BAHA'I NEWS BAHA'I ERA NO. 225 NOVEMBER, 1949 YEAR106

shape through the dust and confu­ sion of construction. In the future men will marvel that we had faith. Men will envy us the opportunity we had to be Temple-builders. The Master said the completion of the Temple will "mark the inception of the Kingdom of God on earth." And H e promised: ''Whosoever arises for the service of this build­ ing shall be assisted with great power from His Supreme Kingdom and upon him spiritual and heavenly blessings shall descend, which shall fill his heart with wonderful consola­ tion and enlighten his eyes by be­ holding the Glorious and Eternal God." Every day is important. -NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY Echoes of European Conference The news received by the Euro­ pean Teaching Committee in letters PROGRESS REPORT: This picture, taken on August 31, ls published w g-.ve a from abroad demoJ11Strates the stim­ clearer idea of the first stages of interior construction. If you will look particularly ulating effect that the recent Brus­ at the columns at the right, you will see how it has been neces>'ary to cut a.way pan sels Conference had on the believers of the concrete in order to apply the cast stone mosaics. More than 75 percent of the isolated round columns were finished by the middle of Ocw1>er. The recirculatin1 in all of our "goal Countries'', firing. ventilation ducts ha.v_e been instilled in the dome, and ducts are being installed on them With a renewed sense of dedi­ the ceiling below the first gallery. Conduit, wiring, etc., is being installed a.s the cation, and with zeal and enthusi­ work progresses. asm. This had tangible expression in the post-Conference two-day meet­ Every Day Is Important . . . ing, the "echo", conducted by the Baha'is of Holland, }n Bussum (near When the austerity period started, ing to the whole world. The first re­ Amsterdam). This was held directly it looked like a long time. Two years sponse te the Temple Plan was tre­ after the Conference, and was at­ seems a long time. But one fourth mendous. But the crisis has not yet tended by believers from Norway, of the austerity period is now past, passed. We still have much to give. Denmark and Sweden, as well as be­ And events begin to crowd .upon us. In briefest form, this is our finan­ lievers from many other countries. We have won a great spiritual vic­ cial position. On September 30, we This occasion afforded an opportun­ tory in Europe. Too, our Latin Amer­ had $450 ,000 in the bank for Temple ity for real Baha'i fellowship and for ican brothers will soon have their construction. The greater part of this further discussion of basic Baha'i own National Assemblies. has been a single large, non-recur­ Teachings, The pleasure and the The da'ily news brings us a pic­ ring contribution from one individ­ benefit derived from . this little ture of discord and a growing threat ual. ($305,000 is due for construction " echo" was very real, as expressed of atomic war. work in 1949.) About $355 ,000 will be to the ETC in letters and reports. Every day is important, for the needed for construction in 1950. We . One of the happiest surprises for heart of our Temple is being com­ need more resolves and more sacri­ the visiting believers to the recent pleted. While fear may increase, we fi ce to meet the needs of 1950. The Conference was the Baha'i Center re­ have the promise of the Mas­ general budget (regular contribu­ cently established in Brussels (the ter: "Verily the founding of the tions from individuals, groups, and fi rst in Europe under the Seven Year Ma@riqu'l-Adhkar will mark the in­ Local Assemblies) is $16 ,233.87 be­ Plan), This center is so very digni­ ception of the Kingdom of God on hind. This affects our vital non-Tem­ fied and attractive, so effeciently earth." ple activities. functioning and radiating such a We must not falter or hesitate. Otir Day by day, the final beauty of the spiritual atmosphere that all were: daily sacrificial acts can bring heal- Temple unfolds. We can see it take deeply impressed by it. 2 NOVEMBER, 1949

This center has also proven a Public Relations great boon to the Brussels Commu­ As have most Baha'i committees nity, as a great deal of interest in during these times, Baha'i Public the Baha'i Faith has been aroused in that city due to the Conference and Relations has minimized certain the large public meeting held in phases of its activities. These in­ connection with it, and the Center clude national advertising and mail­ affords a most appropriate place to ing of __ the fp,miliar red-bordered meet with inquirers and to hold " World Religion" bulletin. This classes for riewly interested people. month, however, the committee re­ . The Bern, Switzerland Community sumes use of its office at 112 Linden ·bas just acquired a Center of its own avenue, Wilmette. To those friends and it is to be opened most auspi­ who have experienced delays in ciously by the holding of an all-Swiss receiving requested PR materials, Conference on November fifth and this announcement comes as good sixth. The idea of holding this Swiss news. All correspondence should be Conference was inspired during the directed to the PR secretary at this ·Brussels Conference by the desire of office. the Swiss representatives to share Meanwhile, the relations between with the believers at home the spirit the Baha'i community and the pub­ of the Conference and the material lic continued without interruption. used there for the consultations. Jmpressions continued to be made. Latest of national magazine refer­ Those participating will be the Mr. George TownShend, author of THE groups of Wolfhalden and Zurich, the HEART OF THE GOSPEL, THE PROM­ ences to the Faith appeared in the Communities of Geneva and Bern ISE OF ALL AGES, and the introduc­ September issue of the pocket-size and the isolated believers throughout tion to GOD PASSES BY, and many " Negro Digest." The Baha'i Temple others. 