PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE NATIONAL OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES FOR BAHA'IS ONLY

112 Unden Av., Wilmette, Ill. 60091 5econcl-c!ass postave paid at Wilmette, llllnois

No. 465 BAHA'I YE AR 126 DECE M BER 1969

The Universal House of Justice Announces Contracts for Panama Temple

JOYFULLY ANNOUNCE AWARD FOUR MAJOR CONTRACTS TOTAL­ LING FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY FOUR DOLLARS ERECTION SUPERSTRUCTURE PANAMA TEMPLE. URGE ENTIRE WORLD COMMUNITY FOCUS PRAYERS DEDI­ CATE RESOURCES RAPID COMPLETION HISTORIC PROJECT G LORY BAHA'U'LLAH. The above cablegram from the Universal House of Justice ad­ dressed to all National Spiritual Assemblies was dated October 22, 1969.

50th Anniversary of 'Abdu'l-Baha' s Tablet to the Hague December 19, 1969 will mark the fiftieth anniversary of 'Abdu'l­ Baha's Tablet to the Central Orga nization for a Durable P ea ce a t the Hague. "There is not one soul whose conscience does not testify that in this day there is no more important matter in the world than that of Universal Peace," the tablet states. 'Abdu'l­ Baha praised the m embers of the Organization as "pioneers among the well-wishers of the world of humanity." It is hoped that the friends will be able to observe this anniversary in some way that will boost their proclamation of the message of peace brought by Baha'u'llah. An article on the Tablet to the Hague will appear in the Winter issue of WORLD ORDER magazine; it will also be published in a pamphlet by the Baha'i Publishing Trust. 2 DECEMBER i 969

Let There Be Light On October 8, 1969, the Mayor of Wilmette, Kenneth Santee, threw a switch which turned on the new exteri­ or floodlighting system at the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette. Alongside the Mayor was the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, Glenford E. Mitchell. Observing the historic ceremony were officials of the Village of Wilmette representing education, police, fire department, recreation, planning and other village de­ partments. In addition there were representatives of the manufacturers and installers of the new lighting system. Baha'is from the National Baha'i Center were also present at the event which took place at the entrance walk to the House of Worship. The ceremony was opened by the prayer for mankind read by Miss Gloria Woodson. This was followed with a short talk on the significance of the occasion by Glen­ ford E . Mitchell and then remarks by the Mayor of Wilmette, who expressed the pride of the Village of Wilmette in having the world-famous Baha'i House of Worship in its area. The photograph shown indicates the effectiveness of the new flood lights which have five times the intensity of the old and yet use less electric current. At the time the picture was taken the cleaning of the dome, first told of in the October BAHA'i NEWS, had been complet­ ed. The level immediately below, known as the cleres­ tory, was cleaned before winter set in, with the balance of the structure scheduled to be done next summer. The dome has also been coated with a colorless acrylic sealer which should help to maintain its present ap­ pearance for a period of years. Dr. Muhajir being met by Intercontinental B oard of Counsetiors, Auxiliary Board members and believers from Venezuela, Co­ lumbia, Ecuador. Peru and Bolivia at airport in Quito, Ecuador for International Conference.

Five Andean Countries Host Counsellors' Conference

Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Muhajir and the masses on a "large scale", proclamation of the Faith, Continental Board of Counsellors for and Baha'i education. were meeting in Bolivia when news reached them that the National Spiritual Assembly of Ecuador had set the Teaching Pian Initiated goal of 9,000 new believers to be reached before the Several believers responded to the call for interna­ Bolivian Continental Conference to be held in August, tional traveling teachers, and ultimately Raul Pavon 1970. Thus Quito. Ecuador was chosen as the site of an and Jerry Bagley of Ecuador were committed to a total international conference of the five Andean countries of more than two months' assistance to the National which was then being considered by the Hand of the Spiritual Assembly of Peru, interrupting their own Cause and the Counsellors in their deliberations. On expansion plan to help initiate a large scale effort August 8-11 representatives of Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, beginning the first part of September in Peru. If plans Colombia and Venezuela; Auxiliary Board members materialize, at least two neophytes in mass conversion L eonor Porras. Habib Rezvani, Peter McLaren and will come back to Ecuador from Peru for further Charles Hornb~ -: believers from many communities in experience in expansion and consolidation. Ecuador in addition to Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhajir Ground work for the pooling of teaching materials and Continental Board of Counsellors members Donald from the various Latin American countries was laid . Witzel and Athos Costas met in Quito for an intensive Doris de Sanchez, who had traveled the mountain roads program of con~ult ation and planning on teaching the to Quito from Bogota, Colombia by bus with the veteran 4 DECEMBER 1969

