' NEWS

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'ts OF THE UNITED STATES

NO. 336 BAHA'I YEAR 115 FEBRUARY 1959

1Jnit'! - :lender and Compa:Hionafe

W THENEVER r eligion becomes a matter of passiv e lievers. Let u s sh are our resources with the local and W belief and the performance of ritual, human so­ n ational Baha'i Funds. Let us open our homes for ciety reveals fatal symptoms of self-destruction. At teaching inquirers. Let us realize that from day to day such a time the Prophet m anifests the Divine Will, re­ our individual lives, unassuming though they may out­ vealed as hope to those who recognize Him but a s wardly appear, contain the germ of superhuman qual­ terror to those who deny. ity and influence bestowed upon u s by our Creator . The In the Faith of Baha'u'llah the nature and purpose buried seed cannot yield up its treasure in cold, hard of religion is for the first time completely unveiled. ear th, nor can our latent virtues and capacities mani­ We who recognize in Baha'u 'llah the Word of God are fest their powers in an indifferent personality. called upon to demonstrate what faith in God actually It is not for any of us to cherish indifference a s a means at this stage in the evolution of man and reaction to what other believers do or fail to do. We society. each stand forth in the ey es of God as His creation, For Baha'is not only have access to truth ; we not meriting His blessing or His condemnation, as weighed only have before us supreme examples of heroism in the scales of perfect love and justice. As others and sacrifice ; we not only stand obligated to exercise join us in our effort to create unity, the rivulet of certain virtues and qualities; above all we are spiritu­ individual resolve becomes the irresistible torrent. ally obligated to establish the new world order, with Upon the Baha'is of the world rests the future des­ its local, national, and international elective institu­ tiny of mankind. We who call ourselves Baha'is, let tions. us disclose the m ystery of faith to our fellow me.n . It is through the Baha'i community that the bless­ This is the eloquence which surpasses the powers of ings of the new day are poured forth. The more speech, the understanding which human education can unified and active our community, the greater the never bestow. Unity , tender and compassionate, can bounty received in terms of assurance, justice, peace, alone survive the imminent perils of our day. brotherhood, and true progress. -U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY Your National Spiritual Assembly is grieved and shocked to report a poor attendance at state conven­ tions and a small number of votes cast by mail. Such William Sears, Hand of the Cause, a situation appears as a symptom of an ill that must To Serve in the Western Hemisphere be cured before it becomes a disaster to ourselves, our nation, our religion, and to the world. The American Hands of the Cause have been in­ Is the potency of our faith so weak that we tend to formed by the Hands of the Faith in the Holy Land reduce the teachings of Baha'u'llah to mere passive that it has been decided William Sears " will proceed beliefs? Have we become like the Christians, whose to the Western Hemisphere and reside there for the religion no longer guides the individual nor determines present. He will serve with the other Hands of the the great issues of a civilization? Cause residing in that hemisphere. " Beloved friends! Your National Spiritual Assembly When Mr. Sears arrives in America plans will be appeals to every individual believer to realize that formulated under which he will visit local communi­ our first and most important Baha'i obligation is to ties in the United States, and as far as possible in take an active part in the life of the Baha'i com­ Alaska and Canada. munity. Let u s each resolve to attend each Nineteen­ -CORINNE TRUE Day Feast with a heartfelt devotion to our fellow-be- H ORACE HOLLEY 2 FEBRUARY 1959 First Visit of a Hand of the Cause to Fiji and Samoa Islands Brings Great Bounty to Baha'is and Warm Public Reception

AND of the Cause Enoch Olinga, following his nine­ contact an isolated Fijian Baha'i who was able to intro­ Hday visit to New Zealand in October 1958 (January duce him to several friends, and a small gathering BAHA'i NEws), journeyed to Fiji and Samoa, where he ensued that evening. The result was that some Indian and the Message he brought were as warmly received school teachers were so impressed that they sent a as in New Zealand. special request to Suva that they be allowed to arrange On Sunday evening, October 26, Miss Lily Buksh had a public meeting for him to address upon his return the great bounty and privilege of meeting and wel­ from Samoa. This was agreed upon. coming the first Hand of the Cause to visit the Fiji Islands. From the very moment that he stepped from First Public Proclamation of Fa ith in Suva the plane, Enoch Olinga radiated love and joy to all he On Tuesday Mr. Olinga arrived in Suva, where he met. Even the Fijian porters refused to take the cus­ spent forty-three crowded hours before leaving for tomary tip for carrying his luggage, as they felt that Apia. He was first taken to the radio station, where here, indeed, was someone different. an interview was recorded. Then he was taken by a The following morning Mr. Olinga was driven by Fijian Baha'i for an interview with a reporter of the friends to Sigatoka, where it had been arranged that he local newspaper. As a result of this, a sympathetic article on the Baha'i Teachings appeared in the press on the morning of the public meeting. His first evening in Suva was spent with the Baha'is who had gathered at the I:Ia'.?iratu'l-Quds to meet him. After lovingly greeting everyone, he conveyed words of greeting from the Hands of the Faith in Haifa, and from the Baha'is of Africa, Australia, and New Zealand . He spoke of his experiences with the Guardian, and emphasized the Guardian's words that in these days it was not enough just to agree and sympathize with the fine ideals of the Baha'i Faith. We must be con­ verted to the Faith. But conversion was not enough, we had to have faith. But faith was not enough alone, we had to have great love. And even that was not enough, we had to teach the people and spread the Cause throughout all the peoples of the world. The Baha'is should not remain passive, but should become dynamic. Previously the Fijian Baha'is had worked quietly among the people, without attracting any public at­ tention, but with such a distinguished visitor coming it was determined to seize the opportunity to come out into the open.: The task was then to make sure that the Suva Town Hall was filled for this occasion. The public meeting was advertised over the radio in both the Hindustani and Fiji languages, 400 invitations were distributed, and the information was passed around verbally. As a result people of four races, representing five major religions, packed into Town Hall. It was esti­ mated that over 400 persons listened raptly, sympa­ thetically, and admiringly to Mr. Olinga's message. The leaders of an Indian religious society approached the Baha'is with a plea that they be allowed to ar­ range another public meeting during the few days that he would be in Suva upon his return from Samoa, and that the Baha'is were to be their invited guests. Early Thursday morning Enoch Olinga left by flying boat for Apia. Bus Load of Baha'ls Give Samoan Welcome Reproduction of a photo-mural in the Israeli Pavillion On the day of Mr. Olinga's arrival in Samoa, Oc­ at the Brussels World's Fair, showing the Bay of 'Akkci, tober 29, the friends hired a bus to travel the twenty­ the city Haifa, and the Shrine of the Bab . two miles to the airport to welcome him. On the way BAHA'I NEWS 3