1\-lr. Townshend has recently left was displayed on the cover of Switzerland. his position as Canon of St. Patrick's The believers · in our "goal coun­ Cathedral in Dublin and Archdeacon of Ward's "Automobile Topics" and .tries" are very aware of the sacri­ Clonfert, to devote his whole time to well described in the recently pub­ pioneering in Dublin and in writing for lished "American Guide." From an fices that are being made by the the Baha'i Faith. Baha'is on the "home front" in car­ Eastern minister came a request for Temple slides to illustrate his lec­ rying out the objectives of the second "The Old Churches and the Seven Year Plan, and they have a Lure. Information and photographs deep sense of gratitude to them for New W orld-Faitb" were sent to a writer for a book on the bounty of receiving the Faith into George Townshend, former Canon religions he was authoring. From their own countries. A tangible ex- of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, their vantage point overlooking Chi­ .; pression of this has come in the form formally withdrew from the Church cago, thousands of visitors to the of contributions to our Temple Fund recently. In a published statement towering Board of Trade building printed as a pamphlet, Mr. Town­ from several of these countrie~. were handed pamphlets describing :This indeed represents great sacri­ shend declared his relinquishment the Baha'i Temple, rising promi­ fice, as these struggling new com­ of Orders in the Protestant Episco­ nently to the northward. Elsewhere, munities are ·giving their "all" for pal Church of America into which Baha'i pamphlets were listed in the the promotion of the Faith in their he has been ordained in 1906 in the Vertical File, distributed to libraries home lands. diocese of Utah. and colleges. And plainly marked on Mrs. Mildred Mottehedeh and her Because of its potential signifi­ Rand-McNally maps of Chicagoland two attractive children visited many cance throughout Christendom in the is found " Baha'i House of Worship." of our "goal countries" this sum­ West, Mr. Townshend's statement To the Assemblies last month went mer, and Mrs. Beatrice Ashton was distributed by the British NSA to a special 19-day Feast bulletin. This visited some of them on her return e,100 leaders of thought in religious, time it featured ways and means of from Germany. These visits were of educational. social and cultural promoting the Baha'i Faith on UN the greatest help to the newly estab­ fields. Day, valued by the Guardian for its lished communities, and the ETC Mr. Townshend received a ' ·re­ publicity use. Also included were adds its warmest thanks to theirs markably kind" reply from the Bish­ publicity items of national interest for this assistance. op of Utah. He also had questions with suggestions for local adapta­ After the Brussels Conference Mr. from the Primate of Ireland, an in­ tion. John Robarts of Toronto, Canada vitation to speak to a religious so­ To the public the committee con­ paid a visit to most of our "goal ciety in London with an offer to print tini:ed its selected mailing program, countries", and we have received the address, and a number of pri­ national publicity coverage, re­ glowing reports of these visits from -;ate letters. sponses to queries, aids to colleges all of them. Miss Rita Von Sombeek, Copies of Mr. Townshend's pam­ and libraries and other PR activi­ one of the first pioneers to answer phlet have been received in this ties essential to its program. the call . of the Guardian, has just country and may now be purchased Budgetless, the committee de­ returned to the United States from from the Baha'i Publishing Commit­ pends upon the friends as the only Holland. tee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, source of publicity items and refer­ -EUROPEAN TEACHING COMMITrEE Illinois, price $.25. ences to the Faith made across the BAHA'I NEWS 3

nation. A publicity map of the U.S. ··AU the friends have these won­ you need to study more thoroughly. is being prepared for the Guardian. derful things to tell. Some are grow­ We are asking you to study the ,,.-... Will your community be included? ing a Baha'i garden to send the pro­ Dispensation in November and De­ We need your help. ceeds to the Temple. All are arrang­ cember as preliminary to study of ing their affairs to give more." This the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l­ Alaska ls a New State i~ the new state. Bahci in January and February. The Gold, dog-teams, Eskimos, and January issue of Baha'i News will timber may be your picture of this "Meeting the Crisis" contain special suggestions for that northern land, but our Baha'is are "Study the Word" study. bririging forth a new gold, that of The book chosen for study in No­ -NATIONAL PROGRAMMING COMMl'l.TEE human hearts, and a new state, that vember and December is The Dis­ of an actively lived Faith out among pensation of Bahci'u'llcih, written by ". . • Eyes to-the Blind . . . " the people. Inquirers are so numer­ the Guardian in 1934 on the 90th During the first six months of the ous that . .. "Believe me ... when anniversary of the founding of the year 1949-1950 the demand for lit­ I say there are not enough of us Faith. In it the Guardian reviews erature for the blind has been en­ Baha'is up here to take care properly the root principles of Baha'i belief. couraging. Request for literature in of the new contacts. We are all So that there may be no misunder­ Esperanto Braille for Holland was worked to a frazzle . . . . We learned standing he explains the stations of received from the European Teach­ how true RU.Q.iyyih Khanum's sug­ the Chief Figures of the Faith, their ing Committee Representative in gestion is when she said reach into relations to each other, and their re­ Geneva. This came as a result of the the 'pockets'." lations to the Manifestations of the talk in Esperanto given by Etty Of isolated Baha'is invited in for past. He divides his theme into four Graeffe on her last night in Europe. vtsits, Floyd Overhauser said: "I great parts - Baha'u'llah, the Bab, Orders for Braille books and pam­ just can't imagine living without the 'Abdu'l-Baha, and the Administrative phlets were received from as far teaching and will surely do every­ Order. south as Rio de Janeiro and as far thing possible before leaving Woody Notice how the Guardian brings to- north as Anchorage, Alaska. Island to spread the Faith." He goes 11:ether quotations to illustrate and The Committee has no budget from then to University of Washington and prove his theme. Regarding the sta­ the National Fund so that orders will work closely with youth there. tion of Baha'u'llah, he gives us eight received constitute a revolving fund Agnes Parent (Indian and French) quotations from the Bab, 46 quota­ for the continuance and expansion of will return to Teachers College in tions from Baha'u'llah, and nine quo­ its service. Washington state and work with tations from 'Abdu'l-Baha. In this Most in demand are the following Floyd in teaching Indians. way absolute testimony from the Braille Pamphlets:- Agnes and James Cooper appeared writings of the Chief Figures Them­ World Order Through World Faith on a panel discussion with several selves is brought together for us. The and speakers from various races. The Guardian uses this method in each The World Faith of Baha'u'llah room was crowded with new people. section. (The set of these two pamphlets "One colored man who had studied is ordered as THE SET) ...... $1.25 for the ministry said that in all his Essential Verities Faith For Freedom $1.25 travels in many parts of the world The Guardian states that his pur­ The price