Brazilian pioneer, Olavo Rovaes, related the success Summer School of Ecuador, of 494 new believers in the that they had had there with regular Saturday classes province of Azuay. for children for the past three years, to the extent that several children of less than fifteen years of age are Sum mer School Sparks Youth Pa rtici pation prepared to teach and two have made a trip to other cities and conducted public meetings. Ecuador Counsellor Donald R . Witzel, Auxiliary Board mem­ anxiously awaits her return in December to help train ber Charles Hornby and seventy other Baha'is partici­ youth educators. pated in the summer school, twenty-two of them youth. The youth promptly organized, mapped out their teach­ ing plans and raised funds. And thus two more startling The Importance of Winning the Indians events took place before astonished eyes: the vigorous The Proclamation Committee of the conference activity of Baha'i youth and particularly of young placed particular emphasis on the development of well women of Latin America, who must join their coura­ organized correspondence courses for inquirers and geous sisters in other continents in service to Baha­ Baha'i deepening. Patricia Conger outlined Ecuador's 'u 'llah as anticipated by the beloved Guardian. The plans for using this medium for proclamation. Dr. Universal House of Justice answered a cable from the Muhajir mentioned that 600 people have entered the summer school as follows: Faith in India through their correspondence course. He also encouraged the national representatives to develop DELIGHTED NEWS EXPANSION AZUAY SUCCESS SUMMER SCHOOL. plans for reaching the black people in their areas as PRAYING ATTAINMENT ALL GOALS LOVING REGARDS. well as the Indians. often spoke of the Indian and Negro in connection with mass conversion For the Ecuadorian National Spiritual Assembly and in L atin America. the believers, this was just the beginning of a year-lon g Dr. Muhajir said: "The Master has mentioned 120 expansion program to attain the goal of 9,000 new countries in His Divine Plan, but He has chosen the Baha'is by the Continental Conference next August , and Irxiian people and emphasized that we should teach at the same time persist with consolidation in order t o them and we should give them special attention. The have seventy-five indigenous local spiritual assemblies beloved Guardian wrote in 1946 when there was only next RiQ.van, including those gained in previous years. one regional national spiritual assembly for all of Latin During all these activities in Indian teaching, the city America: 'A special effort should be exerted to secure of Cuenca was not neglected. Provin cial and Federal the unqualified adherence of members of some of these authorities were advised of the Indian teaching activi­ tribes to the Faith, their subsequent election to its ties, a public meeting was held at the Chamber of councils, and their unreserved support of the organized Commerce which was attended by all seventy believers attempts that will have to be made in the future by the from the summer school and some eighty inquirers, projected national assemblies for the large scale con­ who heard an excellent presentation of Baha'i teach­ version of the Indian races to the Faith of ings by Ing. Ramon Armas of Guayaquil. There was Baha'u'llah.' " also newspap er, radio and T .V. coverage. The H and pointed out that the first steps of these instructions of the Guardian have been carried out: the projected national spiritual assemblies were elected in 1961 ; contact has been made with many tribes and some have been enrolled in the Faith; they have been elected to local and national spiritual assemblies (each of the national spiritual assemblies of the five countries represented has Indian members). "But," he said, "the 'large scale conversion of the Indian races to the Faith ' is still missing, and that is the purpose of this confer­ ence."

Mobilization a~er the Conference The active Ecuadorian teachers in the indigenous field were mobilized almost immediately after the con­ ference and moved south, " like an army" as Raul Pavon later said, into the province of Azuay and the city of Cuenca for the National Spiritual Assembly's planned "week of expansion." Each morning the twenty or more participants gath­ ered to divide into teams and be assigned their areas, and to turn in their reports and lists of Baha'is found the day before. The surprising thing for everyone was Participants in a two-day teaching institute held by the B aha'i that many of the new believers were not indigenous but community of Nicaragua in Managua. Auxiliary B oard mem­ white campesinos (country people). By the end of the ber R odrigo T omas assisted in the teaching institute, along with several students who had been chosen for this event. week these devoted "soldiers" had a happy report to Subjects dev eloped included The Dawn-Breakers, B aha'u'llah , send to the Universal House of Justice, and for the first 'Abdu'l-Baha, The Covenant, and Administration. New Center Dedicated in Japan

Tomikawa, a remote farming village along the south­ ern coast of Hokkaido, Japan. was the scene of some unusual activities August 23-24. when the newly built Baha'i Center was dedicated. The beautiful location is high on a hill overlooking the town and valley below. About 100 Baha'is were present, many coming from the main island of Honshu. A youth conference was held the day before the dedication and a one and a half-day summer school followed the dedication ceremonies. Local Baha'is gave talks on subjects such as Giving to the Fund, Baha'i Administration, and History of the Faith. For some it was the first time they h ad ever spoken before a large gathering. This picture, taken in front of the Baha'i Center, shows Continental Board of Counsellors member Ruhu'llah Mumtazi and Auxiliary Board members H ideya Suzuki and Kazutomo Umegae sitting at the left of the woman holding the Greatest Name. This picture shows Auxiliary Board member K azutomo Ume­ gae speaking. Mr. Umegae is of Ainu ancestry. H e and his father, Mr. Moritake, an Ainu village chief, wer e in t he first group of Ainu in Hokkaido to accept the Faith in 1961. 6 DECEMBER 1969 BOOK REVIEW