hospitality and gratitude, and time was limited, they decided to combine into two meetings. On Saturday, November 1, a party of the Apia friends accompanied Mr. Olinga to Fasito'otai, where the B aha'is of the vil­ lage of Fasito'outa, Nofoali'i, and Fasito'otai had ar­ ranged a meeting. He was made ceremoniously wel­ come in a fale (Samoan house) , beautifully decor­ ated for the occasion, by the chiefs of the villages, Baha'i and non-Baha'i, and speeches of welcome were made. Highest Samoan Honor Given by Chiefs Mr. Olinga gave a short talk in reply on the unity of mankind and religion. This was followed by the king's kava ceremony, which is the highest honor that can be offered in Samoan custom. He was then presented with a kava root, and another was presented by the Baha'is, to be taken to the Holy Land. In Samoa the fale has no fixed walls, and so all afternoon people came by, watched, and listened. Many chlidren gathered around, as if drawn by a magnet. The Baha'i children presented a beautiful program, and many were moved to tears to hear the gems of Baha­ 'u'llah from their lips. The villages then served a feast, Samoan style, for all present. When Mr. Olinga departed, he left behind him an excited throng of people. Model of the Bahci'i House of Worship now under con­ struction near Sydney, Australia.

stops were made at the different villages to gather those friends that could come, and by the time the air­ port was reached about thirty believers eagerly awaited the arrival of their first Hand of the Cause and their first African brother. How lovingly he met the friends, and how they re­ turned his love! Soon he was laden with the South Pacific welcome, as lei upon lei of beautiful fragrant blossoms were laid upon his shoulders. After greeting the friends he gave a short talk in which he conveyed the love and greetings of the revered Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land and the friends in all the coun­ tries he had visited. 11 I II.I I That evening an assembly meeting had been ar­ 1ll l 111 I I I I ranged to officially welcome Mr. Olinga, and to dis­ cuss with him the many problems confronting the as­ sembly, particularly teaching work. During this ses­ sion much valuable guidance was given by Mr. Olinga, and his comments were of great benefit to the assem­ I bly. No public meetings, press, or radio interviews I were arranged, as the assembly did not think it wise at the present stage of development of the Faith in the Samoan Islands. A special meeting for close contacts in the Apia area was held on Thursday night, and about twenty people attended. Mr. Olinga gave an inspiring talk on the Faith, and this was followed by a spirited discussion for several hours. On Friday evening a meeting of all the Baha'is of the Samoan Islands had been arranged. The Baha'is and their contacts totalled over fifty persons, listening to Mr. Olinga's words and asking many questions. Construction of the Australian Bahci'i House of Worship As the friends in the villages wanted to show their near Sy dney had reached this stage in Nov ember 1958. 4 FEBRUARY 1959

Sunday afternoon was devoted to a meeting of the Leauva'a, Malie and Afega Baha'i groups. It was held in Leauva'a at the home of one of the Baha'is, and was attended by several non-Baha'i chiefs and contacts. Here Mr. Olinga was again welcomed, and he spoke about the Faith. Much time was devoted to questions and answers, which were most fruitful. This was fol­ lowed by a Samoan feast. That evening many of the friends called to say fare­ well, and to listen to Mr. Olinga's words for the last time. He lovingly presented each Baha'i family with a beautiful picture of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and there were tears in many eyes. Very early the next morning he left by car for the airport, but even at that hour the friends in the vil­ lages were gathered at the roadside along his route for one last farewell and the placing of the fragrant flowered leis upon his shoulders'. No words can adequately express the spirit, love, First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahci'is of Nuku'­ and harmony that pervaded all these meetings in Sa­ alofa, Tonga, formed on Aprii 21, 1958, and incorporated moa. The friends said it was as if the hearts were in November . This i s the first local assembly of the singing. It was a tremendous experience for the local Tonga islands, a U.S. goal. believers, whose horizons had been widened, whose de­ votion had been deepened, and whose desire to serve the Cause has been manifestly increased. Return to Fiji licious meal of native foods . The journey back up the river late at night was very relaxing, and those present Mr. Olinga's first appointment upon his arrival back will long cherish pleasant memories of his voice rising in the Fiji Islands was a visit to a village school. It above the sound of the motor as he taught the party its had been his special request that he be enabled to visit first Baha'i song. a Fijian village, and a Baha'i school master had ar­ The second public meeting in Suva was held in a ranged that Mr. Olinga might visit the village where motion picture theater which had been loaned to the he was teaching. Baha'is free of charge. Once again almost 400 peo­ He addressed the children after being entertained ple of many races and religions gathered to hear his with song and dance, and later spoke informally to address. their teachers over a cup of tea. Before leaving, the Mr. Olinga left Suva early next morning for his last Baha'i visitors were invited to a Fijian bure for a de- appointment in Sigatoka. Some of the friends gathered at the bus stop to bid him farewell, and as he left a much-needed rain gently began to fall, to mingle with the tears of the friends. The public meeting arranged by the friends at Sig­ atoka also proved to be most successful, and although this is only a small township, almost 300 people gath­ ered to welcome him and to hear his message. The hearts of the friends in all of Fiji are very full as a result of Enoch Olinga' s visit. It is their earnest intention to foster the growth of the many seeds sown by his visit, to keep the Faith before the public, and to rededicate themselves anew to the great tasks that lie ahead.

National Spiritual Assembly of South Pacific To be Formed in Suva, Fiji Islands, in April The formation of the first Regional Spiritual Assem­ bly of the Baha'is of the South Pacific will take place in Suva, Fiji Islands, during the first Annual Convention of the believers of that area on April 24- First Baha'i burial ground in Japan, located in Ashiya­ 26, 1959. shi. The land, 623 square meters in area, . was pur­ This is one of the World Crusade goals assigned by chased by A. Katirai, pioneer from ircin, and donated Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of to the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia the Baha'is of the United States. A teaching conference for use by Bahci'is of the Osaka area. the day preceding the Convention will be open to all BAHA'I NEWS 5

