I I

AHA'r NEWS PUBLISHtD BY THE NATIONAL SPIR ITUAL ASSEMBLY

OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES

FOR CIRCULAT ION AMONG BAHA'IS ONLY

No. 447 BAHA'I YEAR 125 JUNE 1968

Newly Elected Members of The Universal House of Justice

From left: H . Borrah Kavelin , Hushmand Fatheazam , 'A li NalsJijavani , David Hofman, Amoz Gibson, David Ruhe, Charles Wolcott, Ian Semple, Hugh Chance.

/ /

ANNOUNCE BAHA'I WORLD NEWLY ELECTED MEM-BERS UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE AMOZ GIBSON, 'ALI NAKHJAVAN( HUSHMAND FATHEAZAM, IAN SEMPLE, CHARLES WOLCOTT, DAVID HOFMAN, H. BORRAH KAVELIN, HUGH CHANCE, DAVID RUHE.

Haifa, Israel April 22, 1968

- UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

JUNE 1968 2

Sessions were held in Beit Harofe, Haifa, April 21 -24.

The International Convention at The World Center

THE SECOND International Convention of the Baha'i Faith, held at the World Center in Haifa, Israel

April 21 to 24, was attended by a third of the 729 eligible delegates from the 81 National Spiritual Assemblies now in existence. Some of these Assemblies were un­able to have even one member present due to lack of funds for transportation or other unsurmountable prob­lems.

Although the Convention was scheduled for four days, all delegates were invited to arrive three days early so that they might have opportunity to visit the Holy places, to pray at the Shrines, to become acquainted with the members of other National Assemblies and to exchange ideas for the progress of the Cause throughout the world.

Besides electing the members of The Universal House of Justice, the basic purposes of the Convention, as explained at the opening session, were to bring to The Universal House of Justice and the believers in the world through their National Spiritual Assembly repre­sentatives information on the scope of the Cause, and to create new dedication and inspiration from visits to the Holy Shrines and closeness to that Supreme In­stitution, The Universal House of Justice.

To generate the spirit which was to permeate the sessions, the delegates were given opportunity to visit and pray at the Shrines of The Bab and 'Abdu'l-Baha on Mt. Carmel as frequently as they desired from early morning until late at night. Group visits were scheduled to the Holy places in 'Akka associated with the life of Baha'u'llah and to pray at His Shrine. A visit to the International Baha'i Archives to view the sacred relics

of the Central Figures of the Faith was arranged for each group following its visit to Bahji.

The Convention opened formally on the first Day of Ri<;lvan, April 21, by Hand of the Cause of God 'Amatu'l­Baha Rul).iyyih Khanum. Thereafter each half-day ses­sion was chaired by a different Hand of the Cause who introduced the subject for consultation and summarized the discussion at the end of the session. The roll call of National Spiritual Assembly members by countries and depositing of their ballots occupied the remainder of the first morning. In the afternoon all delegates were transported to Bahji to participate in the celebration of the Feast of Ri<;lvan in the beautiful I:Iaram-i-Aqdas facing the Shrine of Baha'u'llah which they again visited for private prayers before returning to Haifa.

During the remaining three days the delegates dis­cussed topics selected by The Universal House of Justice vital to the progress of the Faith and particularly the Nine Year Plan. It was explained that this Convention, not patterned after nor a model for national conventions, could make recommendations to The Universal House of Justice but no motions were made or voted upon, all recommendations being recorded for consideration by The Universal House of Justice following the Convention.

The topics for the second and third days were on "Emerging from Obscurity" and "Building the Baha'i Society," including discussion of such subjects as "The Forces of Light and Darkness," " Community Life," "The Rising Generation" and "The Entry by Troops." There were evening sessions for representatives of countries having special interest in common. It was clearly evident that each national Baha'i community

..

BAHA'I NEWS

Most delegates visited the site of the future Temple on Mt . Carmel over looking the Bay of Haifa.

has its particular problems and need for the assistance and cooperation of its sister communities th roughout the world. Strong appeals were made by representatives of the newly established National Assemblies for pio­neers, settlers, teachers , literature, and visual a ids . Both new and long established Assemblies voiced the urgent need for deepening the believers in the Faith, increased teaching a ctivity and universal suppor t of their national funds without which many of the home front goals of the Nine Year Plan cannot be achieved.

The Convention closed with a presentation by Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giarchery on the Baha'i World Center and the showing of a beautiful slide program showing the tremendous amount of work accomplished by The Universal House of Justice in its first five years in the development and beautification of the Baha'i properties, especially at Bahji surrounding the Mansion and Shrine of B aha'u' llah . Already the delegates had seen with their own eyes the indescribable beauty of the gardens and r ejoiced that the hopes and plans of the beloved Guardian were being so dutifully and lovingly carried out by The Universal House of Justice. It is unlikely that any delegate will ever forget, or be able to adequately describe to his fellow Baha ' is, the mag­nificence of the Shrines and the garden s by day, or the ethereal beauty of the lighted Shrine of the Bab and the Inte rnational Archives Building at night shining across the B ay of Haifa to the H oly places of Baha 'u 'llah in 'Akka. When all joined in singing " Allah-u-Abha" at the close, one had the feeling that through their r epresenta­tives the whole Baha 'i world was rejoicing in its bless­ings and was arising with new determination to usher in with all possible haste the Golden Age of Baha 'u'llah.

-Charlotte M. Linfoot

3

Left to right: representatives from Peru, Brunei, Botswana, Alaska.

Dr. David S. Ruhe of the United States and Mrs. Bar­bara Sims of North East Asia smile for a camera.

Hand of t he Cause Enoch Olinga with two American delegates, Dr. Daniel Jordan and Dr. Sarah M. Pereira.

Ru/:liyyih Khcinum explains to a group an important teaching principle.

4 JUNE 1968

HAND OF THE CAUSE

VISITS

GERMANY

Hand of the Cause Mr. T. Samandari visited Frankfurt, Germany, March 11 -13, 1968. Gather­ings were held each evening with many friends and guests attending .

. tn

The April issue of BAHA'I NEWS carried an account of Hand of the Cause of God Amatu'l-Baha Ru.l:iiyyih Kha­num's visit to Porto Alegre, Brazil, where the elite of the city gathered to welcome her.