SOME ANSWERED, QUESTIONS BY 'ABDU'L-BAHA Collected and translated by Laura Clifford Barney. 1964 edition, 350 pp., index

Review by Annamarie Honnold Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. Although it is over sixty years since this book was is unique in all religious first published, this Baba 'i classic will prove a most literature. It contains the answers, authentic and ap­ gratifying discovery for the many new Baha'is and for proved, to questions a western pilgrim asked of the Son religious scholars. Small wonder that it is even now in of a Manifestation of God. Here, 'Abdu'l-Baha, eldest its eighth English edition. The publications h ave Son of Baha'u'llah, Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i changed only in minor ways. The book still con t ains Faith, explains numerous subjects which troubled man Miss Barney's 1907 introduction. In addition the r eader in 1908 and which remain unresolved in the mind of will find an excellent table of contents - for conveni­ contemporary man. 'Abdu'l-Baha communicates with ence, "talks" are compiled in orderly fashion , a second authority - the very quality society both shuns and introduction with a brief history of the Baha'i Faith, a seeks. publisher's preface, and most important of all, an A great variety of questions find answers; perplexin g excellent index. Even the jacket is an invitation to seek Biblical passages, explanations. To mention but a few: the wisdom of the Master, 'Abdu'l-Baha, Who " break­ What is man? Is there a God? How can we know the fasted at the home of the Treasurer of the United Creator? Can God talk with men? What is meant by t h e States" and spoke to a scientific organization at the Trinity? How can one understand the "Return" prom­ invitation of Alexander Graham Bell and of Whom ised by the Prophets? What is meant by "Thou art Stanford University's President said that " H e trod the Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church"? ' mystic way with practical feet. ' " What of immortality, free will, healing, reincarnation? Why follow the authority of the Word of God given Inte rpreter of the Word through a Divine Spokesman? A glance at the table of contents reveals a fraction of the vast scope of the Teachings of B aha'u'llah for a The Master's "Tired Moments" new world order. These the Master had to interpret to His contemporaries. This was accomplished without The chapters actually consist of "table talks" be­ invalidating ancient religious truths which were essen­ tween 'Abdu 'l-Baha and Laura Clifford Barney. Admit­ tial to man's well-being. Listed in five divisions, the tedly, these fell during His "tired moments"- between chapters often begin with a question. A few highlights periods of work. These informal discussions "took place follow. during the difficult years, 1904-1906, when He was con­ Part I concerns itself, logically enough, with " the fined to the city of 'Akka by the Turkish governm ent influence of the Prophets in the evolution of hum anity." and permitted to receive only a few visitors. At the If this comes as a surprise to the reader, he should time He was under constant threat of removal to a acquaint himself with Arnold Toynbee's A Study of distant desert confinemen t." Yet, Laura Barney w a s History as well as with his book review of Ninian permitted several visits - and thanks to her prodigious Smart's The Religious Experienc-e of Mankind (The efforts, we benefit as well. New York Times Book Review, February 9, 1969 ). Laura Barney was keen to have these p recious ses­ sions recorded accu rately - one of 'Abdu 'l-Baha's Toynbee writes, " It is a history of mankind cen tered on religion, not on war and politics . . . , and not on sons-in-law or a member of H is secretariat was always economics .. . . " He continues by sayin g th at " As asked to be p resent. L ater 'Abdu'l-Baha read the tran­ recent as, say, sixty years ago, t he writing of this book scriptions, "Sometimes ch anging a word or a line with would have been impossible." This, because of igno­ His reed pen, then signed and stamped each one with rance, prejudice and animosity. But 'Abdu'l-Baha was His seal." Miss Barney then translated the talks in to no ordinary mortal - more than sixty years ago H e English. Finding the an swers exceedingly valuable, she knew the impact of religion on history. felt impelled to ask permission to publish, that others might share her spiritu al treasure. In 1908, the book The Light of Reason was "published simultaneously in F rench, E nglish and Persian." Even the Master m ust have been pleased In P art I basic concepts are considered in the light of with the results for He is known to have referred other reason. Some Answered Questions begins with an essay pilgrims to it. [Note George L atimer, The L ight of the on universal law as found in nature and proceeds to the World, 1920. ] Excerpts were subsequently published in proofs of the existence of God Himself. The r eader is small booklets: Some Christian Subjects (London 1946) then introduced to the n eed of a Divine E du c ator. A and Christ's Promise F ulfilled (Wilmette, 1954), with an number of these Teachers, beginning with Abrah a m are introduction by George Town shend, then Canon of St. discussed in the light of Their accom plishments. From BAHA'I NEWS 7 such Souls men obtain their only real wealth. But to granted a degree of free will, even while he is a captive find, the seeker must have certain qualities. Strange as in the mighty hand of God. it may seem, he must be free of both love and hatred The materials in the final section of the book are a for human beings - love and hatred can prevent rec­ rewarding miscellany of subjects reflecting the wide ognition of the truth. interests of the compiler. Whether concerned with prac­ tical problems of strikes or the theory of pantheism, the Christian Subjects answers are persuasive. Somehow one senses that God As a western pilgrim was questioning 'Abdu'l-Baha, supplies man - unready and unwilling though he be - it is understandable that the approach is Judaic-Chris­ with a remedy for his problems, long before he is even tian. Part II deals with Christian subjects which to­ aware that he has a serious problem. Today we have a day require clarification. Within modern Christianity growing crime rate; we hear cries for law and order. the rational mind faces stumbling blocks. A number of Long ago The Master urged us to "educate the masses these are surmounted: religious symbolism, the con­ ... " and to apply justice. Said He, " ... the communi­ cept of the Holy Spirit, baptism, the Trinity, and the ties must think of preventing crimes, rather than of "return" or second coming of Christ. 