December 29. Thr ee observers were requested to serve: Ali akhjavani, Gila Behta and Charles Hassan. The United Nations for the first time has published a " list of non-governmental organizations recognized by the United Nations Office of Public Information for 1958. " Photostats of the pages bearing the titles and the name of the Baha'i International Community have been sent the various national spiritual assem­ blies as a prestige item. Twenty-six national assemblies have sent Baha'i In­ ternational Community letters endorsing the Genocide Convention as follows :- " Since the teaching and prac­ tice of the oneness of mankind is the cornerstone of the religion revealed by Baha'u 'llah, His followers throughout our jurisdiction recognize the vital impor­ tance of the Genocide Convention for assuring the pro­ First Baha'i group of Phnom-Penh, Cambodia, with tection of small and helpless races and peoples." Jamshed Fozdar, me.mber of the Auxiliary Board for -BAHA' I INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY Asia. National By-Laws Amended to Prov ide For Alaska's Admission as a State Baha'is, whether delegates OT visitors. The following information will be helpful to believers planning to Since the Territory of Alaska has become a State attend: of the United States, but possesses its own independ­ 1. Visas will be required by all non-British subjects. ent and permanent National Spiritual Assembly, the Applications for visas should be made to the nearest By-Laws of the Declaration of Trust have had to be British Consulate. amended so as to recognize this fact. 2. All must have a return ticket and sufficient funds The amendment appears in the National By-Laws, for the period of their stay in Suva, or be in pos­ Article 2, which now reads as follows: " The Baha'is session of a sea or air ticket to a destination outside of the United States, for whose benefit this trust is the Fiji Islands to which he or she has right of entry. maintained, shall consist of all persons resident in the 3. All must carry small pox inoculation certificates, several States, TerritoTies or Federal Districts of the except people from New Zealand and the surrounding United States, except Alaska, who are accepted by Pacific islands. the National Spiritual Assembly as fulfilling the re­ 4. Native peoples are not normally carried by ship­ quirements of membership in the Baha'i community ping or air lines without prior approval of the Im­ .. ., " etc. migration Department. It is very important, therefore, Believers are requested to add the words " except that the names and addresses of native Baha'is plan­ Alaska'.' to their personal copies of the Declaration ning to attend the Convention be sent to the Convention of Trust. This amendment will be included in the next Arrangements Committee in Suva so that it may take printing of the pamphlet. the necessary steps to obtain clearance. -U. S. NATIONAL SPIBITUAL ASSEMBLY 5. Requests for hotel or other housing reservations should be sent to the Convention Arrangements Com­ mittee giving the expected date of arrival and the anticipated length of stay. The living costs per day range from £ 3.5 to £ 1. 76 (Fiji pounds). The address of the Committee is: Miss Irene Jackson, c/ o Fiji Broad­ casting Commission, P. 0. Box 334, Suva, Fiji Islands. 6. All Baha'is expecting to attend the Convention and/ or teaching conference must carry with them proper credentials from their National Spiritual As­ sembly. - U .S. NATIONAL SPIBITUAL ASSEMBLY

Baha'i International Community Takes Part In Recent United Nations Activities Our collective international relations with the United Nations have been greatly strengthened in recent months through the following developments. The Baha'i International Community was authorized Baha'i school of Trung Gi an g, Central V i etnam. The to appoint observers to attend a conference of African J:Ia? iratu' l-Quds, in the background, serv es also as the nations held in Addis Ababa for ten days beginning school buiiding. 6 FEBRUARY 1959 Teaching Tour of Chile by National Assembly Representative Includes Visit to Southernmost Community of Baha'i World

N EXTENDED teaching tour throughout Chile was A made in October and November 1958 by Salvador Torma as representative of the National Spiritual As­ sembly of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Following are some of the interesting high­ lights of his trip: In Punta Arenas, the friends received the visiting Baha'i with great joy, saying: " We often have the sen­ sation of being on another continent due to our geo­ graphic isolation." His opening words were: " Punta Arenas can be proud of being in a strategic place in the world spiritually. It is like a lighthouse in the southernmost part of the world." Excellent publicity was given in the newspaper Prensa Austral and Sr. Tormo, with Sra. Dora de Handler, spoke over Radio Polar on the topic: " New Horizons." How necessary it is that those who can travel visit isolated Punta Arenas, is reflected in their local Bulle­ tin: " Our community feels spiritually renewed . . . his words of stimulation invigorated our spirits and hearts and gave us the necessary energy to begin a Mrs. Louise Crager at her pioneer post on Chiloe new era of greater activities." RU.J:iiyyih K_llanum Islands. She markets her vegetables, and states that wrote to this community in January 1958: "Your com­ prospective pioneers can earn a living from the land. munity had a special place in the heart of our beloved Guardian .. . he attributed great importance to the Lamp of Baha'u'llah which shines in that southern­ most goal of our Faith." On Chiloe Island, where the lone pioneer, Mrs. Louise In Santiago a number of meetings were held, as well Groger, stays steadfastly at her post, Sr. Torma was as a radio talk and interview with the editor of the able to give the Message to nine of her contacts. Later newspaper La Nacion. she wrote that one lady returned with her daughter In nearby Vina del Mar, Sr. Torma had the moving the next day to talk about " What is a Baha'i?" and experience of talking over the radio, addressing words promised to invite other neighbors to come to learn to the Juan Fernandez Island Baha'is, giving his loving about the Faith. greetings to them and the inhabitants of that island. The friends were delighted to hear his voice, as Sr.

Meeting held during the Regional Teaching Conference Sr. Torma giving a talk over R adio Polar at Punta at Quilpue, Chile, in November 1958. Arenas, Chile, in October 1958. BAHA'I NEWS 7

residents have expressed their interest in attending the forthcoming Summer School. In Quilpue, the Valparaiso and Quilpue friends, and others able to attend, held a successful Regional Teach­ ing Conference of about forty Baha'is. Sr. Torma said: " It was a marvelous conference, characterized by an elevated spirit of unity. " The owner of the salon where the public meeting was held expressed his feelings elo­ quently with the desire to become a Baha'i. The de­ liberations of the conference in the gardens of the Bulling home were also " magnificient," with the " mani­ festation of the spirit of hospitality and love of that Baha'i family." There, too, a joyful surprise awaited Sr. Torma as two married couples with their children, and another young man from Juan Fernandez Island (all now living on the mainland of Chile), came forward to embrace him. Some of the farm workers who were given the Baha'i Leaving Chile, Sr. Torma visited briefly Mendoza, Message at Loncoche, Chile, on the site of t'he Temple Argentina, where a poignant incident took place, re­ Land, National Endowment, and annual Baha'i Summer minding us of the prisoners' 'plea to the Frankfurt Con- · School, October 1958. ference to search out those in the prisons and give them the Message. A young prisoner had become interested in the Faith and had a copy of Bahci'u' Hah and the New Era in and Sra. Tormo were the Knights of Baha'u'llah who prison with him. Sr. Tormo was given permission to brought to birth their first local assembly. visit him, although it was not a scheduled visiting day. In Loncoche, Sr. Tormo spoke to nineteen farmwork­ The young man spoke enthusiastically and intelligently ers on the grounds where the Temple site and National about the Teachings, saying that if Sr. Tormo had come Endowment is located, and where the Loncoche In­ the next day, he would have introduced several other ternational Baha'i Summer School is held nine days young men to whom he was giving the Teachings. each summer. In the little city of Loncoche, the editor As they took leave of each other, the prison guard of the newspaper La Epoca asked him to stay an extra and chief standing nearby were greatly affected to see day to give a public talk. The decision was quickly the two men embrace each other as a father would made and Sr. Tormo, with Sra. Fabienne Guill6n, made embrace a loved son. Sr. Tormo later said: " I felt im­ a house-to-house visit that same night, giving personal pelled to give him a strong embrace . . the emotion invitations to attend the meeting. I felt at that time js unexplainable . . . a heavenly The next day forty-five people came to hear the talk, experience." including the important people of the town. The topic was: " Is There a Solution for This World Crisis?" After his departure, Sra. Guill6n told of her happiness to learn that the Baha'i Teachings were being discussed "on all the street corners of the town." A number of