In Sao Paulo, RuJ::iiyyih Khanum was greeted at the airport by Jamal Khanum, wife of the beloved Hand; by Leonora Armstrong, the "mother of the South Amer­ican Baha'is," who became a constant companion for the remainder of her stay in Brazil; and by sixty Baha'is representing many communities. She was in­terviewed both by the press and on television and excellent publicity resulted. A two-day Conference was held on the weekend, with representatives of all the outlying communities and groups and an attendance of 150 persons.

She said, "From the little that I have seen of this country, I get the impression that this is a very, very fertile field, indeed, for teaching the Faith. The Brazil­ians are alert, warm. I think that this combination and the fact that this is a new country, a growing country and a great country, should mean that the Baha'is can teach the Faith more widely." She especially stressed teaching the Indians.

RuJ::iiyyih Khanum spent one day in Campinas with Hand of the Cause Mr. Khazeh and Jamal Khanum. Accompanied by her cousin and Mr. Khazeh, she went on to Rio de Janeiro for another week of activities. She was greeted at the airport by the Baha'i friends and that night, in the presence of the Baha'is of that region, again spoke of the importance of the teaching work in Brazil. The next day she was interviewed by a repre­sentative of a widely-read daily newspaper. The follow­ing night she was honored at a dinner given by one of the friends at which nearly all of the Bah a'is of Rio

were present. The Baha'is of Brazil will never forget her visit, nor

will the feeling of warmth and love and the desire to better serve the Cause ever leave them.

Visits to the Indians of Brazil

The words of RuJ::iiyyih Khanum sank deep into the hearts of her listeners. One of the immediate reactions was the resolution of several young people to visit the Indians of Brazil and under the planning of the next National Spiritual Assembly meeting they were sent to three different localities.

Sverre Taetz traveled about 2,000 kilometers by bus from Porto Alegre in the South to the State of Bahia in the north to spend two weeks in Mirandela, at the entrance of the Indian territory, mingling with Indian Baha'is of the communities of Sacao, Lagoa Grande and Marcacao. He was a changed person when he returned, having seen at close range the needs and opportunities of that " noble race." He plans to return.

Six young people from the states of Sao Paulo and Parana were accompanied on the first part of their trip by an experienced member of the National Spiritual Assembly. They made the arduous trip (fourteen kilo­meters of it by climbing the slippery slopes of the mountain on which the one Indian family lives) to Itariti during the carnival week end of February 24-28. In the city of Pedro de Toledo, their first stop, they presented the Proclamation book to the Mayor, who invited them to return or to send someone there to "unite the people of the city," promising to give them any help they might need.

They spent two nights of their sojourn on the moun­tain sleeping in the bat-infested school building which

BAHA'I NEWS 5

CHILDREN'S CAMP

IN

PANAMA

In compliance with one of the Nine Year Plan goals "to extend Baha'i education to the largest possible number of Baha'i youth and children," the Republic of Panama held its first Baha'i Children's Camp on the week end of February 17-18, 1968, at Villa Virginia. Twenty-five children and twelve adults attended. Members of the National Youth Commit­tee who assisted with the project have volunteered to help with a similar one.

would be available to a young Baha'i teacher who could stay there to teach the children, under contract with the civil authorities. They hung their hammocks there and lived mostly on bread and bananas since they had offered their meager supplies as extras in the meals which they shared with the Indians .

The Indian friends were truly delighted to have them and were eager to hear news from the Baha'i world. They proudly showed copies of the circulars and Nine­teen Day Feast letters which they receive regularly from the National Spiritual Assembly, although only the young son can read them. The youth, by means of visual aids, held several study classes with them, taught the children Baha'i songs and joined the Indian friends in worshipping with Baha'i prayers.

The youth were enchanted with the reception they received and resolved to accept the invitation of the Indian friends to return in the not-too-distant future . They were so enthusiastic upon returning home that those who had not gone with them were " lighted with the same fire!"

In the southern State of Santa Catarina, during this same period, the first contact with the Guarani tribe was made by a member of the Blumenau group - Sr. Rolf von Czekus, veteran of the Indian work of the Baha 'i community in Bahia , Sr . Godrat Soltani of the Mogi Mirim Baha'i community and other friends of Blumenau. Rolf plans to make more trips into this territory as follow-up of the work and to win, gradually, the Indians of the region to the r anks of Baha'u'llah.

Hand of the Cause Dedicates Qu' Appele

Institute Building Sixty miles northeast of Regina, Saskatchewan, Can­

ada, in the beautiful Qu'Appele Valley, surrounded on all sides by ancestral homes of Canada's native peo­ples, one more plan of God is gradually unfolding. Step by step, the Fort Qu'Appele Baha'i Institute, a goal of the Nine Year Plan, is developing the facilities and programs which will allow it to fulfill its purpose - that of being a focus for the teaching of the indigenous peoples, and the sending out of Indian teachers .

On November 19, 1967 the Baha'is of Saskatchewan were honored to have Hand of the Cause of God, ':j:'ara '.?u ' llah Samandari, dedicate the new Institute building when he and his son, Dr. Medhi Samandari ' ris ited Fort Qu 'Appelle while on a four day trip in that province.

For this important occasion, friends came from Ot­tawa, Saskatoon, Brandon, Kamsack, Lumsden and the Indian Reserves of Mosquito, Poorman and Pasqua. As part of the ceremony prayers were said in Arabic , Persian, Assiniboine and English. A beautiful scroll, hand lettered in gold and black by Barb Wild, with the Greatest Name penned by Mr. Samandari himself and also bearing his signature, commemorates the visit and the opening of the new building.

Two years ago when the property was obtained, the only building site was an old summer cottage. Now, due to the dedicated efforts of the Qu' Appelle Institute Committee and the contributions of the Canadian com­munity, the new chalet-type building stands ready to receive up to twenty overnight guests.

6

Swiss Proclamation Gains Momentum

The Zurich community organized the commemora­tion of the Letters to the Rulers to coincide with the teaching trip of Huschmand Sabet of Stuttgart, Ger­many, author of Der Gespaltene Himmel. A press conference was held, followed by Mr. Sabet's talk. Invitations were sent to all churches, movements and clubs in Zurich.

