BAHA'i NEWS of the UNI 'Red STATES

I I BAHA'I NEWS OF THE UNI 'rED STATES

NO. 249 BAHA'f YEAR 108 NOVEMBER, 1951

Building the Shrine of the Bab, July, 1951. Photo great star, being erected on the Shrine roof. Note. that graph sent by the Guardian with the following in the deck which will support the octagon and form scription: " The new foundations, in the form of a its floor, it not yet built in the center open space." 2 ~ NOVEMBER, 1951

~o participate in the erection of the superstructure quate area and right location is the first requisite to ------of an Edifice at once so precious, so holy; conse- the fulfilment of his great Plan. When the tract of crated to the memory of so heroic a Soul; whose site 22,000 square meters is purchased, Shoghi Effendi will no less than the Founder of our Faith has selected; have safeguarded, as he cabled, the precincts of the whose inner chambers were erected by the Center Bab's Mausoleum and broadened the basis of the ad of His Covenant with such infinite care and anguish: ministrative structure of the World Center . . embossed in so sacred a mountain, on the soil of so This is cause for heartfelt rejoicing and prayers of holy a Land; occupying such a unique position; facing gratitude to Baha'u'llah. We are completely unable on the one hand the silver-white city of 'Akka, the to measure the historic significance of what the Guard Kiblih of the Baha'i world; flanked on the right by ian is accomplishing in the Holy Land for the establish the hills of Galilee, the home of Jesus Christ, and on ment of the Faith throughout the world and therefore its left by the Cave of Elijah; and backed by the plain for the security of mankind. of Sharon and beyond it, Jerusalem and the Aqa Let us not fall into the fatal error of measuring Mosque, the third holiest Shrine in Islam-to partici- such a majestic and fateful enterprise by any current pate in the erection of such an Edifice is a privilege need of increased contributions to the Fund. Let us offered to this generation at once unique and priceless, not allow for an instant our vision to be impaired a privilege which only posterity will be able to cor- by whatever sense of strain or inconvenience it in- rectly appraise." --SHoGm EFFENDI directly imposes upon us. Every active, conscientious Baha'i today is building the Shrine on Mount Carmel as actually as the mason Messages from the Guardian who sets each stone in place. A divine Architect has The Guardian Reports Plan for Acquisition designed the pattern of events through which, for a few brief years, each Baha'i treads the path of his of Important Area on Mount Carmel destiny. The Shrine of the Bab symbolizes the World Announce (to) National Assemblies (of) Baha'i Faith in its union of spirit and mind, character and World (that) prolonged, delicate negotiations involv social responsibility, East and West. The House of ing Ministries (of) Finance (and) Religious Affairs Worship in Wilmette symbolizes the power of the West (of) Haifa Municipality (have) culminated (in) agree to summon the nations to establish peace, and protect ment in principle (to) purchase approximately twenty the helpless peoples from wanton aggressors. two thousand meter area, estimated value hundred What a sublime destiny is ours, if we can but behold eighteen thousand dollars, situated (on) slope (of) the glory and freely serve it, without becoming in Mount Carmel overlooking resting-place (of) Greatest volved in the gloomy recesses of personality where Holy Leaf (and) eastern approaches (to) Bab's Sepul gallant devotion is starved to subjection, and the grate chre. ful offering to God withheld through selfish fear. Acquisition (of) area extending from heart to ridge -NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY (of) mountain safeguards precincts (of) sacred Mau soleum now (in) process (of) erection, broadens basis Dear Beloved Co-Workers: . (of) administrative structure (of) rising World Center The National Assembly has been deeply moved by (of) Faith (in) Holy Land, may induce civil authori the response of the friends to the "personal visit from ties (to) abandon project construction (of) arterial the National Assembly," made to each and every Baha'i road crossing diagonally Baha'i international endow through the medium of our letter of September 7th, 1951. ments, (and) facilitates extension (of) terraces ulti The American Baha'is always gain the goals set mately stretching from foot to crown of God's Holy by our Beloved Guardian. Since they have become fully Mountain. informed of our immediate needs, they have . begun a Contemplating transfer part (of) title deeds (of) forward movement, which if continued unabated, will land in question (to) Israel branches (of) American, bring new laurels to the Banner of the Faith in the Indian National Assemblies, reserving remainder (for) United States. future transfer (to) other National Assemblies follow With our letter of September 7th, was enclosed a ing upon incorporation (of their) respective branches statement explaining that during the first four months (on) soil (of) Holy Land. (signed) SHOGHI of the present Baha'i year, only $35,500, was con Haifa, Israel, tributed to the Resolve Plan, leaving a deficit of $57,000. September 24, 1951. The National Assembly is happy to report to the Beloved friends: friends, that contributions and special gifts to the Re Each successive message received from the Guard solve Plan during September alone, amounted to $34,000. ian concerning the Shrine and the Baha'i World Center This m eans contributions to the Resolve Fund for in the Holy Land reveals a new glimpse of the impres the first five months of the Baha'i year amounted sive undertaking he is carrying out. to $69,500. The Budget of the Resolve Plan called for These . messages, addressed to all eleven Na contributions of $114,600, leaving a deficit of $45,100. tional Spiritual Assemblies, have informed the Baha'is in the Resolve Fund as of September 30, 1951. of the placing of contracts for stone in Italy, and for Payments made on contracts for the Shrine of the construction work in Haifa, of the various stages in Bab during these same five months amounted to the progress of the Shrine and the progress of the $115,000. It is thus clear to the friends that with con plan for terraces. tributions and special gifts amounting to $69,500, the In his most recent message, dated September 24, National Assembly has had to borrow heavily from 1951, Shoghi Effendi shares information of high im the Temple Interior Construction Fund to meet Shrine portance. The holding of land on Mount Carmel in ade- Contract payments. BAHA'i NEWS 3

Final payments on the Interior Ornamention of the years, (the) gradual formation (of) regional National Temple must be met late in October and early in Assemblies (as) prelude (to the) emergence (of a) November. May the friends respond to the Resolve separate National Assembly (in) each goal country Plan immediately! as well as (the) launching (of) organized campaigns, Up to September 30th, 1951, only 812 Believers have in collaboration (with the) parent community (of the) responded to the Resolve Plan. The total amount of great republic of the West (in) conjunction (with the) these Resolves is $73,527.63, or only 27 % of the $275,000. long standing, preeminent national community labor needed for the year. ing (in the) heart (of the) European continent, aim ing (at the) spiritual conquest (of the) r.emaining Under the Resolve Plans of the past two years, over sovereign states (of) Europe and, God willing, reach 2500 of the Baha'is joined actively and substantially ing beyond its borders as far as (the) heart (of the) in the Plan. Asiatic continent, stop. It is the hope and prayer of the National Assembly that the urgency of our problems will be met by the Interval separating us (from the) inauguration (of) believers, through the steps outlined in our letter of yet another stage (in the) unfoldment (of the) Divine September 7th, 1951 , as follows: Plan (is) swiftly diminishing, stop. 1. Send in a