Baha'i meeting in Punta Arenas, Chile, in October 1958, " Fruits of the Ten-Year Crusade": Sr. Torma with with National Assembly representative Salvador Tor­ Juan Fernandez Island Bahci'is and their children at ma, front center. Quilpue, Chile, in November 1958 . 8 FEBRUARY 1959

Brussels Assembly Publicizes Relationship and the finish work, which is scheduled for completion by mid-1959. Another item welcomed the timely re­ of Faith to United Nations Organization turn of a pioneer to Liberia. Two others saluted in­ digenous pioneers who are currently serving at dif­ Baha'is of Belgium ably demonstrated their sincere ficult, isolated posts. interest and cooperation with the work of United Na­ The notices for the two-month period included the tions in 1958. Brussels, Antwerp, Charleroi, and L iege scheduled meetings of the three local spiritual as­ Baha'is held public meetings in each city with good semblies, weekly public meetings and a detachable re­ newspaper publicity resulting. L'Afriqu e et le Monde , minder-calendar of Nineteen-Day Feasts and Holy published in Brussels, gave twenty-seven column inches Days. to a story on the principles of the Faith, and its re­ In several articles the paper fulfilled its function as relationship to United Nations, following a public talk a source of instructive information. Various aspects given at the Brussels Center. of the Baha'i life were touched upon, and the first of As a member of the Baha'i International Community a series of " Health and Home" was presented. represented by the National Spiritual Assembly of The friends in Area Seven are to be congratulated the Baha' is of the United States, the Brussels Assem­ on their achievement. The Crusader is a paper proudly bly has been placed on the regular mailing list for added to the family of Baha'i publications. documentation and visual aids produced by UNESCO and distributed from Paris. Sufficient copies are sup­ 40 Baha'is of Eritrea and Ethiopia Attend plied to provide each communtiy and group in Belgium, Holland, and Luxembourg. Third Annual Summer School in Asmara The third Baha'i Summer School of Asmara, E ritrea, Kampala Assembly Secures land held on August 23 to 31, 1958, was an attempt to fulfill the wishes of the Guardian, when, in his cable For a Baha'i Burial Ground of September 1957 addressed to Asmara, he assured Formal application for land for a Baha'i cemetery the friends of his fervent prayers for the expansion of to the Kampala, Uganda, Municipal Council has been this important institution. Adiugri, a small village made by the Kampala Local Spiritual Assembly, fol­ about sixty kilometers outside Asmara, was chosen to lowing preliminary inquiries. witness the sowing of the "establishment of order in the world and of the tranquillity of its people .... " A meeting was called with the Medical Officer of During a whole week over forty friends lived together Health, and the Parks and Cemeteries Superintendent, in the Hotel Bellavista, sharing the same spirit, devo­ and a piece of land was offered in one of the municipal tional gatherings, Holy Writings, classes, discussions, cemeteries. This was accepted by the Kampala As­ and recreation. sembly, and by December 4, 1958, all details were Friends from many places in Eritrea and Ethiopia cleared up and a plot of land was marked out for the came to partake of this true Baha'i life: Addis Ababa, Baha' i Faith in the Nakawa Cemetery. Gondar, Adiqualla, Massawa, Agordat, Barentu, and The Baha'i plot is pleasantly located, shaded with tall Asmara. A further blessing was the presence of Eri­ eucalyptus trees, and has a metalled road to its en­ trean Baha'i ladies among the new believers that were trance. It is almost 1200 square yards in area, with attending their first summer school. space for about forty graves. A diversified program covered these subjects: A fence of flowering shrubbery ensures its privacy "Baha'i Administration" by Charles Hassan of Addis from the surrounding graveyards, and the Baha'is have Ababa, "Baha'i History" by D r. Hushang Ahdieh of permission to improve the hedge, to lay out paths, and Asmara, " Islam" by Mrs. Jeanne Mesbah of Asmara, generally to make it a place of simple beauty. " The Laws and Ordinances of Baha'u'llah" by Dr. Far­ houmand, and "Meditation" by Dr. Walter Nieder­ Northwest Africa Teaching Committee Issues reiter. In the evenings, Mrs. Niederreiter, who had recently Bi-Monthly Newsorgan, "The Crusader" returned from Frankfurt, Germany, spoke about the Intercontinental Conference there. H er eloquent way Northwest Africa's Regional Teaching Committee of presenting the spirit of this conference was deeply Number Seven for L iberia and Sierra L eone recently felt by everyone. distributed the first issue of its publication, The Cru­ Interesting and important discussions followed every sader. session, especially after reading Teaching Problems by The objectives of the newsorgan, according to the R ul).iyyih K hanum. introductory statement made by the RTC, are to serve The youth of Asmara showed their desire to deepen as " a source of news, hope, and inspiration" to the their knowledge as Baha'is by taking an active part friends, to act as a means of promulgating official in all the activities of the school. notices, and to help unite the region in itself and each To close this wonderful summer school, the Youth believer to the international Baha'i community. In an Committee of Asmara presented a play, " The Assem­ excellent effort to achieve these objectives the nine­ bly's Growing Pains," by Rul).iyyih :Kb.anum. This page paper devoted space almost equally to each. play was later filmed as a record of this historical The leading news item was a report on the construc­ summer school, which is "to evolve into the Baha'i tion of the Mother Temple of Africa. It spoke of prob­ universities of the future. " lems concerning the erection of the dome structure -JEANNE MESBAH BAHA'I NEWS 9

Asmara Baha'i Community Attains New Goals for Faith

Top left: The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha' is of Asmara, Eritrea, which received legal recognition as a religious body by the Government of Eritrea on November 13, 1958.

Lower left: Third annual B aha'i Summer School held at Asmara on August 23-31, 1958.

Top right: Baha'is of Asmara attending a recent youth conference.