In Thun, a small city of 30,000 at the door of the Bernese Highlands, a dignified commemoration of Baha'u'llah' s Proclamation to the kings took place February 25. A banquet dre w Baha'is and guests from Thun and neighboring cities and an exhibition was held in the meeting hall. The event was covered by a lengthy article in Thun's newspaper.

Over 110 persons attended the observance at Geneva, assisted by Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Haenni-de· Eons and held in the Hotel de la Paix, where 'Abdu'l­Baha stayed on Saturday, April 6, 1911. Professor Alessandro Bausani, of Rome, spoke on, "The Religious Crisis and the Baha'i Faith," and his talk received press coverage. Dr. Bausani was interviewed over French-speaking Swiss radio. An article presenting the teachings of the Faith appeared in Switzerland's larg­est French daily.

A Baha'i exhibit will further publicize the Faith at the Basel Muha Fair, Switzerland's second largest fair, attracting one million visitors.

Literature with a covering letter and a reply card was sent out during March to 7,000 organizations and individuals. Among the replies received, ninety-five per cent were favorable and requested further information on the Faith.

JUNE 1968

Literature Presented at UN Conference in New Delhi The second United Nations conference on trade and

development was held in New Delhi from February to March. Attended by 1,500 representatives of 132 coun­tries, this conference attempted to find solutions to global economic problems; i.e., reduction of tariffs; increased flow of exports and imports between develop­ing and developed nations; transfer of technology to developing nations; financial and advisory assistance to developing nations and elimination of preferences in imports-exports, etc.

Under the guidance of Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Muhajir, the National Spiritual Assembly of India, in collaboration with Keith de Folo, Auxiliary Board member, compiled a special souvenir brochure for the occasion entitled World Commonwealth of Bahri'u'llrih.

Baha'i Youth of Bombay, India, who are extremely active in teaching in the Bombay area.

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BAHA'I NEWS

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Part of exhibit at International Fair at Nice, France held March 7-18, 1968.

It was presented to 1,500 delegates of UNCTAD, 500 local and foreign news correspondents attending the conference, the non-governmental organizations attend­ing the UNCTAD and to a selected list of the UNCTAD Secretariat.

Follow-up plans include : 1) Informing the national spiritual assemblies in the home country of the UNCTAD representatives for purposes of making con­tact with the representatives on suitable occasions, and 2) mailing of brochure to 2,000 leading news editors, members of Parliament and government officials throughout India.

It is hoped that the "global strategy of development," which was the keynote of UNCTAD II, may be influ­enced by the Writings of Baha'u'llah, 'Abdu 'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi presented to them . The primary sub­jects covered were : The purpose of the "Revelation of Baha'u'llah"; "Counsel to Heads of Governments"; "Commonwealth of Nations"; "Most Great Covenant"; "Seven Lights of Unity"; "Golden Age of Baha'u'llah and "Prayer for Mankind."

Bluefields, Nicaragua Awaits Pioneer Bluefields, Nicaragua is one of those many areas of

the world filled with simple, loving-hearted people ready to be awakened to the Faith of Baha'u'llah. Situated on the Atlantic coast, it is a meeting place for Baha'is from a vast area that includes ten communi­ties. They travel long distances by boats on the rivers which in the rainy season can be difficult and slow. Valiant pioneer, Cecilia King , has been working here alone, challenged by the immense teaching possibili­ties and the urgent need to consolidate. Among her many achievements has been the organizing of a school for children which has brought great joy to them and their parents . Visual aids are used in all deepening activities to the extent possible.

There is urgent need for a strong young man able to travel extensively by boat to pioneer in this area. Both English and Spanish a r e spoken, simplifying the lan­guage problem for many. This vast, fertile field awaits someone to sow the seed and help with the harvest.

They that have forsaken their country for the purpose of teaching Our Cause - these shall the Faithful Spirit strengthen through its power.

French Exhibits in Nice, Montpelier Draw Crowds

7

The yearly International Fair at Nice , France took place March 7-18, 1968. Approximately 3,000 pamphlets on the Baha'i Faith were distributed. A public confer­ence by Mr. Ghadimi of Leige, Belgium and some successful firesides were given by Mr. and Mrs. Janus of Ipswich, Massachusetts and Mr. Hall of fran. Among the Baha'is of Monaco and Nice who cooperated in preparing and staffing the exhibit were: Mme. Gaertener, Mrs. Samimy, Mr. Delepine and two new Baha'is, Mr. Frey and Mr. Coignon, who were contacts from the previous Nice Fair. The Nice Fair is interna­tional and people come not only from France but from many parts of the continent - Austria, Greece, Ger­many, Belgium - as well as from England, North Africa and Israel.

Exhibit in University Town of Montpelier

As part of the Proclamation program an exhibition was given in Montpelier, France from December 1 to 10, 1967. The event was held in a large theater hall where the Writings of Baha'u'llah, books in various languages and color photos of the temples were dis­played. Many Baha'i friends from the South of France attended. Three public m eetings were held with Mr. Delepine, Mr. Faubert and Mr. Robert participating. An excellent article on the event appeared in the regional paper, "Midi Libre."

Cecilia King, pioneer in Bluefields, Nicaragua, with class of children.

8 JUNE 1968

Baha'i youth who, under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Garcia of California, formed a singing group which toured Australia in January and February 1968. The "musical fire­sides" and other programs which they gave in four states were very popular, attracting large audiences. They appeared on TV, held press conferences and taped radio interviews. High spot of the tour was in Royal Caledonian Hall with an audience of 265, almost two thirds of these being guests. Among the places visited in their several thousand miles of travel were Wollongong, Melbourne, Collingwood, Geelong, Anglesea, Murray Bridge, Port McLeay Aboriginal Reserve, Meningie, Tailem Bend, Adelaide, Renmark, Wagga W~gga, Young, Bris­

bane, Lismore, New Castle, Mudgee, Sydney, and Springwood.

News Briefs The Bild-Zeitung, a daily newspaper with a circula­

tion of more than four million, published an article on the Baha'i Faith which was for the most part positive, although a few statements had to be corrected. As a result the Baha'i literature was placed in the central archive of the largest German printing house and numerous requests for additional literature were re­ceived from the readers.