Resolve to the National Treasurer, if (The) perils confronting (the) sorely tried contin you have not already done so. ent (are) steadily mounting, stop. 2. Increase the total of your present Resolves. (The) auspiciously inaugurated, mysteriously un 3. Complete your Resolve payments as soon as folding, highly promising widely ramified crusade, em possible. bracing well nigh (a) score of dependencies (on the) -NATIONAL SPTRITUAL ASSEMBLY African continent presenting (to the) privileged prose cutors (of the) Divine Plan (in the) European field Message from the Guardian (a) challenge at once severe, soul-stirring (and) ines To the Fourth European Teaching Conference, capable, stop. Amsterdam, Holland, August 31, to September (The) future edifice (of the) Universal House of 10,1951 Justice, depending for its stability on (the) sustaining strength (of the) pillars erected (in the) diversified Acclaim joyous occasion (of the) convocation on communities (of the) East (and) West, destined (to) Dutch soil (of the) historic European Teaching Con derive added power through (the) emergence (of the) ference, constituting yet another link (in the) chain three National Assemblies (on the) American contin (of) annual gatherings (of the) representatives (and) ents a waits (the) rise (of the) establishment (of) simi followers (of the) Faith (of) Baha'u'llah (in the) ten lar institutions (on the) European mainland, each European goal countries as well as (in) Baha'i com depending directly (on the) efforts now consciously munities (of the) Eastern (and) Western hemispheres, exerted by (the) champion builders (of the) Admini stop. strative Order (of the) Faith (of) Baha'u'llah (on the) Heart dilated, spirit uplifted (by the) contemplation European continent, stop. (of the) range (and) quality (of the) service ren May (the) Conference be aided through (the) out dered; (by the) spirit demonstrated, (by the) degree pouring grace (of the) author (of the) Revelation (to) (of) maturity attained (in the) diversified budding, hasten, through (the) deliberations (and) consecration virile communities rightly regarded (as the) first (of its) attendants, so blissful (a) consummation, (to) fruits (of the) operation (of) 'Abdu'l-Baha's Divine lend unprecedented impetus (to the) present evolution Plan (on the) Europeart continent stop. (of the) Administrative Order and (to) accelerate Welcome with feeling (of) particular gratification (the) progress leading (to the) future emergence (of (the) participation (of the) newly enrolled Dutch, Da the) World Order of Baha'u'llah. nish (and) Portugese believers (in the) enterprises -SHOGHI initiated (by the) Indian, Canadian, British, Baha'i communities (in) Indonesia, Greenland (and) African "Dearly Loved Sprague" continent, presaging undertakings destined (to) be sys On September 27 the National Spiritual Assembly tematically launched (by the) elected representatives received the following message from Shoghi Effendi (of the) newly emerged European communities through concerning Philip G. Sprague, whose passing had been out the remaining countries (of) Europe and possibly, reported to the Guardian: beyond its confines, stop. " Heart filled (with) sorrow (at) premature passing (The) concluding years (of the) second seven year (of) staunch, exemplary, greatly admired, dearly plan must witness within each (and) every goal coun loved Sprague. Memory (of his) notable services (as) try, notable multiplication (of) centers, steady consoli teacher, administrator (in) North (and) Latin America dation (of the) Assemblies, rapid increase (in the) imperishable, recompense (in) Abha Kingdom bounti number (of the) avowed supporters (of the) Faith, ful. Praying ardently (for) progress (of his) soul." (a) clearer vision (of the) strenuous tasks ahead, deeper awareness (of) their significance, (a) firmer National Baha'i Administrative Headquarters, 536 Sheridan resolve (toward) their prosecution (and a) greater road, Wilmette, Illinois. dedication (to) their purpose, stop. Signal, wholly unexpected, manifold achievements, National Treasurer, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. illuminating (the) annals (of the) first five years (of Baha'i Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, the) operation (of the) second seven year plan em Illinois. bolden me (to) confidently anticipate, upon (the) ter Baha'i News Editorial Office-see notice elsewhere in this mination (of the) brief span (of the) remaining twc issue. 4 NOVEMBER, 1951

not all Locai Assemblies reported during this period. National Spiritual Assembly Too, this is the time of the year when, because of Your Evolving State Convention vacations and the opening of the Summer Schools, Beloved Friends: there is a slackening of Baha'i activity. In keeping with the growing importance of the State But the National Assembly wishes to point out and Convention, and in order to facilitate attendance by congratulate the Local Assemblies on the number of as many believers as possible, your National Spiritual firesides and deepening classes which are being held. Assembly has fixed December 2 as the convention Firesides represent the most effective kind of teaching date for this year. effort. And deepening classes furnish the knowledge Another step has been taken to link all of the conven and spirit for more consistent, daily teaching efforts. tions to the same flow of spiritual grace, by establish The Assembly would like to urge a consideration of ing a uniform time schedule to be observed by all the value of fellowship meetings. The social part of State Conventions, as follows: the Nineteen day Feast is, of course, the basic and All conventions will be opened promptly at 10:00 a.m. minimum opportunity for fellowship, and it represents Morning Session: 10 to 12 o'clock: Consultation; a challenge to both Local Assembly and community 12 to 12 :30 Voting Period; 12 :30 to 2 Recess for Lunch. members to make this a true time for loving Baha'i fel Afternoon Session: 2 to 4 (or later) Consultation. lowship. Your National Assembly recommends that the fol But other methods of fellowship can be developed. lowing voting procedure be adopted by all state Con Why not have other evenings of fellowship for the ventions as a means of providing more time for con Baha'i community, and evenings when relatives and sultation, a longer period of fellowship during the re friends of the believers may be invited? All kinds of cess, and in keeping with the anticipated growth of programs are possible, even under the present auster the Faith, looking to the day when the numbers of ity conditions. Among the possibilities are potluck believers will be too great to permit a full roll call suppers and games, picnics, home travel movies, and at any election: an old-fashioned evening with games of charades and A period of silence is to follow the reading of square dancing. In the spirit of fellowship tensions dis prayers and selected writings to enable individuals appear. People may first be attracted to the Faith quietly and prayerfully to write their ballots. After this through real fellowship with Baha'is. And since the period, the chairman is to call the tellers to the Master insistently told the believers to be happy people, front where they. will sit to check ballots. The be let us demonstrate the quality of fellowship. lievers are to file up to the tellers by rows and have -NATIONAL SPmITUAL AssEMBLY their names checked off as they cast their ballots. (In making out the monthly questi.onnaires, please (As soon as an individual has cast his ballot, he is place any information about children's classes on a free to go to lunch). After all the friends have filed separate sheet or on the back of the questionnaire. up and cast their ballots, the State Convention Com Information about holding Anniversary meetings may mittee is to turn over to the tellers the ballots re also be reported on the back.) ceived by mail; these are then to be checked by the · tellers against the voting list and designated as cast Reports on United Nations Activities