L ower right: L and for the I:fo?iratu'l-Quds of Asmara. Another goal recently achieved is the acquisition and government approval of a burial ground for the Asmara B aha'i community. 10 FEBRUARY 1959

Religious and Civic Groups Join in Observance ciology at Loyola University; cultural, Maurice B. Mitchell, president of Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, of Human Rights Day at Baha'i Temple Inc. Each panelist commented ably on his respective field, the latter three stressing mostly conditions that A tenth anniversary celebration of the Universal Dec­ exist in the home communities of this area. laration of Human Rights was held in Foundation Hall After the panelists' presentations, a very lively dis­ of the Baha'i Temple ori the evening of December 8, cussion period followed, with numerous questions be­ co-sponsored by the Baha'is in surroun.di.ng comr_nu­ ing asked. This enabled Dr. Pereira to illustrate ways nities and the following religious and c1v1c orgamza­ in which the Baha'i Teachings apply to problems of tions: Evanston Human Relations Council; United Na­ human relations and human rights, and how they are tions Association of Evanston; North Shore Human resolved in the Baha'i community. Relations Council; American Jewish Committee, and A literature table, located near the entrance to the Catholic Interracial Council. Foundation Hall, permitted each sponsoring group to An appropriate atmosphere was established for the display literature on its organization, as well as ma­ meeting by the playing of a recording, loaned by St~­ terials on the Declaration of Human Rights. In addition tion WEAW of Evanston, of the preamble to the Um­ to this a special leaflet was prepared, giving some versal Declaration of Human Rights made by Sir Laur­ background on each organization and placed on all of ence Olivier, the English actor, at the first anniversary the chairs so that each guest could have a copy. of that Declaration in New York City. In spite of extremely inclement weather, with haz­ Dr. John Slawson of New York City, member of the ardous driving conditions and sub-zero temperature, executive committee of the United States National there was an attendance of over 200, about half of what Commission to UNESCO, anp executive vice-president was anticipated had the weather not been so severe. of the American Jewish Committee, was the keynote This tenth anniversary celebration had its inception speaker, reviewing in an authoritative manner the his­ when the National Spiritual Assembly approved a sug­ toric first Universal Declaration, the progress made gestion from the Evanston Baha'i Assembly, who were since that time and the weaknesses and problems that in turn asked to take the initiative in planning such a presently exist: making impossible a realization of the meeting, with the support and co-operation of the Wil­ full import of that Declaration. mette, Winnetka, Waukegan, Chicago, Maywood, E lm­ A four-member panel, as follows, then proceeded to hurst, Batavia, and Oak Park Baha'i communities. comment on various aspects of the bill of human All planning, publicity, and preparation of several rights, its successes and failures.:,. civil~ . Dr. Sarah thousand invitational flyers (which the American Jew­ Martin Pereira, member of the Baha 1 Aux1hary Teach­ ish Committee prepared af no cost in their Chicago of­ ing Board and professor of lan~uages at. Tennessee A. fice) was handled by a central planning commitee com­ and I. State University, Nashville; rehgwus, Rev. Ty­ posed of one representative from each sponsoring ler Thompson, professor at Garrett Biblical Insti­ group. Mrs. Eunice Braun, chairman of the Evanston tute; economic, Dr. Paul Mundy, head of Dept. of So- Baha'i Assembly, represented the Baha'is on this com­ mittee, and took the initial steps in contacting and consulting with the other organizations that eventually resulted in a plan for the co-sponsored meeting. Mrs. Braun also opened the meeting, welcoming the guests to the Temple on behalf of the Baha'is, and extend­ ing an invitation to visit the Temple auditorium after the meeting, which was kept open and lighted for this purpose. All of the speakers, and many guests, accepted this invitation, this being the first visit for many of them to the Baha'i Temple. Lee Thorpe of Evanston, chairman of the Evanston and also the North Shore Human Relations Councils, acted as moderator for the meeting. At the request of the committee, three members were suggested as hosts to the speaker and panelists at a dinner preceeding the meeting, as follows: Lee Thorpe, chairman of the planning committee; Dr. Wal­ ter Zand chairman of the Chicago chapter of the American' Jewish Committee, through whose auspices Dr. Slawson was obtained as a speaker; and Mrs. Eu­ nice Braun of the Evanston Assembly. This meeting en­ abled the speaker and panelists to get acquainted with each other, and to make arrangements for the best or­ der of presentation at the meeting. It was noted that quite a number of questions concerning the Faith were asked at this dinner, and Dr. Slawson, who showed a Baha'i display recently u sed in a bookstore w indow in deep and respectful interest, reflected this in his Porto Alegre, Brazil. Similar displays have been ex­ opening comments at the public meeting in Foundat10n hibited in Curitiba, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janiero, Bahia, Hall. and Jundiai. Dr. Sarah Pereira has reported that upon her re- BAHA'I NEWS 11 turn to Nashville she received an invitation from Mrs. guests. A Negro minister of the local Baptist Church Johnson of Fisk University, widow of the late, famed was much impressed by Mrs. Herbert' s presentation. president of Fisk, and present chairman of the Na­ The Jewish speaker stated he had never appeared on tional Council of Negro Women in Nashville, to give a a panel with anyone so well-qualified. report on the Wilmette observance at their next meet­ A direct result of this meeting was an invitation ing in Nashville. Dr. Pereira feels that this offers a from the Presbyterian Church for a Baha'i youth speak­ much-desired opportunity to make contact with Negro er. An invitation also was received from the Buddhist leaders of Nashville and acquaint them with the dis­ speaker to attend the opening of the new Buddhist tinguishing features of the Baha'i Faith. Temple in Ontario, Ore., in February. The meeting itself offered excellent opportunity to make contact with several leading organizations, as well as with the outstanding speakers who participated Correction in Message from Hands of Cause in the program, and the many guests who attended. The friends are requested to make the following cor­ Beverly Hills Human Rights Day Observance rection in their copies of the Message from the Hands of the Cause dated November 30, 1958, which they re­ Attracts Many New Contacts to Faith ceived as an insert in the January issue of BAHA'f NEws: page 1, second column, fifth last line, to read Beverly Hills, Calif., commemorated the tenth anni­ " the twenty-second year of its unfoldment . . . " versary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights -U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY with a meeting at the YMCA, attended by 100 persons, the majority of them guests who had had little or no contact previously with the Faith. A well-planned program began with a showing of the Baha'i Booth at Utah State Fair Attracts film, "Lady From P hiladelphia," starring Marian An­ Many Thousands of Visitors derson, who was recently appointed as U.S. delegate to the Thirteenth General Assembly of the UN. The The Baha'is of Utah recently united in a state-wide film, first presented on the Edward R. Murrow tele­ effort to present the Baha'i Faith to the public by vision program last year, covered Miss Anderson's preparing a well planned booth at the Utah State Fair trip through the Far East as an emissary of the U.S. in Salt L ake City. More than half the population of State Department, and was a vivid expression of the Utah attended from September 12-22, offering a unique theme of Ruma~ Rights. teaching opportunity to the Baha'is. Miss Helene Boughton, vice president of the Los An­ Baha'i communities of Utah assisted in the work of geles chapter of the UN Association, spoke on the financing, building, and manning the booth. Utah is historical background of the Declaration and on cur­ fortunate in having Baha'is of many talents, with the rent developments in upholding it within the UN. result that the 16x16 foot square booth gradually took Charles Wolcott, member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, followed, expressing the Baha'i viewpoint that all "human" rights originate with God. The Beverly Hills Baha'is feel that the program, along with the fellowship that developed through a social period following it, and the literature presented to the guests, did much to encourage the interest of about twelve persons wishing to make a further study of the Faith. In addition to personal contacts, many types of pub­ licity were used to attract attention to the meeting, including newspaper ads, a feature story in the local newspaper, spot announcements on local radio stations, and invitation-programs sent to many civic, cultural and service organizations.

