BAH A I f NEWS

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

OF THE BAHA'lS OF CANADA

No. 46 BAHA'I YEAR 110 Novembw, 1953 MESSAGES FROM THE GUARDIAN Sept. 20, Haifa. (and) Rex Co)Jison, Dunduzu Chisizwa, Islands comprising (the) orbit (of) His Transmit (the) following joyful tid­ Ruandi Urundi; Izzatullah Zahrai, South­ irresistibly expanding Faith, achieving ings National Spiritual Assemblies (of ern Rhodesia; Ghulamal Kurlawala, thereby. a feat paralleling, (in the) eyes the) Baha'i World. World spiritual cru­ Daman; Gail (and) Jameson Bond, (of) posterity, (the) triumphant com­ sade, mightiest agency yet conceived Franklin; Roshan Aftabi, Feroza Yaga­ pletion (of the) superstructure (of the) (for the) systematic execution (of) nagi, Goa; Rose Perkal, Jack Huffman, Sepulchre (of) its Co-founder (at the) Abdu1-Baha's Divine Plan (has been) Kodiak Island; Mr. (and) Mrs. Arthur . Baha'i World Center (in the) Holy befittingly ushered in through successive Crane, Key West; Saeed N ahvi, Shyan Land. magnificent victories won (by) Baha'u'­ Behrarilal, Pondicherry; Udainarayan (signed) SHOGHI. llah's ?"usaderS' (in) virgin territories Singh, Sikkim; Fred Schechter, French * * * (in) every continent (of the) globe. Somaliland; Virginia Orbison, Balearic TO THE NATIONAL TREASURER Four months (have) elapsed since its Islands; Mr. (and) Mrs. Amin Banani, July 26, Haifa. glorious inauguration amidst climax: (of) Greece; Abbas Vakil, Cyprus; Gertrude The beloved Guardian has received festivities commemorating (the) Centen­ Eisenberg, Canary Islands; Dick Stanton, your ~ov~g letter of June 26th, enclosing ary (of the) inception (of) His Mission, Keewatin; Mr. (and) Mrs. Jenabe Cald­ contributions from assemblies and indi­ immortalized (by the) opening (of) no well, Aleutian Islands; Edythe Mac­ viduals, for the Shrine of the Bab Fund less (than) twenty-eight territories. (and) Arthur, Queen Charl.otte Islands; Hush­ and has asked me to acknowledge it o~ islands, nine (in) Europe, eight (in) mand Manuchihri, Lichtenstein; Eskil his behalf. America, six (in) Africa, five (in) Asia, Ljungberg, Faroe Islands; Mildred Clark, He greatly appreciates the devotion constituting (a) dispersal unprecedented Loyce Lawrence, Lofoten Islands; Salisa which these contributions represent. En­ in its rapidity (and) scope (during) Kirmani, Shirin Nurani, Karikal; Ziaullah closed are receipts for them. The Guar­ eleven decades (of) Baha'i history. Asgarzadeh, Evelyn Baxter, Channel dian asks that you send them to the Islands; Kay Weston, Magdalen Islands; contributors, with his loving appreciation. (The) number (of) pioneers (who) Julius Edwards, Northern Territories The reports which are being received responded (to the) call (for) settlement Protectorate; Doris Richardson Grand in connection with the Ten-Year Crusade (of) open (and) unopened territories Manan Island; Charles Dunning: Orkney indicate splendid results. The Guardian (on the) planet passed (the) three Islands; Nellie French, Manaco. has been pleased with the cable which hundred mark: over (a) hundred (and) has been received from the Inter-Terri­ fifty {from) America, over fifty (from) Countries (in which) Baha'is reside now aggregate over. (one) hundred fifty. torial Committee, telling of the progress Europe, over forty (from) Africa, over of the settlement of the Canadian forty (from) Asia. (The) number (of} • Over seventy (have been) added (in ·:tj;ie) course (of the) nine years separat­ pioneers. He greatly values the sacrifices prospective pioneers (to) virgin areas and the devotion of the Canadian be­ (is) over forty. All Western .Hemisphere il}:g, t the) first (and) second Jubilees. 1Ihe}'.,:festivities (of the) Holy Year, lievers. They have great responsibilities, and Africa areas allocated (to the) but he knows they will fulfil all of the United States National Assembly, as well so · ~kndidly inaugurated, attaining (the) high water mark (on the) occasion tasks assigned to them. as all European areas allocated (to the) He certainly will pray at the Shrines various National Assemblies (have been) (of the) Ninetieth Anniversary (of the) declaration (of the) Mission (of the) for the guidance and confirmation of the assigned. Canadian Baha'i Community as a whole, {The) Roll (of) Honor designed (to) ~ound~ .