by mail. No formal adjournment for a luncheon recess The United Nations Committee requests all the As is necessary under this procedure. semblies and Baha'i groups to report whatever activi Under this procedure, it is unnecessary to read the ties they have undertaken on behalf of United Nations. entire list of believers in the electoral district. The Department of .Public Iiiformation of UN makes Let this message serve as the first call to all be a complete report of such activities for publication lievers to attend this year's State Conventions which in a News Letters sent to all the nongovernmental we hope will reach a new and greater level on inspira organizations with which they are in contact. tion and dedication. If you have held a special program for United Na -NATIONAL SPmrTUAL AssEMBLY tions Day, for example, the Committee would like a brief report of what was done, the name of speaker First Report on LSA Questionnaires and title of program and reference to any visual The National Assembly is happy at the response of aids that were used. the Local Assemblies in filling out and sending to the Address the committee through Mrs. Mildred Mot National Office the monthly questionnaires. The Assem tahedeh, 225 Fifth Avenue, New York 10, N.Y. bly hopes that as soon as at least half a year's reports The Bahii.':i Principle of Civilization have been received, it will be possible to get a picture This principle has been clearly and concisely ex of conditions on the basis of which helpful suggestions plained in a 32-page pamphlet published in 1943. The can be made. author, Horace Holley, wrote that "A new world has A preliminary look at those questionnaires which been created, a world of God which He wills to share had been received by early September show the fol with man." lowing in response to part of the questionnaire: In this year of 1951 when writers and statesmen May June July are warning us of the collapse of our civilization, Number of Assemblies reporting ...... 110 110 99 Holding firesides ...... 62 56 48 Baha'is can find assurance, and inspire confidence in Holding deepening classes ...... 75 70 57 their fellow men, through an understanding of this Holding preparatory classes ...... 14 12 6 principle brought by Baha'u'llah. Holding fellowship gatherings ...... 30 35 24 Copies of the pamphlet are obtaibable through the Enrolled believers in month ...... 12. 6 7 Baha'i Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wil We realize that this is an incomplete picture because mette, Illinois. (100 copies, $3.50) . BAHA'I NEWS 5

The First U.S. Baha'i Pioneer Starts for Africa The United States Africa Teaching Committee re ports that Mrs. Ethel Stephens of Newport News, Virginia, sailed from New York City for London on October 13, 1951, starting the first lap of her journey to the Gold Coast in West Africa. Mrs. Stephens is the first United States Baha'i and the first Baha'i of her race to go for active service with the Africa Teaching Project. In London she will meet with members of the British Africa Committee who will assist her in getting to the Gold Coast. Upon her arrival there, because of her background as a trained Home Economist, she will have the opportunity to assist in an important research project, under the direction of Dr. Grant of Northwestern University. This project will involve con tact and study of the native peoples' diets. Thrilled by the historic occasion of getting off its Building the Shrine of the Bab, July, 1951. Workers preparing first pioneer, the U.S. Africa Committee continues its the molds for the reinforced concrete star on the Shrine roof. efforts to get more pioneers in the Africa field. Mr. William Foster, our first volunteer who answered the lapse this year, they will have no delegates at the Guardian's call for Africa pioneers, is now perfecting Convention of 1953, which is a Centenary and the end plans which will carry him to Liberia within a few of the British Two Year Plan. months. The first declaration has been received from Africa, Copies of the second Africa Teaching Bulletin are an Indian in Dar es Salaam. The Guardian, when in now available for pioneers and other Baha'is particu formed of this, cabled: "Overjoyed initial victory." larly interested in the Africa Project. -U. S. AFRICA TEACHING COMMITTEE The Southernmost Outpost From Punta Arenas, the City Farthest South in the world, a region cold and windy, Louise Groger, the International News North American pioneer writes us news that shows News from Britain that the pulse of .the Faith is beating warmly there. The Annual Summer School was held for the second "Punta Arenas, with its growing fireside meetings year at one of the halls of residence of Hull University every Sunday, weekly deepening classes and after College, where 170 friends attended during the two noon study classes with friends who wish to be ac weeks' session. The theme of the School was "Unfold cepted as Baha'is, keeps busy and hopes soon to re ing Vistas of World Destiny". Study courses were con port a strong, healthy and self-sustaining Community. ducted by George Townshend, Professor Zeine of Bei The Sunday radio program, concluding the sixth month rut University and others. As always, the School was of a very direct teaching effort, seems to be reaching permeated with that spirit which is felt whenever an ever-widening group of listeners, though there is Baha'is from many places are gathered together, little direct response. Three Baha'i qisplays in shop as a result of which three enquirers attending the windows on different business streets in the center School decided to declare their Faith in Baha'u'llah. of town bring inquiries, distribute literature and even Several offers to pioneer in Africa were made, and sell books." "Les" (Eduardo) Gonzalez of Guayaquil, four Africans who came to tell us about their country Ecuador, who also pioneered in Spain, has been with were sufficiently impressed by their reception to join the friends in Punta Arenas for about six months. in some other activities during the remainder of the Cosmopolitan Brazil School session. A Baha'i wedding took place for the In Sao Paulo, Brazil there is much and varied Baha'i first time at a British Summer School when two activity. Fireside . classes are being conducted in the friends from Persia took advantage of the gathering Russian colony, and the talks and discussions may together at the School of many of their Persian friends be in Portuguese, German and Russian-a not un and relatives. Several of the attendants went on after common occurrence in this cosmopolitan city. The Sao wards to the European Teaching Conference, in which Paulo community holds monthly public meetings which members of the British Baha'i Community actively attract a goodly number of interested outsiders. A participated. famous pianist recently gave a concert at one of the Some of the British friends have been fortunate gatherings, which spiritually prepared the audience in meeting Professor Neumann, engineer in charge for the Baha'i Message that followed. A gentleman of the work on the Shrine of the Bab, on a brief visit attending his first Baha'i meeting, was so impressed to London. He and his wife dined with the members that he offered his club rooms at a nearby lake for of the National Assembly, and afterwards Professor a future Baha'i conference. Neumann spoke most interestingly to a hastily ar Films of the Haifa Gardens have proved a great ranged gathering of the London friends. attraction. Among the audience at one of the showings The work of consolidation at home is gathering was a gentleman who had spent his childhood in momentum, but eight Communities are temporarily Israel. He recounted how he had hunted for birds in below nine members. Maintenance of these Assemblies the waste land of Mt. Carmel years ago, and expressed at Ric;l.van is particularly important, since if they himself as astonished and delighted at the present 6 BAHA'i NEWS beauty of that area. One of the Sao Paulo believers, in a body to the royal cemetery, bearing