The German Proclamation Exhibition has reached Darmstadt. The Local Spiritual Assembly sent out dignified invitations and had a whole page in the bi­weekly Happenings in Darmstadt, with pictures of various rulers and an invitation to the exhibition, the public meetings and the film, "And His Name Shall Be One."

0 During a fifteen-minute interview conducted by a

commentator on All-India Radio in New Delhi, April 11, 1968, Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone pro­claimed the Mission of Baha'u'llah to an audience that extended from Korea to New Zealand - from the Phil­ippines to the United Kingdom. The interview was aired three times to uncountable millions of listeners.

0 The Local Spiritual Assembly of Hempstead and the

Baha'i Group of Oyster Bay, New York, sponsored a memorial service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King on April 10, 1968 at the home of Mrs. Rose Launderway in Hempstead. The service began with the reading of a prayer for the departed, and reading of the night letter sent to Mrs. King by the local believers. Also read was 'Abdu'l-Baha's address to the N.A.A.C.P . in 1912. Visi­tors of both races attended and the gathering was warm with fellowship and the demonstration of Baha'i love and unity.

Bah~·{ in the News Religion in the Soviet Union, by Walter Kolarz (first

published in Britain in 1961 and available since 1966 from St. Martin's Press in New York) devotes a section of three pages to an account of the Baha'i Faith, its establishment in Russia where the first Temple was built in 'I@qabad, the capital of the Turkmenian Soviet Republic. The story of the confiscation of the Temple, of the persecution of the Baha'is in that region, of the reasons why the Soviet authorities opposed the Faith is told in sympathetic manner. The author describes the Faith as being dangerous to Communism "because of its broadmindedness, its tolerance, its international outlook, the attention it pays to women's education. All this contradicts the communist thesis about the back­wardness of all religions." He gives a brief account of the history and origins of the Faith in Persia and refers to its spread to many countries of the world . The concluding paragraph states "The attacks on the Ba­ha'i in various Soviet works is ... indirect evidence that the Baha'i faith in the Soviet Union has continued to exist after the Second World War."

0 A brief accurate account of the Baha'i Faith ap­

peared in a prominent position in the newspaper Alpha for November 1, 1967. This paper is published by the students of the Bajendra Prasad College of Mass Com­munication in New Delhi, India.

The article, titled "Baha'i Aim: Unity of Faiths" was based on an interview with Mr. K. H. Vajdi, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of India, and stressed the Baha'i teachings on oneness of mankind, of religion and of God. It went on to tell of the widespread acceptance of the Faith throughout the world as well as in India, and emphasized the fact that Baha'u'llah came in fulfillment of the prophecies in

BAHA'I NEWS

Bah~·f in the News other world religions. The Baha'i message of world peace, the reverence felt by Baha'is for the founders of all religions and the Baha'i teaching concerning the progress of man's soul after physical death were also mentioned.

0 Gordon Laite, a Baha'i from Gallup, New Mexico, is

the illustrator of a new book titled, Religions Around the World by Leonard and Carolyn Wolcott. Leonard Wolcott is a professor at Scarritt College, Nashville , Tennessee, where he teaches history of religions . The book mentions the Baha'i Faith in several places . In one place it states: "A new religion of southwest Asia has spread to many parts of the world, especially to western nations . .. Baha'is believe that the coming of Baha'u'llah fulfilled the promises of the prophets of all religions . Baha'i, today, emphasizes the unity of all religions, world peace, and universal brotherhood." One of the illustrations shows the 9-pointed Baha'i star and a sketch of the Baha'i House of Worship in Wil­mette. The book is published by Abingdon Press.

0 A Tanzania newspaper recently published a four­

column article on the Faith entitled, " Baha 'i - Provid­ing a New Vision for Mankind," in which was stated: " The Baha'i Faith offers a new hope and love for mankind; it would inspire man with a new idea of the ba sic unity of all religious doctrines . Finally, it unfolds to the eyes of Baha'is the glorious destiny that awaits the human race."

0 The Laurinburg, North Carolina News and Observer

for April 14, 1968 carried a three column article, with picture, on Dizzy Gillespie, the Jazz star from that city

9

who has risen to popularity and fame. His recent affiliation with the Baha'i Faith was mentioned at some length in the account of his travels and activities. The tone of the article, in keeping with his fame as "That Dizzy Kid from the South" is light, but mentions the teachings on unity and brotherhood, as well as univer­sal language, and makes it clear that this well known musician is truly won over by the Faith which he recently joined.

0

The magazine Horoscope for April 1968 carries an article "Call of the Unknown" by Dane Rudhyar which carries references to the Baha'i Faith. In discussing the events in the rapidly changing world of the 19th century he refers to the coming of The Bab and Baha'u'llah, crediting Him with being "the founder of the first reli­gious faith to take as its basis the establishment of a world order planetwide in scope." He further states: "The Baha 'i Faith ... seeks to fecundate every aspect of our society by a God-revealed 'Law' through the power of love and utter trust and faith in the divine within every human being."

0

The Wellington, New Zealand Evening Post has fea­tured a story about a Baha'i pioneer in that country under the title "Persian Nurse Is Rarity in New Zea­land ." An interesting fact is that many of the Maori patients in her hospital regard the Baha'i, Tahereh Vatanparast, as one of their own race. The article mentions her Baha'i affiliation. Mrs. Edith Danielsen, pioneer teacher from the United States, has also re­ceived good notice from the New Zealand press which has tied in her Baha'i teaching activity directly with the opinions elicited from her in interviews.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the South West Pacific Ocean presenting a printed mes­sage concerning Proclamation to Sir Robert Foster, K .C.M.G., High Commissioner of the w ·estern Pacific . His Excellency was most courteous and showed considerable knowledge of and interest in the Faith. r.ovies were also sent to the District Commissioners of Cen­tral, Western, Eastern and Malaitan Districts. Left to right above: A. Fassy, Johnson Toli­mai, Johnson Sukulu, Owen Battrick, Mrs. Mary Fassy , Bill Laing and the High Commis­sioner Sir Robert Foster.

10 JUNE 1968

Green Acre Baha'i School. Eliot. Maine. From the air.