'Abdu'l-Baha rigorously punishing them." sings the praises of Christ Who "hurt no one." In our In our time when humanitarianism and humanism time with Christianity divided into hundreds of sects, are better understood than Divinity, it challenges our with the ecumenical movement spreading and papal thinking to read, ". . . if to the knowledge of God is authority questioned, the Master reminds us that " ... joined the love of God, and attraction, ecstasy, and the instructions of Christ are one thing, and the man­ goodwill, a righteous action is then perfect and com­ ner of the Papal government is quite another: they do plete. Otherwise, though a good action is praiseworthy, not agree." yet if it is not sustained by the knowledge of God, the love of God, and a sincere intention, it is imperfect." The Ma ni festation of God Might this not hold the key to a secure man and a stable society? Inner worlds lie waiting to be con­ In Part III we are introduced to rational explanations quered - as 'Abdu'l-Baha states, "Man is in the high­ of that little understood Being, the Prophet or Manifes­ est degree of materiality, and at the beginning of tations of God on earth. The chapter on "The Divinity spirituality. . . . " Can Only Be Comprehended Through the Divine Mani­ festations" is convincingly presented. "Verily that which surrounds is greater than the surrounded, and The Perfect Teacher the surrounded cannot contain that by which it is Throughout this unusual book the reader is impressed surrounded, nor comprehend its reality." "Minds are with the knowledge and character of the Master. With a powerless to comprehend God ... " " ... Divine Beings wisdom gleaned from His Father, 'Abdu'l-Baha had no . . . are the true mirrors of the sanctified Essence of formal education. He was both practical and spiritual. God. " He recognizes, of course, both the human and He spoke of what was feasible. Kind at every turn, sure spiritual conditions of the Divine Manifestation. Fur­ of the perfect way, He could yet say, "We do not oppose thermore, He speaks of two classes of Prophets: the any one's ideas, nor do we approve of criticism." Here, independent Lawgiver such as Moses, Jesus, or Baha­ simply, without poetry or oratory, He patiently, con­ 'u'llah, Who is followed; and the dependent promot­ scientiously taught one eager seeker - and thus will ers - an Isaiah or a Jeremiah - who are followers. reach thousands today and millions tomorrow around The Station of Man the globe. He educated the whole man, telling us "we need an educator who will be at the same time a Part IV, on the other hand, discusses aspects of the material, human, and spiritual educator .... "Studying ordinary human being, again little understood. Here is the book we realize that He Himself - interpreting the ample opportunity to discover who man is and where Word of Baha'u'llah - was indeed such an educator. he is going. Speaking of the modification of the species, Some Answered Q1lestions is intended for the search­ we learn that ". . . man . . . gradually grew and er with an open mind. The answers are unorthodox. developed. and passed from one form to another, from The book will appeal to man's reason rather than to his one shape to another, until he appeared with this emotion. While it will enlighten the thinker who has a beauty and perfection, this force and this power." Some religious background, it will prove a stimulus to the eyebrows may be raised on reading that " ... from the agnostic and to the atheist. Its chapters emphasize beginning of man's existence he is a distinct species." man's personal belief rather than his social behavior. Notwithstanding Darwin's theory of the nineteenth cen­ The book requires reflection - then it becomes water tury, 'Abdu'l-Baha stated unequivocally that "Man was for the thirsting soul. 'Abdu'l-Baha declares, "Happy always a distinct species, a man, not an animal." are those who spend their days in gaining knowledge, As for man and His God, the Master waxes eloquen t in discovering the secrets of nature, and in penetrating on the impossibility of man comprehending the essence the subtleties of pure truth! Woe to those ... who have of His Creator. "Knowing God . ·.. means the compre­ wasted their lives!" And elsewhere, "Blessed are those hension and the knowledge of His attributes, and not of who reflect!" His Reality." The importance of recognizing the Mani­ Due to Some Answered Questions, Laura Barney is festation is made abundantly clear: " ... if man attains well remembered by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the to the knowledge of the Manifestations of God, he will Baha'i Faith, in , for hers was indeed an attain to the knowledge of God ; and if he be neglectful "imperishable service" when she collected and trans­ of the knowledge of the Holy Manifestation, he will be mitted to posterity the " priceless explanations" she bereft of the knowledge of God." Man while on earth is received from the Master Himself. 8