their official Hans Abeling, has left by plane to visit the Holy name, and news of this action was broadcast over Shrines at Haifa, as well as to go to Jerusalem and the Baghdad radio the same night. Bethlehem. The youth of Sao Paulo seem to be live wires and keep happily busy with weekly meetings and an Canada occasional Tea-Dance which is a good drawing card. A number of Geneva Bureau News Exchange Sometimes the communities of Sao Paulo and neighbor readers have commented on how thrilling they find ing Santos get together to celebrate the Feasts, and it to read of the onward march of the Faith in most enjoy a day of spiritual refreshment and happy com distant corners of the earth, which are brought near panionship at the beautiful Santos Beach. At Santos to them so vividly by "picture" stories of those places. are the pioneers Syb and Mildred Holmes, who two This one is from the extreme North of Canada: "We years ago attended the Convention in Wilmette on the have a report on pioneer activities from Garry Rea eve of sailing to Brazil to join the Meisslers there. Airth, one of the two Baha'is who are working there: "We at Moose Factory, are on an island, and Moosonee is about three miles away. Transportation at this time The Faith Progresses Amid Difficulties in 'Iraq of year is by snowmobile, dogs, snowshoes, or on Baha'is who live in countries where even compara foot. We have a large Indian Hospital here, where tive freedom of speech and of press are taken for Miss Nan Brandle is a nurse's Aid. Most of the granted must feel deeply for their brethren in 'Iraq patients are tubercular. . . . The white poptilation and admire their persistent courage in the face of is somewhere in the vicinity of 200 . . . My work con great odds. The Faith there can hardly be spread sists of bookkeeping, interviews with the natives, and except through the weekly meetings and some other anything that needs doing. I am most grateful that publi...: meetings. Books and pamphlets have been I have been allowed to come here to serve, and daily translated and even published and then been pro thank Baha'u'llah for the many doors that were opened. hibited by the government. On the occasion of the The Indians here are Cree, and though they speak Centenary of the martyrdom of the Bab, the 'Iraqi a kind of English, I have started lessons at the Mission. friends prepared special programs and sent invitations I think French would be easier. The white people to more than 2000 well-known personalities, men and need help here too. How they need more nurses and women. The distribution of the invitations caused a nurses' aids here! . . To all the friends everywhere great disturbance in Baghdad. The fanatical clergy we both send our love and humbly ask that the In caused much unrest by attacking the Faith in the dians and Eskimos here and those elsewhere in Can local newpapers and giving speeches in the mosques ada be remembered in their prayers." against it. They submitted accusations and complaints to the government and by different means succeeded in convincing it of the necessity of stopping the com Spiritual Assembly of Tokyo memorative meetings. The NSA, according to the The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Tokyo has Baha'i laws, obeyed, and stopped their meetings, an appointed committees for teaching, publicity, feasts and nouncing the cancellation in the newspapers. Some archives. The Assembly members are: Mr. R. R. fanatical papers seized upon the occasion to denounce Imagire, chairman, Mr. Naohi Ykoskino, corresponding the Cause. An enemy of the Faith published a book full secretary, Mr. Goro Horioka, Miss Fusae Ichije, Miss of false accusations, and leading Mu.Q.ammadan priests Shigeko Nakanishi, Miss Agnes Alexander, Mrs. Shozo praised the slanderous volume and encouraged their Kadota, Mr. Lane Skelton. followers to read it. The NSA replied to these attacks but the newspapers would not publish these replies. Financial difficulties encountered by the friends, even endangering the payments on the National Head quarters, were met by the assistance of the Guardian and the enthusiastic spirit of sacrifice of Baha'is who even sold their personal belongings to meet the crisis. Baha'i marriage certificates have at last been of ficially acknowledged by the civil courts, although as yet the government does not recognize the Baha'i Faith as an independent religion, and Baha'is are registered under their former religion. An unusual opportunity was afforded to the believers to teach publicly, in connection with the death of the Queen Mother of 'Iraq. The NSA arranged a meeting in the I:Ia'.?iratu'l-Quds commemorating the 40th day of her passing, and issued a public invitation in the local newspapers. In the speeches about the life of the Queen and her contributions and services to hu manity, Baha'i principles were presented, and par Miss Agnes Alexander, original pioneeer teacher in Japan, with tictilary the Teachings about life after death. The Mr. Shozo Kadota, Japanese Baha'i now in the United States, NSA sent communications of condolence to the regent and other believers. Photograph was taken in hO'IDe of Mr. and these were acknowledged. The NSA also went Mori, Tokyo. BAHA'i NEWS 7

News of Central America The LSA is continuing the Thursday night study class The new course on practical aspects of Baha'i Ad for Baha'is and close contacts who express the desire ministration and Procedure which was put into effect to study the Cause. The present course is on Adminis immediately after the Second meeting of the National tration, and is so arranged that everyone of the Spiritual Assembly has been met with great enthusi friends will have a chance to conduct the different asm in the countries in which it has been presented. classes. The youth committee has drawn up a plan for Baha'i year 108 which they hope to carry out. The new course is in an experimental stage pending the completion of its presentation by four members It calls for strenuous teaching work as well as the of the National Assembly: Zenayda Jurado for Mexico foundation of a Baha'i youth Library in Zurich, the City; Artemus Lamb for Costa Rica; Mrs. Raguel de regular exchange of news with the different Swiss Constante for Managua, Tegucigalpa, San Salvador communities and other countries, and study week-ends and Guatemala City; and Elena Marsella for Panama. for any of the youth in Switzerland who wish to attend. 1 The believers have been accepting the course with even more interest than had been anticipated. The J laboratory classes give them an opportunity to put into India, Pakistan and Burma effect the " practice makes perfect" theory, and the The Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of sets of hypothetical problems prove as fascinating to the Baha'is of India, Pakistan, and Burma has referred solve as the age-old riddles that have always capti us to the Geneva Bulletin for news of his country: vated the mind of man. " We are glad to report that believers throughout India, The National Assembly was delighted to find that Pakistan, and Burma are showing lively activities in Tony Fillon, Baha'i teacher from Chile, outstanding promoting the Beloved Faith. We have recently sent for his work in South America, had arrived in the our pioneers to Malaya and Indonesia. Dr. K. M. Fozdar Island of Martinique, French West Indies, thereby in Singapore, has established a good medical practice entering our jurisdiction. He was a sked to lend his and is most keen in conveying the Divine Message to valuable services to the Islands of the Greater Antilles, the people of the Straits. He is helped by his talented and is, at this writing, cooperating with the Baha'i wife, Mrs. Shirin K . Fozdar, who visits him occasionally. Community in Cienfuegos, Cuba. Mr. Payman has established himself in Djakarta as an import and export trader, and aglow with the love The Communities of Panama City and Colon have of God, is giving the Message to the people of Java." been fortunate in having several visits from a North He also gives an