THIRTY BASES The greatest satisfaction we can get. in our Baha'i life is participation. No one wants to miss his opportunity to Next month we hope to review the thirty outposts which serve. It may be his last one. We can only feel strengthened are to develop into assemblies during this Ten Year Crusade. by and grateful to the services of those faithful hearts who Before we do that, we shall take another look at our thirty remain loyal to their base, even at great personal sacrifice, and assemblies which are to serve as bases from whfch to launch thus honour our commitments to the Five Year Plan in order operation "dispersal". that we may face unfalteringly the trials and blessings of the ASSEMBLY COMMUNITIES IN CANADA, OCTOBER, 1953 Founde.cl City Baha'i Population Size of Locality Ten Year Crusade. "These Spiritual Assemblies are aided by the Spirit of 1922 Montreal 25 1,021,000 God, their defender is Abdu1-Baha. Over them He spreadeth 1927 Vancouver 36 345,000 His wings. What. bounty is there greater than this? ..• 1938 Toronto 56 675,000 These Spiritual Assemblies are shining lamps and heavenly 1938 Moncton 9 27,000 Guardians from which the fragrances of holiness are diffused 1938 St. Lambert 9 8,600 over all regions and the lights of knowledge are shed abroad 1942 Winnipeg 25 235,700 over all created things. From them the spirit of life streameth 1942 Hamilton 44 208,000 in every direction. They, indeed, are the potential sources of 1942 Halifax 9 85,500 the progress of men at all times and under all conditions." 1943 Edmonton 14 160,000 NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE. 1944 Regina 13 71,000 1944 Charlottetown 6 16;000 AUDIO-VISUAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE 194& Ottawa 14 202,000 There are two Audio-Visual Aids which every Baha'i 1948 Victoria 11 51,000 community should own. One is a recording entitled "Words 1948 Scarboro 17 for the World", a melodious blending of the voices of David 1948 West Vancouver 11 Bond and Selma Solomon, in reading some choice selections 1949 Calgary 11 129,000 from the Baha'i Sacred Writings, with musical interludes. 1949 Vernon 14 7,800 This record sells for $4.25. For teaching purposes, an even­ 1951 Forest Hill 11 15,000 ing of recorded music is suggested, in which this Baha'i record 1952 North York 9 could be included. 1953 London 9 95,000 A second aid in teaching the Faith is a three-wing 1953 Verdun 6 77,000 display folder, 4' long by 22" high, showing views of the 1953 Saskatoon 9 53,000 Temple at Wilmette. It can be used for window display 1953 Oshawa 8 41,500 advertising or as part of a table display at public meetings. 1953 St. Catharines 5 38,000 Price is $4.00. 1953 Kingston 6 33,000 Regarding non-Baha'i teaching aids: The National 1953 New Westminster 4 29,000 Film Board have offices across Canada, in Vancouver, Ed­ 1953 Westmount 7 25,000 monton, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Fredericton, 1953 Belleville 9 20,000 Halifax, Charlottetown and St. John's, Nfld. Our committee 1953 Pickering 10 has investigated their film catalogue and find that there are 1953 Etabicoke 9 many films which illustrate Baha'i principles. United Glancing at this list we find that twenty-four of the Nations films are among those in this category. We would thirty assemblies nave less than fifteen members, which suggest renting a film for a public meeting, building. a Baha'i means that these bases have to be consolidated first before talk around it and using it as a discussion leader. they can effectively contribute to our expansion program. In many large cities, such as those mentioned above, Furthermore, we find among these twenty-four "weak" as­ there exists a Film Council. The purpose -0f this Council is semblies seven below strength and eight assemblies with to acquaint the public with the wide variety of educational only nine believers precariously holding their own. 16 mm. films available and to create an interest in the use Of our six "strong" assemblies, Toronto (56), Hamilton of films in programming, as well as to facilitate their use by ( 44), Vancouver ( 36), Montreal ( 25), Winnipeg ( 25), making available projectors, projectionists and information. Scarboro ( 17), Hamilton stands out as the second largest This committee strongly recommends that, if there is a Film Baha'i city, although it is listed seventh chronologically, and Council in your area, you make use of their services. ranks fifth in size as to population. We congratulate Hamil­ For additional information, write to Mrs. Vera G. ton for the extraordinary growth and are asking them for the Raginsky, 4955 Ponsard Ave., Montreal, Quebec. secret of their rapid development. IMPORTANT MEMO FROM THE NATIONAL The thirty assemblies are listed according to age. Where several were founded the same year, they are ranged TREASURER according to population. Seven assemblies are below During the period of September 15th to October 15th, nine. They require reinforcement immediately. Any-0ne fifteen communities and sixteen individuals contributed a avail~ble please write to our secretary, Mrs. A. Rakovsky, total of $705.78 in unlabelled conhibutions to the Canadian 27lA Strathcona Ave., Westmount, Que. The difference Baha'i Fund. between eight or nine believers on a base is not one During the same period, $2,145.48 was spent to settle believer but an assembly. An assembly is our smallest col­ pioneers, route travelling 'teachers and maintain the many lective cell, to impair it is to block the lifeblood of a living other activities of the Cause in Canada. organism, the Baha'i World Faith. Its vitality is expressed On October 15th, the balance in the General Fund had through the assembly which is an integral and indispensable been reduced to approximately $575.00. About $300.00 of prerequisite for our spiritual growth. Therefore, we cannot this amount has· been committed to the Shrine of the Bab allow our assemblies to go under. Fund. NET BALANCE-APPROXIMATELY $215.00. November, 1953

EDITORIAL COMMENT justice to a life so dedicated to the taken as yet. Emmanuel would like to service of Baha'u'llah. see Samoans reading more books-any The message from the Guardian is in­ kind of books~old ones, childrens' books, deed joyful tidings. The report from Perhaps the friends may be missmg novels, 11on-fietion, anything so long as it the New Territories Committee adds several most interesting messages from is in English. He has nppealed to the further encouragement. The National the Guardian to the American Baha'is. Canadian friends to help in this regard Teaching Committee and the Treasurer These messages and reports of the by sending any books they can, old present a different picture. There are progress of the Crusade in all parts of discarded books would do. Would any great sacrifices and tremendous effort the world are published in ·American . one who can help in this regard write yet to be made. As the Guardian says, Baha'i News. Our limited budget does · first to the New Territories Committee we have great responsibilties and he adds not permit reprinting the material, but : telling how many books they can send, that he knows that we will fuHil the tasks you may subscribe to the American News.; and we will advise what action is to be assigned to us. through the National Secretary. · taken. · " " " " " Mrs. Helen Robinson (General Delivery, This month, a special