Four Faiths Participate in Panel Discussion at Human Rights Day Observance in Boise The observance of Human Rights Day in Boise. Idaho, November 29, was sponsored by the Baha'is of Boise and Ada County communities in the YWCA in Boise. The speakers represented the Buddhist, Jew­ ish, and Christian faiths, with Mrs. Jesma Herbert presenting the Baha'i view. This was the best attended meeting held by the Baha'is for some time, there be­ Baha' i booth at the Utah State Fair in Salt Lake City ing fifty-one present, of whom twenty-three were from September 12-22, 1958. 12 FEBRUARY 1959 on a professional appearance. The booth had a prize-winning appearance, from the draped ceiling to the carpeted floor. Symbols of the world' s religions, Baha'i principles, and the names of the Divine Revelators, strikingly lettered in brilliant gold on a soft black background, decorated the walls. Tasteful furnishings from Baha'i homes, and plants in green and red effectively set off the simple decor. Four spotlights illuminated the points of interest. The booth was open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and was well served by Baha'is. The paid personnel of surrounding booths were constantly amazed by the spirit of service shown by the Baha'is. It was an exciting experience! When crowds were large, Baha'is, who " never convert," talked to inter­ ested people in the booth, and even went out into the aisle to " buttonhole" more timid souls. Fifteen hun­ Second annu al Summer School held at Asun r;ion, Para­ dred pieces of Baha'i literature were given out selec­ guay, on December 13-14, 1958. tively, to prevent careless discarding of it on the fair­ grounds. A guest book was kept on the counter for the names of those desiring additional literature or notice of future meetings. the day, and many sincere comments and expressions It would seem likely that half of the 250,000 visitors of appreciation were given to Mr. Pettit and Mr. passed the Baha'i booth, and, in doing so, had an op­ Dennis. The college president and the program chair­ portunity to learn of the Baha'i principles. Never be­ man remarked that the Baha'i Faith was the most fore has the Faith been so widely presented to the pub­ interesting religion they had studied. lic in the State of Utah. The effort was extremely re­ warding in the spread of the Message, as well as to all of the individual Baha'is who served. A large per­ Southern Rhodesia and Northern Mozambique centage of the Baha'is of the state joined in a spirit of service and, as a result, a new unity was found. Hold Area Teaching Conference All of those who cooperated in this effort, have been made aware of " a grace vouchsafed unto him who The Area Teaching Committee of Southern Rhodesia serves." and Northern Mozambique held a successful Teaching Conference on November 15-16, 1958. Baha'is came from Bulawayo, and almost every Conway, Ark., Methodist Student Movement Baha'i from the Salisbury area attended at least one of the sessions. Studies Baha'i Faith at Hendrix College The theme of the conference was " Deepening." Lengthly and interesting discussions were held on these The Methodist Students' Movement of the First Meth­ questions: What is the purpose of deepening, and How odist Church of Conway, Ark., which draws its mem­ can we deepen ourselves in the Faith? bership from Hendrix College and the State Teachers College, invited Paul Pettit and Eldon Dennis to speak In his opening remarks H astings Hojane, chairman of on the Baha'i Faith on November 16, as a part of the conference, said, "I wish you to join together in their study of various religions. prayer and devotion. " He said he believed that every­ The Baha'is were invited to spend the entire day one realized the importance of the Area Teaching Com­ with this group, and the whole day was spent in talking mittee, and told us that we had come with two baskets with them about the Faith. The day began at 9 :45 within us, one full and the other empty. It was every­ a .m. with a lecture at the church on the general one's duty to empty the one which was full, and to principles of the Faith, attended by about forty-five fill the other. By joining in the consultation and giving persons. ideas, the full basket would be emptying ; by listening During lunch at Hendrix College a group of nineteen and taking notes of what others said, we were filling asked questions and sought additional information, then the empty basket. this group adjourned to the Faculty Lounge for further The workshop method proved very successful, and discussion lasting more than two hours. all discussions were more clearly understood when This was followed by dinner at the church, attended they were presented in a summary. It was brought out by about forty persons, during which time the stu­ that the purpose of deepening was to enable us to dents at the individual tables asked one question af­ stand fast and firmly as a tree with our roots firmly ter another. When dinner was over an hour's discussion embedded in the teachings, and that we were not to of questions and answers followed, with fifty-six at­ be swayed from our truth. We can effectively deepen tending. When time ran out the questions were cur­ ourselves by constant attendance at regular meetings, tailed, and the meeting was brought to a close with by participating in teaching activities, and by follow­ a Baha'i prayer. However, about twenty students ing a well-planned teaching course from the Sacred stayed and asked questions on an informal basis. Writings. Over 200 pieces of literature were distributed during The conference felt that there were new believers BAHA'I NEWS 13 that needed great assistance from the older Baha'is, one whose heart throbs with love for Baha'u 'llah has and it was felt that they could grasp more of the failed to be stirred by the joyful hope of the estab­ Baha'i Teachings, and at the same time increase their lishment of the Universal House of Justice in 1963, nor interest, if given responsibility within their grasp, and by the appeal to each individual to do his share to by being encouraged to ta,ke part in extension teaching bring the beloved Guardian's Crusade to a triumphant trips. cons um ma ti on. After a recess for dinner, the friends gathered to Twenty of the Pillars of the Universal House of Jus­ hear mes.sages. from Hand of the Cause John Robarts, tice-twenty new national spiritual assemblies-must and from the National Teaching Committee. A talk be established in Latin America. While the past five was given by Mrs. Audrey Robarts on " Extension and a half y ears have witnessed a great expansion of Teaching," which is our great need in spreading the the Faith in many of these Republics, the minimum Cause. base for a national assembly, the required number On the next day the discussion touched mostly on of local assemblies set by the beloved Guardian still " Baha'i Administration." It was brought out that know­ remains to be built in no less than ten of them. As ing the Administration would enable us to love and pointed out by the Hands of the Cause, this year is appreciate any responsibility given us, that we would critical. The required new local assemblies must be not absent ourselves from meetings unnecessarily, and started immediately in order to achieve the victory. that we would have confidence within ourselves in The Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee wel­ our teaching. comes the offer of any volunteer to pioneer in Latin Finally there was a quiz presented by Mrs. Florence America, or to fill the place here in the United States Fat'he-Azam. The quiz was so arranged that the Ba­ of someone who is ready to leave but cannot until ha'is wished they had read m ost of the books before his place on an assembly or goal group is taken. the quiz! Later on a copy-list of where to find the Address: Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, secretary; 73 answers in the Baha'i books was given for reference. College Road West ; Princeton, N.J. This meant that the friends would have to look up - WESTERN HEMISPHERE TEACHING COMMITTEE the answers, and in doing so would help to deepen themselves. -SoUTH AND WEST AFRICA NEWSLETTER Stresses Value of "The Baha'i World" In Teaching at Pioneer Outpo-sts Ten Latin American Countries Need More Pioneers Assuming that each Baha'i who reads this already To Attain Formation of National Assembly has his personal copy of The Baha'i World, Vol. XII, have you ever thought of its forceful teaching value Following the beautiful and stirring message of No­ in pioneer outposts, or in any part of the world where vember 30 from our leaders, the Hands of the Cause literature is scarce and the Faith is little known? of God, the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee Although this international record is timeless in its again renews its appeal for pioneer volunteers. No value to Baha'is as an historical record and document