account of the experiences of a American Baha'i teacher during the months of August pioneer in some of the Indian villages, who wrote: and September. Mr. John Verhoeven, Vice-Chairman "A heartrending story of self-sacrifice, undaunted per of the LSA of New Orleans, who has his own gift severance, and devotion lies behind the sudden emer shop and beauty salon aboard the United Fruit Line's gence of a large Baha'i community in some villages "Chiriqui", has been putting into port at Colon at in the District of Benares. I was afforded the unique two-weeks intervals, giving public talks in both cities privilege by the NSA to visit one of these villages and attending other Baha'i activities. Rampur-and serve the friends there in order to enable them to form a Spiritual Assembly on the occasion European Notes of this Ric;lvan. On February 3rd, 1951, the NSA of Ger-many ad " Rampur, a small village on the border of Bihar, dressed a formal petition to the Western German has about 78 Baha'is. The overwhelming joy and ecstasy Government in Bonn, for exemption of declared be which I felt when entering the village to hear voices lievers from active military duty. The petition sets raised from all sides by young and old and even chil out clearly the Baha'i Teachings on the subject and dren, greeting me with Allah'-u-Abha, will be the most offers the services of the believers in any non-com precious experience of my life. I greeted them in r eturn, batant units of the Force. and when we had a little talk, I realized what a .great Berlin has worked out its teaching program for transformation has taken place in their mental and the next quarter. Evening Readings are to be given spiritual stature. These untutored and roughly clad weekly in four districts of the city. The number of simple people, living far from the experiences of modern believers has almost doubled since last year. civilized life, who had hardly ever heard about the The Italian Baha;i Newsletter "Bolletino Baha'i" problems of our day, and whose sole occupation was is now edited jointly by three Spiritual Assemblies tilling the soil and engaging in minor crafts, were Rome, Naples, and Florence. speaking to me on the inner mysteries of the Qur'anic It was a rare experience for Geneva to be able Scripture, the need of the recognition of the signs of to welcome five pioneers on their way to Africa. They the times , and the establishment of World Peace and were Mr. and Mrs. Banani, Mr. and Mrs. Nakhjawani Unity. Here was proof of the creative influence that and their charming little daughter aged 3 years, of is enshrined in God's latest Message! Persia; and Mrs. Philip Hainsworth, of England. Mr. " These simple souls were aglow with the fire of Nakhjawani and Mr. Hainsworth, addressing a group Baha'u'llah's Faith. They were on the move to proclaim of Baha'is and non-Baha'is, drew a vivid picture of in their own and in the neighboring villages the Glad the work already done · and of future plans for the Tidings of the Advent of the Promised One. The fanatics spiritual conquest of the 'dark continent.' Their im among the people rose in opposition and called on the mediate destination was Dar es Salaam. help of noted Mullahs and Maulvis from the neighbor "Regular public meetings with different speakers hood in order to frustrate their mission. The Mullahs, are being held weekly in Zurich. It is encouraging to when face to face with these new believers, were be see that there are new contacts at almost all meetings. wildered and dumbfounded at the force of their argu- 8 NOVEMBER, 1951

ments and at the manner in which they presented the no longer walk to visit other villages. Though an As Message. When these Mullahs saw their helplessness, sembly had been formed in that village a few days they resorted to proclaiming that the new believers earlier, there still is a strong opposition in about 20 were 'Dajjals' (Anti-Christ) and advised the Moslems village all round. Let us all pray that Baha'u'llah may to refrain from associating with them, and to boycott confirm and strengthen these new believers in His Faith! them socially. This was all they could do. "In leaving Rampur on my way home, Janabe Badi "At the instigation of the Mullahs, the fanatics burnt zu-Zaman accompanied me for a few yards out of the down the standing crops belonging to the Baha'is, re village. With tears streaming from· his eyes, he begged fused to pay debts owing to them, and went so far as me to convey to each and every Baha'i whom I meet, to refuse drinking water if a Baha'i happened to ask his loving Baha'i greetings and to request them, on his for some. behalf, to say special prayers for him and for the "These conditions continued and exist today. Praise newly-born Baha'i Communities in Rampur and Ekona, be to those who are putting up with such conditions which, as he said, will be a precursor to the hoisting with patience and rectitude of conduct. They are firm of the banner of Baha'u'llah in the entire District of as a rock. Ultimately, on this Ric;l.van 108 B.E., the Benares. Baha'i friends gathered separately in Rampur and "Janabe Badi-zu-Zaman intends to settle in a place Ekona, the two villages separated by about 10-12 miles, about 12 miles from Rampur, so that this village too and which have about 56 adult Baha'is each, and in an may be blessed with a Baha'i Community. May atmosphere of love and happiness, elected their respec Baha'u'llah's help be with him in this most sacred serv- tive Local Spiritual Assemblies, and thus carried out ice to His Cause!" · their Covenant with God in its latest expression. "Behind the emergence of these two Baha'i com Second Baha'i European Teaching Summer munities, as well as some individual Baha'is living in neighboring villages, lies a pathetic and moving story School Scheveningen, Holland, September 4 of one Badi-uz-Zaman-infirm and fragile, who has al through September 9, 1951 ready spent almost 80 years of his life. I was moved Uppermost in every mind and heart as the Second to tears when I heard this angelic soul narrate his Baha'i Summer School in Europe opened, was the story of service to the Cause. Message from our Beloved Guardian, received just ''He had been driven out of his home by his wife three days before. It was a sudden call to maturity and four adult children in Kamarhatti, West Bengal, of that, there was no dount-a maturity which pre about three years ago, and came to these villages where supposes the shouldering of great responsibility. The he proclaimed Baha'u'llah's Message for the first time. short period of the following six days was to witness The villagers spat at him, believed him to be mad, a complete change in the outlook of the assembled and often dragged him out of their villages. Often it members. What haci seemed impossible of attainment happened that Janabe Badi-zu-Zaman had to live in com in those first few days had, by the end of the Summer plete loneliness outside a village for many days and School, grown into a conviction that it could be done. nights without food and water. Undeterred by all such Such a wonderful collective experience is difficult to attitudes of those to whom he was giving the Message put into words. Might it not have been a releasing of Life, he continued with his mission. People knew not of-Divine Power as we strove through our study and that the seed of the Divine message had been thrown consultation for a "clearer vision,'' "deeper aware on their soil . . . . After a couple of years of con ness," "firmer resolve" and "greater dedication" to tinuous visits to these villages, the Imam of the mosque our purpose? at Raplpur, Janabe 'Abdu'llah, responded to the Divine Summer School opened Tuesday morning with the Call, and with him came his associate Janabe Mo first of three magnificent lectures on "God and the hammed Sharif. Shortly afterwards another soul, this Universe" by David Hofman-a subject which, as time a young man, Mohd Israil by name, joined their he stressed, is beyond human comprehension- yet one ranks. Janabe 'Abdu'llah, I was told, never