Southern California Summer School For the second consecutive year, the Summer School was held at Camp Osceola high in the San Bernardino mountains. There 192 full-time and 132 part-time stu­ dents, for a total of 324, filled the school facilities to near capacity during the week of July 4th. This repre­ sented an increase in attendance more than double that of the previous year. As before, classes were organized on three broad levels: for children, youth, and adults. Children's class­ es were divided into four levels for ages 4 to 11 , plus an addition al class for junior youth (ages 12 to 14) . Youth classes (ages 15 to 21) were held separately, or some­ times, in conjunction with adult classes. Children 's classes covered the subjects: " The Heroic Age of the Baha'i Faith," " Baha'i Obligations," and " Baha'i Justice," as presented in the Advisory Com­ mittee on Education Lesson Plans. Youth classes were centered around the topics: " F aith in Action" given jointly for youth and adults, and "Youth for One World" reflecting the role of youth in the unfoldment of the World Order of Baha'u'llah. Adult classes included: ··Faith in Action," a particip ation course; " The Growth of the Baha'i Community," in the light of Shoghi Effendi's writings ; " The Renewal of Character," an exploratory class in spiritual psychology; "Open For­ um," a free discussion period ; " The Creative Word," a discussion of Baha 'u'llah's Writings ; and ' 'Teaching Techniques," a panel discussion focused on teaching youth and minorities. and deepening within the com­ munity. E vening programs featured a series of lectures on "The Great Religions," recreational events, and spe­ cial presentations given by guest speakers, including: Mrs. William Sears, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, and Mr. Poova Murday. The high point of the program was the visit by Hand of the Cause Mr. William Sears, who showed slides of the Holy Land and spoke to the School on the bounties of serving the Cause through pioneering. Mr. Sears personally welcomed four new declarants into the Faith At the Southern California Baha'i Summer School at the School.

Minneapolis Learns "The Promised One Has Come"

The Baha'i Community of Minneapolis, Minnesota, A very attractive chart was designed and put togeth­ has launched a Proclamation program, using the er by one of the friends and was on display in the main theme " The Promised One Has Come." Letters have hall of Coffman Union at the University of Minnesota. been sent to 1500 clergyman in the city and suburbs Another portable display of contemporary design has quoting from the Baha'i Writings, and offering the took been made with pictures of the four Baha'i Temples The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah. So far about 25 have and " The Seven Candles of Unity" in bold black letters. responded requesting the book. It is hoped that this display may be used in many To reach the leaders of the Negro Community, "An places in the city and surrounding area. Open Letter to the Leaders of the Black Community" To augment the Baha'i Fund some of the friends was inserted as a paid ad in the leading Negro newspa­ have given time on weekends to cut firewood to sell. A per. This letter also quoted from the Baha'i Writings. In pot-luck supper was recently held to which only Baha'is addition, a weekly ad appears in this same newspaper, were allowed to contribute. using the same theme but a different message each There have been sixteen declarations during the week. summer months, seven of them at one recent fireside Plans are in the making for reaching the Indian meeting. Community. clubs. high school groups and business ?ra:1er sessions for the success of the P roclamation men. effort are held at regular intervals. 9 World Peace Day- U.S.A. Theme: "Youth- Builders of a New World" A "Baha'i Proclamation Day" was initiated in Sep­ tember 1959 to commemorate the first mention of the Baha'i Faith in America, September 23, 1893. Since 1960 the day has been known as World Peace Day to spread the recognition of America's spiritual destiny to raise the standard of peace in the world. Because the United States Baha'i Community is this year observing Youth Year - with its overall theme "Youth for One World", World Peace Day was dedicated to the youth of the world. Among the many World Peace Day reports were the following accounts: "Give Peace A Chance" About 200 people - most of them young, - attended the observance sponsored by the Baha'is of Winston­ Salem, North Carolina. The program, which had as its theme " Give Peace A Chance,'' was held at the North Carolina School of the Arts. It started with folk son gs after which Mike Mccandles told the purpose of World P eace Day, Mamie Johnson recited a prayer for unity, and several students from the Arts school perform ed and gave talks. Ralph Eanes, associate pastor of Burk­ head United Methodist Church spoke emphasizing the need for love and unity, and said, " Unless this world that is shrunk and full of people can learn to live together, we will die." Jack Guillebeaux, vice chair­ man of the Asheville Baha'i Assembly, gave the basic teachings of the F aith and told the audience that the Faith offers answers to individual and world problems.