quoted, which should ac­ he had never found such a group pose is to clarify the root principles company orders, includes postage. that lived what they preached." or essential verities of the Faith. In BAHA'I SERVICE FOR THE BLIND (This was said to the entire audi­ order to teach and prepare individ­ 616 N. Oxford Avenue ence.) "Our lovely negro soldier Jim uals for enrollment in the Baha'i Los Angeles 4, California Cooper answered him so sweetly and Community, these root principles intelligently that even our modera­ should be absolutely clear to us. tor was so moved it was difficult to We would like to suggest that you Baha'i Addresses speak . . . A very fine looking man, as an individual undertake one major National Office: a Buddhist, stood up and gave quite effort in your study of the Dispensa­ 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, a . talk and wants to study our tion. Study each section by itself; Illinois. books." A tourist from New Mexico, then go back and copy out the sen­ Treasurer's Office: a lady from Norway and one from tences which set forth the root prin­ 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Puerto Rico expressed the wish to ciples of the Faith stressed by Sho­ Illinois. know more of the Faith. More con­ ,ghi Effendi. Make Checks Payable to: tacts were made for Fairbanks than Number your verities. When you National Baha'i Fund by going there to live for a month. have finished a careful study of all Baha'i Publishing Committee: A man came into Robinson's Radio four sections, you should have a list 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Shop for a radio to fill his time, but of at least 18 verities. If you have Illinois. he got the Baha'i Faith instead, re­ Jess than that, we suggest you re­ Make checks for books and pamph­ marking : "This is what I am going study the whole letter. lets navable to: to inv estigate". Two Mormon Elders This is also an excellent letter to B~h°i'i Publishing Committee ,...... _ stopped to talk to Mrs. Robinson as Gutline. Outlining the letter and list­ Baha'i News· Editorial Office: she swept the walk. They talked for ing the essential verities will enable 1001 W. Genesee St. over an hour about Baha '. u'llah and you to take stock of your own knowl­ Lansing, Mich. wanted to come next week. edge to see what major principles 4 NOVEMBER, 1949 The Home Front YOUNGSTOWN, N .Y. ,,---. Score to Date - October 15, 1949 Heavy September rains were no on Response to the Temple Fund deterrent to over 100 Baha'is who came to a teaching conference on Estimated the eighteenth, Guest speaker, Mrs. Group Number for 2 years $400 140 ...... $112,000.00 Victor Davis, secretary of Ca­ $100 521 ...... 8104,200.00 nadian NSA counseled that every­ $ 25 524 ...... $ 26,200.00 one should pioneer for the Faith, if *Special 972 ...... $212,811. 78 not abroad, then in your neighbor­ Totals ~,157 ...... $455,211.78 hood; budget time and find out how Received against above resolves ...... $228,654.17 much you are devoting to the Cause God wants *All resolves not falling in other three categories. of God. this new Word given to every member of the hm:nan Many friends have asked if they could send in their next year's r&ce . . . let us subordinate every­ resolve now. This would be very helpful. thing to fulfillment of this. One new - TREASt.'"RER believer reported inviting 16 neigh­ bors, of whom nine came, to share in an explanation of the Faith. Dakota-Sioux Falls. Tennessee-Mem­ Contributions from Assemblies phis, Nashville. Texas--Houston, San An­ RICHMOND HIGHLANDS, WASH. for the Month of September tonio. Utah-Salt Lake City. Vermont­ An eight-day summer teaching Alaska - Anchorage. Arizona - North Brattleboro. conference beginning Aug. 7 at the Phoenix, Phoenix, Tucson. Arkansas­ Virginia- Alexandria, Arlington. Wash­ Fellowship House averaged attend­ Eu.reka Springs. Little Rock. California­ ington - Kirkland, Marysville, Monroe, ance of 15 to 20 to participate in Alhambra, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Bur­ Richmond Highlands, Seattle, Spokane, classes on "Personal Contacts," bank, Burlingame, Carmel, Geyserville, Tacoma. West Virginia-Charleston. Wis-­ El Monte Twp., Escondido Twp., Fresno, consin-Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, " Functions of a Chairman," " Baha'i Glendale, Inglewo·id, Long Beach, Los Racine, Shorewood, Somers Twp., Wau­ Speaking Technique," "The Baha'i Angeles, Monrovia. Monrovia Twp., Oak­ watosa, Whitefish Bay, Wyoming-Lara­ Speaker," " Newspaper and Ra­ land, Oceanside, Palo Alto, P asadena. mie. dio Publicity,' and "Comparative San Bernardino. Sacramento, San Diego, Number of Assemblies ...... 174 Religions and Their Branches." San Francisco, Simta Barbara, Santa Assemblies contributing ...... 159 Monica, South Gat~ Colorado-Colorado Assemblies not contributing...... 15 Complementing this day-time activ­ Springs. Connecticut - Greenwich, Hart­ Groups contributing ...... 44 ity, some 50 people gathered nightly ford, New Haven. DPlaware-Wilmington. Individuals contributing ...... 82 to hear The Promised Day is Come Dist. of Columbia-Washington. Florida­ Special contributions from Assemblies of reviewed, Race and Man discussed, Jacksonville, Miami. Georgia - Atlanta. Adelaide, So. Australia; Geneva, Switzer­ The Open Door presented, "Let's Augusta. Hawaii-Honolulu, Maui. Idaho land, and Rome, Italy; Brussels Confer­ - Ada County, Boise. Illinois - Batavia, ence and Fresno Baha'i Children's Class. Get Rid of Prejudice," given by the Champaign, Chit'agci , Danville, Elmhurst, children, and to enjoy a well-directed Evanston, Maywood, Oak Park, Peoria, evening of entertainment. Fourteen Phoenix (Harvey), Springfield, Urbana, Wilmette, Winnetka. children under the age of 15 camped Attention Local on the grounds for the week, en­ Indiana - Indian-ipolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend. Iowa-Cedar Rapids, Water­ Treasurers : gaging in sports and helping in the loo . Kansas - Topeka. Louisiana - New If you wish the name of your kitchen. Two Sunday public meet­ Orleans. Maine-Eliot, Portland. Mary­ as~embly to appear monthly in ings during the conference saw some land-Baltimore (A11g) . Massachusetts­ the list of contributors, please 85 people gather to hear talks by Beverly, Boston, Brookline, Springfield, Worcester. Michigan - Detroit, Flint, see that ycur contribution is in Mr. King and Mr. Nordquist. Grand Rapids, Grosse Pointe F arms, the hands of your National WATERLOO, N.Y. Lansing, Muskegon, Roseville. Minne­ Treasurer not later than the last The 27 people attending the Fall sota-Duluth, Minne:ipolis, St. Paul. Mis­ day of that month. Workshop, Sept. 10-11 felt that new sissippi-Jackson. Missouri - Independ­ A deadline must be met for ence, Kansas City, St. Louis. Montana­ insight was gained on the topics dis­ Butte, Helena, Gre~t Falls. Nebraska­ Baha'i N ews material. We, cussed: "Aids in Teaching," "How Macy, Omaha. Nevada - Reno. New therefore, cannot assure you to Live the Baha'i Life," and "Deep­ ~ampshire- Portsmouth. New Jersey ­ that you will be included 'unless ening Our Understanding of the Bergenfteld, Dumo11t, East Orange, En­ contributior.s are received no glewood. Jersey City, Newark, Red Teachings." The spirit of the week­ Bank, Ridgewood, Teaneck. New Mexico later than the above date. end was characterized in this phrase, -Albuqt~erque . New York-Binghamton, " Everybody worked, everybody ben­ Buffalo, Geneva, JO'regon-Portland. Pennsylvania-Phila­ ELIOT, ME. ~elphia, Ba@dad? Pittsburgh, Scranton, West Under a five-class program this Chester. Rhode Island-Providence. South See Baha'i World Vol. II, p , 68 Carolina - Columbia, Greenville. South community has averaged an attend- . BAH.fi NEWS 5 ance of 45 for Sunday s!udy from July until Labor Day. The classes, Dear Baha'i friends: two for Baha'is, two for friends, and a Forum for both sometimes held As you can well imagine the Treasurer's Office is under great pres­ a picnic lunch and intermission for sure because of the special drive and the continuing increase in our tea. Related cultural and sociological daily work. topics occupied the Forum and the I am making every effort to keep expenses down and am at the coming fall program will be such a present time operating with just one assistant who is making great group activity, conducted as round­ sacrifices in both time and effort. table workshops. It is becoming increasingly difficult for us t0 keep our records To correct an impression which straight because local Assemblies and groups are s1mding in their own some of us may have had regarding personal che<:ks with no explanations as to who should be credited. the Greenacre School area, it is When they are credited to the individual believers we receive letters brought to attention that the nearby from them asking us to change this because they meant the contribution town of Eliot has been a duly con­ for the Assembly, or group, or vice versa. stituted Local Spiritual Assembly This situation is growing continually worse and can only be straight­ since 1925 and actively carrying on ened out by the immedia.te cooperation of the frien~s. work throughout the year. The Sun­ If a contribution is sent in on a personal check, please see that it is. day activity reported is indicative of accompanied by a letter or note stating that it is a personal contribu­ teaching going on most of the year. tion, a contribution from a group, or a contribution from an Assembly. MILWAUKEE, WIS. We have no way of knowing unless you tell us. Baha'is are active on the Mayor's Thank you for your cooperation. Commission on Human Rights. PIOLIP G. SPRAGUE. Treasurer Chairman George Brawley is a Baha'i, as are Miss Bcmner, assistant to the Executive Secretary, and Law· tions Live Together", Aug. 13 Audi­ Local Spiritual Assembly rence A. Hautz, chairman of the Fact ence was almost half non-Baha'is. Annual Reports, Cont'd Finding Committee. . BROOKLINE. MASS "Idle Worship" was the talk given by Mrs Additional annual reports of Local BRIEFS Ethelinda Merson before 35 guests in Spiritual Assemblies have been re­ LOS ANGELES, CAL. Representa­ a Baha'i home, keynoting necessity ceived from Butte, Montana: Inde­ tive group of 81 from 26 communities for a Faith which takes expression pendence, Missouri; Providence, met for Regional Conference Sept. in deeds . . HOUSTON. TEX. The R.I. ; and San Francisco, California. 10, on "New Spirit of Teaching" . RTC for . Texas expresses gratitude BUTTE, MONTANA Cardinal points were: know the for the new direct mailing system of Teachings in word and spirit; Color slides of the Temple, of Baha'i News and foresees greater co­ way to learn to teach is by actual Green Acre and Louhelen summer hesion between isolated believers teaching; we must not just read schools and other Baha'i activities and communities, besides reduction the Writings but ~lso act according were shoWn by Mr. George D. Miller to . them. PEORIA, ILL. of mailmg costs . . HAMILTON, to over 400 non-Baha'i adults and 58 This community begins a Sun­ MASS. An estimated 100,000 persons children at various meetings held in day Worship Hour, Oct. 2 at the attended Topsfield Fair, Labor Day Butte and elsewhere in the state. YWCA with readings from the sa­ week, at which area Baha'is manned Window displays in the store win­ a display booth. distributing litera­ cred scriptures of the world and dows of a flower shop and a candy ture from their favorable site at the music. Monthly an outside speaker shop in Butte received much atten­ main entrance. will talk. . . . ALEXANDRIA, VA. tion. The displays featured a very A recent fireside discussion was large photograph of the Temple, led by Jimmie Fozdar, y-0ung Baha'i around which were placed selected from India, whose grandfather was New Deadline groups of Baha'i books and pamph­ one of first Persian pioneers to India. lets. Several guests from Indian Embassy An effort is being made to were among 30 who participated in have Baha'i News in the mail INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI an evening so enthralling that sev­ not later than the fifth of each Regular newspaper advertisements eral walked out without umbrella, month. Therefore all material produced a number of inquir­ hat, and gloves ... CHARLESTON for any one issue must be in ies from interested readers, includ­ W. VA. A three-session summer con: the editorial office on or before ing a telephone call from a high ference, Aug. 28, 100 percent at­ the tenth of the preceding school student who was writing a tended, used the approach of each month. paper on the Baha'i Faith for one of person acting as a teacher tluring Material received after this his classes. The youth had read the conference to strengthen their date cannot be considered for about the Faith and noticed the tele­ natural method of telling the story. use. phone number in an advertisement. All were enthusiastic about speaking - BAH.A 'f NEws EorroRIAL At the request of the radio sta­ and listening. . . . DENVER, COL. CoMMITTEE tion KIMD program director, the The Baha'i center, crowded to its 1001 W. Genesee St. Local Spiritual A~~em_bly pr:epared doors, saw Mrs. Ann Howard of In­ Lansing, Mich. and gave a program on the de­ dependence, Mo. speak on "The Na- votional period from 9:30 to 9:45 6 NOVEMBER, 1949 o'clock on the mornings of Septem­ ber 27 through October 1st. The program consisted of direct quotations from the writings of the· Baha'i Faith against a background of soft organ music. · The readings occupied six or eight minutes of the time, with breaks of solo organ music.