Baha'i Schools by the late Genevieve L. Coy

IF You WERE TO ask a number of Baha'is, most of whom are very busy people, "Why is it that you are

willing to take part or all of your summer vacation to attend a school, where you will spend a considerable part of the day working in classes?" you might receive such answers as the following:

"I want to attend the summer school classes in order to deepen and add to my understanding of the Baha'i teachings. This is partly for my own education, and partly to increase my ability to teach the Baha'i Faith to others. I will find courses which will increase my knowledge of the teachings about God and His Manifes­tations, about spiritual re-birth and the meaning of 'eternal life'. There will also be discussions on how a Baha'i can best live each day, in order that his conduct shall be an example of the Baha'i principles in action. I will h ave an opportunity to learn more about Baha'u'­llah's plan for a new World Order - the means by which the unification of races, nations and religion~ will eventually become an accomplished fact. Through m eetings for prayer and meditation, and through courses such as one called 'Deepening the Spiritual Life,' I hope to increase my understanding of the meaning and use of prayer .. . . These are some of the important things I hope to gain from going to a Baha'i summer school."

Another Baha'i emphasizes the fact that he will learn a great deal about techniques of teaching the Faith to others. "I attended a course last summer called 'The Spiritual Unfoldment of Humanity,' which included a study of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, in relation to the Baha'i teachings. This gave me a much better understanding of how to present our principles to mem­bers of other religious groups. One summer I found

very valuable a course on the psychological factors in the development of character, and the principles of learning and teaching. These were presented in such a way as to improve our efforts at Baha'i teaching, and also gave us many suggestions as to how to be helpful to others in their personal problems.

"Then there are laboratory courses, in which the students have practice in public speaking, in the plan­ning of talks for various kinds of audiences, in the special techniques for radio presentations, and in the writing of newspaper and magazine articles. All of these will not be given in all schools, every summer, but I think every school has one or two such practical courses each summer. It is this kind of practice course which I find increases my usefulness all through the year."

Our Plan for World Order A third Baha'i may stress still another aspect of the

summer courses. "I like especially the courses which tell me what is going on in the world today, and show their relationship to Baha'i principles, and our plan for World Order. For instance, last summer at Green Acre we had one evening each week called 'A Baha'i Views the News,' and a course on 'History in the Making,' in which he gave the historical background of the federa­tion of states in the United States, as an example of the process which may be followed in the future formation of the Federation of the World. And I know that at Geyserville last summer there was a course called 'Bridges of Human Relationship,' which showed the points of contact between the Baha'i Faith and modern developments in sociology, psychology, physical sci­ence, and so on.

Geyserville Baha'i School, 1967. Afternoon children's clas~ in the Leroy Ioas Memorial Grove. Teacher: Mrs. Marion West from Sparks. Nevada.

"I believe that we need such courses as these to make each Baha'i more intelligent about the world he lives in, and, especially, so that we can show others how the Baha'i principles can contribute to the solution of our modern problems."

A young Baha'i who is just twenty-one has a fourth point to contribute. ''Of course I get a lot out of all the courses, but you know the thing I really like best of all is a chance to live in a real Baha'i .Community for several weeks . I am the only Baha'i in my family, and so there are many of my interests which I can't discuss much at home. But at the summer school I am with other friends, who are ready to talk about Baha'i activities day and night - and that experience does me lots of good. And when I learn a great deal from working with other Baha'is - and playing with them, too! You don't get much out of a summer school unless you learn to be a really cooperating member of the group. And I need that - because at home my folks have spoiled me a bit! I am learning to give more consideration to what other people want and think!

"We do so many kinds of things together after classes are over - swimming and games are of course impor­tant to us, after we have been sitting still all morning. Then we have evenings of music and reading aloud, and sometimes a group do a dramatization. That may be just a 'stunt night' for fun, or a serious and beautiful pageant or dramatization of some aspect of the teach­ings . We do have grand times doing all sorts of things together.

"I almost forgot to say that I really do like having all age groups together in the summer school. In Youth Week we have programs especially planned for young

11

Green Acre School, Eliot, Maine. Students at an evening class in Baha'i Hall.

people, and that's fine. But I like other times as well, when children and older people are around. It makes me feel that I belong to something that is important to all kinds and ages of people! And I like to hear the experiences and ideas of people who have been Baha'is for a long time; it makes me realize what I have to grow up to!" ...

"fo Enrich His Knowledge"

All Baha'i Summer Schools welcome all people, whether Baha'is or not, who have a sincere interest in the principles of the Baha'i Faith, and who wish to deepen their understanding of these teachings. Contro­versy, as such, is discouraged, but true discussion and sharing of ideas and experiences serves one of the main purposes for which the schools are organized.

For the information of those who have never attended a Baha'i School, it may be noted that no tuition is charged at these sessions. Living expenses vary, de­pending upon the size and location of room, and wheth­er one has a single room, or shares a dormitory room with several others.

The importance of the Baha'i School to the active Baha'i may best be summarized in the words of Shoghi Effendi - "If he attends his summer school - and ev­ery one without exception is urged to take advantage of attending it - let him consider such an occasion as a welcome and precious opportunity so to enrich through lectures , study and discussion his knowledge of the fundamentals of his Faith as to be able to transmit, with greater confidence and effectiveness, the Message that has been entrusted to his care ." (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 45)

- from World Order, vol. 6, pp. 89-95

12

Human Rights Emphasized

1n Now-Ruz Observances

Community Makes Many New Friends at Naw-Ruz Celebration

"How can a Naw-Ruz celebration successfully intro­duce a town of 10,000 to the Baha'i Faith with only three newly declared adults and one Baha'i youth living there?" In March, this was the question asked and the challenge faced by the small group of Stoughton, Wis­consin. They had only one asset. The Baha'is of Madi­son, eighteen miles away, were eager to help, but the planning and the groundwork had to be done by those on the scene. First, a brief notice appeared in the local paper announcing the Baha'is of Stoughton were plan­ning to celebrate their New Year with an art exhibit, international dinner and program for the public. In observance of United Nations Day for the Interna­tional Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which also falls on March 21, a menu of food favorites from many lands was planned. Next, a hall with kitchen facilities was rented, and a local Girl Scout troop was engaged to h elp serve the buffet style dinner. Madison Baha'is prepared the supper; assisted by the University of Wisconsin Baha'i Club and other Baha'is. Then, from Jefferson came the Baha'is to spend a day helping with last minute preparations.