insert has been A reminder - please send material for · Sitka, Alaska) formerly from Boise, prepared in memory of Fred Schop­ publication typewritten separately from i Idaho, has enclosed a folder with the flocher, Hand of the Cause of God. any letter or comment so that it need , following information "Sitka By-The-Sea The brief space, of course, cannot do not be retyped for the printer. has historic interest and scenic beauty not possessed by many other cities and communities in the entire world. Located NEW TERRITORIES tar paper buildings. The town really is ' on the west coast of Baranof Island, still a shack town but it does show signs . approximately 1,000 miles by water from Pioneers are now resident in ten of our of becoming more permanent by the new . thirteen goals, and Miss Greta Jankko of Seattle, Sitka nestles on the seaward. Federal Building that is going up, and · shore, facing the broad sweep of the Vancouver has applied for permission to the few nice homes that are being built." ' enter the Marquesas. If Greta is suc­ blue Pacific, with a towering backdrop of cesful in obtainipg her passport, another Grace and Irving Geary ( Baddeck, Cape : rugged heavily timbered mountain mas­ goal will be filled before too long, Breton, N.S.) arrived October 11th, and ' ses. Looking out across Sitka Sound leaving only An,ticosti and Labrador un­ write "Our new home is a small bun- · about 15 miles in the distance one sees filled. Letters come in daily from our galow which belongs to the Baddeck • majestic Mount Edgecumbe, an extinct . pioneers telling of their experiences in Hotel and is used by tourists in the . volcano, rising out of the water in silent these scattered and often remote areas, summer season. It will, however, make : watchfulness. Reportedly a twin to and we would like to share some of a snug little place for us this winter. Japan's Mount Fujiyama, Sitka's Mount them with you : There is a good sized living room where ' Edgecumbe is a beautiful sight to be­ hold. Hundreds of islands dot the sur­ Doris Richardson (The Barn, Grand we can hold firesides. Baddeck is a .; rounding waterways on the coastline, Harbour, Grand Manan Island, N.B.) lovely little place right on the beautiful : separated from each other by deep writes that Grand Manan is a :very Bras d'Or Lakes, which are really Nery : channels and bays. Numerous lakes are beautiful island, but just now is "smack" long arms of the sea". ' within the vicinity, and nestle like jewels in the middle of a depression due to the Fred, Jean, Keith and Lois Aflen ( 378 in the forests. Some of these .lakes con­ absence of fish. Because of this, job Charlotte St., Sydney, N.S,) arrived in tain great patches of water lilies which opportunities in Grand Manan are very Cape Breton October 12th, and advise make a colorful sight when in bloom." limited. thatin spite of an extremely serious hous­ Kathy Weston (c/o Mrs. Frank Clark, ing shortage, they have found a very THE N.S.A. REPORTS .Old Harry, Magdalen Island, Que.) tells suitable apartment. The N.S.A. met in Westmount on Sep­ us that on Grindstone, the largest island Noland Boss (Box ~483, Yellowknife, in the Magdalens, there are about 500 N.W.T.) tells of his goal "Suitable work · tember 26 and 27 to deal with several families, predominantly French speaking. is not too plentiful here at this time, but important matters of concern to the The island is approximately ten miles I have been fortunate to obtain a position Canadian friends. long and five miles in width, and the with the Consolidated Mining and Smelt­ In answer to a request for clarification scenery is quite different from any place ing Co. Gold Mine. It will take a little of whether the new territories should be she has ever been. There are almost no while to become settled and acquainted settled in one or two years, the Guardian trees, with the exception of some very in this nice community as I am immedi­ had cabled, "Settlement virgin areas stubby evergreens-the wind is so strong ately starting to work. There is evidence preferable current year". The status of that trees will not grow. This gives the of a really warm reg.ard for Arthur and the new territories and consolidation areas whole place a very barren appearance, Lily Ann Irwin by the few I have been was carefully examined, several pioneer and the houses look like little scattered able to contact during this short time." . offers· reviewed, appreciation expressed square boxes. There is no electricity, for the service of the pioneers, some of although a power project is now under Emmanuel Rock writes again from whom have gone out at great personal way. Samoa to tell us that Samoan schools are sacrifice, and concern expressed that no Joan and Ted Anderson (General De­ now concentrating on teaching English suitable pioneer has yet offered for Anti­ livery, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory) tell more than before, under the new de­ costi. us "Our arrival in Whitehorse and first velopment program. The question of a The situation in the Assembly areas, sight of the town was a bit of a shock. free library has been discussed 'time and reported by thf National Teaching Com~ .One of the first things we noticed was again at meetings of the Legislative mittee, was discussed with particular the· unpaved streets and the wooden or Ass~mbly, but no real action has been . reference to the L.S.A.'s that are now 4' November, t 953 below strength and to the need to in­ tensify work in the new goals. Emeric THE STOCKHOLM CONFERENCE Sala was asked to make a teaching tour Louis and Louise Boulder and Francoise Rouleau of the Canadian community during the winter. Appreciation was ex­ attended the Third Baha'i Intercontinental Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, July pressed for the teaching services of Mrs. 21st to July 26th, 1953. The following is a condensation of Louise Boudler's report. Peggy Ross in the Maritimes. It was recommended that the Regional Com­ mittees arrange to have either a repres­ It was indeed a privilege to be present pened. All in all, it was a most inspir­ entative or a message on the current at the inception of the work to be carried ing first session of the Conference. situation in Canada from the N.T.C. at out by the European friends, on a con­ Then came the presentation of the their teaching conferences. tinent so divided! "Let there be no mis­ Hands of the Cause to the Conference. Other national committees were dis­ take," said our beloved Guardian. "The Each one gave something from his prec­ cussed, several appointments made and avowed, the primary aim of this Spiritual ious experience and knowledge. Dr. a few projects assigned. Program and Crusade is none other than the conquest Furutim in his remarks said, "The Cae­ maintenance committees were set up for of the citadels of men's hearts. So, on sars of Rome and all the Kings of Persia the Laurentian School to be asked. to that Tuesday evening when the friends have had to submit to Islam . . . and the arrange a winter session. from thirty countries gathered at the question arises, how could a handful of Montreal was chosen as the site for informal reception before the Confer­ Arabs conquer the Kings of their day? the National Convention and the date ence, one was stirred by the realization of It is the power of the word of God that tentatively set at April 30, May 1, with the