PROVIDENCE, R. I. In cooperation with the Jewish Community Center, the Providence believers sponsored a meeting last sp:ing, which was part of the pro­ grem for World Affairs Week. The Jewish Community Center fur­ nished the place, and the Bahil'is fur­ nished the speaker, Hilda Yen Male. She spoke from her United Nations background to an audience of 200 persons. "Services for Brotherhood," which consisted of inter-faith and inter-ra­ cial services in churches and tem­ ples held once a month, also re­ ceived cooperation from the Provi­ dence Baha'is. Clarence Newport, chairman of the Assembly, was the Baha'i representative at the com­ mittee meetings. Mr Newport read from the "Hidden Words of Baha­ u'llah," and also read the " Prayer For All Nations" by 'Abdu'l-Baha at some of .the meetings. After each meeting, at which Baha'i literature was made .available, there were al­ ways some inquirers a bout the BUSINESS MANAGER-Mrs. Clara R. Wood started her business career as fashion Baha'i Faith. editor of "Bon Ton" magazine and was for 14 years with J. J. Little and Ives, New York publishers. For 20 years she has been business manager of the Baha'i Publish­ SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. ing Committee with headquarters at 110 Linden Ave., Wilmette. (from "Wilmette Regular Friday night public meet­ Life") ings were maintained throughout the Publishing Announcements series of five leaflets entitled "Ques­ year with an average attendance of The Citadel of the Faith of Baha­ t.ions the World Is Asking." The five 26 people. Success of the meetings 'u'Uah. To herald the approach of questions successively raised are. was attributed to the innovation of the half-way mark in the Second Has Religion Failed? designating one evening a month as Seven Year Plan, the Guardian gave Why this World Upheai;al? ·'special," with ·refreshments and us a soul stirring message. This was ls there a World Leader? music together with the best Baha'i sent individually to every Baha'i and Can Peace be Maintained? speakers available. it is hoped that every Baha'i has Can Human Nature be Changed? read and re-read it. It should be Each leaflet stresses the import- Two of the four Anniversary meet­ kept continually before us. There ance of the five questions, and gives ings with special programs, publici­ are still copies available, and they the Baha'i teachings which answer ty and mailed invitations were at­ may be obtained from the Publishing them. The series can be used as a tended by 115 people each, while one Committee. Price per copy lOc or ·campaign for mailing lists or indi­ meeting was attended by 79 people, 12 copies for $1.00. vidual leaflets can be given out at and another by over 200. Questions the World Is Asking. The meetings as free literature-. The cost The community also provided Mr. problem how to make favorable of this contact literature is very mod­ Firuz Kazemzadeh as the Baha'i contacts is uppermost in the minds erate. Five sets (25 leaflets) 25c. speaker to explain principles of the of every active believer. One effect­ 50 sets (250 leaflets) $2-.25: 100 sets Faith to a class on Comparative Re­ ive method of developing contacts ( 500 leaflets) $4.00. Order from Baha'i ligion given at San Francisco State by individual believers or by com­ Publishing Committee. 110 Linden College. munity action is through use of the Avenue. Wilmette. Illinois. BAHA'I NEWS 7

to all legislators in India, Paki­ stan and Burma, and in Ceylon to high-placed government officials, as well. Principles of the Baha'i World Faith were printed on the back of 700,000 copies of ,.school exercise books published by Mr. Ghulam Husayn Amreliwalla of Bombay, giving country-wide publicity to the principles. Further publicity resulted when the Higginbotham railway bookstall agents offered to display and sell Baha'i literature at the 78 stations where they operate. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND In an effort to achieve the goals of their Six Year Plan the NSA at a Hawaiian Baha'is and friends on the island of Maui, gathered for a luncheon in honor recent meeting voted to increase of Morris Freedman from Honolulu. Mrs. Mary Fantom (holding the Greatest their public relations, teaching and Name) is the first Baha'i of Hawaiian ancestry in the Territory. pioneering activities. In metropolitan areas where con­ ditions are favorable, the NSA Around the Baha'i World adopted the policy of immediately IRANIAN WOMEN CONFER over it awakened a rare spirit of establishing groups in towns nearby A conference composed of Baha'i love, joy and enthusiasm, a renewed with the expectation that these small women representatives from 20 sense of assurance and dedication in Baha'i groups will eventually become provincial centers and of members the heart of all those present and Assemblies. of the National Committee for the afforded a precious opportunity to Advancement of Baha'i Women was strengthen ties of intimate fellowship The "Act of the Governor's held in Tihran at the National Ha?i­ between one another. Office" ratu'l-Quds during the week before On April 14, the day on which the (Received by Dr. Robert L. Gulick Ric;lvan. The conference lasted for inaugural session was held, the con· from A. H. Collesstaneh, M.D. Dated three days and was the third one of ference members were invited to a at Cairo, Egypt, 7/ 3/ 48) its kind ·to be organized and directed luncheon arranged by the NSA in " ... Amongst the Baha'i group of entirely by Baha'i women. Its main their honor. Also during the subse­ friends in Cairo, there is a poor old object was to survey the vast field quent days they were befittingly en­ Baha'i painter or 'Khattat' as it is of work courageously undertaken by tertained by various Baha'i commu­ called in Arabic, who lives in a dis­ Persian Baha'i women under their nities and organizations in Tihrim. trict called Siyyidih Zaynab in old four-year project, to exchange views GREAT BRITAIN native Cairo. Nobody ever heard of and to propose lines of action where­ The Crusade for World Govern­ the activities of this humble servant by progress in feminine education ment received active cooperation ot of the- Cause until he introduced and welfare could be effectively in­ the Edinburgh Baha'is when Eric three new believers (an engineer, a sured and the existing handicaps and Manton, pioneer from Northampton dentist, and a merchant) who came hinderances removed. to Edinburgh, spoke at the first pub­ to be registered as members of the No one attending the conference or lic meeting held by the World Gov­ Baha'i community. They met the reading a report about its proceed­ ernment crusaders in Edinburgh. special committee and in the last ings could fail to be impressed by INDIA, PAKISTAN AND BURMA Nineteen Day Feast they were de­ the manifestations of ability and re­ (Year 105 Annual Reports) clared as Baha'is and moreover they sourcefulness on the part of the The Jaipur Congress Souvenir for said that they are the headliners for members in conducting business and 1948 carried a two-page advertise­ a big group which will soon follow in directing the course of the conver­ ment consisting of excerpts from "A their steps and will come forward sation so as to produce concrete re­ Pattern for Future Society" by the to be registered! They were all sults. On the whole the conference Guardian. This was one of the publi­ from Siyyidih Zaynab ! Who taught was a great success. It enabled both city projects undertaken by the them the Baha'i principles and the representatives and the commit­ Baha'is of India, Pakistan and guided them to the path of God? The tee members to obtain a fuller Burma, according to their Annual answer was poor old KhaHat appreciation of what is being · done Report. 