. I • ' '

Baha'is of Lancaster and Millersville, Pa., combined efforts in observance of Human Rights Day. There was a public meeting at the YMCA in Lancaster on December 7, following the state convention, with Annamarie Honnold speaking on " A Baha'i Looks at Human Rights." The above photograph shows the Human Rights dis- play in the window of the Lancaster Free Public Library for one week before the meeting. 14 FEBRUARY 1959 of the period covered, now is the time when it should be where it can command the attention of the public wherever possible. Perhaps you, or your assembly, know of a college or university library that does not have this volume. Inquiries from college students doing research on the Faith increases constantly at the National Center, and there is no better work to which to direct their at­ tention. In 1928 Shoghi Effendi urged " prompt and widespread circulation" of these volumes, stating they stood " un­ excelled and unapproached by any publication of its kind" in the literature of our Cause. Although The Baha'i World has been enlarged and developed con­ siderably since that date, it is doubtful that we have yet achieved the circulation which the Guardian stated in this same letter would "arouse unprecedented in­ terest among all classes of civilized society." (Baha'i Administration, p. 157) Entrance to the remodeled cafeteria at Geyserville Volumes XII is shipped postpaid to any point in Baha'i School in California. the U.S. and Territories for $15.00, to any point outside of the U.S. for $15.75, or, if sent as a gift outside the U.S. (with the recipient to be selected from list at the Baha'i Publishing Trust) the cost will be $15 .00 also. the improvement of the school. A flat rate of $10.00 In the latter case the name of the donor of the gift per week will be charged all registrants for the work­ volume is sent to the recipient so that the source of study sessions to apply on the cost of food and lodging. the gift is known to them. Anyone who is interested in a scholarship for the -BAHA'I P UBLISHlNG TRUST Youth Session or the regular sessions should apply to the Geyserville Baha'i School, Geyserville, Calif. Los Angeles Community Sets Goal Brotherhood Award Given NSA Chairman For Regular Contributors to Fund H. Borrah Kavelin, chairman of the U.S. National As one of its local objectives in the homefront cam­ Spiritual Assembly, and five other leaders of religion paign the Local Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, in this country were given Brotherhood Key awards by Calif., has set a goal of 70 % of the members of the the Labor Temple Fellowship, Inc., at a Brotherhood community as regular contributors to the Baha'i Fund. Brunch on December 21. This large interfaith group Progress reports are given by the treasurer at each is affiliated with the Carnegie Endowment for Interna­ Nineteen-Day Feast. tional Peace. Mr. Kavelin spoke for about fifteen min­ Starting with April 21, 1958, as the base, the num­ utes on the Baha'i Faith, its Divine Source, and what ber of regular contributors has steadily increased un­ Baha'is throughout the world are doing in the promo­ til at the end of the first six months the percentage tion of brotherhood. had almost doubled. This is one aim on which all communities and groups should focus attention during the next four years. Baha'i Message Given at All-Faith Chapel -U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY The All-Faith Chapel of Solar Aircraft Co., San Diego, Calif., invited Michael Rochester, a local Baha'i, to speak at chapel services in December. Brief talks Geyserville Baha'i School Announces and readings from the Baha'i Writings were given to Dates for 1959 Sessions two groups of employees, totalling about 100 persons. Speakers for the services are selected by an inter­ The Geyserville Baha'i School Program Committee faith board of nine employees, one of whom is a Baha'i. has announced the dates of the 1959 sessions, which The chapel, built by employees with company funds, have been approved by the U.S. National Spiritual was dedicated in 1955 at a service in which the Baha'i Assembly as follows: community was represented. June 21 to June 28-Youth Session June 29 to July 4-Work-Study Session July 5 to August 16-Regular Sessions BAHA'I IN THE NEWS August 17 to August 29-Work-Study Session August 30 to September 7-Regular Session A handbook published by the University of Chicago No adults will be registered for the Youth Session in its section devoted to religious groups refers to the except staff members necessary to run the school. Baha'i discussion group "created to relate the ethical Youth will also be welcomed at all other sessions. teachings of the Baha'i Faith to the life on campus." The work-study sessions will have a minimum study The Standard Oil Company map of Chicago and program of one class per day and devotions. The vicinity includes the Baha'i House of Worship in its rest of the time will be spent on work projects for section on points of interest. BAHA'I NEWS 15