A Happy Report The Baha'is of Ogden, Utah were joyous m their report of the Day's su ccessful activities in a place which has heretofore been difficult, but where barriers are perceptibly breaking down. A meeting was h eld with the best attendance yet and the Day's activities were climaxed with songfest and dance - a happy w ay in which to mark hopes for world peace.

Perseverance is the Secret Victories in Salt Lake C~unty , Utah A color slide program on the H oly Land was most The Baha'i Center in Salt L ake County, Utah (see favorably received at the observance sponsored by the BAHA'i NEws, October 1969, p. 21) serves as a focal Fresno J. D. (California) Community and its goal point for believers and inquirers and attracts a steadily community of San Joaquin. The presentation was made growing stream of new people. One room is set aside by Mrs. Vera Longyear of B akersfield. During the for reading and another, the living room, serves as a discussion following the presentation, on e of the visitors "coffee house" open five days a week. Providing the remarked " I haven't seen a program of slides on the intimacy and informality which young people like, it is Holy Land so thorough." H e was interested to know the scene of many firesides. where Mrs. Longyear did her research, and to learn The Baha'is have started regular classes for those that she had been to the Holy L and on pilgrimage. wishing deeper study of the Faith, the session s covering Another comment made during the discussion was "the the major Figures of the Faith, its laws and admin is­ people in this area (San Joaquin) are hungry for the tration. B aha'i Faith." A summer institute held over Labor Day weekend At the close of the meeting, the guest s were in vited t o attracted thirty-five Job Corps members from Clear­ attend a special fireside the next night. T wenty-seven field, several of whom have since declared. The Baha'is people, nineteen of whom were not B ah a'is and mainly in the area find ample opportunity to meet often with American Indian s, attended th is fireside at wh ich Gary these young men, who come from all over the United Clegg of H ealdsburg presented a slide p rogram on States, to become acquain ted and to take th em to " The Indian Spirit, Its P rophecies, Its Fulfillment in Baha'i gatherings. Baha'u 'llah!" Mr. J ohn Cripe, of the F resno J . D., said 10 DECEMBER 1969

Governor Lester G. Maddox of Georgia signs the fifth Wortd Peace Day Proclamation to be obtained by the Bahci'is of Georgia. Observing are: Left to right seated: Miss Bunny B elsky of Symrna, and Governor Maddox. Standing: (first row) Miss Joyce Hatch, Greenv itle, North Carolina; John Hayn es, DeKalb, Dr. Leon Keon, Mitledgev ilte, Curtis Montgomery and Mrs. F aith Brouhard, North Fulton County; an unidentified Youth: Mrs. Mari on Hatch. Atlanta, an d Miss Gigi Stev enson, Mittedgevitle. Second row: Phil Breitenbucher, DeKalb: an unidentified woman; Mrs. Martie Stev enson (hidden by Dr. Koen) , Mrs. Taube State, Cobb County. Mrs. Leota Riley. Union City. Greg Eilers, Cobb County, Ben L. Weil, Smyrna, and Gene Stevenson, Mitledgevme.

