s Revelation and the part individuals can play during these days.'' Some highlights mentioned are· "The enlightening sessions on Prayers and Meditations: the enthusiasm and efforts of the young people wh~ attE;m~ed the seminar on teaching methods and speaker tram~ng, a~d the ~.aturity of the consultation during the d1scuss10ns of hvmg a new life in the old order with special reference to chastity and morality. The' com­ memoration of the Martyrdom of the Bab was memora­ ble and use was made of a script by Hand of the Cause Hasan Balyuzi.'' 0 The Baha'i House of Worship in Africa appears on the Me:m.'oe.TS o1 C'h.\ca.go' s Ba.'h.0..'i. Com:m:u:n.i.t'IJ co\'lected. ,,-- U~a.n.Q.a \~l~'<\.~\. e1ne 1 ()()() ba.Ts oj sOO.'P joT di.stTi.buti.on. to th.e 'Peo'Ple o1 South. ' i..~ ,_ t ,_ 'PO.rt a.re sho'U}Tl. oi foe 'oac\w;rounO. 'oul\.0.1.ngs. lt is estima\eO. \'na\. sim~e Vietna.m Some OJ tr""se wrco oo"' . d. . t'-e Ch.ica.go Ba.h.0.'1. Cen.teT. The soa.'P is use \\\e O.eO.\ca\on. atout ~1,),1,)1,)1,) visits hav.e bee:1.made to t i:. a.b ove a. ,,. to h.e\'P C'U.Te s'k1:n.· d'isea. ses · 'Rm.\ya.c:.c:.\ec:. in.O. \O\Il:\s\ a~en\.ces \:n:mg v-1.s1\ors \o \'ms place of beauty· BAHA'I NEWS

Baha'is all over the world will be saddened to learn of the passing of Issam Tahan on August 8, 1965 in London. He was the small boy who, while his father was in prison in Morocco, chanted a prayer at the Most Great Jubilee celebration in the Royal Albert Hall and who, Hand of the Cause T. Samandari thereupon said, was crossing the space that would take others a thous­ and years to cross. He is buried near the resting place of the beloved Guardian. He had been brought to London for heart surgery by his father, Fuad Tahan. 0 The Baha'i Newsletter of the South and West Africa Region brings news of an assembly formed in Wind­ hoek. The Newsletter states: "Such a triumph for the Faith and for the believers .... the steadfastness of the The winning reLigious dispLay at the University of New pioneers over such a long, discouraging period, the Mexico annuaL activities night was prepared by the never flagging efforts of the little band of believers Bahci'i students. Sandra Bryant and Kenneth Gibson there, is an inspiration to us all. In that land which are shown at the booth which was one of fifty and at­ suffers so much from drought, our dear friends will now tracted about 2500 v isitors. Kenneth Gibson, son of be like the crops after the first rains. They will raise Amoz and Mary Gibson, is president of the student their heads and grow from strength to strength and the association. Faith will be the richer for their wonderful example." 0 Auxiliary Board member, Mrs. Florence Mayberry The Baha'i booth at the recent Virginia State Fair in visited Spokane, Washington in late September, ap­ Richmond attracted attention from many of the 500,000 pearing on TV and speaking at three meetings, two who attended the event. Thousands of pieces of litera­ being public meetings and one for Baha'is of the area. ture were taken and there were thirty-six requests for Her visit brought joy and renewed enthusiasm to the speakers, literature, or information about Baha'i meet­ believers, and opened new doors for those many guests ings. These requests came from as far away as Japan, who heard of the Faith for the first time. although mostly from the immediate Richmond area. A large public meeting held at the Unity Church of All inquiries have been answered either with informa­ Spokane on September 27 was on the subject, "Baha'i tion as to meetings nearby or with literature about the World Faith: The Religion for This Age" while at a Faith. public coffee hour two nights later at the Inland Power and Light Co. Auditorium there was chance for further 0 talk and raising of questions. The events were well The arrival of Miss Bennett Dorn as a Baha'i settler covered by the nine local radio stations while the in Rogers, Arkansas was used as an opportunity by the interview with Mrs. Mayberry on television proved so Mayor for a letter of welcome to her. The letter stated interesting that the time given to her was increased. in part: " Through the facilities of the Welcome Wagon, The newspapers also gave space for full writeups, we are very happy to welcome you to Rogers and hope including a picture of Mrs. Mayberry. that your residence here will be both happy and pros­ People outside the Spokane Community cooperated perous. We hope you will attend the church of your fully and the chairman at the Unity Church meeting choice and take advantage of the public library, youth was Mrs. Ruth Ottmar, of Millwood, Washington. center, parks and other facilities available for your 0 comfort, convenience and enjoyment. We also invite you to participate actively in the civic affairs of our On October 5th, a meeting well publicized in press, city . . . " radio and TV, was held at the Dunbar Negro Recrea­ The above letter shows a wide departure from the tion Center, by the Baha'is of Fort Myers, Florida. long standing attitude which forbade Negroes to remain Margarite and Clarence Ullrich showed their slides of in the city of Rogers overnight. When threats of physi­ the Holy Land, to an audience of about 150. Th·e cal violence came soon afterwards, the Mayor furn­ audience included children and the members of the ished police protection and declared publicly that there Dunbar Senior High School Chorus, who were invited to would be no rioting in Rogers. sing. The evening's program was opened with a prayer by a minister of one of the Dunbar churches. The adult audience was very attentive and many free pamphlets BAHA'I IN THE NEWS were picked up after the meeting. Also encouraging, was the splendid cooperation received from vari­ The Brown Texan, published monthly in Fort Worth, ous individuals, churches and schools of Dunbar, in Texas has in its issue for September an article, "The announcing the meeting and helping to distribute the Religious Cycle - Baha'i Day" which tells of the need invitations. The principal of the Senior High School by man of the Holy Spirit and quotes several para­ expressed keen interest in knowing more about the graphs from the Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha concerning this Faith. The meeting closed with a community singing of Holy Spirit. The author Kathryn Langlois states of these the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and the prayer for quotations, "Surely these are goals worth praying and all mankind. meditating for!" 24 DECEMBER 1965