rested a which was given in a simplicity and "clarity that moment after he accepted the message. With a small were most overwhelming." Beginning with the cen green flag in his hand, he began to teach those with tral theme-the Manifestation-Mr. Hofman pointed whom he came into contact. He went as far as Hydera out that "once the process of creation is started, bad (Dn), where the authorities put him into prison. originated by God and culminating in the production When released a little later, he came back. By now, of man who is the image of God, it goes forward the message was known to many, and the number of not by the direct agency of God Himself by by His believers slowly continued increasing, till the advent Manifestation." "Any process," he further explained of Baha'u'llah became the talk of the day in each and ''requires constant attention and infusion of power - every village of the region. Until now, only individuals hence the necessity of continued appearances of the were coming forward, but from now on, whole families Manifestations of God." Mr. Hofman emphasized the began embracing the Faith. importance of understanding that all creation is de "Eight months ago, Janabe Badi-zu-Zaman happened pendent upon the Manifestation of God, and "that to visit a village known as Ekona where a fanatic it is through His bounty that man is infused with Moslem plotted against him, and, with the assistance new knowledge, new qualities, new potentialities which of about 1100 people, seized this innocent soul and had in turn produce new arts, sciences, inventions, etc." him beaten so severely that he became unconscious. Stating that the need ir,. every age is a different one, Fifty to a hundred blows fell on him at a time, he showed how today, differing from the time of Christ said, particularly on . his poor legs, so that he could or MuJ:iammad, man needs "unity, self-assured ma- BAHA'i NEWS 9

turity, a higher conception of love and a much greater Dispensation: The Bab, Baha'u'llah, 'Abdu'l-Baha, and knowledge of his own self." "All these," he concluded the Guardian" were given by Honor Kempton, Elsa " are provided by Baha'u'llah, with the additional Steinmetz, Marion Little and Charlottee Stirratt. It bounty of guidance which is not subject to human was a beautiful thing indeed to be a part of so many fallibility." believers with heart and soul seeking for greater un The discussion following the three sessions brought derstanding of the transcendency of the stations of out these thought-provoking ideas : "Imperfections arise the Twin Manifestations, the Mystery that is 'Abdu'l in the process of coming to perfection-therefore, we Baha, and the spiritual station and authority of the have problems." "This is the first time that collective Guardians of the Cause of God. man strives together toward God." Tremendous was the spiritual uplifting of those hours The second morning-class, scheduled for four ses of concentration together-precious were the glimpses sions on "Individual and Group Responsibility in into the personal lives of the Founders of our Faith, Teaching" was excellently presented by Eleanor Halli given with such spiritual charm and vigor by Dr. baugh, Virginia Orbison, Donald Corbin and Angeline Zeine N. Zeine, who had been closely associated with r. Giachery. The purpose of this course was to inte the Holy Family for so many years. A few "foot grate all activities to group res.pohsibilities as a con notes", as he modestly calls these gems, must be tinuation of the responsibility of the individual-and added: he explained that the World Order of Baha'u'llah to show the interaction of consolidation within the was a "system of love," beginning with God Who community along with expansion into the " Extension reveals Himself to mankind because of His love. "The Teaching" plus stepping into the arena of national Manifestations suffer in order to prepare mankind for and regional national teaching. love. . . If there was one word to describe 'Abdu'l Signs of maturity in the technique of consultation Baha, it would be LOVE, every letter written in capi were evidenced in many ways. It was a pleasure to tals. . . . This love pours out from the Center auto see how entirely divergent ideas on a given subject matically-whether it be Baha'u'llah, the Master, or were skillfully taken and welded into a whole-com the Guardian. . . . In true love, the current must pletely satisfactory to both viewpoints. Lively par go both ways. . . . loving and being loved. . . . If love ticipation brought out good suggestions for all phases is there, then obedience becomes a joy, a blessing, of teaching: "Prayer in the first place and prayer in a pleasure-given willingly. We would vie with each the second-and in the third place-PRAYER." We other if we really love. Thus our obedience to the should carry with us every day the thought that we Guardian is absolutely necessary. . ." He concluded, are on a mission entrusted to us by Almighty God." "we are all working, building together. The Guardian It had been pointed out that "only once in all history is building throµgh us. We are the stones through is man charged with such a colossal and glorious which this order is being built-we want to be a strong task-that of inaugurating this new World Order, God's rock" he added with characteristic humor, "not a Kingdom." Another: " The most important thing shaky brick." is. willingness and desire. The first step is arising. Sincere appreciation must be given to David Ned then assistance is automatic." In discussing the prob Blackmer for the magnificent course, lasting five lem of distances which must be overcome in many of sessions, on " The History of the Faith" -and the prep the European countries, the suggestion was made to aration of maps, outlines, references-copies of which follow the Guardian's advice to the Australian friends we each received and which will be supplemented who have even greater distances to cope with : " Re from time to time during the coming year, as a further duce ·the distances." aid to the study of the history. Such visual aids as Also on Tuesday morning, a special session had maps and slides (prepared by George Clark) showing been called to study the Message of the Guardian in the scenes of historic places and photographs of well its entirety-in order that all consultation on teach known 19th century figures and a most inspiring dra ing efforts might be directly and constantly related matic presentation of the swiftly moving and tragic to our new goals. Marion Hofman's long and active ex events of the early days up to and including the perience in the Faith made her, as always, a welcome present-brought us close to the beauty of live~ which and enthusiastic chairman to lead the discussion on by their sacrifice had laid the foundation for the this "tremendous challenge." In pursuance of the sub social structure we are called upon to erect. ject, she explained the significance of the next step We had half a holiday on Thursday! Motor buses which is being taken in the international field in the arrived at the Grand Hotel in the afternoon at three, rapid unfoldment of the World Order of Baha'u'llah. equipped with guides to explain points of interest be It was a joy to have the stimulating presence of tween Scheveningen and Amsterdam, where the public Marion and David and to hear first hand of the thrilling meeting was held in the evening. En route we passed progress of the first world project-the African cam through the old cities of Leiden and Haarlem-arriving paign, embracing as it does the efforts of five national in Amsterdam in time to take a quick boat excursion assemblies and how linking so conclusively Europe through the fascinating net-work of canals in this in its great world mission. historic city . On leaving the Summer School for England, the This trip proved, as is so often the case, that Hofmans said: " There is no more question about the Baha'is are observed perhaps more than they realize. European Teaching Conference-Summer Schools-We In a letter received from