World Peace Day cont. "We are beginning to see five years of prayer and work Sunday's World Peace Day meeting was scheduled in with the American Indians in this area produce very a room accommodating fifty people. When the guests beautiful results." He concluded by saying: "We think filled the space to capacity the gathering was joyfully one of the secrets is don't give up; Baha'u'llah will do moved to a larger room in the basement. For many this the rest." was t:1eir first discovery of the Faith. Among the guests was a group of Bible students who kept the question Weekend of Non-Stop Teaching period lively. The meeting finally adjourned to a fire­ side where a score of eager listeners continued to learn A World Peace Day p rogram with approximately one of the Faith. hundred persons attending was the climax of a highly successful weekend of non-stop teaching and p roclama­ Opens New Center tion by the Baha'is of Omaha, Nebraska. Featured speaker for the occasion was Miss Linda Marshall. A gathering of approximately one hundred Baha'is, lJpon arrival Friday, Miss Marshall was rushed to including Hand of the Cause William Sears, and friends newspaper and television interviews, then to a forty­ attended the commemoration of World Peace Day five minute radio program, at the close of which listen­ sponsored by the Baha'is of Desert J . D . in cooperation ers were invited to phone in questions. Later that with the Palm Springs, California Baha'i Community. evening there was a well attended fireside. Panelists discussing the theme "Youth-Builders of a Early Saturday, there were press interviews and an ew World" were Mr. and Mrs. Bob Garlington, Los appearance for Miss Marshall in Lincoln. That evening Angeles : Miss Georgia Sanchez, Los Angeles; Charles the place for the "Glad Tidings" was an Omaha coffee­ Rhodes, Los Angeles; Reed Chandler, Palm Desert; house where teenagers responded with great enthusi­ Paul Bourque, Palm Desert; Jam es Clayton, El Cajon, asm. with Robert Hatcher of Altadena as moderator. BAHA'I NEWS 11

A stimulating discussion on the topic "Peace?" was presented by four panelists at the World Peace Day obserance spon­ sored by the Bahci'is of Batavia, Illinois. Members of the panel were: (from left to right) Porter French, former Congrega­ Mayor Cooper signs the World Peace Day Proclamation for tional minister; Anthony Donat, lawyer and former member the Bahci' is of Stoughton, Wisconsin. During the visit with of the Batavia Plan Commission: Harvey B os, director of the Mayor Cooper the Bahci'is presented the Mayor with a copy of Mid-County Area V ocational High School; and Robert Phil­ The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah, which he accepted with lips, Youth and Student Activities, National Baha'i Center. gratitude and interest. Mrs. Sigfrid Johnson (center) was the moderator.

Panelists for the World P eace Day observance sponsored by the Bahci'is of Mesa, Arizona, are (seated from left to right) Faithe Seota of the Pima Indian Reser vation, and Ann Shutko; (standing from left to right) moderator Seymour Malkin and Willie Robertson. P ictured on the side is Miss Sharon P atter­ son, president of the Junior Achievers of the United States, of Phoenix.

Musical interludes were provided by Don Reed, Tony Driver and Kenton Dunbar. .. World Peace Day was the climax of a week of p roclamation as a result of which Desert Hot Springs was opened as a new center. Pro clamations World Peace Day proclamations were signed by gov­ ernors of ten States : Colorado Florida Georgia Illi­ nois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryla~d, Mich,igan, Mis~ouri , North Dakota; and by mayors of six cities: Mesa, Arizona ; Fresno and Whittier, California ; Collinsville, Illinois ; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; Stoughton, Wisconsin. Other Observances Reports have been received that many additional ways of marking World Peace Day were used in other localities. These include: picnics, potluck dinners, re­ ceptions, firesides. The communities which observed the Day in some way number over seventy in twenty­ Miss Linda Marshall, featured speaker at the W orld P eace eight States. Day observance in Omaha, N ebraska, greets f riends. 12 DECEMBER 1969

Mayor Sarah P . T aylor (center) of Fishkill, New York, receiv es a copy of The P roclam ation of Bah a'u'llah f r om Mrs. Constance Nenni (left) and Mrs. J oanne Solicetto (r ight) as part of the World P eace D ay observance sponsor ed by t he Fishkill B aha'i Communi ty. M ayor W . W. D umas pr esents W or ld P eace D ay Proclamation to B aha'is of Baton R ouge, Louisiana.

In Observance of World Peace Day

Children Observe Holy Day

Children of Van Nuys, Calif ornia who participated in a H oly D ay program early t h.is year . T he little girl in costume performed a Persian dan ce; there were B aha'i songs, pr ayers an d a stor y about B aha'u'llah's Declaration . BAHA'I NEWS 13

Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, formed at Ricj,van 1969. With them are: Continental Board Counsellor from Mexico, Mrs. Carmen Burafato (front, second from right) and Jack McCants of the United States National Spiritual Assembly (rear, second from left). Members of the Assembly, left to right: Elipidio Arcaya de Jesus, Felix Ponce lri.boroso (third from left) , Norma Sunni DaVar, corres. secretary; Luis Santaliz; Sylvia Centeno George, recording secretary; Gilbert Camacho; Alice Morgan Burke, chairman; Tom Burke, treasurer; Milton Riv era Sepulveda (extreme right).

Assemblies formed: Puerto Rico, Eire, Honduras

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the B ahci'is of Honduras, elected at Ric,l,vtin 1969. Left to right, rear: Wanita George, secretary; Dale Sinclair, chairman; Ju.lie Ruhe, Olinda Sierra, corresponding secretary; Jere McKinney, Par­ viz Rouhani; front: Christopher Ruhe,, R ene Sanchez, vice chairman: Carlos Nasquez, treasurer.