significance of the great event that overcame the power of those Kings ... a teaching conference on May 2. The was taking place, and by the fact that This world crusade is confirmed by the N.T.C. was asked to prepare agendas for one was privileged to be part of it. The power of the Holy Spirit, and soon all the provincial and national conventions Conference was blessed with the pres­ difficulties will be overcome." for review at the next meeting. John ence of fourteen of the nineteen Hands Roll call showed that 377 believers Robarts was delegated to represent Ca­ of the Cause-a wonderful roll call, add~ were present from 30 countries. The nada at the New Delhi Conference. ing lustre to the event, with Ugo Cia­ cable sent to the Guardian from this WE 'WELCOME. chery of Italy, special representative of Conference read "Immense Crusade the Guardian. . cause us rededication, greater devotio~ Mr. Frederick Devel, Vancouver, B.C., "The hour is now ripe to initiate be­ and loyalty". The chairman, Mrs. Miss Marion Could, Victoria, B.C., Mr. Marian Hofman, paid tribute to the fittingly and prosecute energetically the Peter Pikichyn, St. James, Man., Mrs. early teachers who had reflected Abdu'l­ Marguerite Samuels, Long Branch, Ont. European Campaign'', said the Guardian in his message to the Conference, and Baha's words-Mrs. May Maxwell, Mar­ tha Root and Edna True. CHANGE OF ADDRESS indeed the action taken by the friends Sec. Charlottetown L.S.A. during the sessions that followed was a In the afternoon was the unveiling Mr. Ernest Harrison, 245 Queen St. magnificent demonstration and portent of the Sacred Gift sent by the Guardian of things to come. -an exquisite portrait of the Bab. The COMING EVENTS friends filed past the portrait gazing In analyzing the message from the FEASTS reverently upon the Countenance-bow­ Guardian, the first item to be con­ ing or bending the knee in prayer. Dr. November 23-Qawl, Speech sidered was. the formation, under the ANNIVERSARIES Ciachery anointed each one with attar aegis of the N.S.A. of the United States, of roses as he approached the portrait. November 12-Birth of Baha'u'llah of one National Assembly in each of the November 26-Day of the Covenant The solemn hour and a half passed Scandinavian and Benelux Countries; in in profound silence. Our dear Persian November 28-Ascension of Abdu'l- the Iberian Peninsula, Finland, France, Baha friends, so close to the life of the One Austria, and one in Italy and in Switzer­ upon Whose Face we gazed, were moved N.S.A. MEETING land. The second item-the construc­ November 7-8-Montreal. to tears, as indeed were most of the tion of the first Mashriqu1-Adhkar of friends . • Europe in Frankfort, in the heart of ADDRESSES Germany, which occupies such a central In the evening a public meeting was position in Europe. Third-the purchase held at the Concert Hall, with Dr. NATIONAL SECRETARY of land for the future construction of two Zeine N. Zeine, of Beirut, Lebanon, as Mrs. Laura R. Davis, Mashriqu'l-Adhkars, one in the north in one of the speakers. His fine address, 44 Chestnut Park, Toronto. Stockholm, one in the south in Rome. entitled "The Reconstruction of Human NATIONAL TREASURER At this point, a cheque from a devoted Society" and given in English, was pres­ Mr. Lloyd C. Gardner, American pioneer was placed in the hand ented to a large and attentive audience. 156 Willingdon Ave., Oshawa. of the Chairman. That was all that was It was a beautiful address and delivered NEW TERRITORIES needed to set in motion a steady stream in such a loving and sincere manner. Mrs. Mary Andrews, of gifts-money, cheques, jewelry, paint­ Upon telling Dr. Zeine how proud we 276 Frost Ave., Rideau Park, Ottawa. ings, rugs, Baha'i rings, pearls and other were of his address, he remarked, "I NATIONAL TEACHING personal possessions-so many that they wanted it to be so very good-for the Mrs. Hedda Rakovsky, spilled over the table and on to the plat­ sake of our beloved Cause". 471A Strathcona Ave., Westmount. form! After it was all computed, there CANADIAN BAHA'I NEWS was· a grand total of $26,970.­ IN MEMORIAM Mrs. Gladys Harvey, $13,389.11 for the temple in Stockholm. Mrs. Rhoda A. Harvey, 36 Waverley St., Ottawa. Excitement! Everyone was so thrilled Kelowna, B.C. and overjoyed with what had just hap- November, 1953 5

Another step toward the accomplish­ means of gaining the full participation Audrey Rayne was asked to speak to a ment of the goals is to be the appoint­ of all present. church group on the Baha'i Faith. ment during Ridvan, 1954, by the Hands In Toronto, over 70 Baha'is from 15 Winnipeg have had several non-Baha'i of the Cause in Europe, of an auxiliary localities registered for the conference. speakers at their firesides. A youthful board of 9 members, who will assist, A wall-size map of the province, with the Anglican, who has jw;t returned from a through periodic and systematic visits to assemblies and goals marked, provided Christian conference in India told of his Baha'i· centers, in the efficient and visual aid in grasping the scope of the experiences and a Ukrainian journalist prompt execution of the plans formulated task facing the Baha'is of Ontario. A spoke of his experiences in Russia, Turk­ for the prosecution of the teaching camp­ meditation period at the opening and the estan and Iran. aign in the European continent. observance of the Feast of Will on Sun­ Pioneers-The Toronto community bade Thursday's session brought Musa day morning gave a spiritual impetus, farewell to Mrs. Ola Pawlowska at the Banani's story of the Kampala Con• which was felt throughout the week-end. Feast of Knowledge. Ola has gone to· ference. "No matter who opposes the The youth committee had charge of the the French islands of St. .Pierre and Cause, they are certain to fail", he said, Saturday evening program and gave a Miquelon as a pioneer. and told in detail how difficulties one series of humorous and thought-provok­ Fred and Jean Allen, and their chil­ after the other were overcome, ending ing skits depicting situations which dren, Lois and Keith, were welcome with the advice· that the friends could Baha'i youth encounter in everyday liv­ visitors in several Prairie cities and in take heart from the good results of the ing. Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, on their Kampala Conference. In Winnipeg, where the conference trip from Edmonton to Sydney, where Dr. George Townshend and Dhikru'­ met in ~e Cowan home, relaxation from they have gone as pioneers. llah Khadem spoke of the significance of more serious discussion was achieved by Halifax Baha'is said good-'bye to Mrs. the sufferings of Baha'u'llah. The latter a play "The Fireside Wood is Green" Grace Geary on September 29, when she quoted from the Tablet of Ahmed "re­ presented by the Community Players. left for Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, to member My days during thy days" and 1pioneer. FaJ,l Fairs Again-Highlight of the Baha'i said, "If the servants would remember News from Here and There - We are these words, such fire would enkindle exhibit at Kingston Fair was a projector and slide viewer with coloured pictures · happy to report that Celia Bolton is able the whole worldl" "The arrival of Baha'­ to leave the hospital and join her hus­ u'llah in Acea was in fulfilment of all the of the gardens at Haifa and the House of Worship. 