Paintings and art work from gifted amateur Baha'i artists as well as paintings and sculpture from pro­fessional Baha'i artists George and Lori Nuezil of Milwaukee and Amy Grundgeiger of Madison were borrowed and put on exhibit around the hall.

For this first public program, a dynamic Baha'i speaker was engaged. Children from Madison, a local teenage folk singer and a Baha'i soloist furnished the musical part of the program.

Finally, in spite of a fireman's ball and other things going on in town that night, approximately 120 people, over half of whom were non-Baha'is, attended to view the art exhibit, chat with the Baha'i hosts and enjoy the delicious international dinner. An amusing sidelight of the celebration was the puzzled questions from the guests concerning no place for donations. The crowd was a most attentive and enthusiastic audience for the whole affair. A perfect example of "Make a beginning .

Howard County Baha'fs Host International Smorgasbord and Dance to Celebrate Naw-Ruz

Naw-Ruz, celebrated in gala fashion in the metropoli­tan area of Baltimore, Maryland on March 23, was hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Howard County. Baha'is, their friends and guests gathered at Slayton House in the new city of Columbia, which is in Howard County, to dance and to dine on the interna tional smorgasbord prepared by the Baha'i ladies of Howard, Baltimore and Harford Counties and Mrs. Donna Reed of Baltimore City.

The celebration was publicized with a carefully

JUNE 1968

Some of the Baha'is and guests attending the Naw-Ruz cele­bration in Forsyth, Georgia.

planned three-week buildup in the local newspapers of Howard and Carroll Counties. Such publicity led to the bounty of a 40-minute interview of Mrs. Mary K. Radpour from Baltimore County by a reporter which resulted in an accurate and well written article on the Faith in the Baltimore Evening Sun on Saturday, March 23 .

The immediate effect of all this heightened the spirit of the Baha'is participating and thus a number of serious discussions were held during the celebration. Interest was expressed by many of the guests who attended, and congratulations were extended by the president of the Unitarian Universalist Society of How­ard County because he felt "the Baha'is really know how to put on a party." The evening was concluded with "The lOOth Year" slide show. Approximately 200 persons attended the celebration and thoroughly en­joyed the evening.

Naw-Ruz Dinner and Program Was Wonderful

According to Public Information Representative Hil­dred Rice of the Corvallis Spiritual Assembly, Oregon, "The Naw-Ruz dinner and program was wonderful" and "truly our finest hour." "From the youngest school girl, a seventh grader, to the great grandmother, all seemed to be having a wonderful time." "Two other guests of interest were the high school senior 'modern problems' teacher and his wife. He wants all the help we can give him for his classes on comparative reli­gions. He found out about us last year and ever since has been most enthusiastic about telling the young folks about us."

In Fort Worth, Texas the Naw-Ruz dinner and musi­cal program attracted approximately sixty people . Of that number, only fourteen were Baha'is.

Baha'i Library Opened

A Baha'i Library was opened in Cheshire, Connecti­cut by Mrs. Mar ian Brettner, homefront pioneer, honor­ing Naw-Ruz and announcing to the people of Cheshire the availability of Baha'i books.

A Banquet Held

The Spokane Baha'i Community joined the obser­vance of Naw-Ruz at a banquet hosted by the Spokane

BAHA'I NEWS

At the Naw-Ruz party for children in Foundation Hall of the House of Worship in Wilmette , Illinois.

County Commissioners District No. 2 at a hotel which provided a quiet, lovely dining room for the occasion. A large cake with the words "Allah-u-Abha" in the center carried the names of eleven new believers of the past year on small nine-pointed stars mounted on plastic picks which afterward were presented as book-mark souvenirs to each particular believer. The cake was arranged by the Spokane Community. After dinner, the Baha'is and their guests viewed and listened to the slide-tape presentation of the Intercontinental Confer­ences. Mrs. Mary Parker, Public Information Repre­sentative of the Spokane Spiritual Assembly reported it as "a fitting climax to a joyous evening of love and fellowship among the friends and their guests and bringing forth spiritual reaffirmation on an individual basis, as well as through group effort, of an ever-in­creasing teaching tempo in the Baha'i Year 125."

Naw-Ruz Celebration: An Historic Occasion For the first time in the history of Forsyth, a small

middle Georgia town with a population of 5,000, a public integrated meeting was held at the Forsyth Motel. This historic occasion was the celebration of Naw-Ruz spon­sored by the Baha'is in that town. Mrs. Kelly, a Baha'i living in Forsyth, said "The gathering, in this hard­core-segregationist town, took place without incident winning the respect of local residents who recognize that Baha'is are doing what the church should be doing and causing the bewilderment of those who are striving so hard to maintain a segregated community. Fourteen non-Baha'is attended from the area, seven of whom were Negroes."

O·rher Joyful Observances

Two Baha'i communities in New York State have reported joyous celebrations of Naw-Ruz which served both as a means of bringing the Faith to the attention of friends and to gather the believers for a happy Baha'i event. In Niagara Falls a celebration to which the public was invited was held at a local hotel on the evening of March 21. The program opened with an ac­count of the meaning of Naw-Ruz given by Julie Maglio and Gail Kappus after which Baha'i songs were sung by all to the accompaniment of the Baha'i Band, consisting of: Harry Caldwell and Bob McKown, guitars, Dan

13

Lazich, saxophone, Mildred McKown and Frances Bechtel, ukuleles. There was a color slide program titled "The Voice of God" given by the Niagara County Baha'i children's class and consisting of slides com­posed from drawings made by the children to illustrate their study course. Pictures depicted the story of crea­tion, the progressive advents of Prophets of God, the principles of the Faith. An original ballet to the music of "Born Free" was danced by Maria Maglio and at the close of the program the children dressed in im­pressionistic costumes representing various countries of the world sang "It's a Small World" . Singing by the entire audience was interspersed with the other parts of the program and at the end everyone enjoyed re­freshments and sociability. There was good publicity in the local paper, including mention of the Fast and Naw­Ruz.

The believers of Yonkers held a potluck dinner and program at the home of Mrs. Lola Donaldson which was attended by believers and several friends . A good writeup in the local paper explained the significance of the day and told briefly of the Baha'i Faith. Monthly ads featuring the words of Baha'u'llah are placed in the local paper.