News Brief Some 300 people attended the World Peace Day public meeting September 21, 1969, in the Seychelles. The meeting, organized by the Area Teaching Commit­ tee, was presided over by Harry Mussard. Three local Baha'is spoke on the theme "Youth - Builders of a New World." This was the most successful public function held so far in the Seychelles, with the press and radio giving good publicity both before and after the function. Interest of the general public was heightened by the radio broadcast in creole the evening preceding the public meeting. Two young Baha'is took part in the First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahci'is of Dun Laoghaire, Co. radio program, which was titled "Dawn of World Dublin, Erie, jormed Ric;lvcin 1969. Left to right, front: Mahin Peace." Through this means the Faith was presented to Sefidvash, Rustim Sefidvash, May Bowers, Vivien Watson. Rear: Adib Taherzadeh, Margaret Magill, Joseph Watson, thousands of people in all the islands forming p art of Roberta Strain, Andrew Wortley. the Seychelles Archipelago. 14 DECEMBER 1969

News from Nepal

Some of the Baha' i friends and visitors en route to a picnic in park near K athmandu. Nepal. Photo at right shows a prayer group in the sun house of the garden. sent l>y Keith de F nln.

The Thornton Chase Memorial

At the Thornton Chase Memorial Service September 28, 1969 in Inglewood P ark Cemetery, I nglewood, CaLifornia. This is an an­ nual observance in memory of one designated by ' A bdu'l-Baha as the first Baha'i in America. whose grave the Master visited in 1912. R eadings, music, both instrumental and vocal. and beautiful ffowers brought the spirit of Thornton Chase close to the 200 Bahci'is and f riends w ho attended the gathering. I t u:as followed by a social hour in a near by park where a tree was donated in 1966 to the city in memory of Thorn ton Chase. BAHA'I NEWS 15

ofetterj lo lhe f:Jitorj

Dear Friends: No words of mine can adequately describe the joy I have felt upon reading the September issue of BAHA'i NEws. Though I have been reading the NEws for seven years, never, can I recall, has the magazine conveyed such joy, such spirit. Perhaps it is the isolation of this Vietnamese experience, but even here, I have felt through the pages of this paper, the upsurge of a great lift in spiritual awakening. There is a new spirit settling upon the land of the U.S. and throughout the world and it has touched my soul to the core. I pray that the other American friends Tile National Spiritual A ssembly of the Bahci'is of , serving here have also had the bounty of receiving this elected R it;lvcin 1969. Left to right, front: Rolf van Czekus, wonderful publication. Recording Secretary: Vivaldo Ramos: Djalal Eghrari, Treas­ urer: and R obert Miessler. Rear: Shapoor Monadjem, Chair­ P eace be upon you and may God continue to assist man: M r s. Myriam Miessler, National Secretary: Mrs. Muriel your efforts. Miessler. International Secretary: Mrs. Nylza Taetz: and Rangva lei T aetz. Vice-Chairman. Your brother, Paul Vaughn BRAZIL

Ninth A nnual Brazilian Baha'i Convention held in May 1969, at Hotel Fazenda Vila Forte, situated between and Sao Paulo. Seated in the center, just behind the small children, are Mrs. Leonora Armstrong, one of the original pioneers to South America, and Continental Board. of Connsellor s memher Hopper D1mbar. 16 DECEMBER 1969

Friends gathered at the teaching institute "Villa Rahmat" in Riohacha, Colombia for the eighth national convention in May, 1969. Convention in Colombia

Baha'i in the News Lawyers Title News for October 1969, a monthly publication of Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation h as in its Illinois Edition of the magazine a three-page spread on the B aha'i House of Worship with two photos of the edifice. The article tells about the history of the Baha'i House of Worship building and its meaning.

Daily Visiting Hours 10 :00 a.m . to 5 p .m. The CHILD'S Way Sunday Devotions Back Numbers Available 3 to 3 :30 p.m. You can still complete your sets of The CHILD'S Way for Baha'i years 118 through the first half of 126 Sunday Public Meetings (April, 1961 through September 1968) . The issues were 3 :45 p .m. published bimonthly, six times a year, and covered the subject of training programs for Baha'i teachers, non­ Baha'i materials suitable to use in classes, etc. Price : $1.00 per set of six (please order by year) Send orders with check to: Mrs. Jean Hutchinson; 1245 Shermer Avenue, Northbrook, Illinois 60062.

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: Mr. Rexford C. Parmelee. Material must be r eceived by the twenty-fifth of the second month preceding date of issue. Address: Baha'i News Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette. Illinois 60091. U.S.A. Change of address should be reported directly to National Baha'i Center. 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette. Illinois. U.S.A. 60091.