1500 "Basic Facts" were band and little son in Moncton. prophecies, in all .the scriptures", he con­ The News Committee were glad to tinued. "Baha'u'llah addressed the Kings distributed and many contacts made, particularly among the exhibitors. receive a copy of the first number of and said, 'Ye are all slaves, I am the "Baha'i Relations" published by the Win­ King of Kings and My Kingdom shall Teaching-Mrs. Peggy Ross, Scarboro, nipeg Public Relations Committee ..Good come'. He suffered that the unity of made a teaching tour in the Maritimes work, Winnipeg! mankind might be established. This during September, visiting Baha'is and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Doell, Indiana, great day is the day of unity of all the their friends in Halifax, Charlottetown visited a fireside in London during the people of the world, the day spoken of and Saint John. During her trip .she summer. Mr. Doell is the holder of the by a:ll the prophets. It is the day of spent some time with our pioneer in international cup for magicians. Since judgment, when God shall judge His Grand Manan, Mrs. Doris Richardson. returning home they have sent for a copy people; The Universal House of Justice! In Pickering, a group of eight or ten of "Baha'i Prayers". This great day is the purpose and the children have a children's fireside. At Members of the Belleville community fruit of the sufferings of Baha'u1lah. He present they are studying the world of were invited to spend the eve of the was alone then, now He is not alone­ nature.· Adults in the Pickering com­ Jewish New Year at the home of the His lovers all around the world in 159 munity are studying Comparative Reli­ local rabbi. gions. countries are with Him. We do not hear Miss Amo Chesley, Saint John, reports His sufferings, but we hear His great­ Victoria has a series of firesides plan. that she has living accommodation for a grandson calling, calling for a World ned for the autumn on "The Spiritual woman pioneer, who wishes to come to Crusade. We are witnessing the greatest Road to Happiness". In Halifax, Mrs. Saint John, one of the Maritime goals. thing in the world, the fulfilment of prophecy ! ·This too is the significance of the sufferings of Baha'u'llah." Dr. NATIONAL PUBLISHING COMMITTEE Townshend spoke also of Abdu1-Baha's Has your community received a GEORGE RONALD catalogue? If not, prediction about. the Guardian - "In him we shall be happy to send you one upon request. The following publications is the greatest bounty, the greatest know­ listed therein are now available, as well as the titles previously stocked. ledge and the greatest power of God. Mysticism, Science and Revelation by Glen Shook, Ph.D., cloth ______$1.50 His face will illumine all the horizons of paper ____ .75 the world." A Life Plan by Peter Esslemont, cloth ------.75 (to be continued) paper ------.40 The Renewal of Civilization, in Norwegian ------.50 ACROSS CANADA God's Messengers by David Hofman, cloth ------2.00 God's Messengers is a book for children, handsomely produced with six Teaching Conferences-Ontario and Man­ illustrations in brilliant colour. There are seven chapters-told in language itoba got off to ·a good start with their suited to children of three to seven years; 64 pages, bound in bright red cloth. fall programs by conferences held in We expect to have it in stock by mid-December. Toronto and Winnipeg the last week-end We also have a few books in both French and German which are not in September. Both gatherings made listed on our August 1st PRICE LIST. Baha'u'llah and the New Era is also the Ten-Year Crusade the theme for uSlially available in Danish, Italian and Spanish. discussion and l\sed group dynamics as a ' 6 November, 1953

~ NATIONAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE Baha'i World Faith p. 449- 0 ye Faithful .•. upon you. Inspiring and Challenging Messages (4) Responsibilities of Baha'is-p. 36-37: Baha'i World Faith p. 85- \J from our Guardian as published in "Steadfast in our faith, firm in our This Divine Law. Baha'i Administration union, abounding in our hope, fervent in ANNIVERSARY FEAST (1) Our Common Servitude-p. 25: our spirit, and selfless in our labors, let/ ASCENSION OF ABDU'L-BAHA "May I also express my heartfelt de- us arise and with prayerful hearts make Nov. 28, 1953. sire that the friends of God in every another and supreme effort to fulfill these Small Blue Prayer Book p. 75- land regard me in no other light but last words of our Beloved ...: ··o ye that Tablet of Visitation. that of a true brother, united with them stand fast in the Covenant! ... This is Dispemsation of Baha'u'llah p. 41-50- in our common servitude to the Master's the secret of faithfulness. This is the An Attempt. Sacred Threshold, and refer to me in requirement of servitude to the threshold or Baha'u'llah and the New Era p. 85-88 their letters and verbal addresses always of Baha'." Groups-Station of Abdu1-Baha, as Shoghi Effendi, for I desire to be God Passes By p. 309-314- known by no other name save the one Suggested Readings Dispensation of Baha'u1lah. our Beloved Master was wont to utter, ANNIVERSARY FEAST or Baha'u'Uah and the New Era p. 82-84 a name which of all other designations is . THE BIRTH OF BAHA'U'LLAH The Passing of Abdu1-Baha. the most conducive to my spiritual N 12 1953 Prescription for Living p. 183-187- growth and advancement." ov. ' · Abdu'l-Baha ... ·Prophets of God. (2) What Are Our Dutfos?-p. 16: Small Blue Prayp: Book P· 72- or Baha'u'llah and the New Era p. 88- "0 . th d b d Tablet of Visitation. . As Exemplar of Baha'i' L1'fe. urs is e uty to strive · y ay B ha' w ld F th · 7 and night to fulfill our own obligations aO Mi or ai -1>':- 6 -68- Baha'i World Faith p. 407-408- and then trust in His Guidance and Y servants · ·i · attain. A:bdu1-Baha is Present. ·1· G U . th Gleanings P· 137-LXXI. Divine Art of L•·.,;ng· p". 28-29- never f ai mg race. ruty amongst e Gl 11 .v• friends, selflessness in our fabours in.His eanings P· 9-LXH. A Prayer of Abdu1-Baha. The Chosen Highway, p. 105-111- Path, detachmel}t from all worldly things, Ch. IV. Sug.gested Daily Readings the greatest prudence and caution in Gl eanings p. 306-CXLI. I. Gleanings P· 46-XIX. every st ep we take, earnes t en d eavor t o Oleanjngs P· 319-CLI. 2 Gl carry out only what is His Holy Will and Prayers and Meditations P· 25-XXII. . eanings p. 49-XXI. Pleasure, the constant awareness of His THE FEAST OF SPEECH (QAWL) 3. Gleanings p. 99-XLV. Presence and the ple of His Life. N 23 1953 4: D. A. of L. p. 26-P. & M~ 1-4. Should we in t · irit arise to serve Prayers and M:iftatfuns P· i 38_LXXXII 5. D. A. of L. p. 27-P. & M. 5-16. Him, what surer and greater promise Prayers and Meditations P· 172_CIII. 6. Baha'i World Faith p. 73-74- •-...... _,1 have we than the one His Glorious Hold Thou . . . the worlds. Gleanings p. 203-205- 7 Father. Baha'u1lah, gives us in His Most It heseemeth ... the Beneficent. . Baha'i World Faith p. 67-68- Holy Book: 'Verily, We behold you Gleanings P· 294~CXXXVI. 0 My servants! ... attain. from Our Rea:lm of Effulgent Glory, and or Baha'i World Faith p. 122_ 8. Prayers and Meditations p. 6~IV. shall graciously aid whosoever ariseth Chosen from the whole world. 9. Prayers and Meditations p. 222- for the triumph of Our Cause with the ah , ld CXXXV. 'la. hosts of the Celestial Concourse an:d a B ai Wor Faith P· 352-353- 10. Prayers and Meditations p. 69- company of Our chosen angels'." Serve the Kingdom. XLVII. Small Blue Prayer Book p. 67- 11. Baha'i World Faith P· 310.