Members of the Baha'i Group of Clinton Township, Michigan observed Naw-Ruz by sponsoring a square dance party at the William Nicke School.

Festive gatherings were held in honor of Naw-Ruz by the Communities of Fayetteville, Arkansas ; Spring­field and Gardner Township, Illinois; Fairfield, Nor­walk, Westport and Wilton, Connecticut; and Bergen County, New Jersey.

Similar celebrations were held in Gallup, New Mexi­co; Flagstaff, Arizona; Waterloo, Iowa; Park Ridg·e , Illinois; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Key West, Florida, and Orange County, California.

Mrs. Vicki Jefferson and Kenneth Smith, members of the Local Assembly of Fresno , California present The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah to Mayor Floyd Hyde of Fresno. Mayor Hyde graciously received the book and commented that he re­membered the Baha' i week held in Fresno.

14

Bah/.•( Proclamation in Washington, D.C.

Mrs. Eulalia Bobo of Beverly Hills, California visited the Washington, D.C. area March 31 through April 8, 1968 for a week of Baha'i Proclamation under the sponsorship of the Local Spiritual Assembly.

On her arrival she wa s hosted at a public reception a t the Baha'i Center. She spoke on three occasions before the staff and students of a local Job Corp Center in the depressed area of the District of Columbia; was fea­tured at a Store Front Meeting in the heart of the riot area; was the guest at several luncheons and dinners, the most notable being a p r ivately arranged luncheon at the Statler Hilton Hotel; with the wife of Mayor Washington, attended by a Baha'i representation and lastly an appearance on television with a Baha'i co­partner, Mr. Richard Witter, for 45 minutes of questions and answers on the Baha'i Faith.

The climax of this week of Proclamation was the presentation of The Proclamation of Bahci'u'llcih to Mr. Carl Coleman, Special Assistant to the Mayor, who courteously received the Baha 'i delegation and ex­pressed personal interest in knowing more about the Faith.

Swarthmore Group Active in Human Rights Meeting The Baha'i group of Swarthmore, P ennsylvania re­

cently had an opportunity to demonstrate that Baha'is can be the "experts in Human Rights" which they are called upon to become. The Baha'i group of four sent two representatives to a meeting of the local United Nations Committee, a group r epresenting some 25 churches and other organizations, m eeting to arrange a spring program. Ar riving quite late , having been de­tained by an em ergency involving an i~jured child, the Baha'is found that the meeting, som ewh at floundering without a sense of purpose or action, was receptive to explan ation of what the members of the Baha 'i Faith a r e planning to do during Human Rights Year. A plan was made to show a movie highlighting the racial issue and the Baha'is were asked to arrange a meeting featuring Baha 'i speakers on Human Rights as well as the movie. The planning m eeting ended with the word Baha'i on everyon e's lips and the t wo Baha'is gratified if som ewhat st artled a t the new responsibility.

The necessary arran gements for the meeting did not come easily: the movie h ad to be viewed and approved and ordered. The one chosen was: "Nothing But a Man," a moving and powerful film about the effor ts and heartbreak of a young Negro trying to make his way in a white man's world. Baha'i speakers h ad to be found who could highlight the wider implica tions of human rights. A p an el of three and a moderator was gathered , a ll with a particular knowledge of human r ights ap art from their Baha'i qualifications.

The meeting was a great success. In a town of some 6000 people, noted for their ap athy in attending meet­ings , and with the added competition of a political meeting, it mustered over 100 people. There was excel­lent pr ior publicity written by the UN publicity repre-

JUNE 1968

The Proclamation of Bah a'u'llah is presented to t he Mayor of Washington, D.C. Left to right: Houshang Karimi; Dr. Sarah M. Per eira; Terry Randolph; Carl Coleman, the Mayor's Rep­resentative; Mrs. Eulalia Bobo; Mrs. Sao Fouts; Bernice Brigham.

Th eodies Washington , Baha'i of Washington, D.C., presents Proclamation book to Miss Leontyne Price w hile Baha'i friends, Lecille Webster and Gazze l T awfig look on. The occasion was Miss Price's visit to Washington fo r a concert on February 24 at Constitution Hall. A gift of two dozen roses from Baha'is and their friends w ho attended was displayed during the con­cert.

senta tive, giving full recognition to the Baha'i group . Following the meeting the Baha'is found a lot of ap­proval showered upon them, and astonishment that "so few of you" could put on such an event and "speak with such authority and confidenc e." Truly, when Baha'is exert effort and trust, the longed-for confirmations come.

BAHA'I NEWS

First Local Spiritual Assembly of Florissant, Missouri , formed April 21, 1968. Front row right to left: John Owen (chairman) , Cliff Frederiksen Jr. (vice chairman), Eileen Wagner (sec ­retary) , and Edna Halterman (treasurer) . Second row left to right: George Halterman, Esther McCollum, Joyce Owen, Pauline Oungst, and Gordon Wagner.

First Local Spiritual Assembly, of Lexington, Kentucky, elected April 21, 1968. In forming this Assembly the believers helped with the Nine Year Plan Goal of establishing two local Assemblies i n each State, Lexington being the second As­sembly in Kentucky . Left to right, front: Mrs. Diana G. De­Chesere, Mrs. Judith P . Archambo, Mrs. Edythe Parks, Mrs. Martha M . Jeffers; Rear: Jay DeChesere, Norman F. Archambo, William R. Givens, James T. Sleet, Lawrence B. Brown.

Baha'i Association at Harvard Takes Teaching Trip During Harvard University's spring vacation (March

29 - April 7) the Baha'i Association at Harvard was once again privileged to teach the Faith, this time in the state of Georgia. Four of its members: Linda Roche, Julie Smithies, Greg Dahl, and Phil Christen­sen, assisted by Peter Barkley of Cambridge, Massa­chusetts, had the inestimable bounty of traveling more than 3500 miles for the Faith.

With the able assistance and cooperation of the Geor­gia State Goals Committee events were scheduled in seven cities.

In Atlanta proclamation was carried out at three levels: public media, schools, and firesides. A press release in the Atlanta Journal announced the week's

15

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahci'is of Miami Beach, F lorida at the time of their incorporation, April 1, 1968. Left to right, seated: Mrs . Virginia O'Hara (corres. sec.), Mrs. T oby Emanuel (chairman) , Mrs. Diana Wodin (vice chairman), Mrs. Eliza­beth Ashraf (rec. sec.); standing: Allan Perlman (treas.); Mrs. Grace O'Donald, William Forrest, Robert O'Hara, Irving Woain.