Vogue Magazine for November 1, 1965 carries an article about the Baha'i artist Mark Tobey and refers to Baha'i Publishing Trust the fact that he is a member of the Baha'i Faith. Citadel of Faith (Message to America/ 1947-1957) Shoghi 0 Effendi. Preface by Hand of the Cause in the Holy Everyone's Guide to Israel by Joan Comay, published Land, Paul Haney. Included in this collection of more by Doubleday & Co. 1962 refers briefly on pages 284-5 to than eighty messages are: " Challenging Requirements the prison in Acre (sic) and the gardens and shrine of of the Present Hour"; "The Citadel of the Faith of Baha'u'llah near there. Baha'u'llah"; " Spiritual Conquest of the Planet"; and 0 "Heights Never Before Attained." Approximately 200 The Swedish newspaper Viirrnlands Folkblad on Sep­ pages with preface, table of contents and extensive tember 9, 1965 published a feature article about the first index; [For more details of this most important work Swedish Baha'i, Edward Olsson, on the occasion of his see news announcement elsewhere in this issue.] bound eightieth birthday. The article stressed the fact that in olive-gold sailcloth, stamped in gold on dark back­ Mr. Olsson is a very active teacher of the Baha'i Faith ground, with attractive jacket created by Conrad Helen­ and told of how he became a believer in the United iak and Harlan Scheffler. States in 1921 and came to Sweden ten years ago to Per copy (clothbound only) ...... $3.00 become a well known and loved member of the Scan­ dinavian Baha'i Community and how he makes fre­ Power to Renew the World (A Challenge to Christians). quent trips to Baha'i summer schools and conferences. Two letters written in 1957 by two students, one at Van­ 0 derbilt University and the other at Vanderbilt Divinity The September 1965 issue of House Beautiful carries School, explain their decision to become Baha'is in a an article on Israel which mentions, on page 199, the convincing and articulate manner. There is an intro­ "golden dome of the international Baha'i Temple and ductory statement by Winston E vans; also some ex-. its gardens." cellent commentaries by well known people, one of the' best and most recent being from the book, The City of Man by W. Warren Wagar, Professor of History, Wel­ lesley College, published by Houghton Mifflin. The Child's Way There is an attractive cover design, matching in size A GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS many of our small, popular pamphlets, 33/s x 55/s. Published bi-monthly by 100 copies ...... $5.00 The Child's Way Editorial Committee [A minimum of 20 copies for $1.00 can be ordered] RATES: U.S.A ...... $2.00 per year Baha'i Wall Calendar, 1966. The new calendar has a Back issues, set of six .... $ .50 photo of the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette not previously Foreign ...... $2.50 per year published and also an enlarged detail photo of a single Back issues, set of six .... $1.00 pylon that shows the various symbols. Feast and Holy For information, subscriptions write to : Days are depicted in color as usual and all detailed The Child's Way information about special observances are on the back. Box 245 Per copy ...... $ .25 Wilmette, Illinois 60091 10 copies ...... $2.00 25 copies ...... $4.50 50 copies ...... $7 .50 Baha'i House of Worship [No standing orders are being sent on this item, Visiting Hours except overseas.] Weekdays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p .m. (Auditorium only) Sundays and Holidays Calendar of Events 10 :00 a.m. to 5:00 p .m. (Entire Building) FEASTS Service of Worship December 12 - Masa'il (Questions) Sundays December 31- filiaraf (Honor) 3 :30 to 4:10 p .m. U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS DAY Public Meeting December 10 Sunday, December 19 U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING 4:15 p.m. December 31- January 2

BAHA'i NEWS is published for circulation among Baha'is only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, as a news organ reporting current activities of the Baha'i world community. BAHA'i NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee: Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee, Managing Editor; Mrs. Eunice ,.--...._ Braun, International Editor; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, National Spiritual Assembly Representative. Material must be received by the twentieth of the second month preceding date of issue. Address: Baha'i News Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A. 60091. Change of address should be reported directly to National Baha'i Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.