-311- (3) ABro ad V ision N ecessary-p. 18-19: Tablet of Ahmad .. "How keenly I feel at this challenging Spiritual Nature of Man. hour in the history of the Cause the need ANNIVERSARY FEAST 12. Baha'i World Faith p. 321-323- for a firm and definite determination to THE DAY OF THE COVENANT Man's Knowledge of God. subordinate all our personal likings, our Nov. 26, 1953. 13. Baha'i World Faith[. 251-254- local interests, to the interests and re- Gleanings p. 3-5-I. . The Divine Standar of Knowledge. quirements of the Cause of God! Now Gleanings p. 64-69-XXVII. 14. Mission of Bahdtillah P· 67-69- is the time to set aside, nay, to forget or Baha'i World Faith p. 102- Abdu1-Baha · · · fleeting world. altogether, minor considerations regard- The Generating Impulse of Creation 15. Mission of Bahau'llah P· 69- ing our internal relationships, and to (God's Eternal Covenant). But the journey··· will of God. present a solid united front to the world Gleanings p. 12-13-X-His Cause. 16. Hiildein Words (P)-75-76. animated by no other desire but to serve Baha'i World Faith p. 209- 17. Hidden Words (P)-80-82. and propagate His Cause ... Does not God's Will ... ancient Root. 18. Gleanings P· 106--107- · Abdu1~Baha wish us, as He looks down Baha'i World Faith p. 248- Say: So great··· eloquent voice. upon us with loving expectation from As to ... of this. 19. Small Blue Prayer Book p. 67- . His glorious Station, to obliterate as (Covenant of Baha'u1lah). Tablet of Ahmad. much as possible all traces of censure, of God Passes By p. 357-359- F D ·1 Med" • ,· conflicting discussions, of cooling re- To direct ... mighty cycle. or ai Y itatton . . marks, of petty unnecessary observations Baha'i World Faith p. 442- •. • _ "Through the faculty of _meditiiti.oJ? that impede the onward march of the 0 my loving friends ... descendants.•,.. ~man attains to . eternal Liff)r . ou~ Cause, that damp the zeal of the firm be- (Excerpts from Will and Tes~ it he receives the breath or. . *~t . Spirit-The bestowal of the ·\...... ,;. the Baha'i Cause in the eyes of the in- Baha'i World Faith p.4;4£1444- giveJl in reflection apd meditation: quirer?" 0 ye beloved ... distinguished; ; D. A. of L. p. FRED SCHOPFLOCHER

Hand of the Cause of God

Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy, and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life. AWORLD-RENOWNED SYMBOL of the great evol­ Two months later he attended the Canadian National ution of the Baha'i Faith, the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar at Wilmette, Convention before proceeding to the Intercontinental Con­ is nearing completion, representing the collective effort of ference in Chicago. At the convention he made valuable believers throughout the world and particularly in North contributions to the discussion, particularly of the Hazira America. Of the many international services to the Faith and the Temple plans and of financial matters. He yielded rendered by Fred Schopflocher over the last thirty years, to the urgent appeals of the Western delegates to visit their perhaps none is more enduring than his contribution to the communities at an early date. He spoke at the Feast of completion of the Temple. Mr. Schopflocher early under­ Ridvan on the functions of the Hands of the Cause of God stood the significance of the Temple and through numerous and shared some of the notes from his pilgrimage to Haifa in visits to the Guardian realized its importance to the growth January, 1953. This talk, so deeply moving, so inspiring, so of the Faith. It was after one of these visits to Haifa that revealing of the profound humility and devotion of the man, Mr. Schopflocher arrived at a National Baha'i Convention in will be long remembered by the friends. Wilmette and generated afresh an enthusiasm for resumption Fred kept his promise to the Western Canadian believers of construction work on the exterior ornamentation of the in the latter part of June. He brought them too a new Temple. It was for this service that t):ie Guardian called understanding of the Hands of the Cause and a clearer Fred Schopflocher "the Chief Temple Builder''. appreciation of our Guardian and of the tremendous services Born in Germany in 1877 of Jewish parentage, Mr. he renders the Baha'i World. Schopflocher was brought up along orthodox lines but, after Fred had a deep affection for the friends in India. He leaving school, ceased to follow the customs of his faith and had .been eagerly looking forward to attending the New leaned towards an agnosticism which included a search for Delhi Conference. It was not to be. He passed away in a more universal expression of religion. Years later, after Montreal at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 27, after a few he had become permanently settled in business in Canada, days' illness. Mr. Schopflocher heard of the Baha'i Faith and, shortly The funeral service was conducted by the Canadian thereafter, became a Baha'i. National Spiritual Assembly in Montreal on July 31. Burial In 1922, Mr. Schopflocher made his first visit to Haifa was made, at the Guardian's request, close to the grave of which was the beginning of many journeys to the Centre of Sutherland Maxwell, the first Canadian Hand of the Cause. the Faith. His devotion to the Guardian was immediate and On August 23, the Montreal Assembly arranged a memorial lasting and, on several of his international tours, the Guardian service in the Maxwell Home which was attended by mem­ gave him specific assignments to carry out. His trips, usually bers of the National Assembly and friends, mainly from the undertaken in conjunction with his business, took him to !'11~ntreal area. This service in Fred's home community was every corner of the globe -where he was able to visit Baha'i mtn~ate and personal. Many people recalled with loving communities and learned to appreciate, at first hand, the gratitude personal associations with Fred, kindly and helpful extraordinary bond linking the believers throughout the things he had done in his unobtrusive way, gifts of hospitality world in their love for a common Cause. Normally, as Fred or consideration that they had treasured sometimes for many said, it would have been impossible for a Westerner to make years. contact with so wide a variety of peoples in East and West, On August 28, a second memorial service was arranged especially on short and relatively infrequent visits to so by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States. many places, but the world-wide community of the believers A report of this service is published in the September issue of has destroyed all barriers. American Baha'i News. One of Mr. Schopflocher's earliest interests as a Baha'i The cable from the Guardian, the many messages re­ was in Green Acre which, when he entered the Faith, was in ceived from Hands of the Cause of God from National need of considerable improvement and repair. Mr. Schop­ and Local Assemblies, from individuals throughout the Baha'i flocher donated several important properties to Green Acre World and from many non-Baha'i friends and business as­ and played a major role in the development and expansion sociates attested to the deep sense of loss felt in every con­ of its facilities. Subsequently, when Geyserville was de­ tinent on the passing of this humble, staunch and devoted veloped as a Summer School, Mr. Schopflocher also took soul. a great personal interest in its success and attended many of its sessions. * * * During the period from 1924 to 1947, Mr. Schopflocher FUNERAL SERVICE was elected a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Montreal, 11.00 a.m., July 31, 1953 the Baha'is of United States and Canada for fifteen different Readings at the Funeral service: years. When the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada 1. Magnified be Thy Name, 0 Lord my God! P & M 6 was formed as an independent administrative body in 1948, 2. Many a chilled heart, 0 my God ______P & M 33 Mr. Schopflocher was elected a member and has continu­ 3. Glory to Thee, 0 my God ! But for the ously served on that body ever since. It was chiefly through tribulations ------P & ·M 155 Fred's efforts, with the able assistance of Horace Holley, 4. 