'Abdu'l-Basit of whose activities very by Baha'i women in Iran in the way Copies of "The Faith of Baha­ few knew anything! of self-advancement and to get 'u'llah", and "A Baha'i Declaration " 'Abdu'l-Basit -has a small shop acquainted with the nature of cares of Human Obligations and Rights", in which, I later found, he used to and problems with which each parti­ and "The Work of Baha'is in Pro­ receive lots of visitors of different c ular community is burdened. More- motion of Human Rights" were sent classes who went to him to enquire 8 NOVEMBER, 1949 about the Faith. His neighbors know­ language and knowledge, began to Latin American News ing that he was a Baha'i began a describe the meaning of Islam, the Approximately one and a half series of troubles to his person and necessity of religion, what is meant years remain before the National his family which ended in a severe by renewal of faith, etc., etc., and Spiritual Assembly of Central Amer­ beating of his poor old wife who sub­ then I shouted to those who were ica and the National Spiritual mitted and was. so courageous and present that I acknowledge that I Assembly of South America are to spiritual to forgive and not to com­ conveyed to you tl1e message of come into being. With the achieving plain. But attac~s continued special­ God: Oh ye who wait for the Mani­ of this goal of the second Seven Year ly from the inhabitants of their festation, He is come. Come to me Plan now so clearly in sight, it is a house (that has eleven flats of which source of joy and inspiration to see they occupy two rooms in the base­ and ask for His proofs; He has come to save you from the blackness of the native believers throughout ment or lowest flat). The neighbors Latin America taking a more and frankly showed that they aimed at ignorance, come and search and more active part in the work of the dislodging the old couple and their don't lose this chance because the Cause, and shouldering an ever-in­ children. day will come when you will be re­ creasing share of the manifold re­ sponsible for your subjects, you are sponsibilities which, in such a rela· " 'Abdu'l-Basit then was compelled their heads that think and govern to address the police but he didn't tively short time, will be exclusively and it is through you that the Faith theirs. More and more, they are point to any particular person. Some of God must be carried to those weak time later the police, receiving a lot arising to spread the Word of God. ignorant groups like myself. You But happy though we are to see of letters of warning about 'Abdu'l­ learned people heard and were in­ Basit's 'anti-government activities,' this happening, it is equally evident different and not only that but fought that this spiritual prize has not yet called him to come on a special date the new Faith of God in such a man­ to meet at the Governor's Office with been won, and that much work re­ ner that my heart has grieved. That mains to be done before 1951. The special authority to be questioned is why I, the poor old ignorant weak about the Faith. He went there, and role which the Baha'is of the United individual, have found myself com­ States must play in this crucial per· let me quote his own words, he pelled to convey the message of God said: 'Before going I made a short iod acquires greater urgency, and under any circumstance, instead of our responsibilities toward our fel­ prayer and read the Tablet of you. Later I mentioned some of Alfmad and asked God to direct me low-believers in Latin America re­ Baha'u'llith's holy Tablets which I main as great as ever. in His Path and to let my weak had in memory in such a loud voice tongue utter His own words and say This has been given renewed em­ that even those 100 meters away His own message. So I was received phasis in the Guardian's recent mes­ could hear and I declared that the in the Governor's Office by ... Bey sage, so much of which is devoted Manifestation of the Age, the Savior whO asked the usual questions about to Latin America where, in his own of the whole world can be no one but my age, occupation, relations, resi­ words, "the work is rapidly nearing Baha'u'llah. During that time every dence, etc. and then he told me the first stage of fruition". The many attempt to stop me failed. I don't frankly that he had received lots of tasks still to be carried out are know what force pushed me and how letters that I am working against clearly set forth. It is at once the I was talking but I am sure it was the · State and against its religion. vital responsibility and the unique Him, the Glory of God. The men I told him it is just the opposite be­ privilege of the North American be­ found at last that the only thing they cause I am serving my State in a lievers to aid in deepening the spir­ could do now was to get rid of me way no. other patriot does or did ; itual life of "these newly-fledged, so they did and still shouting I was an~ .. I am serving __and establishing these precious and highly esteemed taken outside the Governor's Office true religion as much as my poor co-workers" and enlightening their where I continued my talk to the big being can afford in the proper way minds regarding many aspects of group of people who were waiting it ought to be served. Puzzled by their Faith and its Teachings. outside. Everyone was pointing to my answer, the man enquired for me saying, " He was the Baha'i who Before these two new National an explan.ation, when I told him that was chanting and talking loudly in Spiritual Assemblies are elected, the present difficulties and tribula­ the Governor's Office!" Later the there must be laid a foundation of tions not only in Egypt but in the visitors increased in my shop. and sufficient breadth and depth to sup­ whole. world can only be solved by we were compelled to rent a special port them. The materials making up World Union and that can only be room for meetings. And here you this spiritual foundation include achieved by establishing the Faith I see the result. I hope soon others more than simply knowledge of the am serving. He said, " But you're an will come or I will find another oc­ Teachings on the part of the Latin infidel (kafir); you are a Baha'i casion like the ''act of the Gov­ American eelievers. There must also aren't you? How would you say you ernor's Office."' be a true understanding of the in­ are serving Islam when your Faith separable institutions of the Guardi­ or whatever it is, is destroying the " Very few can dare do or speak anship and the Universal House of fundamental principles of Islam?" as this pure hearted man did. He .Tustice; of the Baha'i Administrative At that time other employees were was simply ready to accept anything Order and the manner in which it in and listening to my talk, so I up to martyrdom for the benefit of functions; the twin Covenants out of raised my voice to a degree of shout­ his Faith, and what a reward he had which it was born; the laws from ing so that other people in and out -a group of new believers whose which it is fashioned; and the future could hear and listen. I, in my poor hearts he assisted . . . " World Order which it is destined to BAH ,\'i NEWS 9