one of the guides on the come-We have to come." motor bus, we have his first impressions: "When we Tuesday afternoon we added two new courses to were having dinner in Amsterdam, I noticed that there our curriculum: " The Dispensation" and " The History is a unity among all of you, notwithstanding the fact of the Baha'i Faith." The four key lectures on "The that you represent about 19 nations and about 10 10 NOVEMBER, 1951 languages ... Till yesterday I was convinced of the fact munity is inviting members of other local religious that it would be impossible for the Germans and the _ groups to a series of teas. Baha'is will learn the French or the Dutch and the Germans to be friends fundamentals of other beliefs and present their own. some day. You showed me that this is possible indeed. The first one was with the Quakers. This is a very comforting idea and I thank you very much again. You gave me some hope for the future This summer hundreds were introduced to the Faith of mankind." through booths at state and county fairs. Reports have The overall subject of both public meetings (one been received telling of booths at the Michigan State held in The Hague two days previously) was "The Fair, the New York State Fair at Syracuse, and fairs Baha'i Faith. Its Spiritual Dynamics and Its Social at Mineola, New York, and Topsfield, Massachusetts. Principles"-as explained by the gracious chairman, Rita van Sombeek, who afterwards introduced the two speakers of the evening: Dr. Zeine N. Zeine, speaking Publishes Statement on Loyalty to Government in English, and Arnold van Ogtrop in Dutch. When the Baha'i Faith was charged with being a (To be continued) subversive movement by a speaker in a club at Cam eron, West Virginia, the local believers sought advice American News from the National Assembly. One action taken was to pay for the publications of the statement on Loyalty Prominent Japanese Entertained to Government as an advertisement in the local paper, The Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, Baha'is entertained a direct and dignified, as well as impersonal, reply World Federalists and foreign students when Baron to the charge. Tatsukichiro Horikawa visited in the home of Law rence Bautz. The Baron had been in the United States The charge has not been repeated since, as far to witness the signing of the Japanes Peace Treaty. as is known. He expressed, through his interpreter, his belief in "unifying all people under common law, recognizing man as one humanity, recognizing one God and one Thorton Chase Memorial world." He learned of the Baha'i principles, took On September 30th, 123 Baha'is of Southern Cali Baha'i books with him, and promised to help the fornia met at Inglewood Cemetery to hold memorial Baha'is in Japan upon his return to his native land. services for Thornton Chase, the first American The meeting brought together natives of the Gold Baha'i. There were readings of prayers and tablets Coast, Nigeria, India, Bavaria, Sweden, Norway, and England, as well as other natives of Japan. The White from 'Abdu'l-Baha for Mr. Chase and excerpts from fish Bay Herald carried a long story of the gathering his book, The Baha'i Revelation. A new Baha'i, and two pictures. Mr. Kenneth Wiley, who is blind, gave the prayer for America.

Literature for the Blind The national Baha'i committee, known as "Baha'i Service for the Blind," continues its mission of pro duction of Baha'i literature in Braille and its distri bution where it will be most useful and appreciated. From May 1 to July 31 this year the committee has reprinted thirty-five copies of "Communion With God" from plates, and these can be purchased by the friends. Braille transcriptions completed include: "The Advent of Divine Justice" (transcribed by Ken neth Wiley with assistance of Elwin G. Van Zandt); "Religion Returns", "Your Experience As a Baha'i", and "Compilation of Baha'i Prayers", transcribed in Baron Tatsukichiro Horikawa is entertained by the WhUefish Esperanto Braille by Mrs. Emily Schieman; two copies Bay Baha'is, on his way from the Japanese Peace Treaty Conference in San Francisco. of "This Temple" and a Baha'i prayer book, tran scribed by a non-Baha'i friend; and volume two (Braille edition) of "Prayers and Meditations", tran How the Word Is Spread scribed by Mrs. Gertrude Schurgast. (The complete There is no one way to spread the Baha'i Faith. Braille edition will require five or six large volumes). The desire in the hearts of all of us to share the The hand-transcribed copies have been shellacked by Message of Baha'u'llah finds expression in many Mrs. Emily Schieman, and all works bound by Mrs. types of meetings. Amedee Gibson with assistance of John Gibson. Baha'is of Chicago and Salt Lake City report that The Archives Committee has a full set of the litera they are studying comparative religions. Another com- ture so far printed from plates. NOVEMBER, 1951 11

Directory Additions and Changes Suggested Program to he used for National Committees the Day of the Covenant, November 26 Publishing Miss Mae Graves, Acting Manager, Prayers Page 110 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill. The Covenant of God - Blue cloth covered (Note: Mrs. Clara R. Wood and Mr. J. Thomas Wood Prayer Book ...... 118 are on leave of absence). All Praise 0 my God - Prayers and Meditations... . 94 Local Spiritual Assemblies: Prologue - " He is the Glory of Glories" AHW . . . . 5 Boston, Mass. "Call ye to mind the Covenant" 71st PHW ...... 48 Miss Moneveh Weeks, Sec'y. Day of God 687 Boylston St., Rm. 207 " Do you know in what day you are living?" Regional Teaching Committees: Paris Talks by AB, B S ...... 266-67 Oregon " There is a Power in this Cause" Mrs. Virginia P. Martig, Sec'y. P.O. Box 593 Star of West Vol. XI ...... 243 Gates, Ore. The Covenant - PUP ...... 317-18 Montana The Covenant Unfolds - " The creative energies", Mrs. Betty J . Bennett, Sec'y. "Truths of the Faith." WOB ...... 144 620 N. Henry Ave. Covenant Talk - PUP ...... 375-6-7 Butte, Mont. Song of the Covenant, Star of West Vol. V ...... 209 Difficulty of Understanding Station of In Memoriam "Abdu'l-Baha WOB ...... 131-32 Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup "It would be indeed difficult" - " can ever hope to rise". that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy and is the bearer of The Mystery of God ·- " He is" - gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life. "completely harmonized ." WOB ...... 134 -BAHUA'U'LLAH Further suggestions: Mr. Walter M. Ford, Lima, Ohio August 26, 1951 The Covenant - Compiled by Albert Windust. Mr. Mikel Spratt, Monrovia, Calif. September 5, 1951 World Order Magazine. Sept., Oct. , Nov., Mrs. Agnes Gould, Bridgeton, N.J. August, 1951 Dec., 1942 and Jan. 1943. Dr. Chester F. Easter, Vancouver, Wash. Sept. 8, 1951 The Covenant-An Analysis by George Townshend, M.A. Mrs. Dianne Heath, San Antonio, Texas August 20 , 1951 The Books of God are Open by E. S. Campbell. Mr. Henry Wesson, Chicago, Ill., August 8, 1951 It is also suggested that if any of the older believers Mrs. Rachel Slagle, Chicago, Ill. September 14, 1951 have had personal experiences with the Master, time be Mr. Philip Sprague, Wilton, Conn. September 23, 1951 alloted on the progr am for them to share these r eminis Mrs. Ethel C. Edell, Los Angeles, Calif. Sept. 1951 cences with their friends. Mrs. Mary Louise Austin, Cincinnati, Ohio September -NATIONAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE 13, 1951 Marriages Additional Radio Scripts Now Available Long Beach, Calif., Mrs. Grace Hall to Mr. Ralph Script No. 251-A special Christmas period script. Martell (non-Baha'i) (date not reported) Designed to overcome th~ problem of what to do San Francisco, Calif., Miss Theresa Grover to Mr. during the Christmas period. Frank Falkner (non-Baha'i) April 16, 1951 Script No. 351-This script is written especially for Downers Grove, Ill., Miss Louise Hill (non-Baha'i) to use during the Baha'i State Convention period. It Mr. David Schreiber May 23 , 1951 is in interview form and takes advantage