0 Son of Man! Veiled in My immemorial that the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada secured a Being ------Hidden Words 3 · unique form of incorporation by an Act of the Parliament of 0 Son of Being! Thy Paradise is My Love Canada. Hidden Words 6 In this last year, coincident with his appointment as a 0 Son of Man! Thou art My dominion Hidden Words 14 Hand of the Cause of God, the Guardian instructed Fred 5. Know thou that the soul of man ______Gleanings 153 to assist the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada in the 6. Know thou of a truth that the soul ______Gleanings 155 establishment of the Hazira. • 7. The wisdom of the appearance of the spirit This brief sketch of Mr. Schopflocher's life was approved B. W. Faith 313 by him in Fehruary, 1953. · 8. Glory be unto Thee, 0 my God ______Baha'i Prayers 116 Mr. John Robarts, Chairman of the National Spiritual the bond which unites the hearts devoted to a common Assembly of the Baha'is of Canada, began the first part of cause, the oneness of humanity. This unity amongst his the service by reading the first three selections and then said: fellow believers was, to him, a foretaste of a united world. "These prayers and meditations are from the writings of Baha'u1lah, Founder of the Baha'i World Faith, of which "He saw too that this unity h~d religion-not sectarian­ our dearly beloved Siegfried Schopflocher was a devoted ism-as its core and he was devoted to this principle also. servant for over thirty years. He demonstrated it by his service and contributions to the erection of the Baha'i House of Worship, recently dedicated "At a time of sadness, these writings bring great com­ in Chicago, the chief symbol in the "':'estern world of the fort and strength. Baha'u'llah told us that we should not unity of religion. It was for this magnificent service that grieve at the passing of a loved one .. He said: 'Death is a the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith called Fred Schopflocher tender messenger of .joy that opens the door of eternal life the 'Chief Temple Builder'. through all the worlds of God.' So this is an occasion for rejoicing when we realize that our beloved Fred has at­ "Whatever he did, Fred did with intensity. His business tained that threshold of eternal joy and happiness. This life was active to the end, though he might easily have reward has been the promi.se of God, through all the ages, to retired many years ago. Even last week he made his custom­ those who arise to serve Him.'' ary three-day trip to Malone, N. Y., in connection with his business. For his devotion to his work, which, in the Baha'i Mr. Robarts continued with the next few selections from Faith, is regarded as worship, he will long be respected and the Writings. remembered. Mr. Rowland Estall, vice-chairman of the National "But his devotion to the Baha'i World Faith will be re­ Spiritual Assembly of Canada, then delivered the following membered for centuries. It is impossible, in these few brief eulogy:. words, to do more than name but a few of the many services "The wisdom of the appearance of the spirit in the he rendered to his Faith. The first of his many Baha'i body is this: the human spirit is a Divine Trust, and it must services was the interest he took and the contributions he traverse all conditions; for its passage and movement through made to the growth and development of the first American the conditions of existence will be the means of its acquiring Baha'i summer school in Green Acre, Maine. During a perfections. so; when a man travels and passes through period of twenty-seven years (from 1927 to 1953) he was different regions and numerous countries with system and elected a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the method, it is certainly a means of his acquiring perfection; United States and Canada, and more recently of the separate for he will see places, scenes, and countries from which he National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Canada, for will discover the conditions and states of other nations. He twenty different terms of office. We have already men­ will thus become acquainted with the geography o( coun­ tioned his outstanding service in connection with the building tries, and their wonders and arts; he will familiarize himself of the Baha'i House . of Worship. Only last year he was with the habits, customs and usages of peoples; he will see commissioned by the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith to assist .the civilization and progress of the epoch; he will become the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Canada in aware of the policy of governmentS, and the power and the establishment of a national Baha'i headquarters in capacity of each country. It is the same when the human Toronto. He had already made substantial contributions for spirit passes through the conditions of existence; {t will be­ this purpose before his death. During his international come the possessor of each degree and station. Even in the travels, he was able to carry on extensive teaching work for condition of the body it will surely acquire perfections.'' the Baha'i Faith. Only this month he returned from a two weeks'· teaching trip to the Baha'i communities in Western After reading this quotation, Mr. Estall said: Canada. ', "In this passage, written by Abdu'l-Baha, we are told "Is it any wonder, with all these services behind him, ' .. that just as our journeys to other countries may enrich our that the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, in January of 1952, ~owledge and understanding of peoples and cultures, so appointed him a Hand of the Cause, the highest station our i?urney through this life is intended to give us an op­ which can be accorded to a believer in this lifetime. portunity to acquire spiritual knowledge and perfections "Now Fred has gone on his final journey. We shall needed l~. our eternal growth and happiness. In reading it, it struck me'that this passage was particularly appropriate to miss him. To his relatives and friends we extend our Fred Schopflocher. sympathy in their bereavement. But we must glory in the record and achievements of one who lived so well and who "l!e loved to travel. He visited many countries-in the goes on this final journey so well equipped by a life of Near East, the Far East, Europe, South America and North service to the Cause of God and humanity. America, and Australasia. He knew all five continents. Most of his journeys were undertaken in the interests of his busi­ "A cable has just arrived from Shoghi Effendi, Guardian ness, in which he' was most successful. His many friends of the Baha'i Faith, which I shall read in part: 'Profoundly and associates in the business world regarded him as an grieved passing dearly beloved outstandingly staunch Hand expert and an authority in his chosen field. He was equally Cause Fred Schopflocher. Numerous magnificent services successful in his contacts with a great variety of men and extending over thirty years administrative teaching spheres women in many places, his friends and fellow Baha'is. United States, Canada, institutions Baha'i World Centre greatly enriched annals formative age Faith. Abundant re­ ....