produce. Thl! work of laying this foundation has been carried on for some time, but it is not yet complete; and only a year and a half now remain in which to finish this task. From its inception, it has required the cooper­ .ative efforts of the Latin Ameri­ can and North American believers, working side by side. This is equally true of its completion. This is why, during such a crucial period for the North American Baha'is, the Guardian has issued an­ other call for pioneers to Latin America - "voluntary, self-support­ ing, who 11 y-dedicated pioneers" whose efforts will insure that our fellow-believers in Latin America will be fully prepared to enter upon the great spiritual adventure begin­ ning for them in 1951. -INTER-AMERICAN COMMI'ITEE

Outdoor Teaching The two Regions of upper New Bahia, Brazil, Local Spiritual Assembly, July, 1949. York State have completed a very full summer of picnics. Held on Sundays at two or three week inter­ vals in public parks or the grounds Regional Visiting Meetings given by a group of two in Budd Lake, N .J. of the believers' homes, the picnics NORTHEASTE RN AR EA began with a basket or buffet lunch The Regional Teaching Commit­ Not all of the committees have as after which an interesting and infor­ yet completed their visits, but they mative talk, for both Baha'is and tees in the Northeastern Area have been carrying out a plan of going out all plan to try tO meet every Baha'i friends, was delivered by someone in their region before the year is out. from a nearby region. Games for through their regions to meet with all the isolated believers, groups These meetings have brought us all all ages, hiking and swimming closer together and have made us offered variety and spice. Children and small communities. These visits have taken various forms, but all of more aware of the fact that we are were cared for by a special commit­ all a part of the American Baha'i tee of young adults. them have proved a source of joy and inspiration and have produced Community and of the Second Seven Year Plan. Each picnic was announced in the concrete teaching results. Regional Bulletin together with a map showing how to reach the The regions which have shown the RTC FOR MARYLAND AND grounds and signs were posted to greatest results so far are those in DELAWARE indicate the exact spot where it was which the entire committee took A very successful Baha'i Get-To­ to be held.' From 25 to over 100 were part. Usually · a social gathering, gether was held on Sunday, October present on each occasion including such as lunching or dining together, 2, 1949 at the home of Mrs. Amelia as many as 48 inquirers. Much im­ has been followed by intimate con­ Watson in Chestertown, Maryland. petus and encouragement was lent sultation on concrete ways in which There are only two Baha'is in Ches­ by these regional programs to the regional committee can help the tertown, but at this gathering there groups sponsoring local projects, local believers. The committees have were 45 people - about half of whom among them an outdoor sunrise serv­ helped the Baha'is to hold public were Baha'is, from Wilmington, Del­ ice and breakfast held by the Baha'is meetings, firesides, study classes aware; Baltimore, Maryland; Wash­ of Rochester and vicinity. and Feasts, and to place books in ington, D.C.; and isolated believers local libraries. They have also been in Maryland and Delaware. The rest Seven regionals in the Northeast­ of the people were non-Baha'is from ern Area sponsored successful teach­ able to give the Baha'is information on the progress of the Second Seven Maryland and Delaware who were ing picnics, often in communities Year Plan. invited by the Baha'is. Mrs. Watson where Baha'is were very few in served a delicious dinner. Then in number. These outdoor activities Two outstanding results have been the afternoon, on the lawn overlook­ offered a wonderful opportunity to the holding of a well-publicized pub­ ing the Chesapeake Bay, Mrs. Hazel strengthen the bonds of friendship lic meeting by a group of two in Langrall, of Baltimore, Maryland, between believers and inquirers and Petersham, N.H., and a very large spoke to the group on the subject to start fall programs. fireside, full of glowing Baha'i spirit, ''Thy Kingdom Coma''. 10 N OVEMBER, 1949

Baha'i Su1nmer Sc h ool~ Esslingen Ge rmany, August, 1949

Visit to Baha'is in Germany The Baha'is in Germany send most toward building their National Ad­ their suffering can well stand as loving greetings to the Baha'is in the ministrative Headquarters in Frank­ examples to us. The Bah a'i in Ger­ United States and other parts of the furt a m Main, a project very dear to many has no money for travel, but world, and are deeply grateful for the heart of the Beloved Guardian. the first week of the Summ er School was well attended. The Baha'is came the packages of food and clothing For this building the Baha'is have quietly through the garden path and sent to them. This message is bought part of a ruin at Westend­ brought by Mrs. Beatrice Ashton who strasse 24, Frankfurt, and are restor­ one did not know that some had come visited the Baha'is in Frankfurt-am­ ing it. At present three rooms have long distances by bicycle, one had "thumbed" her way the entire length Main, Stuttgart, Berlin, Hamburg, been made ready: two large rooms Heidelberg-N eckargemuend, Karls­ of Germany, and others walked on the first floor, one of which is ruhe, Esslingen and attended both used for meetings, and a kitchen in many miles with pack on the back. weeks of the Baha'i School in Ess­ the basement. The project of the often bringing with them their bread lingen-Krummenacker this past sum­ Baha'i Youth a year ago in clearing and cheese. At the Summer School mer, during a thirty-day visit to away the rubble aided greatly in one could get soup and fruit, and with Germany approved by the Guardian. hastening the restoration of these this one lived well. All were happy to It is impossible to express in words be there. ' rooms, and was an experience which the depth of love and gratitude all who worked there say is never All were eager to hear news from poured through this open door of to be forgotten, because of the con­ the U.S. and to ask questions. How do contact after the many years that the sciousness of unity and spiritual you teach in the United States? What Baha'is in Germany have been shut confirmation felt by all. do the pioneers do? How do they