of the State Convention Sessions. New Baha'i News Deadline Script No. 451-A straight interview script, written so that it may be used at all times during the In order to get Baha'i News into the hands of the year. A permanent radio item for your files. believers more promptly, the Committee has established Cost per script 25c plus postage. Average postage the first of every month as a strict deadline. For ex 9c per script, 18c airmail per script. Send stamps, ample, material for publication in the December News coins, or bills-do not send money orders or checks. must be in the editorial office by November 1st. Address requests to: William B. Sears, Chairman, Baha'i National Radio Committee, 4643 Walnut St., The Story of a Baha'i Traveler Philadelphia, Pa. Mrs. Loulie Mathews has traveled extensively to spread the Baha'i teachings. Her journeys have in cluded visits to Latin America and to South Africa. Corrections The story of these travels has been told by Mrs. Through an error, the date of the Guardian's letter Mathews in a lively and charming manner in a book to Mr. Willard P. Hatch, quoted in the August Baha'i just published under the title of "Not Every Sea Hath News was given as October 29 , 1950. The letter was Pearls". dated October 23, 1950. Copies may be obtained for $1.25, each by ordering In the August issue also, the pictures of the World through Mrs. Harry Ford, P.O. Box 1003, Colorado Religion Day exhibits in Boise, Idaho, were credited Springs, Colo. Mrs. Mathews is remitting to the Na to the Boise Community only. The Ada Community tional Baha'i Fund half of the amount received from cooperated with Boise in this event and should have sales. of the book. been mentioned. 12 NOVEMBER, 1951

Baha'u'llah meeting in the Fall Series, or preceding Inspiring Dynamic New the observance of "World Religion Day". Now would be an excellent time to examine the available books Teaching Aid in your local public library, to make sure there are A wonderful new teaehing aid has been developed at least one or two good introductory books for in to bring the words of th:e Bab, Baha'ullah, and 'Abdu'l quirers who might hear the program and ask at the Baha to the general public. "Words for the World'', library. Either "Baha'u'llah and the New Era" or recorded prayer programs for radio broadcasts, has "Renewal of Civilization" should be among the texts been produced for use throughout the country by available. Baha'i communities, groups, and isolated believers at In order to facilitate the placing of these programs their local radio stations. With these records we can with the local radio stations the following procedure bring the magnificence, the inspiration, and the re has been adopted: generating power of the Creative Word into the homes 1. The National Radio Committee will prepare a let and lives of JY'ople all over this country. As an ad to be sent by them directly to local radio stations, junct to an active teaching program they can be of describing the "Words for the World" programs. The immense -.·alue as a medium of new contacts and of letter will state that the program is offered free of prestige promotion. charge to the radio station addressed, arid that a Baha'i "Words for the World" has been prepared on two from the local community will bring the discs, together 16 inch discs of four sides, 33 1/ 3 rpm, consisting of with a local announcement, to the station in person. three 4 minute programs on each side, making a This procedure will lend added importance to the total of twelve in all. These programs consist of selec programs coming from the National Radio Committee tions of prayers and meditations from the Baha'i Sa of the Baha'is of the United States, and will establish cred Writings read by a man and woman against a an introduction for the local representative with the musical background. The two young Baha'is who have radio station. made these recordings are highly skilled and the en 2. Instructions for _t>resentation and the announce tire production is dignified, reverent, and moving. ments to be used with the programs will be sent with The word "Baha'i" is not included in the text of the discs. the programs. It is believed that this will eliminate 3. The letter fro:-::. the National Radio Committee to any objection radio program directors may have to the local stations will be sent only if the local Baha'i their use. However, there will be an announcement community supplies it with the name and address of following each program which will identify the broad their local station, and the name of the local representa cast with the local Baha'i group. tive who will present the records to the station. There It is proposed that the local communities or groups fore, it is imperative that every commu..'1ity which plans purchase the set of records and offer them to their to use the programs send immediately the name and local stations free of charge. a) The records can be address of its local station and the name of its rep offered for use by the station whenever they wish to resentative to Mr. William B. Sears, 4643 Walnut Street, use them, whenever their schedule provides for de Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. votional periods, such as twice daily, morning and 4. "Words for the World" costs $6.50 postpaid, for a evening, for six consecutive days. The announcement set of two discs which contain the twel~ programs, to be used with this type of broadcast will only indicate and is to be ordered directly from the National Projects that the program is presented through the courtesy Committee, 933 Central Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. Each of the local Baha'i community. b) The records can order must be accompanied by a check or money order be used for regular Baha'i radio broadcasts either on for the full amount made payable to Mrs. Barbara free time or purchased time, where the time of broad Sims, 933 Central Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. (No stamps cast would be arranged between the local community please.) and the station. The announcement accompanying this Since "Words for the World" is not dated in any way type of broadcast will give a local address for in it can be used on different occasions at spaced intervals quirers and can publicize a local activity to which for years to come so long as the discs are in good the public is invited. condition. This is indeed a marvelous new aid in our Whichever type of broadcast is arranged, the pro teaching work of which every local community, group ~ gram should be used in conjunction with some local and isolated believer should avail itself. Order now activity. This could be a fireside, or a public meeting. from Mrs. Barbara Sims, Secretary, National Projects It would be an excellent preface to the Birthday of Committee, 933 Central Avenue, Wilmett;, Illinois.

BAHA'I NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baba.'is of the United States. Copies are sent without charge to Bahii.'is throughout ·the United States, and to Baba.' i administrative bodies in other lands. Its purpose is to keep members of the Faith informed of international, national and local Baha'i developments, and serve as an organ for the dis tribution of messages written by the Guardian of the Faith, the International Baha'i Council, and the general announcements prepared by the American National Spiritual Assembly. l' I Reports, plans, news items and photographs of general interest are requested from national committees and local assem blies of the United States as well as from national assemblies of other lands. BAHA'I NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1951-52: Miss Garreta Busey, Managing Editor, Mr. Wm. Kenneth Christian, Miss Mae Graves, Mrs. Doris Holley, Mr. Horace Holley, Chairman. Miss Flora Emily Hottes, Mrs. Eleanor Hutchens, Mrs. Ruth Jones. EDITORIAL OFFICE: 503 West Elm St., Urbana, Dllnois,. U.S.A. CHANGE OF ADDRESS should be reported to National Baha'i Administrative Headquarters, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.