- "As a Baha'i, Fred believed in the oneness of mankind ward a~sured Abha Kingdom'.'' \"-"' and the oneness of religion. He contributed greatly to both. Well-known to believers. m Cairo, Alexandria, Rangoon, Mr,. Estall closed the service by reading the prayer for Bombay, Melbourne, London, all over the Ugi~ed States and the departed. A. second prayer for the departed was read Canada and IU!Uly other places, he saw arid experienced at the gr1wesiqe iri Mount Royal cemetery.· \.11 EULOGY over a hundred Baha'is attended. The speaker was Fred Schopflocher, our Canadian Hand of the Cause. He began at the Memorial Service held in the Temple his talk by quoting the Guardian's words to him on one of at Wilmette on Friday evening, August 28, his many visits to Haifa: silence is more eloquent than speech. 1953-by Mr. John A. Robarts, chairman of When Fred came to tell us of his latest visit, and of the the N.S.A. of Canada. · Guardian, and how he was told that now his work lay in the international field of the Cause, his voice broke, then THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF CANADA received stopped. In the silence which followed, there was an out­ the following cable from our beloved Guardian, "Profoundly pouring of the spirit which transcends syllables and sounds. grieved passing dearly loved outstandingly staunch Hand Silence truly became eloquent; the station of that devotion Cause Fred Schopflocher stop numernus magnificent services which merits the title 'Hand of the Cause' was openly re· extending over thirty years administrative teaching spheres vealed to the Canadian Baha'i Community. It was a deeply United States, Canada institutions Baha'i World Centre moving experience, as well as a blessing upon us all, whether greatly enriched annals formative age Faith stop abundant present or absent. The happy glow of a great occasion re­ reward assured Abha Kingdom stop advising American mained with us throughout the whole evening. May it be National Assembly hold befitting memorial gathering Temple with us throughout the Ten Year Crusade!" he generously helped rais.e stop advise hold memorial gather­ ing Maxwell Home commemorate his eminent part rise Fred had many wonderful qualities. His love for administrative o.rder Faith Canada stop urge ensure burial Shoghi Effendi was, in my opinion, the most notable. So close neighbourhood resting place distinguished Hand Cause ()ften he would tell us things the Guardian said to him on Sutherland Maxwell. Shoghi.'' one of his many visits to Haifa and his face would light up. Certainly our love for the Guardian has been enriched by In response to that cable we are very glad to be able association with Fred Schopflocher. . to report that Fred was buried a few feet from Sutherland Maxwell on the highest part of a beautiful cemetery on the Despite outstanding success in every field, Fred was a mountain of Montreal. . man of great humility. Going to his company's plant in Malone, New York, by local train every week for many years, The memorial service· was held in the Maxwell home he preferred to ride in the baggage car and play cribbage last Sunday afternoon. After the prayers and readings many with the trainmen. A number of those trainmen and border of his oldest friends expressed their love for him. They customs men came to his funeral to pay their last respects. related incidents of their association, spoke of his devotion to Shoghi Effendi, his thirty years of service to the Cause of I was told that six customs men lined up, three on each Baha'u1lah and what he had meant to them individually. side of the bier, and lovingly 'passed him through' for the last time. It was a really joyful occasion and we knew that death is a messenger of joy. We felt that Fred was present and It was during his last pilgrimage to Haifa in January of really loving the whqle service, as I am sure he is here and' 1952 that Fred was made a Hand of the Cause. He met loving this one too. · with the National Assembly upon his return and gave us a very interesting report of his pilgrimage but omitted to Fred's service to the Cause in Canada was a most mention his appointment. We learned of it some days later. devoted one. He served on the National Assembly since its inception in 1948, the Canadian Teaching Committee before There was one quality I know he would like to have that and on the Montreal Assembly for, I believe, thirty years. le~ as. an endowment to all Baha'is-that of punctuality. I As Treasurer he endeared himself to the believers across the thmk it safe to say that he was never late for a meeting. land by writing affectionate little notes of appreciation with He often said that he would rather be ten minutes early every receipt. than one minute late. Just a few days before he died he returned from a tour Fred was very generous. He not only gave large of Western Canada, visiting all the communities. He wrote amounts for the building of this Temple and for Green Acre, most enthusiastically about that tour as did the belieyers. but he was forever giving small presents that touched the The following paragraph from one of his letters writteQ. upon heart. his return is so typical of him. He exemplified the Baha'i teaching that work is worship. "I returned last. week from my Western trip and when At seventy-six he did a full day's work every day and he had I find time to sit down and write a report I shall send you great plans for the future. He intended going to the New a copy, which, I can assure you, will be good, as the im· Delhi Conference. One of his last sorrowful.remarks was, pressions and experience gained in my contact with the "Well, it looks as though I won't get to India after all". But Friends have been most delightful. The Western Assemblies he will be there alright. are small, yet everyone is active and enthusiastic and like an He told us so often that Shoghi Effendi had said to engine firing from all pistons. What they lack in quantity, him last year at Haifa, "Fred, you will visit Haifa many they certainly make up in quality. I hope to be able to times". He will too. write the report next week.'' Unfortunately that report was not written. Fred will be missed by all of us but we have been blessed in knowing him. . I should also like to read an excerpt from the Canadian Baha'i News report of our 1953 Convention. One thing we can be sure of-his love for the Guardian is reciprocated. Shoghi Effendi must have a deep and abid­ "The greatest highlight was the Ridvan dinner which ing love for his Hand of the Cause, Siegfried Schopflocher.

Published by Canadian .Baha'i News Committee - November, 1953