off from the rest of the Baha'i world, Ii ve? "What is the progress on the and the happiness of the Baha'is If the Baha'is in the United States House of Worship? What are "fire- there that contact has aga:n been could realize how much the Baha'is sides" like? · established. Conditions are "better" in Germany look to us to show them in Germany but this is a relative the way, in teaching and in putting A visit to the Baha'is in another statement; there is still great need of into effect the Baha'i Administrative land is a humbling experience; for fooci and clothing because there is Order, it would make us very humble one realizes how easily something no money with which to buy the anci more determined to set the that seems unimportant in one local­ supplies now available, and all example they expect from us. The ity of one country becomes important · money that the Baha'is in Germany great love and the courage shown by and has an effect that may be far­ can sc~ape together they wish to give the Baha'is in Germany throughout reaching in the other country-thq.t BAHA'I NEWS 11

'the vneness of mankind is not a The man who presided at ihe din­ For Greater Understanding futur e condition but is a very ner was Bishop E dward L. Par sons. "Dearly-beloved friends! I feel it present reality. And that every When asked privately whether he incumbent upon me, by virtue of· the Baha'i is a responsible member of remembered 'Abdu'l-Baha, he re­ obligations and responsibilities which that oneness whether he realizes it plied, "Yes, indeed, very well. I as Guardian of the Faith of Baha­ or not. spent at least a half hour with Him 'u'llah I am called upon to discharge. -MRS. BEATRICE ASHTON and He was very kind and courteous. to lay special stress, at a time when We discussed the troubles in the the light of publicity is being increas­ Balui'is Participate in Balkans. I also attended one of His ingly focused upon us, upon certain Conference lectures." truths, which lie at the basis of our "World Faith and World Peace" The evening session included music Faith and the integrity of which it was the theme of a conference spon­ by an inter-racial choir, "Voices is our first duty to safeguard. These sored by prominent representatives United," a group that will later sing verities, if valiantly upheld and of leading faiths and by the World under the auspices of the Baha'i properly assimilated, will, I am con­ Alliance for International Friendship youth of this area. Then came a vinced, powerfully reinforce the Through Religion, in San Francisco panel discussion on "World Faiths vigor of our spiritual life and greatly on September 15, 1949. On the co­ for World Peace" by Mrs. Cranston, a ssist in counteracting the machina­ operating Committee of the World John Zucker, a Jewish Rabbi, Muriel tions of an implacable and vigilant Alliance were two Baha'is, .John W. Lester, a Quaker, and Firuz Kazem­ enemy. Allen and Graham Conroy. The open­ zadeh, a Baha'i. In this way, some two hundred persons, mairily non­ " To strive to obtain a more ade­ ing session featured an address by quate understanding of the signifi­ Mrs. Ruth Cranston of the Church Baha'is, were acquainted with the main tenets of the Baha'i Faith. cance of. Baha'u'llah's stupendous Peace Union on "Together We Revelation must, it is my unalter­ Work." This was followed by group There was also a Baha'i literature table but the supply of pamphlets able conviction, remain the first discussion of plans for a future insti­ obligation and the object of the con­ tute on what contribution religion can was altogether inadequate to meet the demand. stant endeavor of each one of its make to world peace. Three Baha'is. loya l adherents. An exact and one each from the Oa1

Directory Additions and Changes Baha'i News is published ·by the Forwarding Mail National Spiritual Assembly of the Local Spiritual Assembly Secretaries: Greenville, So Carolina Bahil'i News cannot be for­ Baha'is of the United States as the Mrs. W. T. Bidwell (Temp.) warded, so if you are going on official news-letter of the Baha'i 639 North Main St. a vacation or going to be away Community. San Diego, Calif. Mrs. Gladys Loudon for a time, n~quest the one tak­ Edited for the National Spiritual 4037 39th St. ing care of your mail to either Assembly by Baha'i News Editor­ Monroe, Wash. hold it until you return or to ial Committee: Mrs. Roberta Mr. Ernest Walter General Delivery re-address it and re-stamp it. Christian, chairman, Mr. Richard Duluth, Minn. If a forwarding address is Nolen, Mr. Gordon A. Fraser, Mrs. Grace Peterson marked on the envelope, it is Editorial office: Mrs. Roberta Rt. 126, Box 290 Christian, 1001 West Genesee St., New York, N.Y. returned to the Natknal Office. Miss Helen Campbell This causes confusion. because Lansing, Mich. cl o Baha'i Center we do not know whether this in­ Please report changes of address 119 W. 57th St., Z. 19 Santa Barbara, Calif. dicates that you have moved or and other matters pertaining to Mrs. Berdette Matteson are only away temporarily. distribution to the Ba.hA'f National 2820 Hollister Ave. When mail comes back. we Office, 536 Sheridan Road, Wil­ Syracuse, N .Y . mette, llilnois. Mr. Frederick Schechter must removP your mailing sten­ 1100 E Genesee St. cil and this Means that you will Regional Teaching Committees: receive no more mail until we No., So. Dakota, Minn. Mrs. Marie Tetu. Chairman have received word regarding Mrs. Helen Frink, Secretary your correct address. 24 W Grant MlnneaIJ{llis, Minn. CONTENTS Tenn .. Ky. Guardian Mrs. Ethel Gabbard, Chairman For Greater Understanding ll Miss Mary R . Watkins, Secretar" Act of the Governor' s office ...... 7 913 Grove Ave. · Calendar Addresses ...... 3 Nashville 4, Tenn. FEASTS : Alaska 3 Nov. 4, Qudrat-Power Annual Reports, Cont'd ...... 5 Around the Bah·a' i World ...... 7 In Memoriam Nov. 23, Qaw1'--Speech Baha'i Ne.ws Deadline ...... 5 Mr. Arthur J . Page, Roseville. Mich .. Calendar ...... 12 8-27-49 ANNIVERSARIES: Mr. Chester Evans, Milwaukee, Wis .. Nov. 12. Birth of Baha'u'llab Directory ...... 12 8-30·49 (Suspend work.) Enrollments ...... 11 European News ...... 1 Mrs. Nellie Winters. Milwaukee, Wi• .. Nov. 25, Day of the Covenant. 9--0-49 Eyes to the Blind...... 3 Dr. Harriet Gillespie. San Francisco. Nov. 28. 1 a .m . Ascension of Forwarding Mail ...... 12 Calif. • 9· 19-49 'Abdu'l-Baha. Fund Assemblies Contributing ...... 4 Identify Checks ...... 5 Local Treasurers, Notice ...... 4 Score to Date ...... 4 Germany, Visit to 10 Home Front ...... • . .. 4 Latin America ...... 8 Marriages ...... 11 Meeting the Crisis ...... 3 Memoriam ...... 12 National Spiritual Assembly E very Day is Important ...... " Old Churches and the New World Faith" ...... 2 Outdoor Teaching ...... 9 Pictures Alaska Youth ...... · 12 Bahia, Brazil ...... 9 Essllngen, Germany ...... 10 Hawaii ...... 7 Townshend, George ...... 2 6 Wood, Clara ...... ,.--... Publishing Announcements ...... 6 Public Relations ...... 2 Baha'i Youth Committee of Alaska holds conference, attended by 19 in Anchorage, Regional Visiting Meetings ...... 9 Aug. 14. San Francisco ...... 11