tains a full page picture of the B aha'i Temple. The Israel Review, a monthly summary published by the Legation of Israel, Bangkok, contained in its May issue illustrations of the International Archives building and the Shrine of the Bab. Wilmette Life, August 28, published a story con­ ·cerning the two Baha'i programs telecast over WBBM­ TV on August 24 and August 31. The same issue ran a photograph of an express cruiser sailing on Lake Michigan with a view of the Baha'i House of Worship in the background. Wisconsin State Journal, Sunday, August 3, pub­ lished a feature story by John Newhouse explaining Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahci'is of Davenport, the importance to surgery of an urea solution develop­ Iowa, for 1958-1959, incorporated on November 5, 1958, ed at the University of Wisconsin as result of research making the eig'hty-fourth local assembly of the COTh- extended over a period of years. Prominently identi­ tinental United States to be incorporated. fied with the new development was Dr. Manucher J avid, associate professor of neurosurgery, and a member of the Baha'i Faith. The significance of the urea solution is that it lowers the pressure within Mark Tobey has won a grand prize at the Venice the skull- of vital importance in cases of cranial sur­ Biennals, the most important international art exhibit, gery. The article was illustrated by a photograph show­ Life Magazine for July 21 , 1958, reports. ing the actual operation in progress. The story of Mr. Tobey is the first American artist to win this this important event was also distributed by United honor since James McNeill Whistler some fifty years Press. The New York Times story on Sunday, Aug­ ago. ust 24, stated: "The two Wisconsin scientists were The Ladies Home Journal for October publishes on Dr. Manucher Javid, associate professor of surgery, page 14 an excerpt from Prescription for Living by and the late Dr. Paul Settlage, associate professor Rul)iyyih Khanum. This magazine each month uses of anatomy." a brief selection from various literary works. The Stars and Stripes, newspaper of the American The Bulletin of the Business and Professional Wom­ armed forces in Europe, on August 2 mentioned the en's Club of Lancaster, Penna., quotes a statement Intercontinental Conference in Frankfurt, and illustrat­ by 'Abdu'l-Baha concerning the mission of women. ed the model of the Baha'i Temple to be constructed The American Mercury, October issue, publishes a in Europe. letter from the National Spiritual Assembly correct­ People and Places, an illustrated monthly magazine ing an erroneous reference to the Faith in an article published by DeSoto dealers, carried in September entitled " The Brotherhood" by Hilary Grey, which a two-page illustrated feature on the Baha'i Temple. appeared in the March issue. In addition to a full-page illustration of the Temple, The Israel Office of Information is issuing a series three small illustrations of the interior of the dome, of pamphlets entitled This is Israel. No. 6, " Religious one of the texts carved on the nine entrance doors, Life" contains a paragraph about the Baha'i World and a picture of the interior were shown. The ac­ Center in Haifa. The Israeli Ministry for Religious companying text, summarizing the purpose and design Affairs has established a special department for re­ of the House of Worship, was taken from accurate lations with the Baha'i Faith. sources. This article was written by Marshall K. Mc­ A Brussels, Belgium, weekly entitled L' Afrique et Clelland, a free-lance writer who has made a care­ le Mond February 6, 1958, ran a three-column article ful study of Baha'i literature. entitled " African Intercontinental Conference of The Courrier du Littoral, published at Ostend, Bel­ Baha'is" which stated the Faith is a " Religious Moslem gium, carried a display article on the Martyrdom of Sect of Persia." The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bab. the Benelux Countries corrected this error and the Dallas Times Herald, August 22, announced the open­ letter written by that Assembly was published on Feb­ ing of the first Baha'i Summer School in the Southwest­ ruary 20. ern States, and outlined the program. A pamphlet entitled Israel; Ten Years of Progress The Muellermist Irrigation Company, Maywood, Ill., -1948-1958 published by the American Committee for manufacturers of automatic lawn sprinkling systems, Israel's tenth anniversary celebration, includes a sec­ has distributed an illustrated descriptive folder listing tion on religious communities which refers to the important installations that includes the Baha'i Temple. Baha'i World Center in Haifa. " The Baha'i Shrine is The Temple also appears on a page illustrating several a prominent landmark." installations. The Bellaire Texan, August 13 , reports the launching The Nashville Banner, July 31, published an exten­ of a Baha'i group in the city by Mr. and Mrs. Robert sive notice on the passing of Nellie Jennings Roche: Worth Sparks, Jr. Besides publishing a photograph " Recognized as one of the South's outstanding women of Mr. and Mrs. Sparks with their child, the article in the insurance profession . . . . The great-great-grand­ gives a very complete summary of the Baha'i Teach­ daughter of Gen. James Robertson, founder of Nash­ ings in the form of an interview. ville, she had lived in Nash ville all her life and been ac­ From Nashua, N.H., it is reported that the text tive in its civic and religious affairs . ... Originally a book on algebra used in the junior high school con- member of St. Anne's Episcopal Church, Miss Roche 16 FEBRUARY 1959 became a member of the Baha'i Faith about thirty Nashville as a World Religious Center, by James years ago. She served as chairman of the Baha'i com­ W. Carty, Jr., is a very attractive brochure which il­ munity here several years ago." lustrates and describes the various churches repre­ On August 10 the Chicago Sunday Tribune published sented in the city. A brief reference to the Faith ap­ the seventh in a series of articles by Louise Hutchinson pears on page 23. "telling how a Tribune reporter found that Chicago and The September 1958 issue of The Diners Club mag­ suburbs are a delightful place for a vacation." This azine contains an article on Israel by Jack O'Brien; article described a Sunday morning meeting in the " the view from Carmel is best at sunrise when the Methodist Temple. "But there is another House of Wor­ gold dome of the Baha'i Shrine, set above its Persian ship in the Chicago area that is unique in all the world." gardens, nearly equals the sun in brilliance." This statement introduced an excellent description of the Baha'i Temple and its purpose. The Chicago American Pictorial L iving magazine, Oc­ Three current books contain references to the Faith. tober 26, carries an article by Irving Rudolph which Letters from Jerusalem by Mary Clawson, published by presents the Baha'i Temple as the author's "favorite Abelard-Schuman, 1957 ; Put off Thy Shoes by Elizabeth work of art." The House of Worship is illustrated by Hamilton, Scribners, 1957; and Islam in Modern H is­ a night view photograph. tory, by Wilfred Cantwell Smith, Princeton University Chase's Calendar of Annual Events, replacing the Press, 1957. annual list formerly published by the United States Chemical Bulletin, September 1958, a monthly trade Chamber of Commerce, lists both World Religion Day journal published by the Chicago Section of the Ameri­ and Race Amity Day in the 1959 edition. can Chemical Society, describes a journey in and Wilmette Life, ovember 6, publishes a page of photo­ around Chicago of interest to Society members attend­ graphs entitled "Photographic Studies of the North ing a convention in Chicago. This journey includes a Shore at Night," one picture being a night view of visit to the Baha'i Temple - " One of the most interest­ the Baha'i Temple. ing and beautiful buildings in the Chicago area ... a glittering gem in white and myriad colors." The Year Book of International Organizations, 1958-59, published by the Union of International Organizations in official collaboration with United Nations, lists the Calendar of Events Baha'i International Community on pages 261-262 in FEASTS the section on Religion and Ethics. The twenty-three February 7-Mulk (Dominion) National assemblies participating in the Baha'i Inter­ March 2-'Ala' (Loftiness) national Community at the time this statement was prepared, are all listed. INTERCALARY DAYS (Ayyam-i-Ha), February 26 to March 1 DAYS OF FASTING March 2-21 National Baha'i Addresses U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS Please Address Mail Correctly! February 13-15 National Baha'i Administrative Hea dquarters: 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill. National Treasurer: Baha'i House of Worship 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill. Make Checks P ayable to: National Baha'i Fund Visiting Hours Weekdays Baha'i Publishing Trust: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Auditorium only) 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill. Sundays and Holidays Baha'i News: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Entire building) E ditoria l Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill. Subscription and ch ange of address: 112 Linden Ave­ Service of Worship nue, Wilmette, Ill. Sundays 3:30 to 4:10 p.m.

BAH A'i NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States as a news organ reporting current activities of the Baha'i World Community. Reports, plans, news items, and photographs of general interest are requested from national committees and local assemblies of the United States as well as from national assemblies of other lands. Material is due in Wilmette on the fi rst day of the month preceding the date of issue for which it is intended. BAHA 'i NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1958-59: Mrs. Eunice Braun, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Richard C. Thomas. Editprial Office: 110 Linderi Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A. Change of address should be reported directly to National B aha'i Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.