First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahci'is of Downers Grove Township, Illinois, formed at Ric;lvcin 1968. Left to right : Mrs. Julia Jordan, Julie Coultier, Joseph Coultier (vice-chairman) , Mrs. Gladyce Coultier, George Eggert, Miss Kathleen Harris (recording secretary) , Miss Nancy Floyd (treasurer), Ronald Hauck (chairman), Mrs. Helen Hauck (corresponding secretary).

t eaching efiorts. Interviews were arranged with the Atlanta Constitution and the Atlanta Voice and a radio program was given. Greg Dahl spoke to a class of fifteen young ministers at Chandler School of Theology at Emory University, the professor was quite interested and invited term papers on Baha'u'llah. Morehouse College, which later in the week was to play a central role in the tragedy of Dr. King's death, was able to hear of Baha'u 'llah's healing message as Linda, Peter, and Greg spoke to two world religion classes . The second lecture was arranged on the spot because of the profes­sor's warm reaction to the first . And at North Springs High School Julie and Phil spoke to two classes of

16

fifteen students each on the Baha'i approach to cur rent social problems, sparking spirited discussions. Also in Atlanta, Peter and Linda gave two firesides for the public and a good opening was made for the F aith at a coffee house.

In a similar way students and public wer e awakened to the Faith in six other Georgia cities. In Ma rietta, the Southern Tech campus r adio station inte rviewed Greg for half an hour about the Faith and later he addressed an audience of 160 on the purpose of educ ation. At the vesper service for Tift College of Forsyth , P eter, L inda and Greg discussed the Faith with about forty girls , creating a warm reaction and holding the audience over the time limit for the meeting. In Macon , a special religion class of fifty students at Mercer University heard the t e am speak about Baha 'u'llah. Two religion classes at the University of Georgia in Athens learned about the Faith in class and in the Chapel of Georgia

JUNE 1968

Military College in Milledgeville over 200 cadets w ere very r esponsive t o the t a lk by Julie and Phil , the audience st aying half an hour past the scheduled end, and forty students spending another hour asking ques­tions in the halls. In Augusta an anthropology cla ss of twenty-five a t Augusta College heard Phil speak on ethnology and religion ; the F aith w a s discussed for fift een minutes by Julie and Phil on TV, and a five minute interview was held on a radio station.

The five Baha'is came away from Georgia feeling gratitude fo r the bounty of serving Baha'u'llah, deep appr eciation for the huge effort which the Georgia friend s put forth to make the trip successful, and a deep sense of the impor tance of the Southern Baha'i community. They were impressed again and again with the fact that the only remedy powerful enough to solve today's problems is the Word of God.

Bah~'{ Publishing Trust

New Lesson Plans and Handbooks for Children's Classes Edited by Advisory Committee

on Education

BAHA'f SCHOOL LESSON PLANS

The following lesson plans provide the teacher with a set of easily used materials including lesson goals, references, methods, teaching aids and helpful remind­ers. Baha'i Holy Days. A series of ten lesson plans for each of three age groupings to use in teaching children the significance of Baha'i Holy Day observances. This book includes: Birth of The Bab; Declaration of The Bab; Martyrdom of The Bab; Birth of Baha'u'llah; Declara­tion of Baha 'u'llah; Ascension of Baha 'u'llah; Day of the Covenant; Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha; Feast of N aw-Ruz; and the Period of the Fast. This one volume contains: Primary (Grades 1, 2 and 3); Intermediate (Grades 4, 5 and 6); Junior (Grades 7, 8 and 9); 81/z x 11 size; 176 pp. Per Copy (Grades 1 through 9) ....... . . . .......... $2.50

Grade 7 - Series 1 - History of Religions; The Cove­nants of God; Justice. 144 pp. Per Copy .. ... . . . ... .. ..... . . .............. . . . . .. . $2.00

Grade 8 - Series 1- Heroic Age of the Baha'i Faith; Baha'i Obligations; World Government. 112 pp. Per Copy ......................................... $2.00

Orders should be sent through your community li­brarian to the Baha'i Publishing Trust, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

TEACHER'S HANDBOOKS

Teaching Baha'i Children's Classes - Volume V; Crafts, Games and Songs - Volume VI. (These two volumes are bound together as one.) These handbooks for teachers contain practical guidelines, suggested materials, teaching aids, instructional activities and references. The section on crafts and games is profuse­ly illustrated with drawings and diagrams for construc­tive projects of many kinds. 144 pp. Per Copy . .... .. ..... . ........ . . . ... . ...... · . .. ... . $2.25 (All items above are 8 x 11 inches in size, each with different colored cover.)

NOTE: Because of the specialized nature of this materi­al, it will not be sent out on standing orders .

Quantity Price on Proclamation Brochure

When Baha'u'llah: His Call to the Nations was pub­lished, a special price of $79.50 Net was offered for the first six weeks in quantities of 500 for both brochure and envelopes. Over 50,000 copies have been sold and the brochure is on its second printing. Once again a special quantity price based on the second printing is being offered to assist all communities who were not able to take advantage of the first offer or who wish to make more extensive use of it.

The material was prepared as a principal tool for use throughout the Proclamation years. Although the dis­tribution of more than 50,000 copies in a few months has been a record for an item of this kind, there are still many people in the United States who should be the recipients of this message in this crucial time.

500 copies ... . .... .. ..... . ............... $65.00 Net 500 matching envelopes .......... . ... .. . 10.00 Net

BAHA'i NEWS is published for circulation among Baha 'is only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, as a news organ reporting current activities of the Baha'i world community.

BAHA'i NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee : Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee, Managing Editor ; Mrs. Eunice Braun, International Editor; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, National Spiritual Assembly Representative; Mr. Rexford C. Parmelee.

Material must be received by the twenty-fifth of the second month preceding date of issue. Address: Baha'i News Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 , U .S.A.

Change of address should be reported directly to National Baha'i Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A. 60091. Changes received by the 15th of the month will take effect in the next month's mailing.